Revelation

The book of Revelation is an important yet often neglected part of Church doctrine on Eschatology and Christology. Perhaps the rich symbolisms and vivid imageries within its pages have caused confusion instead of clarity in the minds of many who read it.

That said, Revelation is God's final word to man in the inspired Scripture, and has very much to do with His eternal plan and purpose in Jesus Christ, to be revealed and fulfilled through the ages of history. Behind the figurative narratives is a consistent drama that is played out since time began, which God from eternity past had sovereignly predestinated when He created Man in His own image, to bring all things into subjection under the authority and rule of His beloved Son, through the process of creation and redemption, for His ultimate glory.

4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou has created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

How then should we approach Revelation? We are not to be intrigued or engrossed with endless speculations to the times or seasons which God has not revealed; rather, we are to watch, wait, wrestle (pray), and work in all readiness as we look forward to the Lord's return.

1:7 Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him...

22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Are we ready?

OUTLINE OF REVELATION

1. The Things Which Thou Hast Seen (1:1-20)
a. Purpose of the Book (1:1-3)
b. Recipient of the Book (1:4-8)
c. The Visions that John Saw (1:9-18)
d. The Command that John Received (1:19-20)
2. The Things Which Are (2:1-3:22)
Letters to the Seven Churches
Ephesus | Smyrna | Pergamos | Thyatira
Sardis | Philadelphia | Laodicea
3. The Things Which Shall Be Hereafter (4:1-22:21)
a. Scenes in Heaven (4:1-5:14)
The Throne Room of God
The Lamb and the 7-Seal Scroll
b. Situations on Earth (6:1-18:24)
The Seven Seals Judgment
1st Parenthesis: The 144,000 and Multitude
The Seven Trumpets Judgment
2nd Parenthesis: The Two Witnesses
3rd Parenthesis: The Seven Signs
The Seven Bowl Judgment
4th Parenthesis: Satan Bound
c. The Millennium Kingdom (19:1-20:15)
The Second Coming and Harvest
Establishing Everlasting Dominion
Final Judgment – The Great White throne
d. The New Heaven and Earth (21:1-22:21)
New Jerusalem – The Bride of Christ
Consummation of Salvation
The Eternal State
An Invitation and a Warning