Our Daily Bread - Bible BasicsSample

4. Revelation: Prophecy

As we have worked through the New Testament, we have seen the story of God’s salvation in Christ revealed like the gradual unrolling of a scroll. We have read of great events: the miraculous birth of Christ, His 3 years of public ministry, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection. Rising out of the disappointment of Calvary came the transformed disciples who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, established the church and extended it throughout the world. And the church still lives today, perhaps stronger now than it has been for generations. 

But how will it all turn out? What will happen next? What lies ahead for the church—and for the world?

The answers came to John, Jesus’ beloved disciple, in a series of dreams and visions. Written down in the book of Revelation in highly figurative language, they set forth the future of the church and all mankind.

John’s Vision of the Past (Revelation 1–3). John saw Christ, the Head of the church, walking among lampstands that represented seven churches of Asia Minor. To these churches He gave words of approval, accusation, or admonition. Those who endured were promised spiritual reward at Christ’s return. 

John’s Vision of Heaven (Revelation 4–5). First he saw the throne of God itself, shimmering in glory and surrounded by worshipers who exalted God for His wonderful creation. When no one was found worthy to open a large scroll, John wept. After he was told to stop weeping, he was given the vision of a slain Lamb (representing Jesus Christ) standing in the center of the throne in heaven. A chorus of praise rang out for the Lamb, who was worthy to open the scroll because He had purchased people with His own blood.

John’s Vision of the Future (Revelation 6–22). The majority of the book of Revelation deals with future events. This portion may be divided into three general sections: the tribulation (Rev. 6–18), the return of Christ and related events (Rev. 19–20), and a vision of heaven (Rev. 21–22).

1. The Tribulation. The outpouring of God’s wrath was shown in a vision to John in the opening of seven seals, the sounding of seven trumpets, and the outpouring of the contents of seven bowls. Here is what the opening of the seven seals revealed to John:

1st seal: a white horse—Antichrist

2nd seal: a red horse—war

3rd seal: a black horse—famine

4th seal: a pale horse—death

5th seal: martyred souls and the altar

6th seal: earthquakes—destruction

7th seal: introduction of the seven trumpets

The sounding of the trumpets will usher in terrible devastation on the earth: A third of the vegetation of the earth will be destroyed by hail and fire; a third of the creatures of the sea will be destroyed by a flaming mountain; a third of the rivers will be poisoned by a falling star; a third of the stars and planets will go dark; and a third of earth’s population will be killed by a fiendish army of 200 million. Between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpets, John saw a vision of an angel with a little book and two witnesses. 

God will punish the rebellious nations of the earth. Meanwhile, His enemies, Satan and his henchmen, will gain control of vast segments of the world’s population. The earth, reeling with war and death, will be filled with blasphemy and evil. 

Then seven bowls filled with God’s wrath will be poured out on the earth. One after another, plagues more terrible than ever seen before will fall on the earth. Multitudes of Christians will die as martyrs. And Satan’s man, Antichrist, will assemble his armies in Palestine to destroy the Jews.

2. The Return of Christ. In this part of John’s vision, he saw heaven opened and the Lord Jesus Christ returning to earth in all His glory, surrounded by vast armies. He also saw Antichrist defeated at Armageddon and Satan chained for 1,000 years in the bottomless pit.

After the Jews turn in faith to Jesus Christ as their true Messiah, He will establish His throne in Jerusalem for a 1,000-year reign over the earth in righteousness, prosperity, and peace. When the millennium is over, Satan will be released and will lead a final revolt against the Lord. The rebels will be destroyed by fire from heaven, and Satan will be cast into the lake of fire forever. The earth and heavens as we know them will be destroyed, and they will be replaced by a new heaven and new earth. All unbelievers will be resurrected and judged before a great white throne.

3. A Look at Heaven. John’s vision concludes with a grand survey of the new heaven and new earth. The jeweled walls, crystal river, streets of gold, and tree of life will be the believers’ eternal home. They will live in the presence of God and their Savior-King, the Lord Jesus Christ, forever.

Seeing God. The magnificent yet terrifying visions of Revelation help us to know God better. As you read this book, you will see many truths about God. For example:

In Christ’s messages to the seven churches, we see God’s deep concern for the spiritual welfare of His people (Rev. 2–3).

In the vision of the throne in heaven, we see the majestic, lofty, unlimited glory of God (Rev. 4).

In the seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments, we see God’s anger over a sinful and rebellious world (Rev. 6–18). 

In the defeat and banishment of Satan, we see that God has the power to conquer sin and evil (Rev. 19–20).

In the description of heaven, we see the goodness of God eternally displayed (Rev. 21–22). 

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