Revelation Introduction

Other interpretive challenges are posed by extensive use of the Old Testament (OT) and other writings in Revelation and its use of symbolism and numbers. When we realize that echoes of the Hebrew Bible either speak of the ultimate fulfillment of OT prophecies or point back to a key for interpreting the passage found in the OT text, much of the mystery disappears. Similarly, most symbols and numbers are biblical commonplaces, meaning what they mean elsewhere in the Bible, and are not unique to Revelation. The text interprets other images itself (e.g., 1:20).

The immediate context for both the author and the initial hearers of the book of Revelation was a group of churches (1:11; chaps. 2–3) experiencing selective persecution (2:9-10,13) in the midst of doctrinal and practical problems (2:6,13-15,20-23), set against the backdrop of unseen but powerful spiritual warfare (2:10; 9:1,11; 12:3-4,9-10; 20:2).

The teaching that appears focused on events at the end of the age (eschatology) parallels practical (Christian life) choices believers must make in the time ahead. And indeed Revelation provides a virtually complete tour of systematic theology categories. There is much about Christ, mankind and sin, the people of God (both the church and Israel), holy angels, and Satan and the demons. There is important material on God’s power, aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of Scripture, and the wonder of salvation. The book clearly and eloquently offers the gospel, inviting its readers to enter into grand narrative—(14:6-7; 22:14,17)

The believer can learn much theology from Revelation. However, as John warned the church at Ephesus—to understand, believe, and even persevere and defend the doctrinal purity of the faith is not enough (2:2-6). Whatever temptations and alternatives may emerge (2:4-6,14-15,20-24), it is crucial to passionately love the Lord with all our hearts, placing him first in our lives. Only in this way can we become conquerors (2:4-5,7).

In the body of the book, the ultimate choice for time and eternity is whether one will worship the beast (the Antichrist figure energized by Satan; see chap. 13) or Christ the Lamb (chap. 14). The strikingly placed command in 18:4 for God’s people to “come out” of Babylon implies that both unbelievers and compromised professing Christians are, even if subconsciously, in league with the diabolical spiritual force that has martyred many of God’s saints throughout the ages (17:6; 18:20,24). For either group—unbelievers or sinning church members—the answer is to repent to gain the victory (2:5,7; 9:20-21). The warning from Revelation is thus clear: those who refuse the Lord’s offer of salvation will face a climactic judgment and eternal consequences of their choice (20:11-15; 21:7-8).