What are some lessons in Revelation?
Introduction. There is, on the part of some, an unhealthy preoccupation with the book or Revelation. Revelation is a book that largely consists of teaching by sign and symbol (1: 1). Some who do not even understand plain language are especially confused when they encounter Revelation. However, amidst the figurative language, there are some basic lessons found.
Worthy is the lamb. A search was made to find one worthy to open the book and reveal the future (ch. 5). None was found, save Jesus the Lamb of God (vs.5 ff). Jesus is presented in Revelation as authoritative and victorious (1: 8 ff, 5: 5 ff). There is power in Jesus' blood (1: 5, 5: 9, 7: 14, see Acts 2: 38, 22: 16).
God's word is immutable. Revelation presents God's word as such that must not be altered by man. Man is forbidden adding or taking away from God's word, the penalty for either being the loss of salvation (22: 18, 19). This same prohibition is found throughout the scriptures (Deut. 4: 2, 12: 32, Prov. 30: 6, Gal. 1: 6-9, 1 Pet. 4: 11).
The faithful must overcome and not be overcome. This lesson of perseverance is repeatedly taught (2: 7, 21: 7). The book is realistic in that it teaches the faithful shall suffer persecution (1: 9, 6: 9, 16: 6, cp. 2 Tim. 3: 12).
Other lessons. Revelation is also replete with such lessons as heaven is beautiful and hell is horrible (21; 22, 14: 10, 11). Obedience is not optional but required and God tolerates no rivals are also taught (22: 14, 22: 7; 19: 10). Revelation also contains perhaps a presentation of every possible condition of local churches (chs. 2 and 3). While a blessing is pronounced on those who read, we must be careful not to array the often complex language of Revelation against plain statements of scripture found elsewhere.
Worthy is the lamb. A search was made to find one worthy to open the book and reveal the future (ch. 5). None was found, save Jesus the Lamb of God (vs.5 ff). Jesus is presented in Revelation as authoritative and victorious (1: 8 ff, 5: 5 ff). There is power in Jesus' blood (1: 5, 5: 9, 7: 14, see Acts 2: 38, 22: 16).
God's word is immutable. Revelation presents God's word as such that must not be altered by man. Man is forbidden adding or taking away from God's word, the penalty for either being the loss of salvation (22: 18, 19). This same prohibition is found throughout the scriptures (Deut. 4: 2, 12: 32, Prov. 30: 6, Gal. 1: 6-9, 1 Pet. 4: 11).
The faithful must overcome and not be overcome. This lesson of perseverance is repeatedly taught (2: 7, 21: 7). The book is realistic in that it teaches the faithful shall suffer persecution (1: 9, 6: 9, 16: 6, cp. 2 Tim. 3: 12).
Other lessons. Revelation is also replete with such lessons as heaven is beautiful and hell is horrible (21; 22, 14: 10, 11). Obedience is not optional but required and God tolerates no rivals are also taught (22: 14, 22: 7; 19: 10). Revelation also contains perhaps a presentation of every possible condition of local churches (chs. 2 and 3). While a blessing is pronounced on those who read, we must be careful not to array the often complex language of Revelation against plain statements of scripture found elsewhere.