A Different Look at the Themes of The Book of Revelation

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."   

What We Need to Know in These Last Days: Jesus Is The Alpha and Omega ... And Everything In Between!

I once again find myself returning to a personal study of the Book of Revelation. But this time, it is with renewed focus on why the Apostle John wrote it, and its directive to us in these significant days. For so long, I have regarded Revelation from the standpoint of the events that accompany Jesus's Second Coming; His return to defeat Satan and Evil from the earth once and for all time, and our being reconciled to our Heavenly Father and receiving His promise of Eternal Life.

Each time I've read the Book it has been opened up a little more to me. This time, though, I am seeing more of Jesus and understanding why this Book is placed at the end -- so that I am prepared for what is coming, why I am here, and how much more I know Him. And from the very first verse of Chapter One, Jesus revealed that He is not simply a character from history; He is more than a myth who lived over 2000 years ago. He is still living and this Book is how He is revealing Himself to us, here in the Last Days. This Book is not just about John seeing in the Spirit and all the bad things that are going to happen on the earth. Jesus is truly "revealing" Himself in all His ways. 

From the first words ... The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all he saw. John is on the prison island of Patmos, the last of the Apostles who "bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ". First of all, JESUS IS THE WORD. John is affirming that he knows who Jesus is and he has first hand knowledge [and can give an accurate testimony) of the man, Jesus Christ. John is a reliable witness! And John declares that what he is about to write will bless those that read it aloud and they will keep what is written in their hearts, "because the time is near". These are the things that he says "must soon take place".

I know that many in the Church have commented on the fact that it is a popular opinion that the followers of Jesus interpreted the time being "near" and that Jesus said these things must "soon" take place, as understanding that those of that generation who walked with Jesus expected Him to return quickly and oust the Romans and take His place as the King of Israel. And therefore, those figures of speech about the time of Jesus's return are now understood as having been incorrectly interpreted by Jesus's followers. But I don't think that's the case. I don't think that is what the Bible is trying to tell us. Can you consider that the unfolding of the events of the Last Days are on God's timetable, and that He sees time differently than we humans? I think it is fair to consider that Jesus wasn't saying WHEN these things would happen ... only that the time being "soon" or "near" indicates how rapidly the events will be executed when they begin. It's the idea that the events Jesus tells John to write about will happen suddenly -- not where on the timeline of man in which they will occur.

And one of my favorite passages in the Book of Revelation is Jesus's greeting to the Seven Churches. I do not think these seven churches are chosen because they are the most beloved or well-known to Jesus. I think He chose to mention them because they are representative of the characteristics across the spectrum of churches throughout the ages. But just read how He describes Himself: the One who is and who was and who is to come; the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead; and the ruler of kings on earth. Let's take them one by one:

• The One who is and who was and who is to come ... This describes the eternal nature of God, who is a timeless Being, and this description connects to the Old Testament idea, or concept, of YHWH. He's the same throughout the Old Testament as He is in the New Testament.

•  The Faithful Witness ... this shows the utter reliability and faithfulness that Jesus has towards His Father and His people. Interestingly, in Greek, the word for witness is the same word for martyr.

• The firstborn of the dead ... Remember that prior to the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, no one had been raised from the dead with the promise of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. People went to "the grave" or what was called "the realm of the dead". It was a place of conscious existence and was divided into two realms: one was a place of comfort [where Lazarus was; also known as "paradise"]. The other realm was a place of torment where the rich man of Luke 23:43 was ("hell"). Between Paradise and Hell was a great chasm (Luke 16:26) and no one could cross the chasm from hell to paradise, indicating that, after death, one's fate was sealed. You either were in Paradise or Hell. Jesus was the firstborn of the dead; the first to be resurrected from his dead body to spend eternity in Heaven with God. All those who believe in Him have their own resurrection to look forward to.

• The Ruler of Kings on Earth ... Not that Jesus was King of the Jews while on earth, but that He will be the ruler over all earthly kings. He, in fact, does rule a Kingdom now, but the Kingdom is not yet fully established in this world. That is part of our purpose -- to help establish His kingdom, "on earth as it is in Heaven". So, in that sense, we are already citizens of His Kingdom on earth, working as His servants to advance and increase His authority and power on the earth.

• The Alpha and the Omega ... This title is indicative of the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. Jesus is saying He is the beginning and the end of all things, and everything in between. He can be found in the first Book of the Bible (Genesis) and the last Book (of Revelation). And He is on every page in between. Furthermore, in this title, we see His eternal nature and His divine authority; everything in this world is under His jurisdiction, from the creation to the final judgment.   

But I think the one thing I have loved the most about re-studying this Book of the Bible is the recognition of how John must have perceived it. John is often thought of as a favorite of Jesus; "the one whom Jesus loved: (John 13:23). So John's memories of Jesus are tied to His earthly ministry, and the three years John walked the dusty roads of Galilee with Him, talking, laughing, sleeping under the stars. He knew Jesus, the man, personally and instinctively knew He was divine, but didn't understand the fullness of Jesus, as the Son of Man or the Son of God. Here, in the first chapter of the Book of Revelation, Jesus appears to Him in all His supernatural Glory -- his hair white as snow; eyes like a flame of fire (signifying judgment); feet like burnished bronze (from walking through the refiner's fire); and His voice like the roar of many waters (perhaps like standing in the midst of a powerful waterfall). This was not the Lamb of God who taught 12 average men a new way to live, but the King of the Universe! This was Jesus as He truly was, and John became so overwhelmed with this newfound recognition of His Supernatural Glory, that he "fell at His feet as though dead".   

So, as approach our Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus, let us contemplate John's experience... the blessedness of knowing the man Jesus and then seeing and recognizing Him in His Divine Glory. As the days of this world grow darker, it would be easy to become apprehensive, scared, and disquieted. But just as Jesus spoke to John, He speaks to us today ....

Revelation 1:17    But He laid His right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the Living One. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.