In the past few issues, we have been overviewing the wonderful book of Revelation. This article concludes our study.
Chapter 19-God keeps His promises. The saints can now rejoice and sing. They've survived the beast's persecutions! God fought the devil, and the saints were victorious. Their blood has been avenged (vs.12). It's time for the Lamb's marriage, and the bride has made herself ready (vs.7-9). The Church is victorious!! John was forbidden to worship the angel who brought the message; only God should be worshiped (vs.10). The one on the white horse is Christ (vs.11-16). To the victor belongs the spoils (vs.17-21).
Chapter 20-God rewards His own. God and His Lamb now rule forever. Satan is exposed, limited, and judged. In the entire Bible, no other chapter is more abused than this chapter. It is the springboard to the "Premillennialist Theory." In their attempts to understand who "they" refers to, religious thinkers have ignored the chapter's context, insisting rather on a physical kingdom, king, and a 1,000-year reign. Yes, the chapter is difficult, but we must remember to reconcile it with the rest of the Bible. Notice what this chapter does NOT MENTION: 1. Christ's second coming. 2. A bodily resurrection. 3. A reign on the earth. 4. A literal throne. 5. Jerusalem or Palestine. 6. "Us." 7. Christ coming to the earth. How remarkable it is that people can see in this chapter all of these things that are never mentioned!
The Revelation's setting is the intense persecution of the early church. It is written in highly symbolic language, because of the pagan world power at the time. The book's general purpose was to set forth, in signs and symbols, the early church's struggles with, and triumph over, Rome's onslaught. In spite of the power the devil gave to Rome, God's people, if they remained faithful and committed to Him, would win the final victory. God's people, if they cling to and follow the Lord, will always win over evil. This message is just as important today as it was then.
Chapter 21-The faithful are in a new environment. There's a new beginning. Rome is defeated; the ungodly are punished; and John sees a grand and glorious victory for the Lord's church. This has meaning for us. God has prepared heaven for the faithful who withstand their trials. The new "heavenly Jerusalem" is heaven. The "bottom line" is that we must remain faithful!
Chapter 22-Do not tamper with God's Book. This book gives the Lord's invitation to all who are willing to meet His conditions and attain the promise-HEAVEN. The Revelation ends with instructions not to add to or diminish from its words. God foresaw what men would do with a book of "signs and symbols." If we approach it in the proper context and theme, it becomes a powerful book of comfort for us all!!