The Book of Revelation - Part 2 by Ps Michael Podhaczky

Last week we began a brief journey concerning the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. As we continue, many will have their views as to the main topic/s of the book, but what do we know regarding the Revelation? The following is a brief summary of the book.

Firstly it needs to be said that the book needs to be treated as any other book or letter in the Bible. That is, as God’s Word. It is to be used with respect to its author and the One who inspired it, God. It is never to be used to damage another Christ-follower or any person for that matter. It needs to be read and studied in its context and within the community of faith. Remember that it is not open to any personal or weird interpretation, but rather, it has a larger audience and application than we could foresee.

The main subject of the book of Revelation is Jesus Christ. Then furthermore, with that primary matter in mind, there is the topic of the things which must shortly take place. So, if that is the case, then notice that John called the book,

·         “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must shortly take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John” (Rev 1:1 NASB).

Notice the progression of this revelation as coming from God, to Christ, to His angel (messenger), then to John the apostle, and finally His bond-servants (love-servants). John was shown some things that were to take place shortly.

·         “Write, therefore, the things which you (John) have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things” (Rev 1:19 NASB).

John saw Jesus in a way that he had never seen Him before. A door was standing open to heaven and John was invited to come in to heaven in the spirit. See below,

·         “After these things I (John) looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things’” (Rev 4:1 NASB).

·         “And he (the angel mentioned in 21:9) said to me (John), ‘These words are faithful and true;’ and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must shortly take place” (Rev 22:6 NASB).

So, we see the main topic and the urgency of the message given to John.

From the start, it is vital to see that, Jesus Christ is the key to the whole Revelation. He is the theme of the book of the Revelation. It speaks more about Jesus Christ in various ways than any other book in the Bible. It soon becomes clear that it is very different from what we have been told or believe that the Book is about; it is Jesus Christ!

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…