Introduction to Revelation

Session 1 (1:1-8)

Ground Rules for Our Study of Revelation

It is “Revelation,” not “Revelations

One unified message

The book reveals Jesus Christ—not multiple, unrelated revelations.

Let’s honor the text by naming it correctly.

Eschatological views are secondary (or tertiary) issues.

We agree on this: Christ will return.

Disagreements over timelines, millennial views, or symbolism are not worth dividing over.

Our unity is in Christ, not in our charts.

We approach this study with humility.

Believers have wrestled with this book for centuries.

We are not here to win arguments.

We are here to learn, listen, and grow.

Our Goal is faithfulness, not speculation.

We are not here to decode current events.

We are here to understand how to live in light if Christ’s return.

Questions and participation are encouraged.

We grow together as we explore Scripture

Ask questions, offer thoughts, and engage with one another with humility and grace.

This is a safe environment for learning and dialogue.

Revelation 1:1–8 LSB

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His slaves the things which must soon happen; and He indicated this by sending it through His angel to His slave John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the witness of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it, for the time is near. 4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from the One who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— 6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Yes, amen. 8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”