Since we have reviewed the Bible and biblical prophecy, it’s time to take a bird’s eye view of the book of Revelation. This outline of the book will help guide us this year:
- Christ and the Churches – Revelation 1-3
- The Judge and the Judgments – Revelation 4-18
- The Coming King and the Coming Kingdom – Revelation 19-22
The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. He had a deep relationship with Jesus during his time on earth. In Revelation’s prologue, John explains that God sent an angel to reveal His plan in a vision to John.
Revelation is written in apocalyptic form. This form of writing uses symbolic imagery and communicates both hope and warning.
John begins the book with messages to seven churches. We will study these in depth next week. Through these letters to the churches, Jesus demonstrates that He is aware of my deeds, afflictions, and shortcomings. He sees us serving Him and suffering for Him. He calls us to keep doing good deeds for Him, to patiently endure our afflictions, and to repent of our shortcomings.
In Revelation chapters 4 through 18, we will see the coming world judgments. There will be three seven-part judgments: the seven seals, the seven trumpets, and the seven bowls. As we study these judgments, our sinful minds probably will wonder if God is being fair. Because God sets the standards, His judgments are just.
Finally, Revelation ends with visions of the eternal city and Jesus as the coming King. Satan will be bound, and Jesus will reign. We will live with God eternally!
If you learn nothing else this year as we spend time in Revelation, I hope you will take away this truth – Jesus is coming soon, and we must be ready!
Things to Think About
- God promises us a blessing for reading His words in Revelation and for applying the words to our lives.
- The world is not spinning out of control. God is in control of everything!
- Is your hope in Christ alone? Are you ready for His return?
“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 NIV