When you consider the book of Revelation, are you immediately overwhelmed by mysterious symbolism and terrifying images? When you read about worldwide earthquakes and trumpeting angels, monstrous beasts, and miracle-working dragons, do you long for the comfort of the Psalms, simple stories of the Gospels, or practical instruction of the Epistles?
You are not alone. For many readers, the primary purpose of Revelation is easily lost in trying to decipher prophecy and predict the future.
If you begin to feel lost in chapters about mysterious lampstands and sacred seals, remember what John tells us in chapter 1:
The primary purpose of Revelation is to reveal “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
In short, Revelation reveals Jesus!
A Message for Christians Who Suffer
This book was originally written to refocus the early Church on Jesus. When Christians were being fed to lions, nailed to crosses, burned at the stake, and boiled in tar, Revelation was written to provide hope.
It was written by a Christian who himself was suffering because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus (Revelation 1:9). It was written specifically to a generation of Christians yet to come who would experience what Jesus described as “great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again” (Matthew 24:21).
Revelation was originally written to refocus the early Church on Jesus.
This book was also written for you. While not being fed to lions, crucified, or boiled in tar, are you or someone you know suffering in some way? Have you been betrayed by a spouse? Slandered by a friend? Diagnosed with a deadly disease? Have you felt the sting of death as you stood at the grave of a loved one? Struggled with constant pain or disease? Panicked over more bills than you have money to pay? Lost your job? Been persecuted for your proclamation of the truth of God’s Word and His gospel? If you are suffering in a broken world, or know someone who is, then the timing of this study is perfect for you!
A Message for Our Culture Today
How thrilling to study this incredible revelation now, this year! At the very time when so many are struggling, or when you yourself are suffering and in desperate need of real hope. At this very time—when our entire world seems to be teetering on the verge of war, when our streets are filled with anger and anarchy, when Christians around the globe are being persecuted in record-breaking numbers, when corruption and chaos have paralyzed political systems, when lies have been spun as truth, when spiritual darkness and oppressive deception blanket the nations, when wrong is judged to be right and right is judged to be wrong.
Have you wondered, “Is there real hope for the future of my children and my grandchildren?”
The book of Revelation answers with a resounding YES!
Have you asked, “What is our world coming to?”
In 22 chapters, God reveals the end of the story. Even when the worst conceivable nightmares become a reality, there is one splendid, shining, sure hope—not only in the present, but for the future. His name is Jesus!
The Man who entered Jerusalem riding humbly on a donkey in John 12 is revealed to be the same Man who returns to Jerusalem, victoriously riding on a white horse as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Revelation 19:11, 16)
The voice that was silenced before His accusers in John 19 thunders with the sound of many waters, drowning out all other voices (Revelation 1:15).
The tortured, mangled, bloodied prisoner on His way to execution is transformed into the Man bathed in glory! (Revelation 21:23)
The crown of thorns is replaced by many dazzling, golden crowns! (Revelation 14:14; 19:12)
The purple robe with which the soldiers mocked Him as king of the Jews has become a robe of light, flashing like lightning in its brilliance! (Revelation 4:2-3)
The hands that were bound and pierced now hold the book by which every person who has ever lived will be judged! (Revelation 20:11-15)
The crowds that gathered in the courtyard of the judgment hall early that Friday morning, jeering, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” are muted as the universe is filled with a roar of acclamation coming from the multitudes of thousands upon tens of thousands as they shout, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Luke 23:21; Revelation 5:11-12)
There is one splendid, shining, sure hope—not only in the present, but for the future. His name is Jesus!
This revelation has caused the martyr in the flames of death to see through suffering and into eternity.
It has given…
…strength to the weak,
…faith to the doubting,
…courage to the timid,
…peace to the fearful,
…victory to the defeated,
…hope to the hopeless!
In BSF’s next study, Revelation: The Hope, keep your eyes on Jesus! This Revelation is written for you, and it is glorious!