Revelation

Topic: Revelation

ILLUSTRATION:

I wonder what God would say to us today as He sees all of our so-called Christian organizations in constant activity but with little action or movement. The huge building program proclaiming astronomical figures in cost and “people reached” is indeed impressive. The mushroom growth of both churches and organizations would seem to indicate a healthy condition. The polls which give such a large percentage of evangelicals would appear to be a sign that we are marching to Zion. But before we sing “Onward Christian Soldiers,” let’s find out how many are marching. We are not even standing on the promises; we are sitting on the premises! We are not stalwart soldiers of the faith. We are paper dolls playing church in our bigger and better sanctuaries. We are seeking entertainment, not instruction or inspiration in our smug complacency. We do not have a vision or concern for a lost world out there that has not even heard the Word of God. (Dr. J. Vernon McGee).

EXPLANATION:

This book is the revelation concerning Jesus Christ. God gave the revelation of His plan to Jesus who in turn revealed it to John (v. 1). John opens the book by describing what he saw as "the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ" (v. 2). A blessing is promised to those who read this book as well as on those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it (v. 3). John tells us who Jesus is: the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth (vv. 5-6). Elders are exhorted to look for "He is coming." This refers to His second coming which will be in the clouds. Every eye will see Him (v. 7). “They who pierced Him” could refer to the Roman soldiers piercing His side as He hung on the cross or to the Jews who were responsible for His death.

The Lord God is the beginning and the end (v. 8). His second coming will be visible to the entire world, including unbelievers. This is in contrast to His first coming at His Birth in Bethlehem and also the future rapture of the church, which probably will not be visible to the earth as a whole. The transmission of the message of this book comes from the Father to the Son, through a mediating angel to John the Apostle to God’s servants.

APPLICATION:

How often do I think about the last days? If I knew for sure that Jesus would return tomorrow, what would I do today that I have not already planned to do?