When an architect designs an upscale commercial building, they often make the front of the building have an image that conveys the value of the company. As the design is drawn, the foyer becomes an important focal point to stimulate an awe moment. The intent of the architect’s design is to allow the foyer to give the visitor a desire for what is beyond or next.
As we approach the study of the book of Revelation, I like to think that John wrote similarly, taking us into the foyer of the throne room of heaven and of what is beyond.
We need to remember that Revelation is a letter and it was written to Christians. Like any other New Testament manuscript, it was intended to be read aloud during worship in the churches in Asia minor.
A 4th century writer named Eusebius recorded that Jews and Christians were heavily persecuted under Domitian’s reign. The letter of Revelation was written during this period. What did it mean to be Christian following Jesus as Lord, in such a place and time?
The apostle John wrote when people lived in tumultuous times. Many of them suffered through wars in Asia AD 62, Europe AD69 and Judea AD70. Rome was burnt in AD64, which the Christians were accused. They endured the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70. In AD79, Vesuvius erupted and buried Pompeii and effected central and eastern Europe. Then a famine in the late 80’s and early 90’s made life even more difficult for Christians as they were often subject to social and economic discrimination.
While Christianity spread into the Roman Empire, the Romans began to understand that being a follower of Jesus was not just being in a sect of the Jewish religion. This tension caused a conflict between the church and the state as Christians were suspect of being unpatriotic. Roman authorities began to engage in a systematic persecution of all Christians.
Under the emperor Domitian, many Christians were being brought before Roman governors and condemned because of their faith.
Soon a Christian or a group of Christians were accused of engaging in illegal cultic practices and brought before magistrates. They were required to make the two-word acknowledgement of Roman sovereignty, “Kurios Kaisaros.” (Caesar is Lord). The counter to the basic Christian confession that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9 and 1Corinthains 12:3). In addition, they were required to curse Christ. If done, they would obtain a document that exempted them from government persecution. Those who did not comply could be tortured, banished or executed.
Under Domitian, the act of emperor worship was considered an important formality like the pledging allegiance to the flag. This was considered an important expression of solidarity with the empire and gratitude for what the empire had accomplished. The emperor Domitian even decreed that all government proclamations must begin “our Lord and god Domitian commands…” Many people were executed or banished for “atheism” which was a failure to worship the gods of Rome of whom he was one.
John was one such person banished on island of Patmos. It was here that John penned this letter to the churches, approximately AD95. The letter of Revelation was written to strengthen and console Christians who were enduring persecution for their faith. The intent of this letter of Revelation is for the reader to honor JESUS CHRIST and reflect on the implications of His authority.
This letter is a confirmation that Jesus is the Lord who controls all things. Jesus is not dead, absent, hidden or silent and they were to expect Jesus to return at any moment.
As we study this book may we be “taken up” per se, when we read of the awesome visions, hear the authoritative commands and sense the seriousness of the moment. The result should cause us to worship Jesus as told in Revelation chapter 4:11!
“You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”
The theological point of Revelation is not the mysterious seals, plagues and visions. The book of Revelation declares Jesus Christ as the LORD almighty.
Revelation discloses a God that people should envision: A conquering, triumphant, sovereign ruling God. If there is not a God as described in Revelation then there is not a God.
In this introduction of Revelation there are two thoughts to share:
- Jesus Christ is God.
In Revelation chapter 1: The focus of Revelation is declared in 1:1-2; “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ,”
The book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is different from how the Gospels revealed Jesus Christ. The gospels displayed views of His humanity, humility and suffering.
The message of the book of Revelation also displays three views; His divinity, mercy and justice. These are important themes for understanding the book correctly. The book of Revelation declares Jesus Christ as being faithful in His mercy to His creation. And secondly, it discloses Jesus justice, punishing and condemning those who reject His mercy.
Just as John was told to look and see Christ in how He is unveiled, (Revelation 1:17-19) so are we!
“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
However, in chapter 4, the door to the throne is open, there is the vision of Jesus coming to respond those who reject Him. Chapters 4-19
Turn to chapter 4:1 “After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
In chapter 5 and 6 we learn what will happen:
“And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
7 Then He came and took the scroll….
And ahead in Revelation 6 we learn about the instructions on that scroll. 6:1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; (Verses 2, 4, 8-10,12-14, 15-17.)
2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.
15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come.
The second significant idea to share with you concerning this letter is that…
I.) Revelation is the Answer to the Lord’s Prayer.
There is a parallel in the gospel of Matthew and the letter of Revelation.
The phrase “Blessed is he” is a theme that began in the gospels and finishes in Revelation
Notice Revelation 1:3……. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
In Matthew 5:1
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.
2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Ahead in the Lord’s Prayer recorded in Matthew 6:9-10 “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
There are three disclosures in the letter of Revelation that answer the Lord’s Prayer:
Your Name be known. That is …Jesus Christ is Lord.
Your Kingdom come. That is …All Glory honor and majesty given to Him.
Your will be done. That is …nothing will be allowed that defies His righteousness.
These three statements Your name…Your kingdom…Your will, are the foundation of the book.
Finally, there are three titles in Revelation 21:22-27-22:1-5. The Lamb is the temple…the Lamb is the light…The Lamb is worshiped and honored… Revelation 21:22
22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.
24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.
25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there).
26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.
27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
NKJ Revelation 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
The letter of Revelation closes with His kingdom and the Christ of Glory, the exalted One.
This letter of Revelation should encourage people in any era or circumstance to worship Jesus Christ alone.
As we journey through this book may Revelation 1:3 be our purposed quest: “blessed is the one that reads, hears, and keeps the things written in this Book.”