The Book Of Revelation

Chapter 1

What is the impression of the Book of Revelation?

At the very end of the Bible there stands a great (mansion) known as the book of Revelation. Some Christians have not dared to approach this great and awesome (mansion), they have stayed away from it. They have been overwhelmed by the intricate passageways and the strange and imposing pictures that hang on the walls so to say. Fearing that they would lose their way and, being intimidated by the scenes portrayed, they have avoided this majestic (mansion) of divine revelation. Other Christians have gone to the opposite extreme: they have exhibited a fascination, even a preoccupation, with the gallery of exotic pictures, but they have not allowed this book of divine revelation to have a profound and practical impact on their lives.

How is the Book of Revelation described?

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants-things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, (Revelation 1:1)

We must approach this book with great reverence, recognizing that it is (the revelation of Jesus Christ). It is not only a revelation that comes from Christ to us. In a very unique sense, this book belongs to Jesus Christ: this book is (the revelation of Jesus Christ), that God the Father gave Him. Not only has God the Father given this revelation to Jesus Christ personally, He has also given it to Christ to share with His people, and the church.

When will the events revealed in this book occur?

who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. (Revelation 1:2‭-‬3)

Verse one of the Revelation informs us that these things (must shortly take place), and verse three says, (Blessed are those who read and hear these words, for the time is near). How are we to understand this in light of the fact that approximately two thousand years have passed since our Lord revealed these things to the apostle John? The Greek phrase used in verse one may be better translated, (swiftly), rather than shortly. If such is the case, then the meaning of this passage is that Revelation is revealing events that will take place swiftly in their appointed time, rather than soon in the chronological sense of the term. A more accurate, although more awkward, way of translating these phrases would be: The end of all things is in the state of approaching, and we have entered the last chapter of world history, and all now stand ready for Christ's return.

Why is Revelation to the church spoken by means of symbolic pictures?

Symbols make the Revelation vivid and fascinating, so as to stir up contemplation and invite study-the use of symbols provokes thoughtful contemplation and prayerful study. At the same time, the use of symbols shrouds the Revelation in mystery; concealing the message from those who lack a spiritual interest in it-it is intended for Christ's servants, not for the world at large (Luke 8:10).

John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, (Revelation 1:4).

God is defined as the one (who is and who was and who is to come). Here is a reference to God in His identity as the sovereign and eternal God who is Lord over all. The Holy Spirit is referred to as (the seven Spirits who are before His throne). Here is a reference to the Holy Spirit in His character of perfect holiness. In Scripture the number seven is the number that represents perfection, and He gives us direct contact and communion with the throne of God.

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (Revelation 1:5)

Jesus Christ is defined as (the faithful witness). He is the one who faithfully communicates the Word of God to us, and who faithfully bore witness to the truth of God before the world. Christ is further defined as the One who is (the first born of the dead); the reference is to our Lord's own resurrection as well as the fact that all who believe in Him shall finally participate in His resurrection. Finally, He is defined as (the ruler of the kings of the earth). Here is a reference to His ascension and exaltation at the right hand of God the Father.

What is Christ's relationship to us and what has He done for us?

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)

In His relationship to His people, Christ is defined as the one who loves us (present tense). Christ's love for His people is continuous; Christians must not allow the clouds of trials and tribulations that may hide the brightness of Christ's love. Christ is further defined as the one who (washed us from our sins by his blood). The supreme expression of His love was His work of redeeming His people while we were still sinners, and it was accomplished by the shedding of His blood. Finally, he has made us (kings and priests to His God and Father).

How does Christ reveal Himself to John and how does He explain the imagery?

Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:12-20)

Jesus Christ, in His divine glory, is seen walking among the seven golden lampstands (Verse 13) and in His right hand He holds seven stars (Verse 16). We are told, the seven stars represent the angels of the seven churches, as they exist in the presence of God in the heavenly places. We are further informed that the seven lampstands also represent the seven churches with Christ walking among them.

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)

John declares, (Behold, He is coming with clouds) As Christians, we are to take heed and take comfort from the fact that our Lord will, indeed, return. Christ is (coming with the clouds). This vision is also recorded in Daniel 7:13-14, identifying our Lord's return at the end of the age. John informs us that (every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him). God will cause all the world to see the One whom they rejected, the One whom He has exalted to honor and glory. On that day the longsuffering of God will give way to the justice of God condemning the world.