Chapter 1:1-3
Revelation begins with a short introduction announcing that this is the revelation (apocalypse, revealing of divine mysteries) of Jesus Christ. It is announced that God gave the revelation to Him to show his servants what is to come and He revealed this through an angel appointed to give the revelation to John, the disciple of Jesus. The introduction concludes with the first of 7 beatitudes found in Revelation (1:3, 14:3, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, and 22:14). It promises a blessing from Jesus on the ones who read aloud the words to others and to those who hear and take to heart what is written.
This introduction serves to remind us that Jesus is the trustee of the divine revelation. What we know of God we have learned from Jesus, and will continue to learn.
In the introduction we are told that things must shortly come to pass. God has chosen to reveal in this prophesy the future in an obscure and difficult to understand way. Why is this so? I believe it is because God does not want to make things plain to us. He wants us to trust Him and to be constantly ready for Jesus’ return. Many, in their rush to find certainty in life and allay their fears, forget Jesus’ words in Luke 24 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. … they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. … Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. … So you must also be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. (36, 39, 42, 44 NIV). The need many have to interpret Revelation and other passages in scripture and seek the signs on earth is contrary to what God wants. If He wanted us to know what was to come He would have told us plainly. But He does not want us to know. He wants us to be aware His power will be demonstrated in a mighty way and a great Spiritual battle and victory will occur but He wants us to remain watchful and faithful.
What happens in the end times is unimportant. If we go through times of persecution then He will sustain us. If the entire current order of the world disintegrates and we are left as refugees searching for our home in heaven then He will sustain us. There is nothing to be gained by arguing the meaning of Revelation with other people. The important message of Revelation is that God is in control. He is the Supreme Being and Jesus Christ is our Saviour. He has won the victory and He is coming again to bring us to Him. What a wonderful reassurance. That must have been a great comfort to the 1st century Christians at a time when they were persecuted terribly.
The message I glean from verse 3 is that we are to not take God’s word lightly but instead we are to revere and respect it. In addition we are to take God’s word and hold it in our hearts. I have read Revelation many times, always with that knowledge that it is a “difficult book” to read. In my concern about what it says and being caught up in the arguments about what it means I have never seen that message. I am so grateful to God for pointing that beautiful truth out to me. I really look forward to reading more of Revelation and uncovering this beautiful gem.

Following on from the introduction in the previous blog, John, in this letter of prophesy, lifts the gaze of the early Christians heavenward to give them a different perspective on their situation. He demonstrates that God is the creator in all his majesty and power (Chapter 4). He reminds them of Jesus Christ our Redeemer who alone is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll (5). He also speaks of the unfolding of events leading to final judgement (21-22).
There are four views of Revelation and four interpretations of the millennium described in the letter. Firstly the four views are:
The preterist view describes this as a description of past events but overlooks the fact that is it described as being prophetic.
The historicist view sees it as history from the 1st century AD to the second coming of Jesus.
The futurist view sees chapter 4 and onwards as dealing with end time events. The trouble with that is that it would have had no meaning for the people of the time and the books of the Bible have meaning for all ages.
Finally there is the idealist or poetic view which sees the main thrust of the book as concerned with inspiring the persecuted and suffering Christians to endure.
It is likely to be a bit of all four. It must have meant something to first century Christians (Preterist). It gives and has given light to Christians throughout history (Historicist). The book emphasises the ultimate triumph of God (Futurist) and there is a challenge to live for God in days when opposition is fierce. There is also the welcome assurance that God’s triumph is sure (idealist).
It must not be forgotten that the book covers chapter 1 to 3 as well as Chapter 4 to 21. They are one letter, not two separate entities and must be seen as one writing.
Another point of difference between Christian doctrines is the interpretation of the millennium referred to in the prophecy. Is this a literal 1,000 years or symbolic?
If you are a post millenialist you believe that the millennium is a literal time of great success for the gospel that will end when Jesus returns.
If you are pre millenialist you believe that Jesus will return then reign for 1,000 years at the end of which he will judge the world. During this time there will be great increase in faith and increasing clashes between those who follow Jesus and those who do not. Some also believe that Christians will be taken up to heaven, the so called “rapture”, at the beginning of Jesus’ reign.
If you are amillenialist you believe the period referred to in Revelation is symbolic of all end times from ascension of Jesus to Judgement. When Jesus returns it will be the end of all things.
Most of the difficulties understanding Revelation arise from the interpretation of the millennium. There are also hose who identify modern Israel with the fulfilment of biblical prophecy about Israel. Much of this belief has arisen from studying Old Testament prophecy without the qualification of New Testament prophecy and events. Old Testament prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus. It is dangerous to try to second guess God. Our focus in following Jesus should be in the confidence we have in His promise that we would be with Him in heaven when we die. We should live our lives in faith, seeking to grow daily in that faith so that His return, which will be unexpected (Luke 12:39, Mark 13:34-37) does not find us unprepared for entry to heaven. For me it is important to centre my belief on Jesus, the Son of God and my Saviour. It is important to trust in God and hand control of my life to Him. Seeking to determine the signs of His unexpected return (Luke 12:39) or set a date are not the act of a believer in Jesus Christ.
Over the next few months I will be studying Revelation and sharing my thoughts on it with you. I look forward to God’s teaching on this and to sharing that teaching with you.