Revealing RevelationSample

Jesus – the Author and the Focus of the Letter
In a glorious moment on a rocky island, John was commissioned by Jesus Christ to send a letter to seven of His churches. Some of the content was dictated by Jesus while John furiously scribbled; some of it the apostle would witness firsthand. But all of it was a direct message from God to His people. John made it clear from the beginning that the ultimate author is Jesus Christ.

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that we saw” (Rev. 1:1–2).

Revelation – the Content of the Letter
Sadly, there are those who, despite the loving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins, will choose to reject God. For them, only judgment awaits. And who is the One designated to bring about that judgment? Jesus, the Righteous Judge. Speaking of Himself, Jesus said, “The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father” (John 5:22–23).

Blessing – the Benefit of the Letter
Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keeps those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).

This blessing comes in many forms. Among them is the fact that we can know what is coming for this world. God wants us to be aware of what is ahead. He wants us to prepare ourselves and our families for His return. What is the central message of Revelation? It’s Jesus. Remember: He is the Author and focus of this letter. Those who make Jesus their Savior by repenting of their sins and giving their lives to God will receive the wonderful blessing of shelter from the devastation. But this shelter will not be in an underground bunker. It will be in heaven with our Savior in the place that He promised to go and prepare for us (John 14:1-4).