The last book of the New Testament – The Book of Revelation is special. Written by John based on the visions he had when on the island of Patmos. The book speaks about things which are to take place – mainly the 2nd coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the tribulations to come. It ends with a description of New Jerusalem which comes down from heaven.
The beauty of the book is often hidden, not discovered by many. The strange descriptions of the tribulations cause many not to skip the book. But when you persevere in spite of the resistance, read through the book, you can discover many beautiful truths revealed.
To get you started, remember the promise of a blessing mentioned in Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (version NIV)
The book has the most majestic and glorious description of King of Kings Jesus Christ. Revelation 1 12-16 NIV – Dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
The book of Revelation has the letters to the seven churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicia – (Revelation 2:1 to 3:22). No critical observation was made about the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna. All churches were given instruction and magnificent promises.
Instructions to the 7 churches
As the letters are meant for all Christians, let these speak to each one of us.
Do the first works you did at first
Be faithful until death
Repent
Judgement coming, keep the faith
Repent, strength what remains
Keep the faith
Be zealous and repent
The promises given to the 7 churches can greatly encourage us to persevere with the instructions mentioned above. With the joy of the promises in front of us we can follow the path Jesus Christ showed to us.
The tree of life
The crown of life
Hidden manna and a stone with a new name
Rule over nations and receive morning start
Faithful, honoured and clothed in white
A place in God’s presence, a new name and a New Jerusalem
Share Christ’s throne.
Sharing a few life lessons from the book of Revelations. How was Satan overcome? We have it in Revelation 12, verse 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. This word points to the ultimate victory in Christ. The unwavering faith of a Christian comes from an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Remembering, valuing the redemptive work of the power of cross and the steadfast confession of faith are important to gain the victory over evil. The blood of the lamb answers all accusations of the enemy. The guilt, accusation, blackmail of the enemy has no power over you, as you claim the blood of the lamb which was already shed for you. The blood of the lamb has made an unassailable bound between you and the sovereign God. And God, the ultimate Judge declares us victorious.
Revelation 16:15 says “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
When testimonies are shared and spoken, most often this verse from Revelation 19:10 is reminded. And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Revelation 21:3,4 reminds us a precious truth. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 22:7 says “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Further, in the same chapter verses 12 to 14 goes like this. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Be blessed, reading, understanding and living according to God’s laws mentioned in the Bible. You may wish to read a blog post on why you should regularly read the Bible. Click here.
Do you wish to hear and learn the New song to worship the King of Kings? The first few verses of Chapter 14, gives answers to this.
Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and to the Lamb.And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
