Revelation Booklet Introduction

The last book of the Bible often evokes a lot of emotional energy.  It can be quite exciting.  And often it can be somewhat enigmatic.  But unlike many of the Reformers we think it a mistake to ignore or neglect this book.  It is the culmination of history, the moment that makes sense out of everything in life we may find hard to understand.  The personal, political, economic, societal (put in any other adjectives you think appropriate) come to a head when Jesus Christ returns to earth.  

For me this book is a reminder of our time in Israel.  The pictures on the front cover of the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives and the view of Armageddon from Tel Megiddo with Mt. Tabor in the background remind us of the time when Christ is revealed.  It is also a reminder of our time in Ukraine at Zaporozhe Bible College and Seminary where we had the opportunity to teach Revelation (and for the same reason it reminds us of churches in Walsh, Colorado, and Lewistown and Kalispell, Montana.  God be praised for the privilege.

We are told this book was signified to the angel (1:1).  This refers to the use of symbols or signs to reveal God’s truth.  Many find this difficult, given the somewhat strange pictures in Revelation.  But I think we ought not find it so difficult.  There are hard parts.  But the key to understanding is found in the Old Testament.  The blessing announced in 1:3 (on those who read and keep the words of this prophecy) assumes the servants of Christ will read and understand so as to be built up.  Let us ask God for understanding, and then let us use good interpretive skills, comparing scripture with scripture (1 Cor. 2:13-16).  Let us enjoy the  journey.  If you disagree with our conclusions be sure you are on good footing and then continue the study.  There is a blessing!

You may leave a comment on our Matthew 6:33 blog if you wish: http://ronandcindy.blogspot.com.  (Do not use the gmail address associated with the blog.)  And you may contact us by email: cinsron@yahoo.com.  We enjoy edifying dialogue.

Ron Youde, Kalispell, MT October 2016