The Master's Plan: A study of Revelation

By Joseph Castañeda

As a Pastor for the past 14 years I have probably fielded more questions on the topic of end time events than any other topic in the Bible. My high school students, my youth staff, parents and even other pastors have asked me tons of questions about the book of Revelation and some of its confusing language and word pictures. Is Revelation a literal explanation of end time events? Does the Bible actually tell us 'how the world will end' or is just pictures about what happens to each of us on our various spiritual journeys?

The Master's Plan examines the book of Revelation with an intent to explain some of the difficult concepts while laying a foundation for you to go even deeper into the study of end time events. There is no way you could ever exhaust the ideas of Revelation nor do I pretend to understand each detail fully. However there are a few concepts, that once understood, can help everyone begin to tackle the difficult task of interpreting and understanding the Bible's last book of prophecy.

I originally wrote this study in college as part of a class project and yet over the years, I have used it more than almost any other book or curriculum I've written. It's had a few revisions and this is the first time it has appeared in print outside of the confines of my employment.

Topics tackled in this study include: An explanation of the purpose of the book of Revelation. Who are the "Seven Churches" John was writing to, and were they real? Are the word pictures and descriptions in Revelation meant to be taken literally or do they instead represent a spiritual reality of every person's own journey? How will the world end? And much more.

This book is a quick read but I hope it will ignite your own passion to study the Bible more. Thanks for taking a look at The Master's Plan.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joseph Castañeda
• Release date: Jan 14, 2011
• ISBN: 9781452491899

Joseph Castañeda

I have been working with students as a pastor for over 14 years. During that time I have developed a real passion for communicating ideas and life-guiding principles through public speaking and writing; I enjoy both immensely! I've been married for over 14 years to my high school sweet heart and we have three beautiful children: AJ, BJ & CJ (Incidentally, I named my iPhone DJ). Traci and I and our family live in my home town of Salem, Oregon.

Book preview

The Master’s Plan: A study of Revelation

Published by Joseph Castaneda

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011 Joseph Castaneda

Learn more about this author at http://www.overboardbooks.com or http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/joeacast

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1: An Introduction. Revelation 1

Chapter 2: The 7 Churches of the Revelation. Revelation 2-3

Chapter 3: The Living Hope of the Believers

Chapter 4: The Seven Seals. Revelation 6:1-8:1

Chapter 5: The Battle in Heaven. Revelation 12 & 13

Chapter 6: The Seven Trumpets. Revelation 8-11

Chapter 7: The Seven Bowls. Revelation 15 & 16

Chapter 8: The Campaign of Armageddon

Chapter 9: The War of Armageddon. Revelation 19

Chapter 10: The 1,000 Year Reign of Christ. Revelation 20:1-6

Chapter 11: The Final Judgment and Eternity. Revelation 20:7 - 22:6

Chapter 12: Conclusion

Chapter 1: Introduction

Title & Authorship: Revelation 1:1-1:3

The word Revelation is a Greek word which means unveiling. In the book of Revelation God is unveiling, or revealing, HIS Son Jesus Christ along with His plan for the events of the end times (Rev. 1:1).

The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation in AD 95 or 96 while imprisoned on the island of Patmos where it is believed he spent the final years of His life. During those last years John received a vision from the Lord, he wrote down what he saw, and in turn relayed it to us as the book of Revelation.

Theme & Purpose

The theme of the book is to reveal Christ and HIS end time program. John was moved by the Spirit to write, not only about the Lord Himself, but about His plan for the future. He was writing a book that would help us to better understand some of the mysteries of Old Testament books like Daniel, and to allow the believer a special glimpse into the future all while containing amazing pictures and further revelation of our Savior. Revelation contains the final words of Jesus concerning HIS plans, and should serve to encourage the believer to live holy before our Lord; and encourage the unbeliever to turn to Christ for salvation before it is too late.

The Uniqueness of Revelation

The book of Revelation is special because it is a book of prophecy; but it is unique in that it is the only book in the entire Bible that comes with a promise to those who read it: Blessed is the one who reads 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 (Rev. 1:3). This is an amazing promise because it implies that Revelation can be understood and with understanding it can be applied! No where else in Scripture does God give such an incredible promise of blessing.

So as you take part in this study, I hope you will take the time to ask God to help you understand the things you will read. Ask HIM to guide you into the various aspects of Revelation, and to show you what HE wants you to learn as you study. Be encouraged! As you under take this introductory study of the book of Revelation God has already promised to bless you for your efforts. Be diligent in your study, and may the Lord’s Spirit guide you in all understanding.

Incredible pictures of Christ: Revelation 1:4-20

After granting the readers and practicers of Revelation a great promise, John continues by giving us the first -- of many -- pictures of Christ. These amazing pictures of Jesus begin in chapter one and continue through most of the book. Of particular interest is how these pictures at the beginning of chapter one reappear again in chapters two and three when John specifically addresses the seven churches that this letter was written to (1:4).

In verses 5-8 John tells us that Jesus is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Whatever else is about to unfold, John makes it clear that Jesus’ testimony is sure, HE is the faithful witness and as the One who rose from the dead, HE secured HIMself as ruler over the kings -- even the one who will exalt himself over God (Revelation 13:5-6). And unlike that king (the anti-christ) Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by HIS blood. As such, John makes sure the reader knows from the outset this King of Kings is coming in the clouds, and every eye will see HIM, even those who pierced HIM. Jesus is the one who is, and who was, and who is to come...the Almighty.

As John’s vision continues, Jesus HIMself speaks to him and John gets an incredible picture of our Risen Lord! Read Revelation 1:13-16 and you will understand John’s response in verse 17: When I saw HIM, I fell at HIS feet as though dead. Anyone who had seen Jesus like that would have had the same response and Jesus calms John’s fears. HE reminds him of this amazing truth when HE says, I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death of Hades. As the rest of this amazing book of revelation and prophecy unfolds this central truth keeps the reader safely in the palm of Jesus: HE is in control and nothing and no one can change HIS plan for man and HIS desire for all people to come to a relationship with HIM.

[TOC]

Chapter 2: The Seven Churches of Revelation

Revelation 2:1-3:19

Following the introductory matters of chapter one, the second chapter of Revelation opens a section containing seven letters to seven churches. These seven churches were real churches that existed at the time John wrote this book. It is important to note, though, that these churches can also be considered symbolic of churches today and throughout church history. So, while the letters were addressed to actual first century churches they are still applicable to churches today.

It’s kind of interesting to think about the fact that when John finished writing this letter he would have sent it off to one of the seven churches. From their, it might have been copied (or memorized...or both!) and then sent off to one of the other seven churches. Not only that, but other churches besides the 7 mentioned in Revelation, would also have received copies of this prophecy and read Christ’s words to each of these churches. In some cases, you would have been thrilled that your testimony for Christ was shared with so many other believers. But in other cases, you wouldn’t have been too thrilled to see that Christ aired out your dirty laundry.

These seven letters are written from the very words of Christ, and all follow a similar format. Christ gives a type of salutation or greeting in which he gives a description of Himself; HE then congratulates (commends) the church for what they are doing right; rebukes (condemns) the church for what they are doing wrong; finally, HE gives a promise to the overcomers. The following chart will help clarify