Bible Story Rev: Overview

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. The failure lies in the conflicting doctrines and theories of men. When we fail to handle the 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 awaits the victorious saints of God.

2. Patience in the Midst of Trials

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 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. He sees us as we are wherever we are. 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.

3. The Exaltation of Christ

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 prolong. 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. Jesus is coming, my destiny to seal. Jesus is coming. I know that he will. Jesus is coming, and his presence may I stay. Jesus is coming, O glorious day.

4. Seven Beatitudes in the Book of Revelation

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. 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.

5. If There Were No Difficulties, There Could Be No Triumphs

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 it 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 or 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 will save 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 8 and 9. 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. Barengold, 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 fomining 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 be for 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 L. O. 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. 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.

6. If You Will Overcome, You Can Come Over

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, 11, 14, and 21, 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, 14, those blessed are those that keep the commandments. 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. Second Thessalonians 2 14 informs us we’re called by 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.

Conclusion

There will be many to war against the Son of God, but he shall overcome them. 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.