Revelation Intro

1. Consider The Blessings Of The Book Of Revelation

Revelation 1:3 ESV

3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

Revelation 14:13 ESV

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Revelation 16:15 ESV

15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)

Revelation 19:9 ESV

9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”

Revelation 20:6 ESV

6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 22:7 ESV

7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

2. Consider The Purpose Of The Book Of Revelation

“Revelation must be characterized not as apocalyptic but as prophetic-apocalyptic. Its purpose is not merely to outline the future intervention of God or to portray the people of God symbolically in light of that divine reality but to call the saints to accountability on that basis. This is a prophetic book of warning as well as comfort to the church.” -Grant Osborne

“In light of the fact that ‘the time is near,’ we are called to live decisively and completely for God.” -Grant Osborne

“The phrase ‘the time is near’ is like the phrase ‘what must soon take place’ and refers to imminence. Believers must be ready for Christ’s second coming. The Last Judgment and the establishment of God’s kingdom are certainly near. No one knows when these events will occur, so all believers must be prepared. They will happen quickly, with no second chance to change minds or sides.” -Barton

3. Consider The Order Of The Book Of Revelation

Chapters 1-3: Jesus among His church

Chapters 4-5: God’s people around His throne

Chapters 6-19: God’s people vindicated; Satan’s people judged

Chapters 20: God’s people reign with Christ for 1,000 year kingdom, defeat of Satan, and Great White Throne Judgment

Chapters 21-22: The New Heaven and the New Earth

4. Consider The Unity Of The Book Of Revelation

Scholars tell us there are between 400 and 600 references to the Old Testament in the book of Revelation from books like:

Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah

5. Consider The Wisdom Of First, Second, And Third Order Issues In Theology

Read Revelation 4:1-11 as well as pages 110-120 in Christ-Centered Exposition in preparation for next week.