Revelation by Gary DeLashmutt (2003)

An overview of the book of Revelation including analyzing the style, structure, and the purpose of the book. John wanted to fortify the believers to follow him to withstand persecution. In this letter to seven churches within the province of Asia, he emphasizes who Jesus really is ? both king and savior ? and we see the importance of relating to Jesus as both.

Jesus dictates seven letters through John, the Apostle. These letters, while originally addressed to seven churches, hold timeless truths that apply to us now. They cover what it looks like to have an imbalance when relating to Jesus, to be dangerously self deceived in our relationship with Jesus, and what it looks like to see real success when persevering in tough circumstances. Those who are faithful and overcome will one day be rewarded.

In this stage of the letter of Revelation, John begins to address what will come to pass in the end times. Before he can do so, however, Jesus gives him a vision of heaven, a vision that addresses the character of God. It is important that John and his audience understand who God is and what He has done before describing what He will do. John addresses what gives God the authority to intervene in human history and pass judgment on humanity.

John describes what we can expect in the end times: God's judgmental and redemptive acts. God allows humanity to rebel against Him, but one day He will reluctantly alienate those who do not accept His leadership. His desire, however, is for people to turn toward Him. So, while in the final days He will act as judge, He will also reach out to people in extraordinary ways to reveal the path to salvation.

John describes Satan's attempt to kill Jesus, Satan's expulsion from heaven, and Satan's attack on the followers of Jesus during the Great Trinulation. Within this section of the letter, we learn that Satan is a dragon who devours, a serpent who deceives, and an accuser of the brethren. But John does not stop there, and shows us how we can defeat Satan at each turn by not denying our sins, refuting with truth, and being willing to give up even our lives.

This passage predicts the rise and fall of the key human instrument of Satan during the End Times - the beast (or the "Antichrist"). The beast will emerge from a revived form of the Roman Empire, will be raised up and energized by Satan, will have world-wide dominion, will blaspheme God, will persecute Christians, and will finally be defeated by Jesus upon His return. Don't respond to this prophecy with skepticism, obsession, or fear. Rather, be confident in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who is in control.

This prophecy introduces us to another evil character in the End Times, the "Whore of Babylon", that is used to describe the judgment that God will carry out on the earth. She embodies the spiritual adultery of Israel and the apostate Church's worship of idols as history comes to a close. Also described as "Babylon the Great", she represents fallen humanity's determination to construct a society without a need for God by accumulating material wealth, comforts, and technology. Don't be deceived by the appeal of Babylon; turn to Jesus Christ, who is the source of true fulfillment!

Jesus' second coming will be the most dramatic event in human history, and will bring an end to human history as we know it. Unlike his humble first coming, Jesus will come again in great power, with a host of angels and redeemed humans, crowned with universal dominion, and will triumph completely over all of His enemies forever! Jesus will reign for 1,000 years before he finally sends Satan into eternal judgment, which sets the stage for the final judgment of humanity.

All people without a relationship with God will stand before His Great White Throne to face judgment for their rebellion. At face value, most people understandably find this event horrifying, but God's righteousness and goodness are actually demonstrated in His willingness to judge evil. God doesn't force Himself on anyone, but rather allows people a choice. If you've chosen to accept Jesus's free gift of forgiveness, you can take comfort in the fact that you are completely safe from this judgment!

Heaven should be every Christ follower's focus and aim, but unfortunately there are many misconceptions about it. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible describes heaven as a physical place which we will enjoy in unique physical bodies. We will have endless time to enjoy one another and accomplish meaningful work in God's perfect, restored creation! There will no longer be any evil, sadness, sin or damage. Amazingly, all of this is available to you for free if you personally receive God's forgiveness through Jesus's death for your sins!