The Book of Revelation: A Glimpse into the Future
Imagine getting a sneak peek at the most epic ending ever! That’s what the book of Revelation is like. It’s the last book in the Bible, written by a guy named John who had some amazing visions about the future.
What’s it About?
Revelation isn’t an easy book to understand, but here’s the big picture:
- A Wild Ride: It’s full of crazy symbols and images: dragons, beasts, angels, trumpets, and more. Think of it like a super intense movie with lots of special effects.
- Good vs. Evil: It’s the ultimate showdown between good and evil. God wins in the end, and all the bad stuff gets wiped away.
- Hope for the Future: Even though it talks about tough times and scary events, the message of Revelation is hope. It reminds us that no matter how bad things get, God is in control and good will triumph.
- A New Heaven and Earth: The book ends with a picture of a brand-new world, a paradise where there’s no more pain, sadness, or death. It’s like a fresh start for everything!
Why Should I Care?
- Adventure: Revelation is exciting! It’s like reading a thrilling story with twists and turns.
- Understanding: It gives us clues about what the world is headed towards and why it’s important to choose good over evil.
- Comfort: Even when life gets hard, Revelation reminds us that there’s a happy ending coming, and we can be a part of it.
- Inspiration: It encourages us to live lives that are pleasing to God, knowing that our choices matter.
How to Read It
- Don’t be Scared: Some parts of Revelation can seem scary, but remember that the good guys win in the end.
- Ask Questions: Talk to your parents, a youth leader, or your pastor if you’re confused about something.
- Look for the Main Point: The main point isn’t to predict the future but to give us hope and inspire us to live for God.
Remember: Revelation is a book of hope, not fear. It’s a reminder that God has everything under control, and there’s an amazing future waiting for those who love Him.
John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God’s people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.
The Book of the Revelation of St. John consists of two principal divisions.
Matthew Henry
- Relates to “the things which are,” that is, the then present state of the church, and contains the epistle of John to the seven churches, and his account of the appearance of the Lord Jesus, and his direction to the apostle to write what he beheld, ch. 1:9-20: Also the addresses or epistles to seven churches of Asia. These, doubtless, had reference to the state of the respective churches, as they then existed, but contain excellent precepts and exhortations, commendations and reproofs, promises and threatenings, suitable to instruct the Christian church at all times.
- Contains a prophecy of “the things which shall be hereafter,” and describes the future state of the church, from the time when the apostle beheld the visions here recorded.
It is intended for our spiritual improvement; to warn the careless sinner, point out the way of salvation to the awakened inquirer, build up the weak believer, comfort the afflicted and tempted Christian, and, we may especially add, to strengthen the martyr of Christ, under the cruel persecutions and sufferings inflicted by Satan and his followers.
