Why Study the Book of Revelation?
by BJ Rudge, Ph.D.
Revelation is one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. The many images and symbols contained within its chapters seem to create more questions than answers. Many avoid opening the pages to this final book of the Bible because they believe it is shrouded in mystery. One of my college roommates told me his father, who is a pastor, never preached from Revelation because in his estimation no one could understand its meaning.
While there certainly are many views set forth concerning this book, there are essential reasons why every believer should read this "Revelation" that was given to the apostle John.
First, the book of Revelation is part of the Word of God. Thus, it is profitable and beneficial for every believer. As the apostle Paul says ––
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Second, the book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ in all His glory. This book opens with the following verse, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." The Greek word for revelation is apokalupto from which the English word apocalypse comes. This word literally means "to uncover or reveal." Thus, we find in the opening verse of Revelation that it is an unveiling or revealing of Jesus Christ.
In the Gospels, Jesus is pictured as a suffering servant who sacrificially gives up his life for the sins of mankind. In Revelation Jesus is not pictured as a humble suffering servant, but as the reigning King and Judge over all the earth. Therefore, just as Peter, John, and James received a glimpse of Jesus' glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:27-36), Revelation reveals for each believer the full glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Third, a special blessing is promised to all those who read and heed Revelation: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy" (1:3); "Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book" (22:7b). Revelation is the only book of the Bible that begins and ends with a promise.
Fourth, Revelation reveals the next events on God's prophetic timetable. As noted in the final chapter, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand" (22:10). The Greek word for time used in this verse is kairos, which means epoch, era, or season. Thus, Revelation contains the next epoch, era, or season on God's prophetic timetable. In contrast to Daniel, who was told to seal up the words of his prophecy (Daniel 8:26; 12:4-10), John was told not to seal the words of the prophecy in Revelation.
The above are just a few reasons why the book of Revelation should be read and studied by every believer. To assist you in this process, we will be providing articles in upcoming newsletters to help you better understand "The Revelation of Jesus Christ."
Copyright © February, 2009 by BJ Rudge
