THE BOOK OF REVELATION Life Changing Truths Not Doctrinal Arguments
By Frank Eiklor and Cecilia Contreras
LESSON 42 (Part 1 of 8)
INTRODUCTION
Many Christians avoid the final book of the Bible – the book of Revelation. Perhaps that’s because there have been so many disagreements in churches and denominations concerning this book. Arguments about the anti-Christ. When the tribulation will occur. What constitutes the beast, the false prophet and all the symbolism found in this book. So the devil has put a fear in many Christian hearts to “stay away from these arguments – stay away from the book of Revelation.”
Of course, Satan is always a liar. The book of Revelation is more than about the future – it is also about the present. This book is filled with common sense issues of life – not just prophetic sense for future days. It is a book of life changing truths that a child can grasp – not doctrinal arguments to separate the brethren.
Most Christians agree that we are living in the last days. It certainly appears so with the re-establishment of Israel, a disappearing morality, a call for a new-world-order and someone to lead it, worldwide plagues, diseases, catastrophes, etc. To be ignorant of the transforming truths found throughout the twenty-two chapters in the final book of the Bible is to be an easy target for Satan’s lies and distortions. So in our study of Revelation, we will not get involved with arguments and debates. Instead, we shall see how the Holy Spirit can use this book to transform our lives here and now.
The first verse of the first chapter says everything we need to know before we begin our journey through this study. “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1) is the opening of the book. Why? Well, not only is this book a living testimony of our God – but also of His Son. The book of Revelation is written simply and elegantly to “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (2:29).
The world we live in today leaves us no time for spiritual slumber or foolish priorities. So let’s get started with a prayer that our Father in Heaven will open our eyes as we explore the final book in God’s plan for the ages.
CHAPTER 1
· Who And What The Book Is All About
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:” (Rev. 1:1)
· A Promised Blessing
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3)
· The Greatest Miracle
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” (Rev. 1:5)
· The Greatest Privilege
“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 1:6)
· The Greatest Promise
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev. 1:7)
· The Greatest Personality
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev. 1:8)
· God’s Call For Patience Under Suffering
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9)
· An Important Lesson For Every Day
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,” (Rev. 1:10)
· The Real Jesus
“And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp towedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” (Rev. 1:13-16)
· The Tenderness Of The Almighty
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Rev. 1:17-18)
(TO BE CONTINUED)
TEST YOURSELF
1) What is God’s urgency in giving us the Revelation of Jesus Christ? (see 1:1)
2) Why is being “born again” the greatest of all miracles? (1:5)
3) How can verse six affect your life and behavior today and every day?
4) Where are you being tested the most as God develops patience in your life? (1:9)
5) How have you experienced lately Christ’s tenderness in your life? (1:17)
