In the past many have called the book of Revelation a dark book. This is strange, because the very word “revelation” comes from a Greek word that means “an unveiling.” So, “revelation” means “to reveal.” The book is not called “Revelations.” It is called “Revelation.” Its divine title is found in verse one: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ…” We must stay focused on Him as we approach this book. See Revelation 19:10; Romans 1:16; Colossians 1:14-18; 2:6-8; II Timothy 1:12.

We are promised a blessing (Revelation 1:3) and we must seek that blessing, as well as let the book bless others. By this, it is meant that we must be careful not to become combative and dogmatic about our positions, bludgeoning others who do not agree with us on prophetic doctrine. A person may start out with a simple position on prophecy like this: “There’s a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. Only through Christ can we know that we will go to heaven after we die. Christ will come for us. He will take care of how and when He comes. He will make everything right and we will be happy with Him forever.” With that attitude a person could read the mysterious things in Revelation and still be encouraged without understanding it all.

Having said that we must not forget the purpose of the book, “…to show unto his servants (slaves) things which must shortly come to pass…” Jesus Christ wants His servants (slaves) to understand that He has a plan; that, from eternity’s viewpoint, in a relatively short time Christ will fulfill all of His promises by coming to earth and establishing His unending Kingdom. We’re not given this revelation so that we can become “little prophets,” setting dates. We are given this revelation of Jesus Christ so that we can be confident in Him: what He has done, what He is doing, and what He is yet to do – not merely knowing the future, but knowing Him who holds the future. The book of Revelation is not a book that merely discloses events. It is a book of relationship. We see Jesus: our Savior, our Lord, the King and Judge of all the earth. The book of revelation transitions us from viewing the historic Jesus to viewing the living Jesus.

The Blessed Christ – Let’s see some of the things revealed about Christ in chapter one.

• “…Him which is, and which was, and which is to come…” Revelation 1:4
• “…The faithful witness...” Revelation 1:5
• “…The first begotten of the dead...” Revelation 1:5
• “…The prince of the kings of the earth…” Revelation 1:5
• “…Him that loved us...” Revelation 1:5
• “…Him that washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Revelation 1:5
• “…Him who has made us kings and priests unto God and His Father…” Revelation 1:6
• He is coming with clouds; and every eye shall see Him. Revelation 1:7;19:11-21
• “…Alpha and Omega, the first and the last...” Revelation 1:11, 18
• “…Son of Man…clothed with a garment down to the foot…with a golden girdle.” Revelation 1:13 [He is dressed as a judge and a king.]
• “His head and hairs white...” Revelation 1:14 [This is to show that He is ancient and eternal. See Daniel 7:9,13,22]
• Eyes like a flame of fire. Feet like brass in a furnace. Countenance like the sun. Revelation 1:14, 15, 16 [This is describing His discernment and judgment.]
• His voice as a trumpet…as the sound of many waters. Revelation 1:10, 15 [This shows power and authority.]
• In His right hand – seven stars. Revelation 1:16, 20 [This represents Christ’s care and control over the servants who minister in His churches.]
• “…Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword…” Revelation 1:16 [This shows His authority and judgment by the Word of God. See Hebrews 4:12-13; Isaiah 11:1-4.]
• He that lives and was dead; and is alive for evermore. Revelation 1:18 [The crucified Christ who has risen and has conquered death.]
• He has the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:18 [He has all power and authority]

This is a far different appearance than what people saw about 60 years earlier! Note Matthew 17:1-8.

The Blessing Book – How are we blessed by the book of Revelation?

A blessing is pronounced to all who would read and hear and keep the words of this book (Revelation 1:3). It is a book intended to bless every generation. Though many of its themes are based on the future, it gives great insight on what has been happening and is happening in our lives today. The book of Revelation is designed to help the servants (slaves) of Christ. See Revelation 1:1 cp. Romans 6:9-18; I Corinthians 6:19-20. It is not a book for the curious. It is a book for the consecrated.

• Read it – Faithfully pour over its pages as you would any other book of the Bible.
• Hear it – That is, pay attention, and be receptive to what is revealed to you.
• Keep it – Keep it close to your heart. Observe the many instructions and commands.

“…For the time is at hand.” (Revelation 1:3) There is a sense of urgency and vitality about this statement. Christ is coming. There are things to do. Do you want to be doing what you are doing when the Lord comes? Here are just a few suggestions:

• Watch and pray – Mark 13:31-37; Luke 18:1-8; 21:36; I Peter 4:7; Revelation 5:8.
• Occupy till I come – Luke 19:11-28; I Corinthians 15:51-58; Titus 2:11-14; Revelation 14:13.
• Evangelism – Revelation 22:17; II Corinthians 5:10-11; 6:2; Isaiah 55:6.

Series Outline