1. New Testament Survey: The Book of Revelation “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.” (1:7)

2. Background This book brings to a close the New Testament and its history. It completes the perfect, divine revelation of God’s Scheme of Redemption. It is a special revelation, given in a special way, to convey a special message. Revelation—”to reveal or unveil.”

3. Through this revelation, given to the Apostle John on the isle of Patmos, our Lord draws back the “veil.” To show the early church, not only the forces that were at work against God and human redemption, but a glimpse into what the future held for those who were faithful. The only book of prophecy in the New Testament. Background

4. Belongs in the “ apocalyptic ” literature category. The prophetic element is predominate. The book abounds in figurative language, signs, and symbols. Comparable to the OT books of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah. Uses symbolic and figurative language to convey its messages to those to whom they were directed. To serve that purpose, it used language with which they-- especially the Jewish elements--were familiar. At the same time, the language meaning was withheld from those who were enemies of the Lord! Background

5. Written around 95 or 96 A.D. Written by John while he was in exile during the later part of Domitian’s reign ( 81 to 96 A.D.) Written during the time when Emperor worship demanded that they worship him as “Lord.” Faithful Christians refused to do so—thus bringing on persecution. This is the backdrop; it gives great reason to reject the book’s early writing date. Background

6. The book is addressed to the seven churches of Asia. John’s home was probably Ephesus, but he worked throughout the province of Asia Minor. – “ John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne.” (1:4) Background

7. Keys to the Book of Revelation Key words – “Overcome” Key phrase – “Blessed are they who do His commandments” Key chapters – Chapters 1 and 21 Key verses – 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.”

8. Key words – “Overcome” Key phrase – “Blessed are they who do His commandments” Key chapters – Chapters 1 and 21 Key verses – 1:19, 2:10 “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Keys to the Book of Revelation

9. “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Keys to the Book of Revelation Key words – “Overcome” Key phrase – “Blessed are they who do His commandments” Key chapters – Chapters 1 and 21 Key verses – 22:18, 19

10. Purpose of the Book Written at the direct command of the Lord: – “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,’ and, what you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” (1:10,11)

11. The theme of the book is the glorious triumph of Christ and the ultimate victory of the righteous. Victory of the Lamb! This book was designed to give comfort and support to Christians who were undergoing persecution by assuring them that all enemies of Christ and His church would be subdued! Their only hope was in Christ! Purpose of the Book

12. Severe persecution had already begun: – “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days…” (2:10) – “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (2:13) Purpose of the Book

13. Severe persecution had already begun: – “Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.” (2:22) – “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” (3:10) Purpose of the Book

14. The conflict between Christianity and atheistic heathenism increased rapidly, endangering the lives of God’s people throughout the Roman Empire. Because they refused to submit to the Roman Emperor, many would die for their faith. History confirms that this did occur. During her first 30 years, the church enjoyed peace in the Roman Empire. This peace ended abruptly, and it took great courage to be a Christian. Purpose of the Book

15. The early church was looked upon as a sect of Judaism. Beginning with the reign of Nero ( 64 A.D.), dangers and difficulties multiplied. Nero blamed the burning of Rome on the Christians. Often, remaining faithful resulted in loss of occupations, property, possessions, family members, and even their own lives ! Purpose of the Book

16. This revelation was given to unveil to God’s people what they would be called upon to suffer for Christ’s sake. It encouraged faithfulness and renewed to them the promises of God’s providential care over His own. In the end, truth and righteousness would ultimately triumph over the forces of evil. In the present despair, they received assurance of a more intense hope of future divine intervention. Purpose of the Book

17. This revelation emphasized God’s sovereign rule over the nations. It assured believers of God’s judgment of the wicked and their destruction, along with the glorious triumph and reward of the faithful A message of encouragement to these Christians— and for all Christians. A last means of warning those who might be tempted to take the “easy way” out! Purpose of the Book

18. Methods of Interpretation P RETERIT : –Those who try to understand the book by making its symbols and visions relate only to the events of the period during which it was written and who, therefore, believe the book, in its entirety, was fulfilled by the destruction of Jerusalem. Necessary in order to accept the early writing date.

19. H ISTORIST : –Those who approach the book using this method believe that its visions form a complete historical outline of the entire course of church history, from its beginning to the Lord’s second coming. Methods of Interpretation

20. F UTURIST : – This approach is taken by those who believe that the prophecies in the book’s first three chapters were fulfilled during the time in which it was written; or else that the seven churches of Asia represent seven different epochs, or periods, of church history, from the apostles to the Lord’s second coming. Methods of Interpretation

21. I DEALIST : – This represents the method used to understand the book by those who believe in making a spiritual application of its various visions and symbols. They believe that the book becomes a symbolic picture of the struggle between Christ and Satan, the church and the world, truth and error, righteousness and sin, and Christianity and its enemies. It ends with the ultimate triumph of Christ and His church over all forces of error and sin. Methods of Interpretation

22. Some Things to Keep in Mind… Remember what blessing is promised. This necessitated an open mind, a willingness to learn and study without prejudice or a closed mind. Approached with all humility. – “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (1:3)

23. Whatever God wanted those who read and study the book to understand without any doubt or uncertainty, He has made unmistakably clear and positive. Source of revelation: – “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.” (1:1) Some Things to Keep in Mind…

24. The message was concerned with… Some of the things in the vision were being fulfilled and some things would occur “thereafter.” – “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” (1:19) How much time “thereafter” embraces, no man knows or can discover—only God knows when the world will end. Some Things to Keep in Mind…

25. Avoid speculative guessing in your efforts to understand this book. Avoid being dogmatic about what is not plainly made known. Some things in the book are figurative. God has disclosed their significance or meaning (fine linen is the righteousness of the saints). – “The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.” (1:20) Some Things to Keep in Mind…

26. One of the primary rules for interpreting any kind of literature is to avoid giving the language under consideration a figurative meaning, unless demanded by the context, or for some other reason. In a visionary scene full of symbolic representation, we must be careful about making a literal interpretation. Example: Revelation 20… – An angel with chain; the dragon, old serpent; souls seated upon the throne Some Things to Keep in Mind…

27. Consider the martyr scene in chapter 6: – Crying beneath the altar – Seeking revenge for the blood being shed Then again in chapter 20: – Envisioned as seated upon thrones reigning with Christ – Their blood has been avenged, and the cause for which they died has triumphed. – A spiritual scene expressed in figurative language First resurrection is spiritual—not bodily – 1000 years is figurative—not literal (2 Peter 3:8) Some Things to Keep in Mind…

28. The expression “shortly come to pass” does not justify believing that the things John wrote were to be considered necessarily imminent, or that their fulfillment would begin immediately. Many NT passages discussed the coming of the Lord as being “near or at hand,” but 2000 years have passed, and He still hasn’t come! – 1 Thessalonians 4;13-17; Philippians 4:5; James 5:8; 1 Peter 4:7. Some Things to Keep in Mind…

29. It is quite simple to discern whether a symbol--whether just a figurative expression, or a vision--represents good or evil. One might not know exactly what the symbol represents, but there is no difficulty in determining, from this much of its meaning, whether it represents good or evil. Some Things to Keep in Mind…

30. Contents and Characteristics T HE ABSOLUTE SOVEREIGNTY OF G OD (1:1) A message given by God through Jesus Christ The message emanates from God—therefore, it is divine revelation. By His good providence and power, He will overrule and accomplish His purposes. – “ The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” The throne of God – 4:2-11; 5:1-10; 6:14-17; 7:9-12; 11:15-19; 15:3,4; 19:1- 6.

31. T HE R EVELATION OF J ESUS C HRIST (1:1) The beginning of the book and one of its most prominent themes Christ—the book’s central figure—is set forth, along with His authority! – “Faithful witness” – “First begotten from the dead” – “The prince of the kings on earth” (1:5,6; 17:14) – “Cometh in the clouds” (1:7) – “Alpha and Omega” (1:8) Contents and Characteristics

32. T HE R EVELATION OF J ESUS C HRIST (1:1) Christ is in the midst of His church. Glorified in it forever (Ephesians 3:21) His authority over the church is, therefore, absolute and exclusive! He is the “Lamb” who, because of His redemptive work, has the right to administer judgment under the authority of the “sealed book”! – (5:4-7) Contents and Characteristics

33. T HE R EVELATION OF J ESUS C HRIST (1:1) He is revealed as a “conqueror” riding on a white horse at the head of a triumphant procession, as the Roman emperors did with their victorious armies. – 5:9-14; 7:9-17; 15:3-5; 17:14; 19:11-16 – “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” (11:15) Contents and Characteristics

34. T HE R EVELATION OF J ESUS C HRIST (1:1) All of these foregoing passages, and others could be listed, reveal Jesus Christ as “ King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” They DO NOT prophesy that he will become King at His second coming; John’s vision of Him reveals that He is King now, with all authority over the Kingdom of God and the nations and rulers of the earth! Contents and Characteristics

35. T HE O FFICE AND W ORK OF THE H OLY S PIRIT In all of these visions, John was under the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance. – 1:10; 4:1,2; 17:1-3; 21:9,10 All four great cycles of visions began with the assertion that John was “in the Spirit.” Not an imaginary dream, but true revelation from the Lord--all testimony recorded by John while under the Spirit’s influence. Contents and Characteristics

36. T HE O FFICE AND W ORK OF THE H OLY S PIRIT John, in what he wrote to the seven churches, reminded them, “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” – 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22 John affirms the whole revelation given by the Spirit – “And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (22:17) Contents and Characteristics

37. T HE C HURCH IS REVEALED AS THE B RIDE OF THE LAMB OF G OD. The Church as the “bride” is a common figure of the NT. –Ephesians 5:22-33; Romans 7:1-4; John 3:29 Figure used in Revelation to reveal the relationship between Christ and His church –19:7-9; 21:9 Contents and Characteristics

38. T HE C HURCH IS REVEALED AS THE B RIDE OF THE LAMB OF G OD. At His coming, He will receive her unto Himself as a chosen bride, escort her into His Father’s presence, and dwell with her in God’s eternal city. In eternity, she will partake of His everlasting glory. – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12 Great conflict between the Great Harlot and the Bride of the Lamb – 17:1—21:9 Contents and Characteristics

39. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS From the beginning, the Kingdom of God and Christ had been engaged in conflict with the forces of evil. (Ephesians 5:5) In every generation, there is an everlasting struggle between the enemies of righteousness and God’s Kingdom. Contents and Characteristics

40. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS During some periods, opposition has been stronger than in others. Constant struggle to allow Christ to reign in the hearts of men. Satan constantly uses all of his wiles to struggle against truth. Contents and Characteristics

41. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS The first 11 chapters, not only contain messages to the churches, they also seek to encourage them to persevere. There is a series of visions concerning: – God’s might and power. – The worthiness of the Lamb – The glory of His reign through the church Contents and Characteristics

42. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS Chapter 12— ” the great red dragon ” —the serpent of old called the Devil and Satan He persecuted the woman; she gave birth to a man child; the dragon sought to devour it. A man destined to rule over a nation with a “rod of iron” (Psalm 2:9; 110:1-4) Contents and Characteristics

43. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS The man child is caught up into heaven where he struggles with Satan and Michael and his angels. Satan and his angels fail to prevail! They are cast out onto the earth to deceive the nations of the world. Contents and Characteristics

44. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS The woman fled to a place prepared by God; there, she was sustained and nourished by God’s good providence. The dragon continued his war with the woman’s seed. A direct picture of Satan’s attempt to prevent and overthrow the reign of Christ Contents and Characteristics

45. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS Chapter 13, first beast comes out of the sea (seven heads, ten horns, and upon those horns ten crowns); upon his head is the name of “blasphemy.” Beast given power by Satan (13:4) Mouth speaking great things and blasphemies Contents and Characteristics

46. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS Spirit of blasphemy belongs to the antichrist; it vividly pictures heathenistic unbelief. Came to a peak in opposition to Christ and His church when Rome demanded that the entire world recognize the head of the civil state as “Lord.” They were to confess him and burn incense unto him. Contents and Characteristics

47. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS The beast made war against the saints and destroyed man’s faith. – “It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (13:7,8) Contents and Characteristics

48. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS Another great beast came up out of the earth; he had two horns like a lamb and spoke as a dragon. Exercised all power of the first beast; caused all the earth to worship him – 13:11-18 Contents and Characteristics

49. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS Another enemy of Christ— false religion — identified first by religious Rome and the false prophet Countless hearts of millions on the earth have been deceived by Roman Catholicism and protestant denominations. Contents and Characteristics

50. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS “The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (17:4,5) Contents and Characteristics

51. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS Evidently, this is a picture of: –Seduction of evil –Ungodliness –Lasciviousness combined with other enemies of Christ. Contents and Characteristics

52. T HE E VERLASTING C ONFLICT BETWEEN C HRIST AND S ATAN — THE K INGDOM OF G OD AND THE K INGDOM OF D ARKNESS These three enemies--pagan atheism and heathenism, false religions, and a spirit of lasciviousness and ungodliness--are the sources from which destruction has so widely been wrought on the souls of men who have contested and opposed wrong! Contents and Characteristics

53. T HE P ARALLELISM OF THE B OOK The book’s last two sections are parallel: –17:1—21:8 depicts the destruction of the world system of evil represented by the harlot, Babylon. –21:9—22:5 pictures the final appearance of the bride of Christ, the New Jerusalem. The two sections are parallel by way of contrast, as well as by similarity. Contents and Characteristics

54. T HE P ARALLELISM OF THE B OOK : Each section shows the consummation of a purpose: –One, the end of the trend away from God –The other, the end of redemption Each is introduced by “seven angels” and “seven bowls.” Contents and Characteristics

55. Parallelism… The first section introduces a harlot The latter a bride –The wilderness scene of the harlot –17:3 “So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”“So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”

56. The first section introduces a harlot The latter a bride –The mountain scene of the bride –21:10 “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.”“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.” Parallelism…

57. The first section introduces a harlot –Harlot full of names of blasphemy –17:3 “So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”“So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” Parallelism…

58. The latter a bride –Names of the 12 tribes and 12 apostles –Inscribed on the Holy City –21:12-14 “… and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel... Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” “… and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel... Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Parallelism…

59. First section introduces a harlot –Babylon, city of corruption and judgment –17:6 “I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.”“I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.” Parallelism…

60. Judgment… J UDGMENT –Judgment centers around God’s throne. –God’s absolute sovereignty 18:1-5 20:7-10 20:14,15 “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

61. Three Judgment Series T HREE SERIES OF J UDGMENTS IN THE SECOND VISION – Seven seals – Seven trumpets – Seven bowls Terrible picture of God’s judgments upon those who dwell on the earth Man remained unrepentant – 6:15-17; 9:20,21; 16:9,11,21

62. D EFEATING THE FORCES OF EVIL, G OD REIGNS S UPREME ! The Lord’s chief enemies: – The dragon – The first beast – The second beast and the false prophet – The scarlet woman riding upon the beast Failure in “ war with the Lamb ” Overcome and consigned to their doom – 19:19-21; 20:10 Three Judgment Series

63. T HE H EART OF THE BOOK ’ S MESSAGE “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.“ (17:14) Great certainty of the final triumph of the Lamb of God and the forces of righteousness over the forces of evil and error. Message of comfort and hope! Victory with the Lamb! Three Judgment Series