When we think of the book of Revelation, all kinds of things come to mind. End times. The apocalypse. There are movies, books and all kinds of myths that have their roots in the themes of the book of Revelation. It is a book that is fascinating to many, yet properly understood by very few.
The Book of Revelation was written by the apostle John during his exile to the Isle of Patmos. It is one of the most difficult books in the entire Bible to understand. There are many views on how it should be understood. I’m not going to attempt to decipher the entire book in one blog; that would be impossible. If Pastor Rob wants to let me take over his blog for about two months, then we might be able to get through it…for some reason I don’t think he’ll go for that.
We’ve all been to a Chinese restaurant, right? And we all love to get our fortune cookies, crack them open, and read our “fortune.” (Of course, it’s all in good fun – I hope you don’t think it’s more than that!) We read them and laugh…but why? Why are we so intrigued by the future? Why do we seem to have a fascination with what is to come?
The book of Revelation is loaded with predictions about the future. But you also need to know that it is loaded with messages for us to heed today. Most prophecy in the Bible has a dual purpose: foretelling and forthtelling. Foretelling is looking ahead, predicting the future. Forthtelling is a divinely-inspired message, a commentary on current events, a warning for us to heed now.
There are several ways in which scholars interpret the book of Revelation. Some believe that Revelation deals with what was happening in John’s day, that it is a coded commentary on current events. This is known as the preterist view. This view states that John wrote to comfort and encourage believers in their time of persecution. Others believe that this book looks forward to the end of time, and deals with what is going to happen at some time in the future. This is known as the futurist view. There are many good arguments for both. In fact, I believe that both have value. As you study the book of Revelation, it is important to keep this in mind. The author, through divine inspiration, was both addressing the people of his day and dealing with end time activities.
As you read through the book of Revelation, you will notice a progression. The first several chapters deal with the 7 churches and the warnings given to them. Then come the judgments, and finally the entrance into eternity.
The book of Revelation provides for us an eternal perspective. Several themes are emphasized: the world is in rebellion against God, and against the church; worship in our church is related to worship in heaven; we will experience victory in Jesus Christ, not by our own human power; Christians must be willing to endure for the sake of Christ’s honor; and one day people of all nations will stand before His throne.
As I said earlier, we could spend months taking this book apart. Instead, I would encourage you to be more concerned with whether or not you are prepared for the day for judgment, rather than with what it is going to be like on that day. I can assure you, if you are not prepared, you will not want to be there!
The book of Revelation is the climax of the Bible. It is the culmination and fulfillment of the plan and purpose of God for the universe. I want to direct you to our final reading for a moment: Revelation 22. John begins to describe what he sees – the new heavens and the new earth. It is a beautiful sight to behold. Words don’t really do it justice. It is more than he can take in. As he describes what he sees, Jesus says: “Behold I am making all things new.” He says “It is done” in reference to the judgments that had come upon humankind. Jesus promises “I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Sounds great!
But Jesus goes on to give this warning: “As for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” That doesn’t wound so great. But the warning must be heeded by all!
As we conclude this 100 Day Challenge, I want to challenge you to think about what’s next? There is a great reward awaiting those who are faithful. There is great punishment awaiting those who are not. Which group describes you? Are you a son or daughter of God? Or are you cowardly, faithless and detestable? My prayer for you is that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
John closes the book with these final words: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘surely I am coming soon.’ Amen, Come, Lord Jesus!”
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.”
Pastor Geoffrey
P.S. Parents, follow along with your kids here
Geoffrey is the campus pastor for our Monroe Campus and oversees Adult Ministries / LifeGroups at Southbrook. When he’s not out riding his bicycle, you’ll find him counseling, working with LifeGroup leaders, preparing for Wednesday classes, and most importantly serving and loving the community of Monroe.