Book Of Revelation Overview

John, the beloved disciple, was selected to receive this revelation. He was the final survivor among the first chosen disciples.

There are four arguments presented for understanding the book of Revelation:

• First, the title ('the revelation') plainly emphasizes that the book of Revelation is not hidden, but rather revealed.

• Second, those who read, listen, and obey receive a blessing. How could individuals receive the blessing if they failed to understand the book? Therefore, the book is understandable.

• Third, there is an explicit instruction not to seal the book.

• Fourth, there is a directive 'to hear what the Spirit says to the churches'. Again, the term 'hear' indicates 'to hear with understanding'.

🔹Symbolism in the book

The book of Revelation has several symbols. When trying to figure out the meaning of the symbols in Revelation, it is crucial to know that most of them originate directly from the Old Testament.

Luke 8:10 - And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.'

Many of the apocalyptic prophecies were delivered by God's prophets while in hostile foreign territories. To safeguard the messages, God shrouded them in symbols. The book of Revelation contains messages that, if written frankly, would offend some churches and governments.

🔹The central thesis and theme of Revelation

Even a casual look at Revelation reveals that the central theme of the book is the dispute between Christ and Satan, with Christ being the final victor!

🔹Satan

• Symbolized as the Dragon.

• Using force and deception, working through political and religious systems.

• Attempting to misrepresent the character of God.

🔹Jesus

• Symbolized as a Lamb.

• Using love and truth, working through His church, the faithful.

• The true Witness to the character of His Father.

From the first coming of Christ to the second coming of Christ and beyond, events unfold until the restoration of the New Heaven and Earth and the permanent abolition of sin.

Christ is the focus of this book, as seen in the first words: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”.

🔹The poetic structure of Revelation

Revelation is an inspired piece of literature and is in a poetic form called a chiasm, which looks like a mirrored “arrow point”.

The arrow points to the book's main focus, and certain passages have their mirror images in other parts of the book.

The focus is on salvation.

Disclosure

Unless stated otherwise, the Bible verses throughout the course are from the King James Version.

There are videos from third-party ministries that are not affiliated with, nor connected with, Bible Prophecies Explained.