The Book of Revelation
Introduction
The Book of Revelation is the twenty-seventh book of the New Testament and the last book of the Bible. It is the disputed book of the Bible. Often, Revelation is described as a “the Revelation of Saint John” and sometimes as “Apocalypse of John.” The writer of this book wrote the things which he “saw” and “heard.” (Revelation 1:2, Revelation 1:10) and in fact, the opening verse of the book is crystal clear that it is “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” and not “the Revelation of John.”
The Book of Revelation was written to the seven churches located in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Jesus gives special messages to these churches (Revelation 1:11). This unique book gives hope and encouragement to Christians in every generation. It also is to warn Christians who are lethargic and of the final judgment of those who never trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Revelation is a book of hope. This book has perplexed interpreters for centuries. This book has caused great divisions between churches and denominations. There are four approaches to interpret the Book of Revelation, Preterist, Futurist, Historicist, and Idealist. Most interpreters hold to the futurist approach.
The Book of Revelation describes events of the end time. Chapter 1 is about the preface of the book, John’s greetings, and the vision of the glorified Christ. Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the message to the churches. Chapters 4 through 19 deal with the tribulation period. Chapter 20 is about the millennial kingdom, followed by the destruction of Satan and the Great White Throne Judgment. Revelation 21 deals with the New Earth and the New Jerusalem. Final chapter is about the river of life and the promise of Jesus’ coming.
Vital Statistics
I. Author
The writer of the Book of Revelation was the apostle John (Revelation 1:1).
II. Date Written
Revelation was written about A.D. 95. from Patmos during the reign of Emperor Domitian, brother of Titus, son of Vespasian.
III. To Whom Written
The Book of Revelation was written to the seven churches in Asia Minor and all Christians everywhere.
IV. Purpose of Writing
The Book of Revelation was addressed to the seven churches in Asia Minor. It was revealed to the apostle John when he was on the Isle of Patmos. John experienced persecution under Emperor Domitian. Then, he was exiled to Patmos island, which was outside the coast of Asia Minor, by Roman authorities. Revelation is the most mysterious book in the whole Bible.
Toward the end of the first century, many Christians suffered persecution at the hands of the Roman government. Many were martyred because of their faith. Under these situations, John wrote the Book of Revelation to strengthen the faith of the believers. In this book, Jesus wanted to give ameliorate to the churches that were literally existed during John’s days, to uplift the believers amid persecution and encourages them to be faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10).
Jesus gave messages to the seven churches for the good works they have done. Out of these, for five of them, he gave a message of warning:
- The Ephesian church abandoned the first love (Revelation 2:4),
- The church of Pergamos holds the doctrine of Baalam and Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:14-15),
- The Thyatira church holds the teachings of immorality and approve the practice of eating things sacrificed to idols (Revelation 2:20),
- The church of Sardis has no works perfect before God and abandoned the basic truths about Jesus (Revelation 3:2), and
- The Laodicean church never received any encouraging word from Jesus because they had grown lukewarm (Revelation 3:14-22).
God used John to show the coming tribulation that the world had never seen before. The Book of Revelation expounds more fully about the prophecies of the Old Testament. The purpose of this book is to give admonition and hope to believers.
V. Key Words List – 1
1. Testimony – Revelation 1:2, Revelation 1:9, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 11:7, Revelation 12:11, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 15:5, Revelation 19:10
2. Babylon – Revelation 14:8, Revelation 16:9, Revelation 17:5, Revelation 18:2, Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:21
3. Prophecy – Revelation 1:3, Revelation 11:6, Revelation 19:10, Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:10, Revelation 22:18, Revelation 22:19
4. Grace – Revelation 1:4, Revelation 22:21
5. Faithful – Revelation 1:5, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:13, Revelation 3:14, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:11, Revelation 21:5, Revelation 22:6
6. Witness – Revelation 1:5, Revelation 3:14, Revelation 11:3, Revelation 20:4
7. Begotten – Revelation 1:5
8. Glory – Revelation 1:6, Revelation 4:9, Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 5:13, Revelation 7:12, Revelation 11:13, Revelation 14:7, Revelation 15:8, Revelation 16:9, Revelation 18:1, Revelation 19:1, Revelation 21:11, Revelation 21:23, Revelation 21:24, Revelation 21:26
9. Almighty – Revelation 1:8, Revelation 4:8, Revelation 11:17, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 16:7, Revelation 16:14, Revelation 19:15, Revelation 21:22
10. Satan – Revelation 2:9, Revelation 2:13, Revelation 2:24, Revelation 3:9, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:2, Revelation 20:7
11. Overcometh – Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:26, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:12, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 21:7
12. David – Revelation 3:7, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 22:16
13. White Raiment – Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:18, Revelation 4:4
14. Seal/Seals/Sealed – Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, Revelation 6:7, Revelation 6:9, Revelation 6:12, Revelation 7:2-8, Revelation 8:1, Revelation 9:4, Revelation 10:4, Revelation 20:3, Revelation 20:10
15. Mystery of God – Revelation 10:7
16. Prayers of saints – Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:4
VI. Key Words List – 2
1. Lamb – Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 5:13, Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:16, Revelation 7:9–10, Revelation 7:14, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 12:11, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 13:11, Revelation 14:10, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:9, Revelation 21:9, Revelation 21:14, Revelation 21:22, Revelation 21:23, Revelation 21:27, Revelation 22:1, Revelation 22:3
2. Rod of iron – Revelation 2:27, Revelation 12:5, Revelation 19:15
3. Miracles – Revelation 13:14, Revelation 16:14, Revelation 19:20
4. Crown/Crowns – Revelation 2:10, Revelation 3:11, Revelation 4:4, Revelation 4:10, Revelation 6:2, Revelation 9:7, Revelation 12:1, Revelation 12:3, Revelation 13:1, Revelation 14:14, Revelation 19:12
5. Captivity – Revelation 13:10
6. Trumpet/Trumpets – Revelation 1:10, Revelation 4:1, Revelation 8:2, Revelation 8:6, Revelation 8:13, Revelation 9:14
7. Dragon – Revelation 12:3-4, Revelation 12:7, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 12:13, Revelation 12:16-17, Revelation 13:2, Revelation 13:4, Revelation 13:11, Revelation 16:13, Revelation 20:2
8. White robes – Revelation 6:11, Revelation 7:9, Revelation 7:13
9. Firstfruits – Revelation 14:4
10. Garment/Garments – Revelation 1:13, Revelation 3:4, Revelation 16:15
11. Abaddon/Apollyon – Revelation 9:11
12. Everlasting gospel – Revelation 14:6
13. Tabernacle/Tabernacle of God – Revelation 13:6, Revelation 15:5, Revelation 21:3
14. Judgment/ Judgments – Revelation 14:7, Revelation 15:4, Revelation 16:7, Revelation 17:1, Revelation 18:10, Revelation 19:2, Revelation 20:4
15. Salvation – Revelation 7:10, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 19:1
VII. Key Words List – 3
1. Throne/Thrones/Throne of God – Revelation 1:4, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 4:2-6, Revelation 4:9-10, Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:6-7, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 5:13, Revelation 6:16, Revelation 7:9-10, Revelation 7:15, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 8:3, Revelation 12:5, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 14:5, Revelation 16:17, Revelation 19:4-5, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 20:11, Revelation 22:1, Revelation 22:3
2. Beast/Beasts – Revelation 4:6-9, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 5:14, Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5-8, Revelation 7:11, Revelation 11:7, Revelation 13:1-4, Revelation 13:11-12, Revelation 13:14-15, Revelation 13:17-18, Revelation 14:3, Revelation 14:9, Revelation 14:11, Revelation 15:2, Revelation 15:7, Revelation 16:2, Revelation 16:10, Revelation 16:13, Revelation 17:3, Revelation 17: 7-8, Revelation 17:11-13, Revelation 17:16-17, Revelation 18:13, Revelation 19:4, Revelation 19:19-20, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 20:10
3. Brethren – Revelation 6:11, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 19:10, Revelation 22:9
Key People
John, Jesus
Key Places
Patmos, the seven churches
Setting
John, the last surviving apostle, records the Book of Revelation. He was exiled on the small, barren Island of Patmos by the Roman government because of his faith (Revelation 1:9). While on Patmos, John received a series of visions from Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1).
John wrote what he “saw” and “heard” while he was on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:2, Revelation 1:9-11, Revelation 19:9, Revelation 22:9-10, Revelation 22:18-19) and send it to the seven churches in the province of Asia Minor: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea (Revelation 1:11).
Before John was kidnapped, he was ministering in Ephesus and its surrounding cities. Near the end of the first century, the churches began to feel the persecution, and it seems one man named Antipas was already martyred (Revelation 2:13). John, who had been an eyewitness of the incarnate Christ, addressed Revelation to the seven churches to give a message of hope, and someday Christ will come to judge and set up His kingdom.
In the Book of Revelation, John saw the incarnate Christ in Revelation 1. He described the resurrected Jesus Christ:
- He was clothed with a garment reaching down to his feet and wore a golden sash around His chest (Revelation 1:13).
- His head and hair were white as wool and as white as snow, and His eyes were like fire (Revelation 1:14)
- His feet were like polished brass, and His voice was like the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:15)
- Out His mouth proceeded a sharp double-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining at full strength (Revelation 1:16)
Theme
The Book of Revelation is mainly about the prophetic program of Jesus Christ. The word “Revelation” means apocalypse in Greek, which means “disclosure” or “unveil.” Throughout the book, we can see the conflict between God and Satan. Satan tries to overthrow Christ’s rule on earth. But at the end of the book we see Christ will surely overthrow Satan and establish His kingdom. The Book of Revelation unveils the spiritual truths behind the church’s trials, and with certainty, God will ultimately triumph over evil powers and set up His kingdom. Jesus will come to judge the world and brings victory. The book ends with a description of a new heaven and anew earth. The old earth will be destroyed, and everything will become new. Hence, the central theme of the Book of Revelation is the triumph of God.
Key Themes
I. God’s Sovereignty
God is supreme. He is above all and powerful. He is Almighty and superior to any other power in the world. God is just and righteous. We cannot differentiate God with any other authority, government, or ruler. He is in full control of the universe, and He cares for us.
II. Redemption
Christ manifested His love through His death upon the cross and washed the believers from their sins in his own blood (Revelation 1:5). He is the sacrificial Lamb who died in our place for our sins. He now lives in full power. The blood of Jesus Christ removes the stain of sin through His death, on our behalf, and by trusting His shed blood we are redeemed. Christ has conquered Satan through His sacrificial death. He made the believers become kings and priests in His Kingdom (Revelation 1:6).
III. The Kingdom
Jesus came as a “Lamb” and for the second time, He will come as a King to establish His kingdom. During His earthly ministry, Jesus came to the Jews and preached the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23, Matthew 9:35), but they rejected Christ, the Messiah. The kingdom was postponed. The Book of Revelation unveils the fact that Christ will overthrow Satan and his evil powers and ultimately set up His earthly rule or Kingdom (Revelation 5:10, Revelation 11:17, Revelation 12:10, Revelation 20:4). Saints from every nation will reign with Christ during the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6).
IV. Perseverance
The Book of Revelation calls believers to persevere through trials, temptations, and persecution. This is because, at the end of the first century, the church experienced intense persecution under Emperor Domitian. Satan attacks the church throughout history and toward the end of the church age, the persecution of the church will increase. God knows their hardships and trials that they were going through, and one day He will come and destroy all His enemies.
V. Christ’s Return
When Christ returns, He will destroy Satan and his evil allies. He came to earth as a sacrificial lamb for our sin, and He will come again as a conqueror. Christ will return as King and Judge.
VII. God’s faithful people
John wrote the Book of Revelation to encourage the church to stand against the worship of the Roman emperor. He warns them to worship Jesus and fully devoted to Him.
VIII. God’s Judgment
When Christ returns, He will execute judgment upon Satan and his allies. God’s anger toward sin will be fully revealed. The false religious system will be destroyed. Unbelievers will face eternal punishment. Satan will be cast into the bottomless pit during the Millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20:2-3). Evil will never prevail. After the millennial kingdom, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).
IX. Hope
The Book of Revelation describes the creation of new heaven and a new earth after the renovation of the earth (2 Peter 3:5-13; Revelation 21:1). One day the church will be presented as a bride to her husband, the Lamb (Revelation 21:2). The dead in Christ will be raised to life, and all believers will live with Jesus forever. These are some of Christ’s promises, which will bring hope for the church.
Key Verses
I. Revelation 1:1 (KJV)
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.”
II. Revelation 1:3 (KJV)
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
III. Revelation 1:7 (KJV)
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”
IV. Revelation 3:20 (KJV)
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
V. Revelation 12:11 (KJV)
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
VI. Revelation 14:12 (KJV)
“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
VII. Revelation 16:15 (KJV)
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”
VIII. Revelation 19:11 (KJV)
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
IX. Revelation 20:11 (KJV)
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.”
X. Revelation 21:3 (KJV)
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”
XI. Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
XII. Revelation 21:1 (KJV)
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”
XIII. Revelation 22:7 (KJV)
“Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”
Outline of The Book of Revelation
I. The Introduction – Revelation 1:1-8
A. Preface of the book (Revelation 1:1-3)
B. John’ greetings to the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 1:4-6)
C. Jesus’ return (Revelation 1:7)
D. Greetings from Jesus Christ in heaven (Revelation 1:8)
II. The Vision of The Glorified Christ – Revelation 1:9-20
III. Messages To The Seven Churches – Revelation 2:1-3:22
A. The message of Christ to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7)
B. The message of Christ to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11)
C. The message of Christ to the church in Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17)
D. The message of Christ to the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29)
E. The message of Christ to the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)
F. The message of Christ to the church in Sardis (Revelation 3:7-13)
G. The message of Christ to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)
IV. The Heavenly Throne – Revelation 4:1-11
A. Throne of God in heaven (Revelation 4:1-3)
B. The twenty-four elders round about the throne (Revelation 4:4-5)
C. The four living beasts round about the throne (Revelation 4:6-7)
D. The worship of God on the throne (Revelation 4:8-11)
V. The Scroll With Seven Seals And the Lamb – Revelation 5:1-4
A. The Scroll With Seven Seals (Revelation 5:1-4)
B. Christ: the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the Lamb (Revelation 5:5-7)
C. The song of the twenty-four elders and the four living beasts (Revelation 5:8-10)
D. The song of the angels and the universal worship of the Savior (Revelation 5:11-14)
VI. The Breaking of The Seven Seals – Revelation 6:1-8:1
A. Breaking the first seal: rider on a white horse (Revelation 6:1-2)
B. Breaking the second seal: rider on a red horse (Revelation 6:3-4)
C. Breaking the third seal: rider on a black horse (Revelation 6:5-6)
D. Breaking the fourth seal: rider on a pale horse (Revelation 6:7-8)
E. Breaking the fifth seal: the prayers of the martyred souls (Revelation 6:9-11)
F. Breaking the sixth seal: the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:12-17)
G. 144,000 of Israel sealed (Revelation 7:1-8)
H. The multitude of gentiles redeemed (Revelation 7:9-17)
I. Breaking the seventh seal: introduction of the seven trumpets (Revelation 8:1)
VII. The Sounding of The Seven Trumpets – Revelation 8:2-11:19
A. Seven angels with seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2-6)
B. The first trumpet: hail and fire mingled with blood were cast upon the earth (Revelation 8:7)
C. The second trumpet: burning mountain cast into the sea (Revelation 8:8-9)
D. The third trumpet: a great star falling on the rivers and the fountains of water (Revelation 8:10-11)
E. The fourth trumpet: the sun, the moon, and the stars were smitten (Revelation 8:12)
F. An angel announces three woes from the sounds of the remaining three trumpets (Revelation 8:13)
G. The fifth trumpet: First woe – Plague of locusts from the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1-11)
H. The first woe has passed (Revelation 9:12)
I. The sixth trumpet: Second woe – Four angels loosed at the great river Euphrates and the killing horses (Revelation 9:13-21)
J. The mighty angel with the little scroll (Revelation 10:1-7)
K. John eats the little scroll (Revelation 10:8-11)
L. The temple and the two witnesses (Revelation 11:1-13)
1. The measuring of the temple (Revelation 11:1-2)
2. The prophesying of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6)
3. The two witnesses killed and became alive again (Revelation 11:7-13)
M. The second woe has passed (Revelation 11:14)
N. The seventh trumpet: Third woe – Arrival of the King, God’s wrath and the temple of God was opened in heaven (Revelation 11:15-19)
VIII. The Conflict Between God And Satan – Revelation 12:1-14:20
A. The woman and the Dragon (Revelation 12:1-17)
1. The woman, the red dragon, and the man child (Revelation 12:1-6)
2. Michael, the archangel and his angels fought against the dragon (Revelation 12:7)
3. Satan and his angels were cast out from heaven (Revelation 12:8-9)
4. Heaven’s victory song (Revelation 12:10-12)
5. The dragon’s persecution of the woman and her seed (Revelation 12:13-17)
B. The two beasts (Revelation 13:1-18)
1. The beast appears from the sea (Revelation 13:1-10)
2. The beast appears from the earth (Revelation 13:11-18)
C. The Lamb with the 144,000 on the Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1-5)
D. The three angelic messengers (Revelation 14:6-12)
1. The proclamation of the everlasting gospel (Revelation 14:6-7)
2. The judgment upon Babylon (Revelation 14:8)
3. The warning against receiving the mark of the beast (Revelation 14:9-12)
E. The announcement concerning those who die in the Lord (Revelation 14:13)
F. The two reapers (Revelation 14:14-20)
1. The “Son of man” with a sharp sickle (Revelation 14:14-16)
2. The angel with a sharp sickle (Revelation 14:17-20)
IX. The Seven Plagues – Revelation 15:1-16:21
Description of the seven plagues in the Book of Revelation:
A. The seven angels with the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1)
B. The song of the tribulation saints that overcame the beast (Revelation 15:2-4)
C. The seven angels having seven golden vials prepare for the judgment (Revelation 15:5-16:1)
D. The first vial: malignant sores on men (Revelation 16:2)
E. The second vial: turning of the sea into blood (Revelation 16:3)
F. The third vial: turning of rivers and fountains of water into blood (Revelation 16:4-7)
G. The fourth vial: scorching heat from the sun (Revelation 16:8-9)
H. The fifth vial: darkness and pain upon beast’s kingdom (Revelation 16:10-11)
I. The sixth vial: drying of river Euphrates to prepare the way for the kings of the east (Revelation 16:12)
J. The Satanic preparations for Armageddon (Revelation 16:13-17)
K. The seventh vial: the final judgment and destruction (Revelation 16:18-21)
X. The Great Whore on The Beast – Revelation 17:1-18
A. The great whore riding the scarlet-colored beast (Revelation 17:1-6)
B. The description of the seven heads and the ten horns (Revelation 17:7-13)
C. The victory of the Lamb (Revelation 17:14-15)
D. The judgment of the whore (Revelation 17:16-18)
XI. The Fall of Babylon – Revelation 18:1-24
A. The angel from heaven announces Babylon’s fall (Revelation 18:1-3)
B. Another voice from heaven regarding Babylon’s fall (Revelation 18:4-20)
C. Joy in heaven because of judgment on Babylon (Revelation 18:20-24)
XII. The Marriage of the Lamb And The Return of Christ – Revelation 19:1-21
A. God is praised in heaven for judging the great whore (Revelation 19:1-6)
B. Lamb’s bride and the marriage supper (Revelation 19:7-9)
C. The angel should not be worshiped (Revelation 19:10)
D. The King coming with His armies (Revelation 19:11-16)
E. The war of Armageddon and the enemies were slain (Revelation 19:17-21)
XIII. The Millennial Kingdom- Revelation 20:1-10
A. Satan bound for one thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3)
B. The millennial reign of Christ with the saints (Revelation 20:4-6)
C. Satan loosed after one thousand years and cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:7-10)
XIV. The Post-millennial Events – Revelation 20:11-22:6
Events after the millennium in the Book of Revelation as follows:
A. The great white throne judgment for the dead (Revelation 20:11-15)
B. The new heaven, the new earth and the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-2)
C. New era (Revelation 21:3-8)
D. Description of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-27)
E. The river of water of life and the tree of life (Revelation 22:1-6)
XV. The Promise of Jesus’ coming – Revelation 22:7-16
XVI. The Final Invitation – Revelation 22:17
XVII. The warning against altering the book – Revelation 22:18-19
XVIII. The Final Promise And The Benediction – Revelation 22:20-21
Brief Summary
The Book of Revelation is the last book of the Bible. In Chapter one, John gives the background, which led to the writing of this book. Next, Jesus gives special messages to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3). Suddenly John is caught up into heaven and sees the glorious throne of God Almighty (Revelation 4). Then, in Revelation 5, John watches the scroll with seven seals.
In Revelation 6, John sees the opening of six seals. After that, it talks about the sealing of 144,000 Jews and the multitudes of gentiles worshiping the Lamb (Revelation 7). From Chapter 8 through 9, John sees the opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of the six trumpets. Then, John is given a small scroll to eat (Revelation 10). Next, in the Book of Revelation, John sees the two witnesses, who would prophesy for three and a half years in the earth, and the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11). In Revelation 12 through 13, John sees the appearance of the woman and the dragon and coming of the two beasts out of the sea and the earth.
Following this in the Book of Revelation, he sees the coming judgment upon the earth (Revelation 14). Next, John watches the seven angels pouring out seven plagues (Revelation 15-16). One of the seven angels reveals to John a vision of a “great whore” (Revelation 17). Then, John sees the defeat of Babylon, the marriage supper of the Lamb, and the war of Armageddon (Revelation 18-19). Furthermore, Satan is imprisoned for 1000 years, and the final judgment is executed (Revelation 20).
Finally, the Book of Revelation concludes with the creation of a new earth, a new heaven and a new Jerusalem, and the promise of Christ’s return (Revelation 21-22).
7 Great Practical Lessons From The Book of Revelation
I. The Coming of Christ
The Book of Revelation gives the assurance of the return of Christ (Revelation 22:20). The bodily return of Jesus Christ is certain before He establishes the kingdom. Revelation is a book of prophecy. John encourages the believers to read this book, keep the words of this prophecy, and urges them to be ready at all times because “the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3, Revelation 22:7)
II. Persecution In The Present Age
The Book of Revelation indicates that the Christians will suffer in the hands of an unbelieving, evil world (Revelation 2:8-11, Revelation 2:13). It is never easy to suffer. Persecution comes from Satan, not from God. This book tells us that the persecution will intense during the tribulation period after the church gets raptured.
III. Stick To The Doctrine
The Book of Revelation tells that believers must be careful to stick to the doctrine taught in the Bible. Non-Biblical teachings must be rejected, and we must serve Christ to glorify Him. This book warns us not to hold the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:14-15).
IV. Jesus Is the King
In Revelation, Jesus repeatedly said that He is the Alpha and Omega. He is King of kings, and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16). The Bible declares that Christ must rule as a king until He has put all those who are against Him under his authority (1 Corinthians 15:25). The Book of Revelation tells us that Jesus died once and is alive forever from the dead (Revelation 1:18). He will reign with His saints in the millennial kingdom.
V. Justice
Throughout the Book of Revelation, we see that God is just and righteous. His judgments are true and righteous. He will bring justice at His coming. In this book, we see Jesus will execute judgments upon His enemies. He was called “Faithful and True” because of His righteous judgments (Revelation 19:11).
VI. Sovereignty of God
The Book of Revelation is God’s word to show the readers that He is all-powerful. God is in full control of everything. Satan’s power may intensify for a limited time, but God declares that Satan will be eventually defeated.
VII. God’s Promises
There are two sets of ultimate promises in the Book of Revelation. First, the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, the coming of the New Jerusalem, people are invited to live with God forever, and no more tears or sorrow (Revelation 21:1-4). Second, there will be no more curse, and the saints will reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:3-5). Furthermore, in this book, Jesus also promised to give rewards according to every man’s work (Revelation 22:12).
Conclusion
The Book of Revelation is one of the difficult books of the Bible, and it presents powerful events, which would happen in the future. Jesus revealed to John, the revelation of Himself nearly 2000 years ago. Someday Jesus would return to rescue His people and give judgment upon those who harm His people.
Revelation is a book of blessing and warning. Death is defeated and sin will be banished. There will be no more curses, tears, or sorrow. This book assures that Satan will be defeated. Everything will become new. John says that whoever reads this book, hear and obey the things written in it will be blessed (Revelation 1:3, Revelation 22:7).
As Jesus promised, He would set up the millennial kingdom with His saints. The Book of Revelation teaches God’s ultimate victory over evil and overthrowing Satan. Evil is gone forever. People can worship God face to face. In the new earth, God’s people are guaranteed to eat fruits from the Tree of Life because their sins are removed by Jesus’ blood (Revelation 22:14).
Though the Book of Revelation is a book of hope, it also gives warning to God’s people throughout every generation. Jesus gives warning to the churches to stay away from the things that are not right before Him. Christ is victorious and may we pray “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20).