Bible Story Rev: Introduction

Introduction

The book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, for some reason has become highly controversial in our day. The controversy lies not in the teaching of the Bible, for God is not the author of confusion, 1 Corinthians 14 33. Failure lies in the conflicting doctrines and theories of men. When we fail to handle a right the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2 15, being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that’s in us. 1 Peter 3 15. Too many people fail to study the book of Revelation in its context. The New Testament has 27 books in it. The first four, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, tell us the life of Christ. And then the book of Acts tells us how to become a Christian.

1. How to Have the Hope of a Christian

Twenty-one epistles, Romans through Jude, tell us how to live the Christian life. And very logically and straightforwardly, the last book, the book of Revelation, tells us how to have the hope of a Christian, how to die in Christ. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them. Revelation 14 13. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life, Revelation 2.10. They, the saints, overcame him, the devil, through the blood of Christ and the word of their testimony, Revelation 12 11. And so Jesus said, To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my father in his throne, Revelation 3.21.

He is King of kings and Lord of Lords, and they are called and faithful and chosen. The brilliant theme of Revelation 17 14. The comprehensive, thorough, cohesive theme of God’s entire message, from first to last, is borne out in the book of Revelation. Paradise lost in Eden, Genesis 3, is regained in the last scene of the last chapter of the final book of the Bible, Revelation 22 14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city. The tree of life in the midst of the garden of God occupies the spotlight as the last curtain in the divine drama falls. Sin has been overthrown, the devil shackled, the gates of hell disclosed, and heaven now waits the victorious saints of God.

This finale is worth all the energy expended in the consummation of God’s eternal glory. Should we learn only the triumph of truth and the hopelessness of error, our sojourn through revelation would be a source of joy forever. However, there are other lessons one can glean from this divine panorama. One of the richest, most practical thoughts to me personally, is the pervading theme of patience in the midst of trials. An ever-present echo seems to be be still and know that I am God. The victory that overcomes the world is a steadfast faith, 1 John 5 4. There will be times when evil men seem to be gaining the laurel wreath. These will be days that ring from our hearts the plaintive cry of the psalmist, why do the wicked prosper?

But may we never forget the exaltation of martyrs under the throne, who ultimately were seated on thrones reigning with Christ. Revelation 6 and Revelation 20. Temporary gain for the wicked shall be turned to permanent loss. Oh, for a faith that will not shrink, though pressed by every foe, that will not tremble on the brink of any earthly woe. Personally, the most awesome lesson I have learned anew in this study is that God still rules in the affairs of men, and that my destiny is in his hands.

We cannot escape his righteous judgment or his merciful love. Even the darkness is light unto him, Psalm 139. Yet, as great as our creator is, he is not unapproachable. One day that crystal sea shall be forever gone, and we shall stand in the divine, sublime present of God Almighty. Nothing will separate the redeemed from his presence, and we shall have an eternity to sing redemption sweet song. Sing the sweet story, redemption, sweet song. Over and over the chorus prolonged. Shout the glad message and join in the throng. Ever we’ll sing praise to the King, singing redemption song. The rich tones of the exaltation of Christ impress any honest student of the book of Revelation. He is the bright and morning star, the all-seeing Savior, the worthy Lamb, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Genesis 49 10, the Alpha and the Omega and the valiant bridegroom.

However, the most powerful view of Christ is the one vividly portrayed in chapter 19, verse 15. Jesus is the grim reaper in the final harvest of souls. With a sharp two-edged sword, he separates the chaff from the wheat. In the wine press of God’s wrath, those unprepared to meet the Lord shall be feasted upon by birds of prey. I know this is Oriental imagery, but it sets forth the distinction, the vast chasm of difference between being saved and being lost. In the final paragraph of this wonderful book of Revelation, is the tender scene of God’s last appeal to the world. Whosoever will may come, Revelation 22 17, Matthew 11 28. But those who refuse will have no part in the eternal city. May we, with the redeemed at his coming, say, Even so come Lord Jesus, Revelation 22 20.

2. Seven Beatitudes in the Book of Revelation

Jesus is coming, my destiny to seal. Jesus is coming, I know that he will. Jesus is coming in his presence may I stay. Jesus is coming, O glorious day. There are seven beatitudes in the book of Revelation. In chapter 1, verse 3, we read, Blessed is he that readeth and those that hear. As Jesus said, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Take heed how you hear. Luke 8.18. And yet some turn a deaf ear to the word of God constantly. In chapter 14, verse 13 is the beautiful beatitude, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. But we have to live in the Lord before we can die in him. And Galatians 3 27 tells us we put on Christ when we’re baptized into Christ.

And Romans 13, 14 tells us we must maintain that relationship by ever growing deeper and deeper in the Lord. In chapter 16, verse 15 of Revelation we read, Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments. In chapter 3 he said, unless you cleanse your garments and walk with me in white, I will blot your name out of the Lamb’s book of life. In chapter 19 verse 9, the fourth beatitude of Revelation. Blessed are they who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. In Luke 14, though, we read of some who refuse to come. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection, chapter 20, verse 6. And in that chapter we learn that the first resurrection is the triumph of truth, a spiritual resurrection, like in Ezekiel’s famous Valley of Dry Bones, Ezekiel 37.

Or in the story of the prodigal son, this my son was dead and is alive again, was lost and is found. Like Ephesians 2, you were dead in trespasses and sins, but you have been raised to sit with Christ in heavenly places. Yes, dead unto sin, but alive unto God. Romans 6, 11. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in that resurrection. Chapter 22, verse 7 of Revelation said, Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. We’re warned in the last paragraph of Revelation not to add to the things in the book, nor to take anything away from them. If so, our part out of heaven will be removed, and the plagues of the book will be added to us.

3. The Cross and the Crown Belong Together

We must add not to his word, lest he reprove us and we be found a liar. Proverbs 30 verses 5 and 6. Blessed are they that do his commandments is the last beatitude in Revelation chapter 22, verse 14. These are great lessons that we can learn from the book of Revelation if we’ll go to the book of God with an open heart. Someone has accurately proclaimed if there were no difficulties, there could be no triumphs. This maxim is vividly portrayed in the life of a Christian. In New Testament days, persecution and power formed a familiar tandem. Truly, the cross and the crown belong together, 2 Timothy 2 11 and 12. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus fashioned a common weaving of blessing and triumph for those so persecuted as the prophets before you.

Children of God are in very good company when tribulation enters their tumultuous sojourn here below. In his informal talk with the apostles prior to Calvary, our Lord made extremely clear that the opposition of the world would be a natural consequence of living for God, Luke 6 26. However, they were told to be of good cheer, for I, Christ, have overcome the world. John 16 33. Heavenly citizenship, Philippians 3 20, brings into our lives the commensurate peace that is necessary to offset the fiery darts of satanic oppression. This inner tranquility is not available to the servants of sin nor discernible by lukewarm church members. No single portion of the world’s literature captures the absolute nature of the victorious life of Christians as completely as does the book of Revelation.

Truly, the best was saved for the last portion of holy writ. The unveiling of the divine drama before the eyes of John on the Isle of Patmos is in a class all by itself in sacred text. The exile to Patmos was exceedingly worth the paradise and the panorama that stirred the heart of the Apostle of Love. No wonder John wanted to worship at the feet of the angel that showed him such things. Revelation 22, verses 89. To be a devoted servant of Christ 19 centuries ago meant the challenge of emperor worship, Judaism, Gnosticism, Roman oppression, poverty, and a multitude of false doctrines fostered by Satan’s deception. In a practical way, the trade guilds linked with Caesar and idolatry, controlled the job so that Christians were discriminated against, even in regard to daily provisions for the table.

It took real loyalty and conviction for the saints to even see a glimmer of hope or an ounce of victory. Their future on earth was bleak, but their hope of heaven was strong. The devil might win a few of the daily battles, but he would never wear the loyal wreath of victory. Perseverance and prayer, patience and purity became the unseen power of their pilgrimage as Christians. One of the most outstanding of all hymn writers, S. Baring Gold, captured the scene. Through the night of doubt and sorrow, onward goes the pilgrim band, singing songs of expectation, marching to the promised land. To be sure, the early Christians faced many obstacles that impeded their progress on their journey to glory, but they dared not turn back to the beggarly elements of the world.

Their confidence in the ultimate ascendancy of truth and right is depicted in Faber’s statement: For right is right since God is God, and right the day must win. To doubt would be disloyalty, to falter would be sin. Truly we’re more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:35 to 37. Christians of the Roman era were bolstered by the assurance that he who kills with the sword shall perish with the sword. This is the patience and faith of the saints, Revelation 13 10. They also confidently knew that as long as they followed the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, Revelation 14 4, that he, as the forerunner, would lead them right into the home of redeemed souls. This journey would include mountains of despair and valleys of death, but they reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8 18. In the sentiment of the beautiful song, Peace, perfect peace, the oppressed servants of the Savior affirmed, it is enough. Earth’s struggle soon shall cease, and Jesus call us to heaven’s perfect peace. In the book of Revelation, the devil is not able to overthrow Christ or the church. It is true that some followers of the Lamb under duress and compromise fell away. But even rampant materialism and false systems of religion cannot sway the determined soldier of the cross. In the upheaval and chaos that sin always brings, and in the fomenting scenes of famine, pestilence, and death, the one secure hope for God’s people is the destiny of the righteous. Through hours of darkness and days of gloom, the hand of God would guide them, and if God before us, who can be against us, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Philippians 4 13, Romans 8 31. No one has ever penned finer words of gratitude for this security than Brother Eloh Sanderson. Though I, through the valley of Shadow, over mountain or troubled sea, and oft in the darkness have traveled, the Lord has been mindful of me. Much more than my grief and sorrow, much more than adversity. Much more than the all I have given. The Lord has been mindful of me. The Lord has been mindful of me. He blesses and blesses again. My God is the God of the living, how excellent is his name. Whatever the struggle may be, we too can overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of God, and enter that rest that yet remains for the children of God.

4. If You Will Overcome, You Can Come Over

For one who properly studies the book of Revelation, the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 2 14 always seem abundantly expressive. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ. It is impossible to lose when one lives for Christ. A theme that pervades the entire structure of the Bible, and certainly revelation, is that of the absolute necessity of enduring faithfully in the cause of righteousness. The reward for loyalty and fidelity bears its precious fruit in this life as well as in the one to come, Luke 18, verse 30. It is eminently true, however, that often God’s servants have turned back to the beggarly elements of the world. Paul vividly reminded the Corinthians of the demise of 23,000 Israelites who fell in one day due to a lack of earnest devotion, 1 Corinthians 10.

The Hebrew writer warned that a far greater loss could befall earring Christians who miss heaven due to the absence of perseverance in their life, Hebrews 4 1 and 2. A few years ago, the American sporting scene was shocked by a football player who ran with the ball the wrong way. His backwards play actually scored two points for the other team. Several members of the opposing eleven congratulated him for his efforts. One of these days, the devil will commend face to face, those who turned away from serving Jesus to run the wrong way spiritually, too. Far too many brethren mistake enthusiasm for diligence, but the Galatians, the fickle Galatians, were like that. They began well, but steadfastness was foreign to their system. Thus they did not persevere to the end that they might be saved.

Unless we overcome and keep his works unto the end, we shall be forever lost. Revelation 2 26. We have need of patience, that after having done the will of God we might receive the promise, Hebrews 10 36. Christianity affords more blessings and greater challenges in life. Since that is true, let us proceed at once to make our calling and election sure. 2 Peter 1. Let us, by God’s grace, press on to higher ground, Hebrews 10 39. We trust this study will remind us of Romans 8.31, which says, If God be for us, who can be against us? And Philippians 4.13, which states, For the Christian, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. There are scriptures outside the book of Revelation that best describe what we’re going to find herein.

For the Bible is its own best commentator. In 2 Timothy 2, we read, if we suffer with him, we shall reign with him. But if we deny him, he also shall deny us. And in 2 Timothy 3 12 we read, Yea, and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. The theme of the book of Revelation in one sentence is this if you will overcome, you can come over to live with God. That means we must overcome Satan, self, sin, and the world. Does the book of Revelation teach that? In Revelation 2 10, Jesus said, Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life. Unto him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne, to quote Revelation 3 21.

Lest someone worry about the throne of Christ being different from the throne of God in Revelation 3.21, the Bible again is its own best commentator. For in Revelation 22 1, the throne of God and of the Lamb is the very same throne. It simply speaks of joint rule or authority. In Revelation 14, 13 we read, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them. This is one of those beautiful scenes of glory for the redeemed in the book of Revelation. And these themes come at intervals like an oasis on a desert. When things get to looking real dark and severe, all of a sudden in chapter 7, eleven, fourteen, and twenty-one, you will see the scenes of glory and bliss for the saints of God.

In chapter 7, 13, the question is asked, Who are these which are arrayed in white robes? The answer is given in chapter 14, verse 4. These are they who have followed the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Finally, in Revelation 22.

Revelation 17, 14 shows the glory and power of God Almighty and the Lamb, as well as the redemption of those who belong to God. He is King of kings and Lord of Lords, and they are called and faithful and chosen. 2 Thessalonians 2.14 informs us we’re called to the gospel. Jesus said, Except you believe that I am he, you’ll die in your sins. John 8.24. He said, Except you repent, you’ll perish, Luke 13, 3. He said, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16, 16. Thereafter we’re to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 3.18, and an abundant entrance shall be ministered unto us into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 2 Peter 1 11.

And the book of Revelation is that great grand finale of all the Bible that illustrates these truths that we have quoted from other places in the Bible.

5. The Revelation of Jesus Christ

And those which are faithful and true will come over to live with God and the redeemed of all ages as they walk the golden street of glory. Now, as we open the book of Revelation and we review it today, we find that this book is not the revelation of John, it’s the revelation of Jesus Christ. We know that some Bibles state that it is the revelation of John, but that’s incorrect, as the very beginning of our sacred text proves. Revelation 1 1 says the revelation of Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus is doing the speaking. You will not appreciate the letters to the seven congregations until you realize that our Lord is speaking to them personally. He mentions at the very outset to whom this book is addressed.

Revelation 1 4 tells about things that must shortly come to pass. And furthermore, it is written in signs and symbols and imagery. He said, What you see shall be signified unto them. Revelation 1 1. So the book of Revelation is written in signs and symbols, and a sign does not represent itself. For people to sit around and argue what each sign represents will be to miss the point of the whole book. Furthermore, a very important point is he says to John in Revelation 1 11, What thou seest, write in a book and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia. The book of Revelation was the result of what John saw by revelation, by unveiling, by inspiration. That which he wrote in a book and sent to the seven congregations of Asia concerning things that must shortly come to pass.

And we have his writing in what is called the book of Revelation. Therefore, the major fulfillment was in the first two or three centuries as it was addressed to the congregations of Asia Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, concerning things that would shortly come to pass. Someone might say, Then you mean the book of Revelation does not apply to us. No, that isn’t what we mean. For instance, the book of 1 Corinthians was written to the Church of God at Corinth, and yet it applies to us, but they had a primary application of those to whom it was first addressed, and the background, the backdrop concerning problems they faced in Corinth in the first century. And the same is true of the book of Revelation.

6. The Letters to the Seven Congregations

To whom was it written? The seven congregations of Asia. For what purpose? To correct their problems and to give them hope in the midst of the duress, persecution, tribulation, opposition they faced under the cruel, despotic Caesars of the Roman Empire of the first century. Now, in chapters 2 and 3, instead of something difficult to understand, they are difficult to misunderstand, for they hit us right in the face. You talk about passages that are clear and straightforward. These two chapters that deal with the letters to the congregations that we have just mentioned are exceedingly clear and straightforward and challenging. As we read these two chapters, we see ourselves walking down the street and the Lord talking to us. Now these seven congregations, Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatirus, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, were very typical of all congregations that existed then.

They were in the region of Asia Minor. The problems and good points that they possessed are very typical of our problems today. People have not changed, sin hadn’t changed, the devil hadn’t changed. The same thing it took then, it takes now to redeem mankind. And that is the gospel of Jesus Christ applied to our lives. The major problem with the church at Ephesus was that they had left their first love. The church at Ephesus had been richly blessed. Paul had preached there, he had sent Timothy to work in Ephesus, and now, according to history, the beloved apostle John lived the last fifty years of his life in that city. Jesus speaks to the church at Ephesus, Revelation 2, verses 1 to 7. They had some good points.

They had found some that claimed to be apostles and had proved them false. Verse 2. They had some good works, but they had left their first love. I can conclude that according to the context of chapter 2, 1 to 5, this can mean but one thing. Things they did were not motivated by love. The Lord told them to remember from whence they had fallen, repent of their evil deeds, and repeat the good works they once did, motivated by love. To the church at Smyrna in chapter 2, verses 8 to 11, he told them that they were in deep poverty and intense persecution, but he would bless them, and in God’s sight they were rich. Even though you’re in poverty, you’re wealthy in my sight. Later he will say to the church at Laodicea, you’re wealthy in earthly goods, but in my sight you’re poor.

It makes a lot of difference how the Lord views us, how heaven thinks of us. It isn’t any crime to be poor, but it is to be spiritually poor, because there’s no excuse for that. And then to the church at Pergamus, Revelation 2, verses 12 to 17. We do not know enough about the history of the church at Pergamos to know all of the problems they faced, but we do know from history that in the year 29 BC, Octavian Caesar changed his name to Augustus Caesar, that is the August one, the one to be revered in worship. He erected temples to his memory for emperor worship. And the first one and finest one he built in Pergamos. From 29 BC forward, Pergamus had been the center or the seat of emperor worship.

This was a constant problem for members of the Church of the Lord. Just as it had been a problem for Daniel in the days of Babylon, not to bow down to the image of the king. It was a problem for Christians in the first century not to bow down to emperor worship. When many failed to, they lost their jobs. They were outcasts in society. For emperor worship and the trade guilds blended their services together in those pagan temples. So the Christians had a problem. One of their basic problems was the Nicolaitan doctrine. From everything I’ve been able to study and find, the Nicolaitans were the first people to teach the doctrine of once saved, always saved. Their attitude was once you come in contact with the blood of Christ, it makes no difference what you do.

You can live any way you want because you cannot be lost once you contact Christ. But God said, I hate their teaching, I hate their deeds, and he still does. The doctrine of once saved, always saved is a tool of the devil. It’s going to cause a lot of people to be lost in the day of judgment. No wonder Paul said, Let him that thinketh he stand to take heed lest he fall, 1 Corinthians 10 12. And then to the church at Thyatira, Revelation 2, verses 18 to 29. You may remember that Lydia, the great woman of Acts 16, was from Thyatira, a city 180 miles from Philippi. The problem with the church at Thyatara is a very common one today. In fact, if the Lord were still writing letters to congregations, most of us would get one like this.

They tolerated sin. They allowed that woman Jezebel, a necessary reference to the old testament queen, the evil one who introduced Baal worship, idolatry into Israel. They allowed her to commit sin in their midst. God said, Because you tolerate sin, because you will not discipline those guilty of iniquity, then you’re going to come to naught. And too many people today in the church tolerate sin. We’ve allowed people to come into our midst to bring the world into the body of Christ into the kingdom of God. And the lesson here is that we should not put up with evil. We must use discipline or the cause of Christ will go down the drain. Withdrawal from that ungodly fellow is still the clarion call of 1 Corinthians 5. And now to chapter 3 of Revelation, three congregations addressed here the church at Sardis, the one at Philadelphia, and the beleaguered one at Laodicea, the self-righteous one.

You can always remember Sardis by remembering the statement, dead or alive. They had a name that they were alive, but God said you’re dead. Like the evil woman of 1 Timothy 5, 6, she is dead while she liveth. And a lot of congregations are like that. The next time you talk to someone that says you cannot fall from grace, dare them to read the first five verses of Revelation chapter 3. Jesus said, I will blot your name out of the book of life. He couldn’t blot it out if it wasn’t there. I will blot your name out of the book of life if you do not cleanse your garments. If a man’s name is not in the Lamb’s book of life, he is gone. To the church at Philadelphia, a small congregation in a small town of about 8,000 people, the Lord said, You’ve been faithful to do the best you can, and I’m going to open a door that no man can shut.

Isn’t it great, according to the parable of the talents, that the Lord only expects us to do the best we can with what we’ve got, but he demands that we do that. And the little congregation in Philadelphia and Asia Minor in the first century, without much talent, was faithful to do the best they could. And that’s what the Lord requires. But the church at Laodicea is the familiar one in the book of Revelation. They were self-sufficient. They had marvelous natural resources, manufacturing plants. It was the earthly headquarters for famous I salve and the woolen industry. And so the church there was self-sufficient, like the city was. They had everything but crash, so really they had nothing. They said they were rich and powerful, but the Lord said, No.

You’re wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus said, You make me sick, and I will spew you out of my mouth. But then the Lord said, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, be zealous, therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man will open the door, I will come into him and sup with him, and he with me. You see, the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, 2 Peter 3 9. And he wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, 1 Timothy 2 4. So in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation, we learn some marvelous truths. We learn first of all that Jesus Christ has eyes like a flame of fire.

Conclusion

And when he says, I know thy works, believe me, he knows us inside out. Thou, O God, seeest me. Genesis 16:13. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3. He sees us as we really are. Also, he is one who walked with the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace of affliction, and he walks with us in our trials. He walks with us day by day to guide us to mansions in the sky. The book of Revelation is a book of hope, of beauty, of joy, of peace, of challenge. And if there is one statement that sums it up best, it’s the one we started the lesson with. The Lord said, If you will overcome Satan, self, sin, the world, you can overcome and come over to live with me.

We’re more than conquerors through him that loved us. For worthy is the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world to receive blessing and honor and glory and power and dominion forever and ever. The book of Revelation gives us hope. And if we’ll be faithful to the Lord, obey his will, one day we can walk with him in robes of white.