Apocalypsis, the title of this book in the original Greek, means ‘unveiling’ or ‘disclosure’ of hidden things known only to God. This book is the only APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE found in the NT. Other examples of this type of literature can be found in the following OT writings: Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Zechariah.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ depicts the end of this present age and the coming of God’s future kingdom thru symbols, images, and numbers. The question is why would so much imagery be used? One reason is that it was written during very dangerous times when it was much safer to hide one’s message in images than to speak plainly. Symbolism also served as an element of mystery regarding the details, such as time and place. It was not meant to confuse the reader, but to inform and strengthen believers during the difficulties of persecution.
Although some of the keys to the symbols have been lost over time, the overall message remains clear: we serve an ALL-POWERFUL GOD. Nothing the devil can concoct and throw at us can thwart the plans of God for his purposes are righteous. God cannot be defeated.
The Seven Visions
The Book of Revelation contains seven visions. The 1st vision, seen in Chapters 1-3, tells of Christ encouraging his earthly church to remain totally loyal to him against all hostile attacks from the enemy.
The 2nd vision is found in Chapters 4-7, where Christ the Lamb stands with a sealed scroll before God in heaven. There are seven seals which symbolize knowledge of the destinies of individuals and nations and a series of disasters that befall the earth. It is then that the Lamb opens each of the seals.
A series of seven angels blowing seven trumpets forms vision number three (Ch. 8-11). At the sound of these trumpets more disaster occur.
The 4th vision (Ch. 12-14) consists of the persecution of the church by Satan and the beast. The church in this vision is seen as a woman with two witnesses (Moses and Elijah).
The 5th vision (Ch. 15-16) is another series of seven: seven bowls that are pouring out God’s wrath. The judgment of Babylon, which is a symbol of Rome, forms the 6th vision found in Chapters 17:1 - 19:10. The final victory of God over Satan, God’s final judgment, and the final blessedness form the 7th and final vision (Ch. 19:11-21).
The fulfillment of God’s eternal kingdom finds its expression in the word ‘new’. Christ comes with a promise to make all things new: a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem (Ch. 21). The book closed with the longing of all Christians, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Next we will continue digging a little deeper into the historical setting. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Source: Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1995.
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