Revelation: The Beginning of the End

Revelation 1:1-3

Today, we start a journey through the final book of the Bible—the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The word “revelation" comes from the Greek word apokalypsis. We get the words “apocalypse” and “apocalyptic” from it. We see this term used in movie titles to suggest widespread destruction or disaster. However, in Scripture, apokalypsis means to “uncover or unveil something hidden,” to supernaturally reveal what we cannot discover on our own. God wants us to understand how it all started, how sin caused a broken world, how this world will end, and what eternity will be like.   

We'll encounter events and beings in this book that human language cannot fully describe, so God uses figurative language to explain the indescribable. These signs and symbols have led to many different interpretations. I will do my best to help us understand what should be taken figuratively and what should be understood literally. My goal is to provide clarity as we discuss specific events and how they fit into theology; however, it’s important to remember that this book has one main message: In the end, we win!

Let’s begin. 

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him (Rev. 1:1a).
All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and so it is with the book of Revelation. God is the source, and his words are trustworthy and certain. The Old Testament prophet Daniel explained that only the God of heaven can reveal mysteries (Dan. 2:27-28). It was God who gave the words of Revelation to Jesus, and then Jesus, through an angel, delivered them to John, who recorded them for us (Rev. 1:1c).

The official title of this book comes from the first five words, “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is from Jesus and about Jesus. God gave this revelation to Jesus “to show his servants the things that must soon take place” (Rev. 1:1b). Interestingly, the words of this book were recorded in AD 95; therefore, 1,930 years have passed since then. Yet, these events haven’t happened, so why does Scripture detail that they “must soon take place”? In fact, the amount of time that has already passed might lead some to wonder if these things will ever occur. But remember, “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3:8-9). God will keep his promises in his perfect timing… and aren’t you grateful for his patience?  

The Revelation given to John.
Jesus relayed the Revelation “by sending his angel to his servant John.” We are not told the angel’s name, but can you imagine the joy of such a special assignment, delivering the Revelation?  

We’ll learn that John was on the island of Patmos when he received these words, and we’ll discuss why he was there (Rev. 1:9). It was in this setting that John “bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw” (Rev. 1:2). And John saw incredible things. Here’s one of the first images he witnessed: 

…One like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.  In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength (Rev. 1:13-16).

We’ll explore these verses more deeply later, but for now, let the depiction of Jesus sink in. His absolute brilliance and glory were on full display. John was one of the twelve disciples traveling with Jesus when our Lord taught and healed. He stood at the foot of the cross and saw Jesus in agony as he took on the punishment for sin, and he even saw the resurrected Lord! But…he had never seen Jesus like this before! It was overwhelming for John to process. He said, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead” (Rev. 1:17). But Jesus placed his right hand on John and said, “Fear not…” (Rev. 1:17). What a powerful picture of Jesus in all his majesty, comforting and encouraging his servant!

Blessed are those who read this prophecy.
The words John wrote were directed to seven churches. Once a letter was received, it was customary for someone to read aloud the prophecy to the entire congregation. John writes, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear…” (Rev. 1:3). The word “hear” means to “take the words to heart” and to follow them. John says, “Blessed are those…who keep what is written in it…” (Rev 1:3). 

Don’t miss this promise: “Blessed is the one who reads… those who hear…who keep what is written…” (Rev. 1:3). That promise is referring to you and me as we study this book together and seek to apply it to our lives! 

The time is near.
The book of Revelation should prompt the anticipation of Christ’s return in the heart of every believer. The time is near, and each day brings it closer. 

Are the signs of our current times pointing to the imminent return of Jesus? They might be. Many generations before us believed they were living in the last days. The point is, every generation should live with the expectation of Christ’s return. 

One more thing. The time is drawing near for each of us. No one is guaranteed another hour or day. More important than understanding Revelation is having confidence in your relationship with Jesus. Have you placed your faith in him alone as the only way to be reconciled with the living God? If you have trusted in Jesus, your eternity is secure, whether you see him in the clouds at his return or face to face as you move from death to eternal life. For all of us... the time is near. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 1:1-3. Focus on how the time is approaching. Are you prepared to meet Jesus no matter when he comes?

Talking to God: How does understanding that Revelation is “from God, through Jesus, to us” shape your trust in its message?

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to help as we study God's Word together. Submit your question below, and we'll get back to you soon. If you want to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or need spiritual guidance, please reach out.