Revelation

As you diligently attend to God's Word, this is what you can anticipate reading the book of Revelation: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it, for the time is near." “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 1:3; 22:7). There are 22 chapters in the final book of the New Testament. The book of Revelation is a prophecy delivered by God through a vision to the Apostle John, written most likely around 96 AD. The Word reveals divine judgments, the end times, and the ultimate triumph of God in Christ. Of the 404 verses, 278 allude to the Old Testament. How appropriate that we cannot begin to understand this final book of Scripture without a foundational understanding of the first books of Scripture. Many will avoid the book of Revelation because of the many symbolic references, claiming it to be too difficult to understand. Others will spend most of their life focusing on the prophecies of the future to the exclusion of all else. Indeed, there are mysteries within these verses (v20). But just as surely, God intends for us to understand them, as he explains the very first mysteries as soon as they are pointed out (v20). Pray for wisdom as you read these verses, and do not hesitate to seek answers to the questions you have about what you read from other believers and faithful followers of Christ and His Word. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15.

John resumes revelation of the mystery he began to unfold at the conclusion of chapter one (v1:20) by recounting church by church the declarations Christ made to each of the seven churches. In each pronouncement, John opens by saying this is what "the Lord" says. Yet each time, he describes Christ uniquely from each other section. Chapter Two includes the first four churches. Ephesus does not tolerate apostates but has left their first love and no longer serves as they once did (vv2-4). Smyrna has suffered and endured poverty and blasphemy by those claiming to be Jews but who serve Satan (v9), though they remain rich in faith as heirs to the Kingdom of God - (James 2:5). They are to suffer more and to be tested, but by being faithful until death, they will receive the crown of life (v10). By overcoming, there is no need to fear the judgment that leads to hell for the lost (the second death v11). Pergamum has held to the name of Jesus and not denied faith in Him while living in a hostile place ruled by evil men (where Satan's throne is, where Satan dwells v13), but some among them follow false teaching that causes others also to be misled (v14). Thyatira has grown more in love, faith, service, and perseverance than when they first believed (v19), yet they tolerate deceitful teaching (v20) and have fallen into sexual immorality and adultery, not even wishing to repent of it (v21). They will suffer sickness, tribulation, and pestilence (vv22-23) unless they repent. But some have not listened to the false teaching or committed these acts of Satan, and they will not be subject to these sufferings (v24). As each declaration closes (vv7,11,17,29) with "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches," we know that these words are for ALL people to receive and heed. Likewise, each section includes a promise to him who overcomes (vv7,11,17,26).

John continues in chapter three with the revelation to the final three of the seven churches. Sardis represents so many churches of today - hollow on the inside, despite having well-known names and histories of great works (v1). Sardis was a church comprised of people whose works existed, but God knows the heart, and He, then and now, knows which deeds are complete or incomplete in His sight (v2). Even among these churches, there remain a few faithful remnants. Those that refuse to compromise their reputations (garments v4) will be given pure and holy raiment as they are transformed into the likeness of Christ (1 Thes 4:17, 1 Cor 15:51-53, 2 Cor 5:1-10). Philadelphia, despite its weakness as a small congregation (1 Cor 1:26), had strength in their faithfulness (having not denied My name v8) and in keeping God's command, enduring patiently ("kept My word" v8, "kept the word of My perseverance" v10). Because of having already passed the trials of life in Christ, they will not be subject to the hour of testing (v10), which is the period of tribulation. They will be raptured into heaven, in a fulfilled promise that encompasses all faithful churches throughout history (Jn 14:1-4, 1 Cor 15:51-54, 1 Thes 4:13-17). For reference to Old Testament prophesy, this is Daniel's Seventieth Week (Dan 9:25-27). Laodicea is perhaps the most well-known of the churches for the comparison often drawn to modern Christianity (vv15-16). Modern contentment (v17) is truly one of the most damnable offenses we struggle with in the church today. The answer is a heart and fervor for the commands of God (Jn 15:14). Pray that you adopt a grateful attitude for the admonitions of a father who disciplines those He loves (v19, Prov 3:12).

Looking through a door opening into heaven, John beheld the throne of God and "One sitting on the throne" (v2). Describing the appearance, the jasper stone was crystal clear, like a diamond. The sardius was a fiery, bloodred ruby. These are the first and last stones on the high priest's breastplate representing the firstborn (Rueben) and lastborn (Benjamin) of the sons of Jacob. The rainbow would symbolize God's covenant faithfulness, grace, and mercy (Gen 9:13-17) and had green as the dominant color, as evidenced by the Emerald (v3). Twenty-four elders sitting upon thrones clothed in white (v4) - would be from among the human redeemed taken in the rapture of the church. Seven lamps burning before the throne represent the Holy Spirit in all His fullness - wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, reverence, and deity (Isa 11:2; Zech 4:1-10). The sea of glass, like crystal, would be metaphorical as there is no sea in heaven (21:1). The four living creatures (vv6-8) are the same Cherubim we know Ezekiel also to have had difficulty describing (Ezekiel 1:4-25), an exalted order of angels, associated in Scripture with God's holy power. The chapter ends with two mighty hymns of praise (vv8,11). *In this passage and in chapter 5 are five great hymns of praise, during the singing of which the size of the choir gradually increases. In verse 8, the praise begins with a quartet. In verse 10, the twenty-four elders join. In 5:8, the harps are added to the vocal praise. In 5:11, the rest of the angels add their voices, and finally, in 5:13, all created beings in the universe join in the mighty chorus of praise to God.