Rev. 1:1-3, 7 This book is the revelation or unveiling of Jesus the Lord and Messiah.
He is the focus. God gave prophecy, as he did all Scripture, to reveal truth for us to live by (read, hear, keep).
Rev. 19:11-16 Prophetic Scriptures often use apocryphal language and imagery to reveal truth. Correct interpretation focuses on the Lord, our obedience to him, and is in harmony with the entirety of God’s word. Jesus will literally return to earth to inaugurate God’s kingdom in its fullness, and Scripture reveals what we need to know so that we are always ready to meet the Lord.
Jesus’ return should:
I. Encourage us to be faithful Rev. 1:9
The Revelation of Jesus is not just for a past time or a future time. It’s for all time. The Lord loves us. He is faithful. He will help us to be faithful to him in our present tribulation and temptations as we trust him Jn. 16:33.
The Lord helps us to be faithful to him in being wise managers of all he entrusts to us Mt. 24:44-47. Jesus used a parable to illustrate this truth, He said engage in business until I return Lk. 19:15-17. We’re to live in a way that promotes God’s kingdom and his will. When Jesus returns, we will be judged by the truth of God’s word, and we will be rewarded for eternity according to our faithfulness now 2 Cor. 5:10.
II. Comfort us when believers die 1 Thess. 4:13-18
Scripture teaches two births and two deaths, physical, and spiritual. Spiritual death is separation from God. It’s the penalty for breaking God’s word. Thank God, out of his great love for us, Jesus suffered and died on the cross to bear the judgment and wrath of God for our sins. He was raised from the dead three days later. Eternal life is offered as the gift of God to all who believe his word and receive Jesus as Lord. Believers are separated from one another for a time, but we will be together with the Lord forever!
III. Assure us of ultimate victory Rev. 20:10, 14; 21:3-7
Jesus has already defeated sin, Satan, and death. If we are born again in Christ, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. We’re tempted to sin, we struggle, we fall at times, now, but not forever.
Be encouraged. By God’s grace and the blood of Jesus, eternal blessings, fruitfulness, and glory are ours.
Rev. 22:17 We are empowered by God’s Spirit to invite others to Jesus.
Is he your Lord? Are you born again?