Revelation Revealed (A Brief Exploration of the Book of Revelation)

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Dr. Alexander Kurian

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INTRODUCTION

 

Title of the Book

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The word “Revelation” (apokalupsis) means “a disclosure”, “an unveiling.” It refers to the removal of a veil or covering; to uncover something that had been hidden. The usage of the word in the Bible includes both an uncovering to the mind (Rom.16:25) and also an uncovering to the physical eye (1 Cor.1:7; 2 Thess.1:7; 1 Peter 1:7, 13).

 

Revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1):  It is a revelation given to John. But it is the Revelation of Jesus Christ in all His Prophetic, Priestly and Royal glory.  Through several visions and unveilings, it is one total revelation (singular) centered around one person. It is a revelation about Christ and it comes from Him. The book will remove the veil from Christ to see Him in all His majesty, glory and victory.

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Theme of the Book

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The glorious theme of the book is the victorious completion of God’s prophetic plan for the ages through the return and reign of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The theme carries with it the blessed purpose of comforting persecuted Christians while exhorting them to persevere in faith. In the light of Christ’s ultimate victory over Satan, God’s people of all ages will be vindicated. The book also gives us insight into what is yet to come, so we can be steadfast in our hope and service. We are not victims, we are victors. The Book and the world end in a final victory for truth, justice and goodness. God is sovereignly in control of all the affairs in this world and Satan can never thwart His eternal purpose.

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The Chain of Communication of the Book:

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1. Proceeds from the Father to the Son.

2. From the Son to an angel.

3. From the angel to John.

4. From John to the people of God (the church).

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Author of the Book

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John is mentioned by name 5 times – 1:1, 4, 9; 21:2; 22:8. The Book was written during the reign of Emperor Domitian (A.D.81-96). Apostle John was in exile on the island of Patmos (1:9).

 

Outline of the Book

 

The key verse in this book (1:19) gives us a three-fold division of the book:

1. “The things which you have seen” (1:9-20). John’s vision of the Glorified Christ (Past).

2. “The Things which are” (2:1-3:22). The church age (Present).

3.  “The things which shall take place after these things” (4:1-22:21). Things to come after the church age (Future). The major future events are the tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennium and the eternal state.

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Another simple outline:

1. Christ and the church age (1-3).

2. Christ and the Tribulation (4-18).

3. Christ’s glorious appearing, the Millennial Kingdom, Final judgment, the new heaven & new earth (19-22).

 

Four Interpretations of the Book of Revelation

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1. The Preterist (from a Latin word meaning “past”) View – They believe that the Book of Revelation is already fulfilled in the history of the church. John was writing about the events related to the persecutions of his own day. According to this view John wrote it before AD 70 during the turbulent time of Emperor Nero.

2. The Historical View – John was describing the major events that would take place during the history of the church, not to a period of time after the church age. This view hold that many of these events are already fulfilled in history.

3. The Idealist or Spiritual or Symbolic View – The book is not describing literal events but about a spiritual conflict between Christ and Satan, or good and evil. Finally the good will win.

4. The Futurist View – The prophecies found in this book from chapter 4 have not taken place. It awaits a future fulfillment. This is basically a book of prophecy, yet to be fulfilled. This view gives the most satisfactory interpretation of Revelation. This is the approach we have accepted and taken in this study.

 

Symbolism in the Book of Revelation

 

Symbolism is used in Revelation as a means of divine revelation. This is true of other books in the Bible especially Daniel and Zechariah which are similar to the Book of Revelation. Symbols represent literal truth. Many times the book itself gives us clues to understand the symbols – 7 stars represent 7 angels (1:16, 20); 7 lampstands represent 7 churches (1:13, 20); 10 horns are 10 kings (13:1; 17:3,7, 8,11-13, 16-17); Waters represent the peoples of the world (17:1, 15); Fine linen is symbolic of the righteous deeds of the saints (19:8). The context may throw more light on the meaning of the symbols. Symbols also can be explained by its usage in other places in Scripture.

 

Practical Message of Book

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Chapter 1:12-18 gives us some insight into the practical message which can be seen throughout the book.

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1. We Must See Christ - The Coming Christ, the Conquering Christ, the Cosmic Christ, Christ in consummation, and the victorious Christ. Through His victory we will be ultimately victorious. 

 2. We Must Worship Christ - There are at least 15 scenes of worship in the Book of Revelation.

 3. We Must Listen to Christ – His message to the 7 churches and in the entire book.

 4. We Must Obey Christ – His message to us through the 7 churches and in the entire book.

5. We must Witness to Christ - The theme of witness (1:2, 5, 9; 3:14; 2 witnesses in Rev.11; 144,000 witnesses, etc.). Martureo (bear witness, testify) and marturia (testimony), and martus (martyr)  – one who witnesses faithfully for Christ up to the point of death (2:13; 3:14; 11:3; 17:6) are important themes in John’s writings.

 

The testimony of the Tribulation saints is a powerful theme in the book of Revelation. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Rev.12:11. See also 12:17).

 

Our Lord emphasized the witnessing aspect of our life in the Great Commission in the Book of Acts -“You shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

 

Seven Beatitudes (“Blessed” Statements) in Revelation (1:3; 14:13; 16: 15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14)

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1. 1:3: A special promise of blessing to him that reads, hears and obeys the words of this prophecy. Even the very “words” are important. The inspiration and authority of these “words” are implied (22:6, 7, 9, 10, 18, 19).

2. 14:13: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

3. 16:15: “Blessed is the one who keeps awake and keeps his garments.”

4. 19:9: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

5. 20:6: “Blessed and holy who has a part in the first resurrection.”

6. 22:7: “Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”

7. 22:14: “Blessed are those who wash their robes.”

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The first beatitude is a specific blessing for the saints in the church age, while the subsequent ones are for the saints in the tribulation period, in the Millennium or in the eternal state. God’s people are always blessed. God blesses His people in life, in death and in eternity. The whole Book is filled with promise of blessing. We are never beyond the touch of His blessing. God is there to bless His people in life, in death, and in eternity.

 

Number 7 in Revelation

 

Number 7 is the number of perfection, completeness and fulfillment. It appears 54 times in Revelation.

7 churches, 7 Spirits, 7 lampstands, 7 stars, 7 seals, 7 horns, 7 eyes, 7 angels, 7 trumpets, 7 thunders, 7 heads of the dragon, 7 heads of the beast, 7 golden bowls, and 7 kings etc.

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Significance of the Seven Spirits (1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6)

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Seven-fold ministries of the Holy Spirit. Complete, perfect ministry of the Holy Spirit in its fullness. It is portrayed in Isa.11:2 – Spirit of the Lord, Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, fear of the Lord.

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Chapters & Topics

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1: The Christ of Glory

2 -3: Christ and the Churches

4: Throne in Heaven

5: Scroll in Heaven

6: Seven Seals

7: Tribulation Saints

8-9: The Trumpet Judgments

10: The Angel & the Little Scroll

11: Two Witnesses

12: Satan versus Israel

13: The Two Beasts

14: Various Angelic Announcements

15: Prelude to the Bowl Judgments

16: Bowl Judgments

17: Religious Babylon Destroyed

18: Commercial Babylon Destroyed

19: Heavenly Hallelujah Chorus & the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ

20: The Millennium (1000 year reign of Christ)

21-22: New Heaven & New Earth, New Jerusalem & the Eternal State

 

The Vision of the Christ of the Churches (1:12-20)

 

1. Christ in His manhood glory.

2. Christ in His priestly glory.

3. Christ in His royal glory.

Christ in the midst of the lampstands (1:13). He is the focal point of the vision. He always takes the center stage. His deity is seen in majestic glory. We have to fall on our face before the glorious Lord.

 

Five reasons why we need not fear (1:17-18)

 

1. “I am the first and the last” – Christ is eternal.

2. “I am the living one” – He is alive.

3. “I was dead” – His died as a sacrifice for our sins.

4. “I am alive for evermore” – He is living forever and will not die again.

5. “I have the keys of death and of hades” – He is sovereign over death and hell.

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Christ’s Message to the Seven Churches (Chapters 2-3)

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These seven churches perfectly represent conditions that would be characteristic of various churches throughout history; both in John’s day and at any time including the present time.

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1. Ephesus – The loveless church (the church with everything but the greatest thing).

2. Smyrna – The persecuted church (the suffering church under attack).

3. Pergamum – The compromising church (the church that compromised the truth and married to the world).

4. Thyatira – The corrupt church (the church that tolerates everything).

5. Sardis – The dead church (the church that is lifeless).

6. Philadelphia – The church of the open door/ opportunity (the faithful church).

7. Laodicea – The lukewarm church (the church that nauseates God).

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Points to Ponder:

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1. What is the danger facing your church? In what danger are you?

2. Repent and return.

3. The message is for all churches – “He who has an ear……..says to the churches.”

4. Rev.2:5 - Remember, Repent, repeat (your first love), return, or else I will remove your testimony. This shows the importance and urgency of Christ’s message.

5. Not a word of commendation about Laodicea and not a word of condemnation about Philadelphia. What Christ thinks about your church? What will be his evaluation of it? This also can be applied on a personal level – what will be His evaluation of you.

6. Remember, Christ is actively present among His people – He “walks” among the seven golden lampstands.

7. Each church is directly accountable to the Lord. He rebukes, corrects, and counsels. He does not share the problems in one church to another church, neither does He ask one church to take action against another church. He alone is the judge and Lord of His church.

 

Common Elements in the Message to the Churches

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1. Commendation (Christ is pleased about certain things in the church)

2. Complaint/condemnation (Christ has certain things against them)

3. Correction (call to repentance)

4. Counsel (specific advice to them)

 5. Challenge (promise to the overcomer).

6. Call (He who has ears to hear, let him hear).

 

Church in Revelation

 

There are 16 references to the Church in chs.1-3. But the absence of any mention of the Church in the rest of Revelation indicates that it is not on the earth during the Tribulation (chs.6-18). The church reappears as the “wife of the Lamb” just before Christ’s return to earth (19:7. See also 21:9). This is a very important observation and also an argument for a pretribulation rapture (Rapture of the church happens before the Tribulation). The rapture of the church is not explicitly taught in Rev.4, but as we understand from other Scripture passages, the Rapture happens at the end of the Church age.

                                       

Timeline of Major Prophetic Events

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1. Church age (Rev.1-3)

2. Tribulation period (4-19)

3. Second Coming of Christ (19)

4. Millennial Kingdom (20)

5. New heaven, new earth & the eternal state (21-22).

 

Tribulation in the Book Revelation

 

Revelation provides the clearest biblical portrait of the events of the tribulation, dealing with the specifics of that terrible time period (chapters 4-18). It will be a time of judgment, a time when those left on the earth after the rapture of the church will suffer deeply for their unbelief and go through indescribable calamities. John pictured this period of judgment as 21 events inaugurated by the breaking of seven seals (6:1-17, the blowing of seven trumpets (8:1-9:21), and the pouring out of seven bowls (16:1-21). The great judgment on the sinfulness of humanity shows the seriousness with which God views sin. All those not covered by the blood of Jesus Christ comes under judgment.

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• Tribulation is described as a time of God’s judgment – an outpouring of the wrath of God for seven years upon the earth (Rev.3:10; 6:16-17; 11:18; 14:19; 15:1, 4; 16:1, 5-7,19; 19:2).

• It is also a time of God’s chastisement of Israel. It is called the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). The tribulation will prepare Israel for her Messiah.

• The tribulation is the 70th week of Daniel (Dan.9:27). Dan.9:24 makes it clear that it has reference to Israel. 1260 days (Rev.12:6) is a reference to the last three and half years of the tribulation period which will see intense persecution of Israel. Details are given in Rev.13. The same period is referred to in Rev.11:2 as 42 months.

• Tribulation is designed not for the church, but to test a certain category of people defined as “those who dwell upon the earth” (Rev.3:10). This phrase, “those who dwell upon the earth” occurs several times in Revelation (3:10; 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 14; 17:8). It literally means those who have settled down on the earth. Earth is their home. It is a technical term for unbelievers – those who have permanently settled down on earth and who have made earth their home. They do not belong to Christ. Heaven is not their home.

• The Church is the bride of Christ, the object of His love, not His wrath. The church will not be upon this earth to experience the period of God’s wrath. The church will be raptured before the tribulation and will not be on the earth to experience the tribulation (Rev.3:10; 1 Thess.1:9-10; 5:9; 2 Thessa.2:13; Rom.5:9).

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Worship in the Book of Revelation

 

The word “worship” (proskuneo) occurs 24 times in this book.  We also can see at least 15 scenes of worship. The Book of Revelation teaches more about worship than any other New Testament book. In chapters 4-5, we have a dramatic and majestic portrayal of theocentric (God-centered) worship in heaven. The key expression is “”You are worthy” (4:11; 5:9, 12). Worship is directly ascribed to the Son/Lamb also (1:17; 5:8, 12-13). The eternal worship and service by the redeemed is seen throughout the book.

 

Prayer is occupation of the soul with its needs.

Praise is occupation of the soul with its blessings.

Worship is occupation of the soul with God Himself.

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The book of Revelation teaches us some timeless lessons on worship:

1. Worship is the primary activity of the church – exaltation of God.

2. Worship is ascribing worth (value) to God - “You are worthy.” It is giving God glory.

3. It is always God-centered and filled with praise and adoration reflecting on the attributes and actions of God. The Lord and the Lamb are at the center, not human feelings, human needs or human experience.

4. Throughout eternity we will continue to worship Him.

 

The Two Witnesses (11:1-19)

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The ministries of the two witnesses occur during the second half of the Tribulation period. The identity of the two witnesses cannot be determined with certainty. They may be Elijah and Enoch, or Moses and Elijah. But the majority opinion favors Moses and Elijah, since their witnessing ministry and miracles are similar to that of Moses and Elijah. Some are of the opinion that these two witnesses will come in the spirit and power of Elijah and Moses (Mala. 4:5). They will be similar but not identical.

                                

The Beast & The False Prophet (13:1-18; 19:20)

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Two beasts are described in ch.13, one from the sea (13:1) and one from the land (13:11). The beast from the sea is the antichrist who will be the final world ruler before the return of Christ to establish His kingdom. “Anti” means “against” or “instead.” Antichrist will be against Christ and he will try to place himself instead of the real Christ. He comes from the sea which is the symbol of masses of people (Rev.17:15) and especially of the Gentile nations. The ten horns represent ten kings that will give their power and authority to the antichrist (17:12-13). The seven heads are explained in 17:9-10 as seven mountains (seven hills in Rome). It may also refer to the seven dynasties of kings who ruled in Rome in the past. This coming world ruler will emerge from the unified European nations, which is similar to some form of the old Roman Empire (Compare the beasts in Dan.7).

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The second beast (Rev.13:11) is antichrist’s helper and promoter who will enforce the worship of antichrist by performing miracles. He is called the false prophet in 19:20. While the first beast is more related to the political order, the second beast is more associated with religious order. During antichrist’s time there will be a new political and religious world order. We find a “satanic trinity” in chapter 13 – the antichrist, the false prophet and dragon/Satan. This may be a false attempt to imitate the Triune Godhead. It will be a world given over to Satan and deception.

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We do not know for sure the real meaning of number 666 (Rev.13:18). Whatever it means, this number will play an important part in the identification of the antichrist in the future.  The mark of the beast will be placed upon all who follow him. This can be a microchip which may be placed as personal identity markers surgically implanted under skin and loaded with tons of information about each person which will be used for governmental control. Number seven is the number of perfection and completeness in the Bible. 666 falls short of 7. It never becomes 7. 666 is the number of man energized by Satan and it falls short of the perfect number of God – number 7. Man and his system can never do what only God can do.

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The 144,000

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The group 144,000 (14:1) is the same as that of chapter 7 where they are to be sealed and kept safe through the tribulation. They are Jewish evangelists who will proclaim the Gospel during the tribulation period. They are seen as safe and sound after the days of horrible tribulation. They are standing triumphantly with the Lord on Mount Zion in the Millennium.

                           

Religious Babylon & Commercial Babylon (17-18)

 

Babylon is not the famous city of Babylon in ancient history. The name here seems to be a symbolic reference to Rome (14:8; 16:19; 17:9; 1 Peter 5:13). In Rev.17 Babylon represents the false religious system that will center in Rome during the tribulation period. In chapter 18 it represents the political and commercial aspect of the revived Roman Empire headed by the Antichrist. Thus the term “Babylon”stands both for a city (Rome) and for a system (religious and commercial) related to the city. The false religious system is unfaithful to the Lord and thus described as a harlot (17:1, 15-16). All what Babylon represents will be utterly destroyed by the judgment of God.

 

Some Bible scholars believe that an actual city of Babylon will be rebuilt on the old site on river Euphrates which will have complete authority over the religious, political and commercial world system headed by the Beast (antichrist).

                                                 

Marriage Supper (19:9)

 

A celebration on earth by repentant Israel in honor of the marriage of Christ and His Millennial Kingdom. The marriage of the Lamb/Christ (19:7) is an event involving the wedding of the church - the ultimate union and consummation of the relationship between Christ and the church - that will take place in heaven prior to Christ’s return to earth.

                        

The Battle of Armageddon (Rev.16:14, 16; 19:17-21)

 

This is the final conflict that will be fought in the valley of Megiddo. Joel 3 and Zech.14 also describes the events of this battle. This war will consist of several battles and military campaigns which will culminate in the final Armageddon war between the nations of the world under the leadership of Antichrist and Christ and His angels at the second coming.

                                  

Judgment of the Unsaved Dead (Rev.20:11-15)

 

At the conclusion of the Millennial reign of Christ (1000 rule of Christ on earth, Rev.20) unbelievers of all time will be raised and judged. Their judgment will take place before a white throne. Satan and the fallen angels will also be judged at the end of the Millennium. The antichrist and the false prophet are already cast into the lake of fire at the second coming (19:20; 20:10).

           

The Order of Resurrections (John 5:28-29; 1 Cori.15:23; Rev.20:4; 11-15)

 

1. The resurrection of Christ.

2. The resurrection of those who are Christ’s at His coming. This resurrection includes several groups:

a. Saints of the church age at the rapture (1 Thessa.4:16),

b.  Old Testament saints (Dan.12:2) and

c. Martyrs of the tribulation period (Rev.20:4). These resurrections of the saints of all ages though happens at different times, constitute the First Resurrection (Rev.20:6), or the “Resurrection of Life” (John 5:29), or the “Resurrection of the Righteous” (Luke 14:14).

3. The resurrection of the unsaved dead of all time at the end of the Millennium (Rev.20:11-15).

                            

Twelve “No Mores” in the New Heaven & New Earth

 

1. No more sea – 21:1.

2. No more tears -21:4.

3. No more death -21:4.

4. No more mourning -21:4.

5. No more crying -21:4.

6. No more pain – 21:4.

7. No more thirst – 21:6.

8. No more wickedness – 21:8, 27.

9. No more temple – 21:22.

10. No more night – 21:23-25; 22:5.

11. No more closed gates – 21:25.

12. No more curse – 22:3.

                                              

Blessings of Bible Prophecy

 

1. Communicates the character and the prophetic plan of God for history.

2. Gives us hope for today and answers for tomorrow.

3. Alleviates unnecessary fears about the future.

4. Compels us to live godly lives in view of Christ’s coming and future rewards.

5. Assures us a sense of victory.

6. Constantly reminds us that history is “His Story.”

7. Moves us to worship God who will ultimately triumph over evil.

                          

Three Major Practical Lessons From Revelation

 

1. God’s inerrant Word is always a reliable map – believe it.

2. God’s sovereign plan replaces fear with hope – rest in Him.

3. God’s glorious son is worthy of worship – glorify Him.