Rev. Johnson V.
14th March 2010

The Book of Revelations is the last book in the Bible and is generally considered to be a complex book that contains complex messages. But if we look at Revelations chapter 1 and verse 1, we read that the Book of Revelations is first and foremost, a revelation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The gospel of Mathew reveals Christ as the King of the Jews, Mark reveals Christ as the Perfect Man, Luke as the Servant and John as the Son of God. In the Book of Revelations, Christ is revealed as the King of Kings and Lords of Lords.

Two important lessons to learn from the first chapter of Revelations is as follows

1. Revelations 1:3 – we are blessed if we read the Word of God and in particular this book of prophesy. There is a blessing stored for those who diligently search the scriptures and believe it.
2. Revelations 1:6 – we are anointed kings and priests. Often a king maybe ruler over his kingdom, but when it comes to a place of worship he is subjected to what the presiding priest has to say. In the Old Testament, you read about kings that were put in charge of Israel but they sought the blessings of the high priests and prophets of that day. In the New Testament, all that changed. Because of the cross and the empty tomb, we are now kings and priests unto the Everlasting One. We have authority over situations and provision for a close relationship with our Creator.

The Book of Revelations is a book of prophesy, many of which are yet to be fulfilled. It describes the state of the earth, as it is now and what it will be in the future. Revelations predicts that there will be many wars and rumors of wars. Wars will not be fought with bows, arrows and swords – the weapons of choice in the period in which the Book was written, but the author describes what we currently know as biological and chemical warfare. There will be abundant natural calamities, lack of water to drink, new viruses and diseases, an increase of knowledge. The Book of Revelations also describes the state of the church as having many false denominations, and lukewarm believers, teachers of the Word who have wrong motives, and blaspheme the Holy Spirit, rebellious leaders and ministers etc. Revelations 1:12 describes the glorious appearance of our Lord Jesus in the midst of all this.

Key Messages of the Book of Revelations

1. Revelations 22:11 – Don’t look at sinners and lose heart. Continue in the way that you were in – doing good, because He is coming and will bring your reward.
2. Revelations 22:17 – Come drink of this water of life freely. God is calling everyone to drink this water. And so should we.
3. Revelations 22:18 – those who add and subtract from the Word of God, plagues and destruction will be their reward. The Bible must be taught in its entirety, including how to be excellent in Jesus.
4. Revelations 22:20 – Jesus is coming and He will not delay! Hallelujah!
5. Revelations 22:21 – while money and health are important for us on this earth, we must desire God’s grace even more. For it will serve us in this life and for eternity.