The Book of Revelation: The book of Revelation can be a very complicated book to read and understand; the Apostle John records the visions he had. God reveals the coming tribulation, destruction and wrath that will be poured out upon this world. The Apostle John recorded all that he had seen and heard; giving insight to the wrath God being poured out. As it conveys destruction and judgment of the disobedient and rebellious heart, it also conveys hope and deliverance to those that held fast and surrendered their hearts to the Lord. There are many parts that are significant within this book; using figurative language and symbolism to convey a message to the churches and to the world. The compiling of all the books of the bible leading to the apocalypse, reveals God’s ultimate plan to salvation and deliverance; unveiling the judgment and wrath for those who continue to live in rebellion and disobedience. The book of Revelation begins with messages given to the seven churches that symbolize the current condition and status of the church toward God. The message to the seven churches are referring to the status and condition of the heart individually and as a church. God desires a church (a bride) without spot or blemish (Colossians 1:22). Tim Lahaye includes a chart of the seven churches in his book, “Revelation Unveiled.” The message to the churches are as followed: (1) Ephesus – The Apostolic Church (Revelation 2:1-7), (2) Smyra – The Persecuted Church (Revelation 2:8-11), (3) Pergamum – The Indulged Church (Revelation 2:12-17), (4) Thyatira – The Pagan Church (Revelation 2:18-29), (5) Sardis – The Dead Church (Revelation 3:1-6), (6) Philadelphia – The Church Christ Loved (Revelation 3:7-13), and (7) Loadicea – The Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22). There is a division of opinions on the lessons the message to the churches convey. Lahaye (1999) explains that “these messages can have four applications” (p. 35). He defines four applications are as followed: (1) The Seven Churches Of John’s Day, (2) The Seven Basic Divisions Of Church History, (3) The Seven Types Of Churches That Exist Today, and (4) The Seven Characteristics That Can Exist In Any Church Or Christian. The message to the churches relate to the rest of Revelation in many ways; many Christians have fallen away from the faith and become hard hearted. Many have given into compromise and tolerant to the wicked ways of the world. God has sent His messengers out into the world to warn the world of the coming judgment and wrath. The book of Revelation unveils the out pouring of God’s wrath; the churches are encouraged, instructed, and warned in message sent. Alexander (2009) explains that the messages to churches to “follow a set pattern” (p.767). According to Alexander (2009), it is an introduction to a “series of prophetic visions heralding judgment – the final destruction of death and evil – and the remaking of all creation for God and His people together” (p. 763). The enemy is infiltrating the churches with much corruption and destruction. As the churches continue to compromise and become tolerant of the world’s system. For the most part the church has become lukewarm and the love has waxed cold. Another significant part of Revelation, there are many symbols to symbolize the disasters that come on the face of the earth. For example the seven seals are opened, releasing the wrath of God upon the world. Carson and Moo (2005) explain the opening of each seal by the Lamb as “conquest (Revelation 6:1-2), slaughter (Revelation 6:3-4), famine (Revelation 6:5-6), death (Revelation 6:7-8), martyrs crying out for justice (Revelation 6:9-11), and natural disasters, signifying the “wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:12-17)” (pp. 698-699). The seven trumpets are sounded (Revelation 8:6-11:19), the wrath of God and destruction is poured out upon the earth. Each trumpet blown signifies a destructive act (Revelation 8:7-13; 9:1-21; 10:1-11; 11:1-19). The seven bowls symbolize the seven plagues (Revelation 15:1-16:21). The plagues are in the description of the “imagery of bowls that angels pour out on the earth” (Carson and Moo, 2005, p. 699). As the book of Revelation clearly indicates through the symbolism the wrath of God and coming judgment upon the earth. Revelation is the unveiling of the coming judgment; the scriptures lead up to the complete unveiling (Luke 2:32; Galatians 1:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7). Throughout the scriptures, God reveals the results of continued rebellion and disobedience. The word of God exposes the result of a life that continued to live in sin, death (Romans 6:23). As the book of Revelation clearly indicates the punishment of sin. Although Revelation unveils the coming wrath and judgment, Revelation also unveils the deliverance that awaits the hearts of those who remain true to the Lord. Colossians 2:5 and Philippians 1:23 tell us that Christian souls long to be with the Lord Jesus in Heaven. Lahaye (1999) indicates that the body remains “in the grave until the resurrection, which for the Christian is at the end of the Church Age just before the Tribulation” (p. 99). The Lord delivers the Christians from the coming destruction and wrath. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Revelation 4:1-2 are similar in the teaching on the Rapture. John being taken up to Heaven is prophetic to the church being taken up into Heaven. Revelation unveils another significant part: The Second Coming Of Christ. The scriptures speak on the second coming of Christ (Daniel 2:44-45, 7:9-14, 12:1-3; Zechariah 12:10, 14:1-15; Matthew 13:41, 24:15-31, 26:64; Mark 13:14-27, 14:62; Luke 21:25-28; Acts 1:9-11, 3:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, 2:8; 1 Peter 4:12-13; 2 Peter 3:1-14; Jude 14-15; Revelation 1:7, 19:11-20:6, 22:7, 12, 20). During the tribulation, many will lose their lives for the sake of Christ. When Christ comes again, Christ comes back in all His glory; He will judge the earth, His kingdom is set on earth, a thousand year Kingdom of Christ begins. The book of Revelation was written in apocalyptic style; to understand this style of writing, it is important to have a clear understanding of the meaning of the apocalypse. The Greek word for Revelation is apokalypsis, which means an unveiling. Revelation was written to expose the wickedness plaguing the world and the true condition of mankind’s heart that is not hidden in Christ Jesus. Lahaye (1999) explains that “the revelation of Jesus Christ, ‘to show His servants what must soon take place’” (p. 25). The book of Revelation uses figurative language and symbolisms to unveil future events. Lahaye (1999) continues to explain the style of writing as “figurative language of Revelation is figurative of fact” (p. 26). Studying the book of Revelation and the Apostle John’s style of writing indicates the following: (1) The unveiling of the future events, (2) Exposing the out pouring of God’s wrath and judgment, (3) The destruction and tribulations the world will face, and (4) The long awaited redemption and deliverance from this wicked age. The ending of Revelation brings hope to the heart of every believer, the victory in Christ and that Satan is vanquished; every believer looks forward to the glorious reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. Reference Alexander, D. and Alexander, P (2009). Zondervan Handbook For The Bible. Lion Hudson, PLC. Oxford, England. Carson, D. A. and Moo, D. J. (2005). Introduction To The New Testament. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. Lahaye, Tim (1999). Revelation Unveiled. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 04:59:53 +0000
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