Richard Roberts and I wants to share something to you. Revelation is a book that speaks to God’s people in every generation, including ours today. In this one book the Holy Spirit gave its author, John, the sweeping purpose of God from beginning to end. It sums up everything that went before it and everything that is coming. It tells of the judgment of the nations, the revelation of the antichrist, the false prophet, the mark of the beast, and how Jesus Christ Himself shall return from heaven. If you were to ask many Christians what the book of Revelation is, they might say, “It’s a mystery.” But in reality, Revelation is the greatest love story ever told. It tells where we come from, where we are today, where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there.
Background and Setting
When John wrote the book of Revelation, the world ruler in Rome at that time was Nero. Nero had become very active in his persecution of the early Church—he had killed all of Jesus’ apostles, except John, and had banished John to the tiny, barren island of Patmos, off the coast of Turkey. I really believe that Nero thought by banishing John the beloved apostle, he could destroy Christianity. But notice that God knew where John was. He dispatched His angel to him, and something stupendous happened. John was called upon to write down the revelation of Jesus Christ which the Father had given to His Son.
Why did God give this revelation to Jesus? I believe the Father was showing the risen Christ all the things that are to come. And in doing do, He has shown it to us as well through His written Word.
Revealed by the Spirit
Richard Roberts and I personally believe that the Book of Revelation is written, for the most part, in code. For example, John used the number 7 fifty four times. I believe there are many code numbers and code words in this book. And I believe God has placed them in a special way to reveal special meanings so that it could be deciphered and understood only by those who know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Then through them, the message of Revelation should be shared with the world.
That Glorious Day
Revelation 1:7 says, Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him. It’s going to be some scene, my friend, when Jesus appears in the clouds! It is the most precious day to believers and the blessed hope of all the children of God. If you have never asked Jesus to come into your heart, or if you’ve walked away from your relationship with Him and want to return, this is a perfect time to do so. Let’s pray this prayer together right now: Heavenly Father, I know I am a sinner, a backslider. I have walked away from You, and I ask Your forgiveness. I turn away from my sins, Lord, and I turn toward You. Come into my heart, Jesus, and be my Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
