“What is this book about? It is Christ’s final phase of redemption, the execution of His entrance into human history.” Dr. Andy Woods
The book of Revelation begins by stating that its message was given by God the Father to Jesus, then through His angel, to be shared with Christ’s church. It is quite a powerful message, supported by God’s word given through several Old Testament prophets.
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, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Revelation 1:1-2 (NKJV)
These “things which must shortly take place” relate to preparations for Christ’s physical return to earth, His second advent. First, many believe Jesus will gather all His Church to Himself in an event often referred to as the rapture. This will be covered in more detail with a look at biblical evidence in future meditations.
Next, Christ will impose a series of judgments against wickedness and unrighteousness on earth in what the prophets refer to as the “day of the Lord”. At the end of a seven-year tribulation period, the “day of Jacob’s trouble”, Jesus will rescue His chosen people, Israel. At long last, they will see and recognize Christ for who He is, their Messiah, as He delivers them from a massive, global invasion, and then cleanses them in one day from all sin, unbelief, and unrighteousness.
Through this end time action, Jesus will take back all power from the enemy, destroy corrupt and oppressive world systems, and rightfully establish Himself as eternal king and ruler over all the earth. In fulfillment of the of the writings of the numerous Old Testament prophets, thousands of years of human-led history will thus be ended, to be permanently replaced by the wonderful kingdom of God. This kingdom will be led by a victorious Christ, reigning in glory and power on the throne of David in a New Jerusalem.
This whole scenario is very different from that of Jesus’ first advent, when He was born in Bethlehem to a virgin, Mary. When grown, He began a three-year ministry preaching the good news of His coming kingdom, testified to by countless miracles which fulfilled the words of the prophets regarding the coming Messiah.
Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote of these days:
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)
Jesus came the first time to share the good news of His coming kingdom, to provide atonement for all of our sins and shortcomings through His sacrificial death on the cross, and to pave the way for our eternal life through His resurrection from the dead. This loving act provides for the complete forgiveness of sin for all believers, permitting people of faith to live forever in God’s holy presence.
Years after Christ’s resurrection, the apostle Paul wrote of this first phase of redemption:
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NKJV)
Christ’s final phase of redemption still lies ahead of us, and there is much to learn of it as we walk through the book of Revelation.
Reflection
Lord, may the Holy Spirit guide and teach us as we seek to learn more about You and Your coming kingdom. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 