Course Overview
No book of the Bible has produced more questions, more theories, and more disagreement than the book of Revelation.
Some see it as a detailed timeline of modern world events. Others view it as a book that cannot be understood at all. Still others avoid reading it because its visions and symbols seem too confusing.
Yet Revelation was not written to confuse God's people.
It was written to encourage them.
Like every other book of the Bible, Revelation was written by a real author to real Christians living in a particular historical setting. Before asking what it means for us today, we must first ask what it meant to those who first received it.
Throughout this library we have learned several important principles.
We read passages in their context.
We recognize different kinds of literature.
We allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.
We let the New Testament explain God's unfolding plan.
Those same principles will guide us as we study Revelation.
Revelation is not ordinary history or ordinary prophecy.
It belongs to a style of writing known as apocalyptic, where God communicates through signs, symbols, visions, and vivid imagery. Much of that imagery comes directly from the Old Testament prophets, especially Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Zechariah, Joel, and Exodus.
Understanding those earlier Scriptures often explains Revelation far better than modern speculation.
Above all, Revelation is a book about Jesus Christ.
It reveals Him as the risen Lord, the reigning King, the victorious Lamb, and the One who will finally defeat every enemy.
Its purpose is not to satisfy curiosity about every future event.
Its purpose is to strengthen the faith of God's people by assuring them that, despite appearances, Jesus Christ reigns, and He will ultimately triumph.
As always, our goal is simple:
Read First. Conclude Later.
Questions, comments, or disagreements?
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Bible Studies
Bible Study 1
How Should We Read the Book of Revelation?
Bible Study 2
What Does "He Made It Known by Signs" Mean?
Bible Study 3
Why Does Revelation Use So Many Old Testament Images?
Bible Study 4
Who Was Revelation Originally Written To?
Bible Study 5
What Is the Main Message of Revelation?
Bible Study 6
How Should We Understand the Millennium?
Bible Study 7
Putting It All Together
Bible Study 8 Revelation 20
What Does Revelation 20 NOT Say?
Who Are the “Saints” in Revelation?