MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
The last book in the Bible is called The Revelation, a message given to John by Jesus Christ. It concerns His return to earth, and underscores for followers the importance of John 16:33. "'These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.'"
As we've found in our studies of other New Testament books, the incarnation - God's Son made flesh - is foundational to Christian hope. God's plan since the beginning of time was to intervene in human history, preparing for the day He would come and provide the means for us to experience victory over sin and death. The source of that deliverance is Jesus' death and resurrection. Since He ascended into heaven, He has been preparing for His final return and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth. That's what The Revelation is about.
It's my conclusion that the book was written after the Gospel of John and John's letters, or its events would have bled into them more. The concepts in those earlier writings include good and evil, light and darkness, love and hate, but lack the apocalyptic forms of God, and Christ and the Church at war with the devil, false prophet, and the beast. Revelation's future orientation and graphic depiction of events would have distracted (it still does for some) from the purpose of John's Gospel and letters.
Revelation begins with who wrote it and why. The first chapter says God gave Jesus Christ the revelation, who communicated it to John through His angel, for sharing with Christ's servants. It is addressed to seven churches in Asia, with the "Lord God, Almighty" announcing that "He is coming with the clouds".
As often when humans encounter deity, Jesus had to say, "'Do not be afraid'", for John fell at His feet as a dead man. Appropriately, He added, "'I am... the living One; I was dead, behold, I am alive forevermore, and have the keys of death and Hades'" (Revelation 1:17-18). The Living One then directed John to write, "'the things which you have seen'" [discussed above] ...the "things which are" [chapters 2 and 3], ...and the things which shall take place after these things [the rest of the book].
In the vision of "things that are" (1:20), John saw seven golden lamp stands and seven stars representing seven churches, and their angels [literally messengers, probably pastors]. These were seven churches that existed during John's time, and the sayings addressed specific problems; they are also appropriate for churches during any era.
• Jesus Christ is identified as the author by descriptive characteristics.
• He commends the churches' admirable qualities.
• He condemns them [not too strong a word considering the consequences] for their shortcomings.
• He urges them to remember and repent.
• He invites each, "‘...who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches'”.
• He promises rewards “to him who overcomes”.
Jesus is identified as the One who holds the stars (pastors) in His hand and walks among the lampstands (churches). He is the first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life. The Son of God has the two-edged sword and eyes like a flame. The Amen is the faithful and true Witness who holds the key of David.
Jesus commends churches for their deeds of love, service and faithfulness in the face of tribulation, poverty, and blasphemy. For Sardis and Laodicea, He offers no praise, for they lack both deeds and faithfulness.
Jesus then specifically condemns those who have left their first love, accepted false teaching, failed their responsibilities, or performed immoral acts. Philadelphia and Smyrna receive no condemnation, only assurance and encouragement.
Jesus calls them all to remember what they have seen and heard, and from where they have fallen. They are told to repent and strengthen their faith by redoing their first deeds because He is coming to make war and judge each according to their deeds. Smyrna and Philadelphia are simply encouraged to “be faithful until death.”
Rewards for the faithful are that they will eat of the tree of life - avoid the pain of a second death - feast on hidden manna - receive permanence in the Book of Life - become pillars in God’s temple - and sit down with Jesus on His throne. By overcoming failures with His help, we will be like Him and share in His glory in the kingdom.
The call is to hold fast to our faith and follow His word. He is the way, the truth, and the life – through Him we have access to the Father. Each section ends with a call to understanding by listening to the Spirit of God. The section closes with a call appropriate for all (3:19-20). “‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.'”
As individuals, God leads us to a point of faith where we turn to Him in repentance and enter a relationship. He comes in the crises of our lives when we call upon Him. And He will come in our time of death to receive us into His presence.
