Tolle Lege: Revelation

The book of Revelation, or “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” is the last of the canonical books of the New Testament. Not only does this book conclude the New Testament scriptures, but it also provides the conclusion, or consummation, for all redemptive history. We might say that Revelation brings to fulfillment what was promised and prefigured in the Garden of Eden. Genesis begins with Adam and Eve banished from the garden and the presence of God due to their sin. Revelation ends with God’s people dwelling with Him in His temple garden in sinless perfection forever.

This understanding of how Revelation fits with the rest of the Bible also helps us to understand the message of the book itself. As you read through the book you find yourself going over the same material again and again. That’s intentional; it’s the plan of the book.  The book of Revelation covers the entire period between Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and exaltation to heaven and his future return at the end of the age to judge the world and usher in the new heavens and earth.  This is the age in which Christians live right now: an age of tribulation, testing, persecution, and gospel witness all to be consummated with Christ’s return in judgment, power, and glory. 

The perceptive reader will soon realize that Christ doesn’t just return at the end of the book; His return is repeatedly described throughout the book. Revelation is structured around 7 vision cycles, each cycle covering the same period of redemptive history­––the age between Christ’s ascension to heaven and his return to earth. The book describes this present age as one of tribulation for the church, but also an age of divine protection for all God’s people and divine judgment upon this fallen world.

Each vision cycle repeats the same material covering the same period of redemptive history, but from different perspectives and with increasing intensity and focus upon Christ’s return and final judgment. This cyclical repetition is called “synchronous recapitulation.” The very structure of the book emphasizes the very serious dangers the Church faces in this world, the security believers have in Christ, and the certain and final victory of Christ over all the powers of this present evil age. The message of Revelation is simple: Jesus wins!  Christians are ultimately on the winning side, no matter what circumstances may look like in this life.

Why Should I Read This? Read Revelation because it is the “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1).  Here we see our Savior in all his glory, majesty, and power. Read Revelation because it shows us the flow of God’s redemptive history.  Here we see the ultimate glorious goal toward which God is moving all things. Read Revelation to be blessed!  It is the only book in the New Testament that promises a blessing just for hearing, reading, and keeping it (1:3). Read Revelation to have wisdom and discernment for living in this present evil age until Jesus returns.

 Key Themes:  

1.  Jesus is always actively ministering in the midst of His Church and churches (Eph 1:22,23; Rev 2-3).

2.  God and the Lamb are in control of history (Rev 4-5).  God is in control of everything, even the activity of Satan.

3.  Christ and His Church are the center of history.  All history finds its true significance in relation to the ultimate triumph of Christ and His Church (Rev 12:1ff).

4.  For Christians, ultimate victory over this present evil age is certain.  Everlasting glory is ahead for all Christ’s people (Rev 21, 22).

5.  Being with Jesus in heaven is better than being here on earth (Rev. 6:9-11; 14:13; 15:1ff; 20:4-6).

6.  The perseverance of the saints is a necessity and a certainty (Rev 2-3; 12:10, 11: 21:7).

7.  The paradox of the Christian life: we conquer through suffering and dying (Rev 12:11; 5:2).

Applying the Book. Revelation is rich in practical application. It is all about the present age in which we live until Jesus returns. This book enables us to see our situation in its true perspective. In this world we will face danger and persecution. But we are safe in Christ and guarded by Him forever. In Revelation we see our enemies as they truly are. We see the crushing power of human government, the persuasiveness of false religion, and the seduction of this world’s values. In Revelation we see our Savior in the fullness of His glory! He is the reigning Son of Man, the conquering Lion of Judah, the victorious Lamb who is slain, and the Captain of heaven’s armies. In Revelation we see the Church in all its beauty. It is God’s Holy City, Christ’s perfect and glorious Bride.

The message of Revelation encourages us to endure as we suffer. It humbles us and enables us to support and identify with fellow believers who are suffering all around the world. Revelation exhorts us to stay pure as compromise confronts us. Above all, this book encourages us to be faithful witnesses to the gospel. The message of the Church until Jesus returns is clear and simple: Come!  

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Rev. 22:17)