After reading the Book of Revelation twice and teaching it for the second time now, I am inspired to defend its rather negative reputation. Imagine my surprise, the first time my husband, Mark, and I invited a group of faithful friends to do a study with us in Revelation, only to discover that some of them were told by their pastors/churches that it wasn't necessary to read it. The reasons were varied, but seemed to center around the idea that it had nothing to do with us ... it described the events of 70 A.D. when Rome destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem, and it was describing events in the past.
That was the viewpoint 15 or 20 years ago when we did that first Study of the Book of Revelation. Today, in our current study, it is difficult for some to overcome the general opinion that it is nothing more than Gloom and Doom, and those who promote its teachings are guilty of neglecting to point to the Victory of Christ in these End Times. However, I would like to direct these critics to the truth of the historical context of Revelation. This important book of the Bible was written, probably around 95 A.D., during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian; known for his authoritarian rule and ruthlessness in getting rid of his enemies in the Senate. In addition, there was great tension between Rome [and its expression of power through public loyalty rituals, imperial honors, and participation in civic religious life], and Christians, who professed their loyalty and allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Many scholars understood the message of Revelation to be whether Christians should accommodate themselves to Roman culture and its religious expectations, or remain publicly faithful to their own God. So, rather than being a Scriptural timetable of future disasters, it was believed to be written to challenge complacent or compromised Christians, to encourage communities who were facing pressure, and it declared that Rome's power was temporary. Scholars pointed out that the Book of Revelation wasn't simply prophesying about the destruction to the earth and mankind, but would result in an ending that brought judgment, resurrection, the defeat of evil, and the descent of the New Jerusalem. The overall message was clear: Rome and Evil do not have the last word. Instead, endure and remain faithful, resist the worship of power, and trust that God will ultimately restore and renew Creation.
Before I go any further with this discussion, I would like to focus on the one verse that persuaded me this last Book of the Bible is worth reading and studying... Revelation 1:3 says, Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near. Do you need any more convincing?
So, those that insist that any discussion or study of Revelation leads to Doom and Gloom need to understand that this particular perspective is the result of 19th and 20th Century shifts in theology. In the 19th Century, it was the rise of premillennialism (the Christian eschatological position that Jesus will physically return to the Earth before the Millennium, starting a literal 1,000 year messianic age of peace -- based on a literal interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6) and dispensationalism (a Christian framework for interpreting the BThere ible that says history is divided into different time periods, or dispensations, where God interacts with people in different ways. It teaches a clear distinction between Israel and the Church, uses a literal interpretation of Scripture, and often includes beliefs like a pre-tribulation rapture before Jesus' return).
These two movements introduced a more fearful interpretation of Revelation, as they emphasized apocalyptic themes, leading to a focus on predictions of judgment and the End Times. In the 20th Century, the interpretation of Revelation as being primarily about Doom and Gloom became more pronounced. Believers were influenced by global events such as wars, natural disasters, and societal upheaval, which many viewed as signs of impending judgment. As we move further into the 21st Century, there is a growing movement for the need to understand Revelation in its historical context and to return to its original messages of hope and justice.
For me, I find that studying the Book of Revelation brings heavenly discernment for trying to understand what the future might hold, while giving me hope in my life, regardless of the chaos that is beginning to surround us in our culture today, and in the world. When we look at the Old Testament, we find over 300 prophecies about the First Coming of Christ; His birthplace, childhood, and crucifixion. [Actually, scholars generally count between 200 and 400 Old Testament prophecies regarding His first coming.] And the truth is, history shows us where they were fulfilled, just as they were promised. But there are 1,845 different [and specific] Biblical references to Christ's Second Coming! And the prophecies in the Book of Revelation lead us to His ultimate Victory!
While there are those who will read the Book of Revelation and only focus on the themes of devastation and destruction; famine, death, war, martyrs, a third of the earth and humanity will die, and a third of the sun, moon, and stars will be darkened. But with this deserved judgment of God, He will also display His mercy and grace. No matter how dark the future looks, we can be confident that His Light remains and shines brightest when it is darkest. And that is where knowing the complete perspective of the Book of Revelation should spur us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone we come in contact with.
Yes, the Book of Revelation portends the reality and finality of God's judgment upon the earth. We must speak that Truth as well as the Truth of the hope that Revelation shines upon our future. We can teach that the darkness will be real, while declaring it is temporary; revealing that the blessings, hope, restoration, and new creation is what we focus on, and expectantly await.
And speaking of blessings, let me remind those who still think that Revelation is nothing more than Doom and Gloom, that there are seven blessings to be found in this consequential Book. I have already mentioned Blessing #1: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near". (Revelation 1:3) Blessing #2: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on... they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them". (Revelation 14:13) Blessing #3: Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed". (Revelation 16:15) Blessing #4: "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" (Revelation 19:9) Blessing #5: "Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years". (Revelation 20:6) Blessing #6: "Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll". (Revelation 22:7) Blessing #7: "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city". (Revelation 22:14).
In summary, The Book of Revelation is a message for those who are waiting on the Lord. It is the fullness [and completeness] of God's prophetic Word for our future. It tells us that God's Judgment is a reality, and we should not fear it, but prepare for it. And it leaves us with insurmountable hope and joy for our reunion with Him; hope that is too great to be overcome by any doom and gloom, or anything that tries to separate us from Him. I am thankful for the Book of Revelation and I pray that God's people receive it in Spirit and Truth. Amen!
Revelation 21:5 And He who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things news." Also He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
