Articles
Reading Revelation
Reading Revelation
Most New Testament books are written because of a situation that needs to be addressed. Revelation was written to deal with the coming persecution that Christians were going to face (2:3, 10). I would thus suggest that a main thrust of the book is stated in Rev. 17:14: "They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."
If we are faithful to Jesus, we will overcome all opposition. God and His cause will 'win'. In view of such persecution against Christians they are encouraged to: "be faithful unto death (2:10); "hold fast" (2:25); " Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it…" (3:3); and "hold fast what you have…" (3:11). Never give up.
The book is not what we think of as a normal book. It is a book that is written in much symbolism. Brother David Riggs wrote: " The word "signified" (vs. 1) means "the act or process of signifying by signs or other symbolic means" (Webster); "to give a sign, indicate, to signify" (Vine). Normally, a passage of Scripture must be understood in its plain and natural sense unless the context demands that it be taken figuratively. The reverse is true in Revelation--the symbols are to be taken figuratively unless the context demands otherwise. The symbols and figures of Revelation should be understood in the light of the plain passages of the New Testament and should never be made to contradict them".
When things in this world appear like they are out of control, remember God is still God. When evil seems to have the upper hand, remember that such will be short-lived at best. Whatever comes, remain faithful to Jesus. Hugh DeLong
