Introduction To The Book of The Revelation

Temple Baptist Church - 8-11-2019

Revelation 1:1-3

Introduction:

A.  Eschatology – The study of things to come.  The word “Revelation” comes from the Greek word “apokalupsis.”  Apocalypsis - appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.

Luke 2:32  A light to lighten (apokalupsis) the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

B.  The Book of Revelation is a book of consummation; thus it is fitting that it should have been assigned the last place in the Bible. One careful reading of the Bible will convince anyone that this inspired volume forms a complete cycle.

C.  Genesis is the book of commencement; Revelation is the book of consummation.  Revelation is an excellent finish to the divine library.

Genesis – The commencement of Heaven and earth (1:1);

Revelation – The consummation of Heaven and earth (21:1).

Genesis – The entrance of sin and the curse (3:1-19);

Revelation – The end of sin and the curse (21:27; 22:3).

Genesis – The dawn of Satan and his activities (3:1-7);

Revelation – The doom of Satan and his activities (20:10).

Genesis – The tree of life is relinquished (2:9; 3:24);

Revelation – The tree of life is regained (22:2).

Genesis – Death makes its entrance (2:17; 5:5);

Revelation – Death makes its exit (21:4).

Genesis – Sorrow begins (3:16);

Revelation – Sorrow is banished (21:4).

D.  Many in our day say that Revelation is still a “closed” book, but this is not true.  It is a very “open” book.

Daniel 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.  (Not just knowledge in general, but scriptural knowledge because of the completed canon of a completed Word of God, readily available to the people.)

Revelation 1:1  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 22:10  And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

E.  The Revelation or unveiling of Jesus Christ.  It is the Word of the living God, given by Divine inspiration, and invested with Divine authority.

1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  (Through the Book of Revelation, Jesus Christ appears to us and we see Him as He is.)

F.  The deliverance of the Revelation is four-fold. 

1.  God the Father gave it to Jesus Christ. which God gave unto him

2.  Jesus Christ gave it to John.  “he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John”

3.  The Holy Ghost, through Divine inspiration used John to give it to us.  “Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.”

2 Peter 1:19-21  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  (20)  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  (21)  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

G.  The Book of Revelation does several things for the believer; therefore, the three fold blessing in verse 3.

1.  It Dispels the Fear that mankind and Satan will Overrule God.

2.  It Delivers the Believer from all Fear of the end of all things known.

3.  It Comforts the Reader in times of Tribulation.

4.  It Persuades Mankind to come to Christ before it is eternally too late.

H.  The three-fold blessing of the believer.  This three-fold blessing is contingent upon the believer’s relationship to the Book of Revelation.

1.  PERSONAL READING:  Taking a Personal interest in reading of the Revelation.  “Blessed is he that readeth.” 

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

a.  Taking the time to read Revelation will help to give us a proper perspective of Eschatology.

b.  Taking the time to read Revelation will give the Holy Spirit time to interpret Eschatology. 

2.  PASTORAL HEARING:  Taking a Pastoral interest in the teaching of Revelation.  “Blessed are they that hear the words of this prophecy.” 

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

a.  Sitting at the feet of God’s men opens the door for sound doctrinal teaching.

b.  Sitting at the feet of God’s men gives helps us to maintain an Old Paths perspective of doctrine.

3.  PRACTICAL OBEDIENCE:  Taking a Practical interest in obedience to the Book of Revelation.  “Blessed are those who keep those things which are written therein.” 

James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

a.  Obedience to God’s revealed will strengthens and establishes the believer.

b.  Obedience to God’s revealed Word gives perspective and protection to the believer.

Conclusion:  “For the time is at hand.”