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Why Study The Book of Revelation? The Book of Revelation is one of those books of the Bible where many dare not to tread. I have heard the minor prophets in the Old Testament described as "the white pages" because they are seldom studied and the pages stay white from non-use. Revelation may be the white pages of the New Testament. Generally we study the first 3 chapters of Revelation to see what Jesus said to the 7 churches of Asia, and the last two chapters to see what He says about the judgment and heaven. Chapters in between are often neglected. There are two views people have toward Revelation. One is that no one can understand what it is saying and the second is to see it as a way to prove almost any doctrine under the sun. People look at various images and scenes and see them referring to Hitler, or the Middle East today, or some event happening now. We do not want to misuse this Book, but we should not neglect it either. It should be studied because it was given to us by God to and about Jesus; “The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Chapter 1, verse 1). Few books start off with such a direct statement of authorship. We do not neglect the Gospels for they reveal to us the life of Christ. We as Christians should be interested in learning what Jesus had to say to the seven churches of Asia. As Christians we should be interested in what Jesus had to say. Also, it is a revealing or uncovering of what would happen in the future. Jesus tells the churches of Asia their present condition and of a future judgment. Five of the 7 churches were told to repent and they were told what would happen if they did not repent. Going on into chapter 4 and onward we see a great battle or battles that would take place. Again this is revealing what will happen and who will win. However, the problem arises in that Revelation is different in its style of writing. "And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John" (Chapter 1, verse 1b). That word “signified” means symbols and images were used to get across a point. Many of those images come from the Old Testament. Daniel, chapters 7 through 12, Ezekiel and Zechariah were written in what is called apocalyptic style. One scholar said the problem with Revelation is that it contains Hebrew images and ideas, but was written in the Greek language. There are certain passages that are worded strangely and some of it is due to the Greek language itself. But the general idea of the Revelation can be understood. Here are some key principles that I am using in my study of this book. The Bible does not contradict itself. Revelation is not going to contradict what Jesus said or revealed in other books of the Bible. We know the kingdom was established in the first century, Mark 9.1. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and overcame the power of death, thus overcoming the power of Satan, Acts 2.24. We also know that Jesus is not coming a second time to establish His kingdom or rule on the throne of David in Jerusalem because the second coming will be end of this age, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4. Any interpretation we give to Revelation must harmonize with the rest of the Bible. The time period of these events is given to us in Revelation; "Things which must shortly take place" (Chapter 1, verse 1). After speaking specifically to the seven churches of Asia, this point is made again. "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." (Revelation 4.1b). Therefore, the time of these events cannot be two thousand years later. In symbolic literature the symbol never represents itself. Therefore, when we read of four living creatures with six wings, or a white horse, or the stars of heaven falling, we know this is not to be taken literally. Keep in mind that Revelation is a painting drawn with words. If one gets too close to a picture and focuses on just one part of the painting they lose what the artist is actually revealing. Jokingly, I have said that Revelation is better read in a hurry. Don't focus too much on one image, but see the whole picture. There are some general themes in the Book of Revelation that pertains to us. The theme of redemption is mentioned numerous times. The blood of the Lamb and His power is talked about. The theme of repentance is stressed in the first 3 chapters and in the rest of the book. The judgment of God is also mentioned throughout this book. But the overall message of Revelation is that there is a conflict going. In the first century it was the conflict first between the Jews and Christianity. Then it was Rome against the church. While this conflict was great and many lost their lives standing for God, they did not lose their souls. Therefore, they were not to be conflicted. So why study a Book that pertained to events and Christians that lived a long time ago? Let me illustrate it this way. I remember watching on television the "Wide World of Sports" on Saturdays. Often the event was recorded. They would have the announcers to tell us what may happen. If they were covering a skiing race they would tell us who were the favorites and perhaps the dark horse to watch out for. I used to be impressed because they were really good. Most of the time, they predicted who would win the race. Later on I learned that actually they recorded the announcers after the race. It was already over before they told us "who could win" for they already knew. My point is that revelation is much like that. It is almost as if God is saying “Here are the winners!” before the battle. Jesus wanted them to know that in the end God would triumph over Satan. I am not studying Revelation to determine who the anti-Christ is or will be, but to understand that Christ will overcome His adversaries. That is a principle that we can use today to encourage us in this generation. -- Dennis Tucker
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