The Last Book of the Bible—Revelation

This last book of the Bible has fascinated most people who wish to understand the Bible. The Revelation was given to the Apostle John while he was a prisoner on the island of Patmos in approximately AD 96. Many want to understand this book before they have come to appreciate all that has gone before. There is one fundamental point that is so often missed. The Revelation was given by Jesus Christ “to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass”. It is therefore a prophetic book, revealing those things that were to affect the servants of Christ from the time when it was given through to the time when the Kingdom will be set up at his return, and even beyond. It has therefore been very encouraging to his servants in every generation from the time of John through to our day.

It is a remarkable book for the unerring accuracy of its predictions; however it can only be understood in the light of a knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible and the prophetic messages, particularly Daniel’s, which have gone before. To try to interpret it without such a foundation will only lead to confusion and error. It was specifically given to the servants of Christ, who have come to know and understand God’s will and purpose with the earth. The patient and careful consideration of its visions and message is a source of encouragement to all those who put time and effort into studying it.

The message of Revelation is clearly consistent with the rest of the Bible—it proclaims the teaching of the coming Kingdom of God on earth.

• The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15)

• “Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10)

• “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12)

John concludes the book with an earnest prayer. It is the prayer of all those who faithfully look for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have every reason to believe that he will soon return to reward those who have endeavoured to serve him and have earnestly prayed, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Let us all prepare for that day in the way he has appointed so that we, with John, can genuinely pray, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Adapted from “The Exploring the Bible Course” by David Evans