Why should someone like you bother with the Book of Revelation? At first glance, it reads like a long list of dreadful catastrophes and mind-boggling numbers. By contrast, the four gospels and Acts make a lot more sense. Why not just read those parts you instantly understand and leave all the futuristic fireworks of Revelation in the capable hands of God? Allow me to give you seven compelling reasons every believer should read John’s Revelation.
1. God designed Revelation as the conclusion of the Bible. It's the big finish to history's all-time best-selling book. In short, the Word of God is much more than sixty-six random books written by barefoot men with religious ideas. There is an epic storyline that winds all the way through God’s Word. The gospels define the historic turning point, but Revelation narrates the final act in the drama of redemption. It's a blockbuster!
2. Revelation answers the haunting question, “Why?” The scriptures are faithful in recording human injustice time and again. Abraham and Sarah wandered for a quarter of a century before seeing their promise fulfilled. Samson died to win his victory against the Philistines. All the apostles except for John met death at the hands of violent fanatics, but even he was boiled in oil. Christ had to endure the most agonizing evils of life inflicted all at once on a cross. The final book of the Bible sets all that suffering in perspective, revealing God's design.
3. Jesus had things to tell us after the gospels were closed. Yes, if your Bible sets the words of Jesus in red, you’ll find more red letters in the last book of the Bible. The four gospels allow us to see a vivid picture of Christ as our disciple-maker, healer, and redeemer. Revelation allows us to see him as the righteous judge, the architect of the future, and the Omega force who returns to deliver the wrath of God against ungrateful creatures hell-bent on defining their Creator.
4. John’s Apocalypse explains what’s happening today. The forces at play in his vision at Patmos were already at work in John’s world, and now they’re waging war against the Kingdom of God in our generation as well. In Revelation, we are taught how to recognize the face of the beast and what to do about it.
5. Discover the seven principles for living boldly in this caustic and hostile hour of history. In his vision for his old friend, Jesus draws from both the Old and New Testaments to equip his disciples and motivate us to keep the faith and walk in the light. Revelation will grow your faith and fill you with confidence.
6. Jesus promises blessings (1:3) to those who read and keep the truths of this book. There are blessings you and can receive only when we practice what we're taught here.
7. Revelation describes what we can expect in Eternity. God promises his people Heaven, not heaven on earth. There are hellish days in life when the Lord's assurance of what awaits us can be incredibly motivating.
The Book of Revelation has changed my approach to life and still offers fresh insights all along the way. It can do the same for you. Live boldly: make John's vision yours.
Related Posts
