Revelation

Alan Daws

Route 66: A Road Map Through The Bible • Sermon • Submitted 6 years ago

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Preliminaries

Revelation, a mysterious book for many and probably one of least read books or understood books of the Bible for the average Christian.

Revelation’s initial main thrust was to encourage persecuted believers.

It showed God’s control of history (as did the OT prophets); it affirmed that history is moving toward an appointed terminus, judgment, or blessing (as did the OT prophets).

It affirmed, in first century Jewish apocalyptic terms, God’s love, presence, power, and sovereignty.

Interpreting the book is made harder by the type of literature it its

The book of Revelation is surely true, but not historical narrative, not meant to be taken literally.

The genre itself is screaming this point to us if we will only hear it.

This does not mean that it is not inspired, or not true; it is just figurative, cryptic, symbolic, metaphorical, and imaginative.

The first century Jews and Christians were familiar with this type of literature, but we are not!

One of the commentaries I used put it like this:

Hope in Hard Times—The Final Curtain: Revelation Introduction to Revelation

In light of hermeneutical divergence (the different approaches to interpretation) and inappropriate dogmatism (the know-it-all attitude), how should an interpreter proceed? First, let us admit that modern western Christians do not understand the genre and do not recognize the historical allusions that first century Christians would have immediately understood. Second, let us admit that every generation of Christians has forced the Revelation into its personal historical setting and all have been wrong so far. Third, let us read the Bible before we read the theological systems. Look for the literary context of each vision/oracle and state the central truth in one declarative sentence. The central truth will be the same for every generation of believers while the specificity of the details may be relevant for only the first and/or last generation of believers. The details may be relevant, but history, not theology, will reveal their purpose. Fourth, let us remember that this book is primarily a word of comfort and encouragement to faithfulness amidst the persecution of believers by unbelievers. This book is not meant to answer the curiosity of every generation of believers, nor outline a detailed plan of end-time events. Fifth, it is safe to affirm that fallen human society is on a collision course with the kingdom of God. It will appear at first that the world has won (like Calvary), but wait; God is sovereign, He is in control of history, of life and death. His people are victorious in Him!

Intro to Revelation

Utley, R. J. (2001). Hope in Hard Times - The Final Curtain: Revelation (Vol. Volume 12, p. 9). Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International.

Revelation is all about the unveiling of Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist or an end times schedule.

Utley, R. J. (2001). Hope in Hard Times - The Final Curtain: Revelation (Vol. Volume 12, p. 2). Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International.

This book is a single revelation, not revelations.

The Apocalypse is the Revelation / Unveiling of Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist. This book is a single revelation, not revelations. It carries a unique promise in the key verses above; you will be blessed if you read, hear, and keep its’ words. It is a “sign-ified” book, full of pictures, images, and signs with literal fulfillments. Revelation is truth in pictures and it is all about Jesus Christ.

It carries a unique promise in the key verses above; you will be blessed if you read, hear, and keep its’ words.

It is a “signified” book, full of pictures, images, and signs with literal fulfillments.

John had been banished to the rocky island of Patmos by the emperor Domitian for his testimony of Jesus Christ and the Word of God that he espoused. Patmos is located about 60 miles southwest of Ephesus in the Aegean Sea. The beloved apostle wrote to the seven churches of Asia Minor.

Revelation is truth in pictures and it is all about Jesus Christ.

John had been banished to the rocky island of Patmos by the emperor Domitian for his testimony of Jesus Christ and the Word of God that he espoused.

Patmos is located about 60 miles southwest of Ephesus in the Aegean Sea.

The beloved apostle wrote to the seven churches of Asia Minor.

Statistics

Author: John

Date: 81 - 96 A.D.

Key Verses: 1:1-3

Key Words: angel - 70 times, seven - 59 times, beast - 59 times, I saw - 49 times, Lamb - 29 times, book - 30 times, church - 19 times, throne - 40 times

22 chapters, 404 verses, 12000 words

22 chapters, 404 verses, 9,851 words

What Is

When John was released he returned to Ephesus, sent his letter, and died about a year later (circa 100 AD), ending the age of the apostles.

When John was released he returned to Ephesus, sent his letter, and died about a year later (circa 100AD), ending the age of the apostles.

In the vision, Jesus instructs John to … “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” –

📷In the vision, Jesus instructs John to …

Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. – NIV

It was sent to them as a prophetic encouragement and exhortation as they suffered under Domitian’s reign and stood up for Christ.

The first thing John describes is the terrifying awesomeness of standing in the presence of Jesus glorified - a sight so beyond our capacity to grasp, John can only describe it with symbolism.

“12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man,,ac dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man.”

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone ―like a son of man,‖ dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. – NIV

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man.

Because that’s what you’d do!

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.urned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone ―like a son of man,‖ dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. – NIV

Because that’s what you’d do! The Ancient of Days, brighter than a welder’s torch, thundering with holiness, with a razor-like tongue ready to cut away spiritual cancer with his Word! ―I died.‖ Jesus touches his old friend’s shoulder and basically says,

The Ancient of Days, brighter than a welder’s torch, thundering with holiness, with a razor-like tongue ready to cut away spiritual cancer with his Word!

John said “I died.”

Jesus touches his old friend’s shoulder and basically says, “John, it’s me. This is what I look like when I’m home.”

―John, it’s me. This is what I look like when I’m home.‖ It’s the final and most reliable portrait of Jesus in scripture.

It’s the final and most reliable portrait of Jesus in scripture.

After reviving John, Jesus explains that the ―golden lampstands‖ represent the seven churches and the ―stars‖ their guardians.

After reviving John, Jesus explains that the ―golden lampstands represent the seven churches and the ―stars their guardians.

Q: Any idea why Jesus depicts them with stars and lampstands? A: They both shine light. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus said …

Any idea why Jesus depicts them with stars and lampstands?

They both shine light.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus said … “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand,”

There was a lampstand in the temple, and the priests’ were commanded to make sure it never burned out.

📷There was a lampstand in the temple, and the priests’ were commanded to make sure it never burned out. And now Jesus addresses how brightly these seven churches are shining.

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand … – NIV

And now Jesus addresses how brightly these seven churches are shining.

📷There was a lampstand in the temple, and the priests’ were commanded to make sure it never burned out. And now Jesus addresses how brightly these seven churches are shining.

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 📷

Messages to the churches

Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea

The church in Ephesus didn’t tolerate wickedness, but their initial blaze for the Lord had dimmed considerably.

1. The church in Ephesus didn’t tolerate wickedness, but their initial blaze for the Lord had dimmed considerably.

Smyrna was shining in spite of poverty and persecution.

2. Smyrna was shining in spite of poverty and persecution.

Pergamum was flickering but wouldn’t burn brightly without repenting from their compromise with the world.

3. Pergamum was flickering but wouldn’t burn brightly without repenting from their compromise with the world.

Thyatira’s glow was getting stronger. But an inability to confront in love was depriving them of oxygen.

4. Thyatira’s glow was getting stronger. But an inability to confront in love was depriving them of oxygen.

Sardis was fading fast and almost out.

5. Sardis was fading fast and almost out.

Philadelphia was small but wouldn’t be extinguished.

6. Philadelphia was small but wouldn’t be extinguished.

And Laodicea had the infamous lukewarm flame.

7. And Laodicea had the infamous lukewarm flame.

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. … So be zealous and repent. … Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” ; ;

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. … So be earnest and repent. … Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. – ; ; NIV

Each message is followed by a promise for those who overcome.

Each message is followed by a promise for those who overcome. In fact, the whole book is an encouragement and warning to keep our lamps on a stand until the final, certain victory in Christ.

In fact, the whole book is an encouragement and warning to keep our lamps on a stand until the final, certain victory in Christ.

When he began, Jesus told John to …

When he began, Jesus told John to, “Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this.”

en he began, Jesus told John to …

Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.

These seven letters (in the first three chapters) serve as the ―what is , the rest of Revelation’s 22 chapters are focused on ―what will take place later.

– NIV

These seven letters (in the first three chapters) serve as the ―what is now‖, the rest of Revelation’s 22 chapters are focused on ―what will take place later.‖

What Will Take Place

I can sum this book up in three words:

The Theology Statement in our Membership Manual is clear: we expect a literal, physical second coming in fulfillment of God’s plan. But even among those who believe Revelation depicts Christ’s role in end-times events, there is much disagreement regarding the meaning, the order, and the church’s role.

So, our Position Statement makes it clear that we allow for varying views among those who are expecting Jesus’ return. But it also says that …

God defeats Satan!

―We discourage an excessive preoccupation with end-times speculations. [Because] It usually distracts the believer, and detracts from the Gospel.‖

Ever try to tell someone a story that you’re really excited about, but they keep interrupting with questions about all the wrong things?! Well, we can be like that if we’re not careful.

It’s not really about a bowl and a scroll and seal and a trumpet and a harlot and beast and a dragon … they’re all symbols for the one-and-only truly thrilling message that John is sharing: Satan’s victories are temporary but Christ’s are eternal!

Want it in two words? Jesus reigns!

I can sum this book up in three words: ―God defeats Satan!‖ Want it in two words? ―Jesus reigns!‖ Ooo, one word: ―Triumph!"

One word: ―Triumph!"

It’s almost as if John wrote in these wild, graphic pictures, instead of direct teaching, so that it can sneak past our tendency to intellectualize God’s story and instead get caught up in it!

I believe it’s written in these wild, graphic pictures, instead of direct teaching, so that it can sneak past our tendency to intellectualize God’s story and instead get caught up in it!

But, there’s something incredible that’s easy to miss.

But, there’s something incredible that’s easy to miss. There are over 250 references and quotes from the Old Testament. The ―What will take place later‖ is a stringing together of OT prophecies! The OT prophets portray the Messiah as a Suffering Servant and a Conquering King, and Jesus showed up as the former.

There are over 250 references and quotes from the Old Testament.

The What will take place later is a stringing together of OT prophecies!

The OT prophets portray the Messiah as a Suffering Servant and a Conquering King, and Jesus showed up as the former.

Remember on the road to Emmaus, Jesus hid his identity from two depressed disciples, and explained how the Christ had to suffer?

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. – NIV

“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” – NIV

I think John got the second half of the road-to-Emmaus-lesson! Jesus brings John to heaven not only to unveil himself as the Conquering King and to reveal how God’s perfect plan is going to unfold … but how it’s all been foretold through God’s prophets!

I think John got the second half of the road-to-Emmaus-lesson!

Jesus brings John to heaven not only to unveil himself as the Conquering King and to reveal how God’s perfect plan is going to unfold … but how it’s all been foretold through God’s prophets!

… the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets. – NIV

“… the mystery of God will be completed, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” –

That’s why the imagery is all over the place! Every unique, unfulfilled, Old Testament vision is being pieced together!

That’s why the imagery is all over the place!

Every unique, unfulfilled, Old Testament vision is being pieced together!

And this revelation, of how all these remaining prophecies pull together like a drawstring, so overwhelms John, that he drops to the ground to worship the angel who’s escorting him!

“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me. But he said to me, Don’t do that!”

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, ―Do not do it! …‖ – NIV

And the angel basically says, ―Get up; we’re on the same team!

And the angel basically says, ―Get up; we’re on the same team!‖

Part of why Revelation is difficult to follow is because, as he writes, John can’t stop talking about the celebration in heaven!

Part of why Revelation is difficult to follow is because, as he writes, John can’t stop talking about the celebration in heaven! So, I’m going to give you a way to make it easier to follow.

So, I’m going to give you a way to make it easier to follow.

📷When you get home, go to Revelation, chapter 4 and write

When you get home, go to Revelation, chapter 4 and write “Meanwhile”

📷

John describes tens of millions of angels encircling God’s throne, as the slain Lamb who is the Lion of Judah and the Root of David prepares to open the sealed scroll.

Then go to chapter 6 and write “Uh-Oh!”

Then go to chapter 6 and write ―Uh-Oh!‖ Six seals are opened and the wrath of God begins to pour out in a last-ditch mission of mercy to reach those who have completely abandoned him.

Six seals are opened and the wrath of God begins to pour out in a last-ditch mission of mercy to reach those who have completely abandoned him.

Then at chapter 7:9 and write ―Meanwhile …‖ A multitude from every nation (too many to count) are worshipping at the throne, and God is wiping away every tear from their eyes.

Then at chapter 7:9 and write “Meanwhile …”

A multitude from every nation (too many to count) are worshipping at the throne, and God is wiping away every tear from their eyes.

Then at chapter 8 write ―Uh-Oh!‖ The seventh seal is opened, the trumpets sound, the suffering greatly intensifies, and the two witnesses God sends as messengers are killed and resurrected.

Then at chapter 8 write “Uh-Oh!”

The seventh seal is opened, the trumpets sound, the suffering greatly intensifies, and the two witnesses God sends as messengers are killed and resurrected.

At chapter 11:15 write “Meanwhile …”

At chapter 11:15 write ―Meanwhile …‖ John gets to see a ―home movie‖ of Jesus birth from heaven’s side, as the Red Dragon (the devil) pursues Mary’s and tries to kill her and her baby.

John gets to see a home movie of Jesus birth from heaven’s side, as the Red Dragon (the devil) pursues Mary’s and tries to kill her and her baby.

Go to chapter 13 and write ―Uh-Oh!‖ The beast from the sea and the beast of the earth (with the heads and the horns representing earthly powers and authorities) arrive.

Go to chapter 13 and write “Uh-Oh!”

The beast from the sea and the beast of the earth (with the heads and the horns representing earthly powers and authorities) arrive.

At chapter 14 write “Meanwhile …”

At chapter 14 write ―Meanwhile …‖ Everything advances according to God’s plan, and culminates at the battle of Armageddon.

Everything advances according to God’s plan, and culminates at the battle of Armageddon.

At chapter 17 write ―Uh-Oh!‖ The great harlot is destroyed.

At chapter 17 write “Uh-Oh!”

The great harlot is destroyed.

At chapter 18 write “Meanwhile …”

At chapter 18 write ―Meanwhile …‖ Babylon falls, there’s a hallelujah chorus, a marriage feast, and Jesus rides in on a white horse, locks up Satan for 1000 years, and judges the dead.

Babylon falls, there’s a hallelujah chorus, a marriage feast, and Jesus rides in on a white horse, locks up Satan for 1000 years, and judges the dead.

When the 1000 years are up, the devil makes one last vain grab for power and is thrown into the lake of fire to join the beast and the false prophet (an unholy trinity).

This is followed by a new heaven and a new earth a New Jerusalem where God and man dwell together in perfect peace. There’s a river of life, trees of life, and perfect garden.

This is followed by a new heaven and a new earth a New Jerusalem where God and man dwell together in perfect peace.

There’s a river of life, trees of life, and perfect garden.

The last chapter of the Bible () ends with the restoration of Eden (only infinitely better and eternally longer) and the overturning of the curse: no more sin or death or suffering! I can’t imagine a more fitting way for the story to end!

The last chapter of the Bible () ends with the restoration of Eden (only infinitely better and eternally longer) and the overturning of the curse: no more sin or death or suffering!

I can’t imagine a more fitting way for the story to end!

Jesus final recorded words are in …

Jesus final recorded words are in … “He who testifies about these things says, ―Yes, I am coming soon.”

He who testifies to these things says, ―Yes, I am coming soon.‖ [And our response

And our response should be the same as John’s

should be the same as John’s] Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. – NIV

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” NIV

Prayer

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