Most people say they don’t understand the book of Revelation and therefore miss its blessings. The creatures and monsters and evil can be overwhelming as mentioned in the book. Likewise, the wrath of God on those that reject him can be disheartening. Let us take an overview of the book and see what we can learn together.
Of course, the first three chapters are the actual letters that Jesus instructed John to send to seven real historical churches. Contained in chapter one verse nineteen Jesus tells John to write the things that he has seen which shows the description of Christ and the dialogue they had. Jesus also said to write the things that are which refers to the seven churches. Then, Jesus said to write the things that will be hereafter which refers to the rest of Revelation beginning with chapter four.
We misunderstand much of what happens after the church is raptured and God delivers his wrath on those who reject him. Imagine what it will be like when there is a constant deluge of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, hail, and physical afflictions. These are portrayed progressively to what are called the seals that will be opened, and then trumpets, and vials. These natural occurrences are far more frequent and worse than anything that has been in the history of the earth so far. It is likely that God will use nature and natural events as part of his plan. There is something called the Carrington event in which the sun causes all electricity on earth to be interrupted. This happened once in the early nineteen hundreds, but few people had electricity and they were unaffected, contrary to what will happen in the future with our computers, etc. There will be meteorites crashing to earth. The events will create such a desperate situation that those who refuse God will think that they can commit suicide but could not. Pollution will be rampant. Forest fires will be prevalent and commonplace more so than now. Commerce will collapse. Chapter 9 versus twenty and twenty-one gives a good example of the attitude of those on earth rejecting Christ.
Mixed in these occurrences is the appearance of humans and creatures that are 100% evil. They are inspired and guided by Satan. They seek the dominance of the human race. They seek for people to reject God in favor of worshiping evil. However, eventually Satan will be bound in a bottomless pit for one thousand years after which he will be released temporarily to gather together those who still insist on not serving God. This will necessitate what is called the Battle of Armageddon. Then Satan and all those associated with him will be cast into the lake of fire to abide forever there. Opposite of common belief, Satan is not the ruler of hell. It will be his eternal abode.
It is important for us to remind ourselves that God’s wrath that is dispensed is a reaction to those on earth who insistently reject him. God takes no pleasure in causing pain, but his very nature requires justice. Therefore, there is a discussion about hell, but it was originally created as a place for Satan and his demons. John 3: 18 explains that any human that goes to hell is because of their own decision. They condemn themselves to that place of eternal punishment by rejecting God.
Within the book of Revelation are parenthetical explanations. Chapter 7 offers us an explanation of those faithful believers who are saved during the tribulation. A second explanation is in chapter 10 that is a review of the events thus far. Another is in chapter 12 that outlines Satan’s futile desire to be God. To do so he sought the destruction of Jesus but failed. Chapter 14 offers more details about the 144,000 that are redeemed from the earth. Keep in mind that these chapters are not chronological events but are supplementary.
God will not ignore the behavior of the antichrist, his priest, and his economic dictator. The economy and merchandising throughout the world will be greatly affected by God’s dictates in contradiction to the worldwide rule of the antichrist. The Antichrist will offer a sacrifice in the temple which God calls an abomination. He will demand that everyone accept a mark on their forehead or hand so they can buy and sell. Those who do not will be left out of the marketplace.
The tribulation of seven years is divided into two halves with the second half being the worst. It is also a time in which the antichrist will break his covenant with the Jews and persecute them worse than Hitler. During the tribulation Moses and Elijah are sent to earth as two witnesses against the enemies of God. The two witnesses are murdered and probably through satellite imagery their dead bodies will be seen around the world for three- and one-half days. During that time people all over the world will make a holiday of the event and even exchange gifts with each other. Afterwards, the witnesses are returned to life and back to heaven with earthquakes to follow. It is important to note that during this time some people will turn to Christ as Savior. It is likely that those people will be martyred.
When Christ returns to earth, He will purge it with fire and replace it with a new heaven and a new earth in his creation. The heavenly Jerusalem will descend to earth as Christ’s capital from where he will reign. This new earth will be the eternal home for all those who have accepted Christ as Savior and will enjoy all the prosperity and blessings from God. There will be no death, illness, sorrow, grief, or hunger.
It behooves all of us to take warning of the message from the book of Revelation. We know not when the believers will be raptured. It could be anytime. It is totally unnecessary for any human being to experience the terrible things that will happen on earth as predicted in this book. The wise person who takes this warning will openly declare Christ as Lord, Savior, and God. That person will serve him and be among the redeemed. The person who neglects these warnings will bring suffering upon themselves. Spread the word that Jesus Christ is the Savior and the only means to the Father.
Christian Writer 