Revelation: The Full Disclosure of Jesus Christ

By Jeff Ferguson

Social injustice, social distancing and masks, the coronavirus pandemic, earthquakes, wars, and rumors of wars--is this really the end-times? When thinking about the book of Revelation, death and destruction, lawlessness and chaos seem to be the focus of most people. Humanity, especially Hollywood, seems to have an insatiable appetite for the sensational devastation and death that is predicted in this biblical prophecy. The problem with this is most media sources miss the main point for which these catastrophes occur; the call of God for His creation to reunite with Him.

The book of Revelation is probably the most controversial book of the Bible! Which piece of literature throughout history has had more written about it, with such widely divided opinions and differing beliefs? Yet through all of the existing material, there is still widespread confusion and improbable comprehension regarding this prophecy.

However controversial it may seem, Revelation is also one of the most important writings we have available concerning the Christian life today. It is a compulsory read for anyone serious about living their life for Jesus Christ.

Revelation: The Full Disclosure of Jesus Christ takes the reader verse by verse through the entire twenty-two chapters of Revelation, giving accurate but easy-to-understand explanations. It is designed as a study guide for the children of God, at every level of understanding!

The book of Revelation is both a continuation and ending of the story that began in the book of Genesis. So come, let us explore together the final chapter of the greatest story ever told!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098087036

Book preview

Why Study Revelation?

When this project began, the primary question posed by many was, Why study the book of Revelation? Comments ranged from the many books already written on this topic to the confusion and improbable comprehension of this prophecy. While there is a vast quantity of material written on this topic, a hunger still raged within me to understand more deeply the promises of Christ regarding eternity for those who are called believers. Also I needed to understand the promises Christ has made regarding eternity for those who will not submit to His lordship (repent of their sins and receive salvation). After spending more than four years of reading and studying the verses in the book of Revelation, reading commentary after commentary, and reading other works on the matter, I have realized this most controversial book of the Bible is also one of the most important writings we have available concerning the Christian life. It is a compulsory read for anyone serious about living for Christ. It has strengthened within me a conviction that there is something more important than my salvation and eternity with the Lord, the souls of those not submitted to Jesus Christ and who are bound for the reality of hell. If I am to follow the example of Jesus, I must put aside my life for the sake of others.

The primary theme of Revelation is, obviously, the return of Jesus Christ. The blessed hope of all Christians is Jesus’s return to gather His people to Himself and then restore His kingdom for us in eternity. As we will find out in this study, the Lord will rule and reign over a physical kingdom on the earth, where sin and death have no role, sickness and pain will have disappeared, and God will wipe away every tear. It will be a time of great joy that shall never cease. Some have even referred to this as the restored and eternal Garden of Eden.

Along with the dominant theme of Christ’s return are several other themes. The most prominent secondary theme is that of the restoration of Israel, God’s chosen people, and Jerusalem, God’s chosen city. This is the focus of chapters 6–18, as language and symbolism change to reflect more of the Old Testament types/examples with which the Jewish people would be more familiar. Keep in mind, the Bible is an Eastern book, focused upon the Middle East, and does not represent Western ideology, customs, or values. The Bible is not about America and its role in eschatology nor about Europe or any other Westernized culture. The focus is upon Israel and the city of Jerusalem. Joel Richardson writes in his work entitled Mideast Beast:

The Bible is and always has been a thoroughly Jerusalem–, Israel–, and Middle Eastern–centric book. As we will see, biblical prophecy tells a very Jerusalem–centered story. Jerusalem is the city around which the entire story of the return of Jesus revolves. This is the city from which Jesus will literally rule the earth after His return."¹

Another prominent secondary theme is the presentation of the death and destruction that will overtake the earth during these end-times. Unfortunately much has been made of this aspect of Revelation through avenues of the media. Humanity (especially Hollywood) seems to have an insatiable appetite for the sensational devastation and death that is predicted in this biblical prophecy. The problem with this is that most of these media sources miss the key point for which these catastrophes occur—the call of God for His creation to reunite with Him. Interwoven into this scenario is the ongoing call for mankind to turn from its sin, repent, and submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ. As the Bible has foretold from the very beginning, many will harden their hearts and face death apart from God, spending eternity in the lake of fire, while suffering great torment and separation from Him.

Because of the sensationalistic presentations of Revelation through media outlets, many of the twenty-one final judgments have been misrepresented. There have been inferences made that the Apostle John was seeing modern warfare types of vehicles and machinery but could not accurately know what to name them, so he described them the best he knew how and compared them to things of which he was familiar. Others have reasoned that this earth will end because of nuclear war. Both examples, albeit possible, are absurd. The verses of Revelation give clear literal instruction of the end-time events. A key to understanding these judgments/plagues is the idea that many of the themes of the Bible are recurring. H. A. Ironside states, Every symbol is explained, or alluded to, somewhere else in the Bible.²

For example, the usage of horses to represent various pestilences is not unique to Revelation 6. We find two similar occurrences in the book of Zechariah (1:1–17, 6:1–8). Other reoccurring examples come from the plagues upon Egypt and Pharaoh as Moses called for the release of the Israelites from their bondage, such as water turning to blood, frogs, boils (sores), hail mixed with fire, locusts, darkness, and death to those not covered by the blood (on their doorposts).

As new covenant believers, we need to understand how we fit into this prophetic vision. The Apostle Paul makes this abundantly clear in the books of Romans and Ephesians when he speaks of being adopted into the family of God. When we are saved, we become adopted or grafted in to the family—the family of Israel. This is substantiated in Ephesians 3:3–7, where the Apostle Paul shares the mystery of the Gentiles being fellow heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ.

Ephesians 1:4–5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

Ephesians 3:3–7 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Another essential key to the study of Revelation is that not all the chapters are in sequential order. Beginning in chapter 6 and continuing through chapter 18, we find chapters/partial chapters that break sequence, referred to as parenthetical insertions, meaning the contents of the chapter are to clarify and/or to give more information about what has happened to this point of the time line. This seems troubling to many readers, who are expecting Revelation to read as a continuous story. However, the entire Bible is filled with examples of story lines that are interrupted by the author to insert pertinent (and sometimes seemingly not-so pertinent) information. The fitting of these chapters into the grand scheme of Revelation should be compared to a master storyteller who, upon introducing a new character or location, will take time to explain how the additional information is essential to the overall story. The book of Revelation is, in fact, told by the Master, which is then transcribed by the Apostle John into the account we have today.

Some ideas and comments contained within this opening chapter will be repeated, sometimes often, within other chapters, which is one of the interesting characteristics about the book of Revelation. This is a writing style used in John’s day to create emphasis upon importance/urgency. Three times in the opening chapter, we are told that Christ is, and was, and is to come (vv. 4, 8, 18). Also three times in the closing chapter, Christ says, I am coming quickly (vv.7, 12, 20). Repetition is used to reinforce, or drive home, an important fact/statement. Having made that statement, it is the contention of this author that the book of Revelation must be a mandatory read for all who consider themselves saints of God.

Revelation promises a blessing to those who read and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it (Rev. 1:3). It is similar to the passages found in Deuteronomy 28, which also contain this same blessing for the Israelites. Revelation 1:3 is the first of the seven Revelation beatitudes that are found spread throughout the entire book. This prophetic book in the New Testament is the only book in the entire Bible that opens and closes (1:3, 22:7) with the promise of blessings. However, just reading Revelation for the attainment of blessing is shallow theology, thoughtless of others, and void of understanding toward the mission of Jesus Christ to testify to the truth (John 8:38). The blessing is intended for those who will persevere through many trials and tribulation as they remain faithful to proclaim the Gospel to the lost until the Lord returns.

Finally Revelation is the only book of the Bible to give the full disclosure of Christ. In this prophecy, His fullness is given as Creator (Rev. 4:11), Savior (Rev. 1:5b), Lord (Rev. 1:5a), King (Rev. 15:3), and Judge (Rev. 19:11). It is from the word revelation that the title of this study was obtained. The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible shows the primary definition of revelation (G602) as disclosure.³ The Greek word is apokalupsis, from which the English word apocalypse is derived. While the book of Revelation is about an apocalyptic ending of the world, it is even more about the full disclosure of Jesus. Disclosure, as defined by the 1828 Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, is: (1) The act of disclosing; an uncovering and opening to view; discovery. (2) The act of revealing; utterance of what was secret; a telling. (3) The act of making known what was concealed. (4) That which is disclosed or made known."⁴

The book of Revelation gives the complete picture of Jesus, the full disclosure of His role. In this prophecy, the fullness of Jesus is given as Creator, Savior, Lord, King, and Judge.

I had the privilege of presenting this material to my home church in the first quarter of 2017. As I greeted everyone for the first night of teaching, I was approached by one man in our membership with a simple but challenging question. He asked, Is your material something that the people of the Apostle John’s day would have understood?

As he waited for his answer, I could feel the Holy Spirit prompting me to respond with confidence. Yes, absolutely, I replied.

He smiled and said, Then I am excited to hear what the Lord will teach through you.⁵

People are ready to hear the truth of God’s Word. Unfortunately there have been too many sensationalistic renderings of the book of Revelation that have watered down its intent and meaning. The question this man asked me was valid and, I believe, precious to understanding the Holy Scriptures. The Bible was not just written for the generations that live today but also for every generation that has ever lived to read or hear its contents. The question asked of me is fundamental to interpreting any of the sixty-six books, but especially books of prophecy. Allow me to restate the question, "Would my interpretation of this portion of scripture be understood by the original people who received it?" If your answer to this question is no, then your interpretation is not correct. Any interpretation must not only be understood by our modern-day Westernized culture but also that of the first-century Jews.

Basics of Interpretation

In which Camp Do You Stand?

Within the Christian culture, there is no other book of the Bible that is more divisive than that of Revelation. To better understand this phenomenon, we will take a brief look into the five major camps of interpretation. While I do not intend to convince you which camp is the most accurate, it is my intent to present the facts and make you think about your beliefs and to understand the basics of the other camps, should you ever encounter a conversation with someone sharing differing views than yours. The more you know of these other theological positions, the more you may offer to the conversation.

There are now five basic interpretational viewpoints predominant today: (1) the preterist, (2) the historicist, (3) the idealist, (4) the eclectic, and (5) the futurist. There is also a group that has developed from the futurist camp called the dispensationalist. All dispensationalists are futurists, but not all futurists are dispensationalists. Although this study is not designed to focus on changing one’s interpretational view, it will be presented from the futurist viewpoint, emphasizing a pretribulation rapture and a premillennial tribulation period.

Preterist

The term preterist comes from the Latin word praeter, meaning past. This viewpoint considers that the Revelation of Jesus Christ, as written by John, was fulfilled in John’s lifetime.⁶ In fact, this view holds that John wrote the book prior to the destruction of the temple in AD 70.⁷ Its foremost purpose was to provide a source of hope, comfort, and encouragement to those of the church in that day.⁸ Because of the persecution of that day toward the church, the preterist views the entire book of Revelation as the struggles of the church with the Roman Empire. The preterist viewpoint is held by many of today’s scholars, especially liberals and others, who deny that the book of Revelation is a prophecy of still-unfulfilled events.⁹

Historicist

Historicist refers to the camp who views the Revelation of Jesus Christ as being from the first-century church (John’s day) to the end of the age. This view suggests that John was describing the major events that would take place during the history of the church, which would also suggest that we could see these events as we look back through the history of the earth.¹⁰ This view was primary to most of the reformers and dominated end-times teachings for centuries but has since been disregarded by many because of its failure to satisfactorily deal with the many prophecies.¹¹

A discerning reader needs to be aware that the historicist view is reflected in most of the older commentaries (many of which are public domain works easily accessible on the internet), including the works of John Knox, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, C. H. Spurgeon (although Spurgeon did believe in the Millennium), Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke and Albert Baines. Unless you understand their historicist approach to prophecy, you may become very confused when reading these older classic commentaries.¹²

Idealist/Spiritualist

Idealists separate the book of Revelation entirely from any reference to historical events—whether those of John’s day or those at the time of the end or those in between. This viewpoint holds that everything in Revelation should be taken figuratively or metaphorically. John was simply writing about the spiritual conflict of good versus evil and not a personal physical experience. Most amillennialists will hold to this view.¹³

The seals, trumpets, and bowls are thought to depict God’s judgments on sinners at all times, and the beast refers to all the anti-Christian empires and rulers in history. The Millennium, in this approach, is not a future event but the final cycle of the book describing the church age. The weaknesses of this view include the failure to see the futuristic aspects of many of the prophecies, or to connect them in any way with history.¹⁴

Eclectic

This is a relatively new interpretive viewpoint. Since not much is written regarding this particular viewpoint, I have included an exhaustive explanation from the website BibleStudyTools.com.

This viewpoint picks and chooses elements from each of the other interpretive viewpoints and applies them at different places in the text. It is the ultimate interpretive smorgasbord whose proponents proclaim combines the best from each system. This sounds appealing and is in keeping with the trend towards diversity so prevalent in our day. Rather than struggle within the restrictive framework of any one system, why not have them all? The answer, once again, is hermeneutics, hermeneutics, hermeneutics!

A growth in popularity of the eclectic interpretation is to be expected given our postmodern age, for the eclectic system of interpretation has much in common with it: First, the tendency to embrace all paths as being approximately equivalent; second, the desire to avoid treating other views negatively; third, the willingness to allow for a variety of interpretations of what truth is (your truth is your truth, my truth is my truth). The Word of God’s objective claim that there is a single path to truth undermines the claims of an eclectic approach, much as it does the claims of postmodernism.

Those who advocate this view are often idealists who recognize some of the weaknesses of their system and desire to dabble in aspects of the other systems. The resulting interpretation is highly varied and idealistic in overall tone.¹⁵

Futurist

The futurist viewpoint sees the book of Revelation, chapters 4–22, as yet to be fulfilled.¹⁶ They will hold to a literal interpretation of the Scriptures, unless the facts are obvious to the contrary. This camp views events such as the Rapture, the Tribulation Period, the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennial Reign of Christ, the new heaven and earth, and the New Jerusalem as actual events yet to take place. Variations of the viewpoint were held by many of the so-called early church fathers, including men like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus. The futurist viewpoint is the most widely held in American evangelical churches today, having experienced a revitalization in the nineteenth century.¹⁷

The futurist view holds to an order of events: the Rapture of the church (pretribulation), the Tribulation Period (preMillennial), the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennial Reign of Christ, and finally, the new heaven and new earth where the eternal kingdom will reside.

In addition to these five camps of theological explanation, there are other terms with which to become familiar. Most of these terms are associated with the futurist view, which is the reason I include them in the futurist section of this study. You may have encountered them. These terms deal, either directly or indirectly, with the writings of Revelation and need to be identified.

Rapture

Although the word rapture does not appear in the Holy Bible, it refers to an event which can be found in the Scriptures. Probably the most widely referred to passage regarding this event is found in 1 Thessalonians 4 where verse 17 states, Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall be with the Lord always. The Greek word is harpadzo, which is translated as to seize, snatch away, catch up, and take by force. It suggests the exercise of a sudden force.

Regarding the following terms, the prefixes pre, mid, or post will indicate where in the Revelation time line, someone believes this event will take place. A pretribulation saint believes the Rapture will happen before the Tribulation Period. A midtribulation saint believes that the church will endure through the first three and a half years of the Tribulation Period and then be caught up/raptured. The post-tribulation saint maintains that the church will endure through the duration of the Tribulation Period, being raptured just before the end of the Tribulation, only to turn around and return with the Lord for His Second Coming.

Tribulation Period

The Tribulation Period is a span of seven years when the Antichrist rises to prominence and reigns upon the earth. This will be a time of severe persecution toward Jews and Christians, unlike anything the earth has ever witnessed. Complete and utter disregard for God and/or His Word will be commonplace. Also several judgments will occur during the seven years. This will be the absolute last opportunity for unbelievers to repent from their sin and turn to the Lord.

The Millennium

Just as there are three viewpoints toward the Rapture, there are four viewpoints regarding the Millennium. The Millennium is described by each view to be something different. To be specific, I have incorporated the help from the Blue Letter Bible website at https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/mill.cfm.

Dispensational premillennialists hold that Christ will come before a seven-year period of intense tribulation to take His church (living and dead) into heaven. After this period of fulfillment of divine wrath, He shall then return to rule from a holy city (i.e., the New Jerusalem) over the earthly nations for one thousand years. After these thousand years, Satan, who was bound up during Christ’s earthly reign, will be loosed to deceive the nations, gather an army of the deceived, and take up to battle against the Lord. This battle will end in both the judgment of the wicked and Satan and the entrance into the eternal state of glory by the righteous. This view is called premillennialism because it places the return of Christ before the Millennium and it is called dispensational because it is founded in the doctrines of dispensationalism.¹⁸

Historical premillennialists place the return of Christ just before the Millennium and just after a time of great apostasy and tribulation. After the Millennium, Satan will be loosed and Gog and Magog will rise against the kingdom of God; this will be immediately followed by the final judgment. While similar in some respects to the dispensational variety (in that they hold to Christ’s return being previous the establishment of a thousand-year earthly reign), historical premillennialism differs in significant ways (notably in their method of interpreting Scripture).¹⁹

The postmillennialist believes that the Millennium is an era (not a literal thousand years) during which Christ will reign over the earth, not from a literal and earthly throne, but through the gradual increase of the Gospel and its power to change lives. After this gradual Christianization of the world, Christ will return and immediately usher the church into their eternal state after judging the wicked. This is called postmillennialism because, by its view, Christ will return after the Millennium.²⁰

The amillennialist believes that the Kingdom of God was inaugurated at Christ’s resurrection (hence the term inaugurated millennialism), at which point He gained victory over both Satan and the curse. Christ is even now reigning (hence the term nunc-millennialism—nunc means now) at the right hand of the Father over His church. After this present age has ended, Christ will return and immediately usher the church into their eternal state after judging the wicked. The term amillennialism is actually a misnomer, for it implies that Revelation 20:1–6 is ignored; in fact, the amillennialist’s hermeneutic interprets it (and in fact, much of apocalyptic literature) non-literally.²¹

As you can see, there are many things which can divide the saints of God. How we interpret the book of Revelation should never stand in the way of unity among the saints. This world has seen enough division in our ranks. Regardless of the viewpoint we take in this wonderful prophecy, we should remember we are all the same family, having been born again, saved by grace through faith, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our focus should always be to grow the kingdom of God by displaying the love of Christ to all people.

There is a tremendous resource on the Internet that will provide you with ample study help, regardless of which interpretational camp you reside. Not only will you find the names of scholars and commentators for each camp but also recordings and a listing of printed material from the different authors. See the Appendix for a listing of authors for each interpretational camp and the website for this resource.

Three Major Divisions of Revelation

The first chapter sets the tone for the entire book of Revelation. In verse 19, the Lord gives reference to three distinct time periods as He instructs John to write the prophecy. He states, Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. The futurist viewpoint believes these to be literal times to John—the immediate past, the present, and the future. The futurist viewpoint also holds these three time periods to be distinctly identifiable by the chapters in this prophecy.

The Things Which You Have Seen

This first division of Revelation identifies the things which you have seen. It confines this to the contents of chapter 1. This chapter reflects upon several key issues: the eternal existence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; the divine order of heaven; the sacrifice of Christ and His return; and Jesus Christ’s role as Creator, Savior, Lord, King, and Judge.

The things which you have seen is a phrase which directs us to the time when Christ walked the earth with His disciples. Among the twelve were a set of fishermen, brothers, the sons of Zebedee, nicknamed the sons of thunder. John and his brother, James, were not only two of the original twelve but also two-thirds of Jesus’s inner circle from within the twelve. On the Mount of Transfiguration, John, James, and Peter witnessed Jesus in His glorified state as He spoke with Elijah and Moses (Matt. 17:1–2). It was John who leaned upon Jesus’s bosom in the upper room and was referred to as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23). John experienced the Garden of Gethsemane as one of the three disciples whom Jesus took with Him as He separated Himself to pray (Matt. 26:36–37). I dare say, no man was closer to Jesus during His time of walking the earth than John. Who better to write the prophecy of Revelation than someone with the qualifications of the Apostle John?

The Things Which Are

The second division within this overall prophecy concerns itself with the state of Christian churches at the time of John’s inspired writing, the things which are. Persecution was rampant toward Christians in this time period and was varied in severity, including verbal abuse, enslavement, denial/loss of employment and land ownership rights, and extreme physical abuse that most always led to death, such as being boiled in oil, dipped in boiling oil and burned, sacrificed to animals as a sport for the masses of unbelievers, etc. Because of the intense hatred from the outside world, many of the churches (and/or believers) started giving in to the social demands of idolatry and sexual immorality that permeated the day’s societal expectations. In some instances, false teachers were being allowed to spread their venom inside the churches. As for others, their light was beginning to flicker, if not becoming extinguished. Yet there were a few who fought the good fight, not giving in to the pressures and temptation of the world and its pleasures.

John is a shining example of facing adversity and standing firm in his belief in Jesus Christ. It was because of his witness for Christ that he was boiled in oil and because of his faith that he was miraculously saved from such a death. It was his witness for the Lord that caused him to be banished to Patmos and his faith that enabled him to persevere in such horrific conditions and still be able to receive the prophecy of Revelation from the Lord. Again who better to write the prophecy of Revelation than someone with the qualifications of the Apostle John?

This second division of Revelation is contained within the second and third chapters. This is an account of what is happening within seven different churches in Asia Minor. There have been many discussions and interpretational differences regarding these seven churches. Some maintain these were just seven literal churches of John’s day in Asia, and there is nothing else significant about them. Others maintain these seven churches represent seven dispensations of church history. Some believe the churches are symbolic of seven types of churches that exist today, while even others suggest these are the seven characteristics that can exist in any church or Christian.²² Are any of these points more correct than the others? I submit that we can hold them all as true and acceptable.

The Things Which Will Take Place After This

The third division of Revelation is revealed through the remainder of the book, chapters 4–22. This is evidenced by the phrase the things which will take place after this.

Beginning in chapter 4, we no longer find any reference to the church until chapter 19 speaks of the marriage supper of the Lamb. At that point, the church is referred to as the bride. Although the word rapture is not found anywhere within the text of the Scriptures, the implications of a rapture are definitely found in several verses throughout the New Testament (1 Cor. 15:51–52; 1 Thess. 4:15–17; Rev. 3:10). Revelation 4:1–2 refer to John being called up to heaven, thus having been the symbolic reference of the rapture of the church that fits the futurist view.

The primary theme of this third division is the restoration of the earth back to the Lord, which includes the restoration of Israel. This is done through the Old Testament example of a Kinsmen Redeemer—Jesus Christ, who is the only One worthy to fulfill this role.

Allow me to quote from John Walvoord’s work, entitled The Revelation of Jesus Christ, to summarize this concept.

Though many outlines have been suggested for the book of Revelation, none seems to be more practical or illuminating than the threefold outline given here. The things referred to as having already been seen are those contained in chapter 1 where John had his preliminary vision. This vision, of course, introduces the main subject of the entire book, Jesus Christ the glorious coming King. The second division, the things which are, most naturally includes chapters 2 and 3, with the seven messages Christ delivered to the churches. This contemporary situation gives the historical context for the revelation which follows. The third division, the things which shall be hereafter, would naturally include the bulk of the book which was to be prophetic, as anticipated in 1:3 in the expression the words of this prophecy.

The advantage of this outline is that it deals in a natural way with the material rather than seizing on incidentals as some expositors have done or avoiding any outline at all, as is true of other expositors. It is not too much to claim that this outline is the only one which allows the book to speak for itself without artificial manipulation and which lays guidelines of sufficient importance so that expositors who follow this approach have been able to establish a system of interpretation of the book of Revelation, namely, the Futurist school. It is significant that practically all other approaches to the book of Revelation yield widely differing interpretations in which there is little uniformity when one interpreter is compared to the next. The Futurist school at least agrees on some of its main lines of interpretation."²³

The Full Disclosure of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1)

As in any excellent book, the first chapter sets the tone for the entire book. With respect to Revelation, this is no exception. No other book in the Bible has been so widely scrutinized, questioned, and been so greatly divided over by scholars and preachers. This is my attempt to use as many other scriptures and books throughout the Bible to substantiate what we read here.

The book of Daniel was to be sealed until the time of the end (Dan. 12:9). However, the Apostle John was instructed not to seal the sayings of the prophecy, for the time is at hand (Rev. 22:10). I am a steadfast believer that the Bible—the entire Bible—is meant to be understood by every true believer. The events, promises, and outcomes written in this book are intended to be understood, not to be confusing and misleading to the followers of Jesus Christ. For this reason, I firmly believe the book of Revelation is to be taken literally, unless otherwise indicated. It is not a collection of allegories and spiritualized hyperbole but an accurate account of what was, what is now, and what is to come.

The first chapter is sectioned into three subdivisions in most Bibles: Introduction/Prologue; Greeting/Salutation; and Vision of the Son of Man. The Introduction/Prologue comprises verses 1 through 3, where the tone of this book is set. The introduction of Jesus is concise; the origin of this entire prophecy is disclosed; for whom this prophecy is intended is revealed; the timing of the contents of the prophecy foretold; the certification of its authenticity and His chosen scribe confirmed. In addition to these important facts, a blessing is included for all who will read, hear, and keep the things written within this prophecy. Verses 4 through 9 contain the greeting and identification of the chosen scribe of God, the Apostle John, who immediately points us to the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verses 10 through the end of the chapter identify the attributes of Jesus Christ: our Creator, Savior, Lord, King, and Judge. Revelation is the singular book of the Bible that contains all five roles within the confines of its chapters. It is, in fact, the full disclosure of Jesus Christ.

Verse 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.

The Greek word for revelation is apokalupsis, from which our English word apocalypse is derived. The word apocalypse carries a dual meaning. Apocalypse is defined as to disclose but also to cover. In other words, it means to uncover and reveal but also can mean to cover up and conceal. Apocalypse carries somewhat the same basic definition as another English word, disclosure. Disclosure, however, does not carry the dual meaning of covering up or concealing. Its usage is strictly for uncovering or revealing, as in making known a discovery or revealing something that was formerly concealed. Perhaps this is the reason that disclosure is the first definition found in The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible for apokalupsis.²⁴ This last book of the Bible is the full disclosure of the Lord Jesus Christ. The title of this book is called Revelation: The Full Disclosure of Jesus Christ because it is the total unveiling of Christ, not just the picture of Jesus as our Creator and Savior but of Him as also our soon-coming King, Lord, and Judge.

The stance that this book of prophecy is to be known by all the saints is also founded in this verse. God gave this prophecy to Jesus who sent the Holy Spirit to John to record the events, demonstrating that God wishes for us to know what is to come (to show His servants). That verse 3 continues by speaking a blessing over those who read, hear, and keep this prophecy shows that God is not hiding these things but wanting all to know what will happen to those who do not repent from their wicked ways and submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Verse 1 lends itself to the very idea that all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16). God initiates it and gives the message to Jesus. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to move John to write what he sees (vv. 11, 19). John is then instructed to send this writing to the seven churches in Asia Minor. The angel who is sent is none other than the Holy Spirit, who inspired John, as well as many other holy men, to write what would become the sixty-six books of the Christian Bible. Second Timothy 3:16–17 truly comes to life here as this revealing of end-times events is definitely profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. This notion also speaks to the idea that this prophecy was not just for the edification and encouragement of the saints during this time period, but that God foreknew this writing would withstand the test of time and minister to the saints of all subsequent ages until its fulfillment.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Daniel 6:21–22 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Revelation 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

This prophecy was not only sent but also signified by His angel (the Holy Spirit) to His servant John. To signify something is to show its meaning with signs/symbols. The book of Revelation is full of various signs and symbols. Rev. John Hagee, author of Four Blood Moons, states that the sky is the Lord’s high definition billboard, useful for declarations to His people.²⁵ H. A. Ironside, in his book entitled Lectures on the Book of Revelation states:

It may be laid down as a principle of first importance that every symbol used in Revelation is explained or alluded to somewhere else in the Bible. Therefore, he who would get God’s mind as to this portion of His Word must study with earnest and prayerful attention to every other part of Holy Scripture.²⁶

Verse 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

The definition of the Greek word for witness is to testify or bear record. This word also carries the meaning of a positive account. Further definition would include a good report or to be well thought of. The testimony regarding the Word of God is always truth. This is a positive witness to all except those who are living contrary to God’s Word. In continuing this thought process, it would be prudent to gain an understanding of the testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself gave us a direct statement as to His testimony and purpose for being upon the earth in John 18:37. His specific statement was that He came into the world to testify to the truth. The entire ministry of Jesus Christ was about proclaiming the truth regarding how to present ourselves to God and how to concern ourselves with others.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

John’s directive is to write the events that have been proclaimed by God that we can believe as truth through Jesus Christ, things that will come to pass shortly regarding our last days upon the earth as the bride of Christ, the events which will take place to restore Israel to Himself, and the horrific ending judgments the unbelievers will suffer.

Verse 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Rather than translate the word blessed as happy, joyful is a better translation. Happy involves emotions that vary from time to time and immediately impact our level of happiness. Joy is one of the fruit of the Spirit and has nothing to do with our emotions, just as being blessed has nothing to do with our emotion. We are blessed because the Lord says we are blessed, regardless of our situation. Blessed should be defined as full of joy and fully made adequate for God’s purposes.

Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Galatians 5:22–23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Revelation is the only book of the entire Bible which begins and ends with a blessing pronounced on those who read and keep what is written within its text (1:3, 22:7). H. A. Ironside writes, It is clearly evident that this portion of Holy Scripture was given for our instruction and edification, but thousands of the Lord’s people permit themselves to be robbed of blessing by ignoring it.²⁷

The implication here is more than a casual reading of the book and a passive listening. There is a demand for action as a result of the reading and hearing of Revelation. The word keep implies to to have a firm hold on or to keep watch over. Only in keeping those things which are written, holding the concepts dear to our hearts and living according to their instruction, are we able to receive the blessings from this prophecy.

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Regarding this specific passage, John Walvoord also comments:

But for both reader and hearer it is most important that they keep, that is, fulfill (observe or pay attention to) what is written. All three participles are in the present tense, implying continued reading, hearing, and observing. The book of Revelation is the only book of Scripture containing such a direct promise of blessing.²⁸

This particular verse could prove to be a crucial/vital key to our understanding the remainder of Revelation. Remember, the basis of faith determines our worldview. Our worldview is the lens through which we perceive the world and its events. As Christians, we believe the Scriptures to be inerrant, totally inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore, if the verse says there is a blessing upon those who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy, then it must be true.

The phrase the time is near has been debated, discussed, and even argued over its meaning. The book of Revelation, just as all other books in the Bible, is meant to be understood and not confusing. This reference of time is not a predictive effort to tell us when the Lord will return. It is more a reference to our lives and temporary being in this world. The Scriptures tell us that our lives are short, even using the terms such as handbreadth and vapor to describe the life of mankind. In other words, this reference suggests that our lifetime is short, and the opportunity to live eternally with the Lord God Almighty is available right now. This type of perspective is in complete harmony with the Scriptures and creates no confusion to its meaning.

Psalm 39:4–5 NKJV Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Romans 13:11 NKJV And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Verse 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne.

I heard it asked once why John was the chosen apostle to write the vision of Revelation. At that particular time, I had not studied the lives and times of the apostles in any depth. Today, I suppose, it may seem to some a question of lesser importance; however, I believe one which needs to be addressed. The foremost reason is the validation of the date of Revelation’s authorship. John was the last living of the original twelve apostles, including Matthias and excluding Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Christ). Most of his apostolic companions died between AD 50 and AD 75. According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, John was the only apostle to escape a violent death. It was documented, though, that John, because of his testimony for Christ, was publicly cast into a cauldron of boiling oil but escaped by a miracle, without injury. After this, he was immediately sentenced to serve time on the Isle of Patmos as a political prisoner in AD 95, under the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian. John was released from Patmos in AD 96 by Emperor Nerva as a result of Domitian’s death.

Eusebius writes of John’s return from the Isle of Patmos in his work Ecclesiastical History and dates it immediately following Domitian’s death, which occurred in AD 96. In his book entitled Against Heresies (written approximately AD 180), Irenaeus documents John’s writing of Revelation on the Isle of Patmos near the end of Domitian’s reign and lived in Ephesus until the reign of Emperor Trajan. Irenaeus’s statement was accepted as accurate by other early church fathers such as Clement, Victorinus, Tertullian, Jerome, Eusebius, and others.²⁹ The dating of this book is very important. For views other than that of the futurist, the date of John’s writing is critical to prove their interpretational view.

The Apostle John is writing to the seven churches in Asia Minor (located in what is now part of Western Turkey); Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. It is taught by some that John was the founding apostle of six of the seven churches, the exception being Ephesus. It is also thought that John spent a great deal of time with the Ephesian believers and had gained apostolic leadership there. Regardless of whether or not John founded these churches, it is certainly evident that John carried a great influence with these churches and was well qualified to speak into the lives of these pastors and their flocks.

Grace and peace are two gifts from God that humankind has wrestled with since the original sin and fall of man in the Garden of Eden. It has been said that grace is receiving what we do not deserve. Because of our fallen nature, we do not deserve to receive the benefits and favor of God. Only through the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ upon the cross as the sacrifice for the sins of all people and a personal salvation relationship with Jesus are we able to gain God’s grace for our lives. With this grace, through faith, comes the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6–7) and will provide us peace, rest, and quietness through any and all situations we may face during our brief time upon this earth.

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.

Philippians 4:6–7 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Lord declares His eternal existence in this verse through the phrase who is and who was and who is to come. He is now, He was since the very beginning, and He will always be! Amen! Our finite minds truly cannot wrap our understanding around this due to the infinite and eternal aspects of God. Second Timothy 1:9 reminds us that this is the source and the time-tested basis for our grace, the eternally existent God Almighty.

The phrase the seven Spirits appears in the Bible in three other passages, all in Revelation (3:1, 4:5, 5:6). This reference does in no way refer to seven separate spirits. The number 7 is the number of God’s perfection. In each case, this phrase refers to the fullness (perfection of the Holy Spirit because God Himself is perfect) that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives. Isaiah 11:2–3 identifies this fullness through seven traits that work in us: peace (rest upon him), wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.

Revelation 3:1 These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Revelation 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Verse 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

The faithfulness of Jesus started in heaven by giving up His spiritual place to become the human atonement for sin. As He was raised from the tomb, He set the example for all of humanity. A faithful life while on the earth translates to being raised from the dead (rapture) and then returning to the earth with Christ to rule and reign with Him for one thousand years.

With regard to Jesus being a witness, what more can be said than that which has already been recorded throughout the New Testament! The testimony (witness) of Jesus never wavers, regardless of the situation. We can place our trust in Him.

Isaiah 55:4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Firstborn from the dead is a reference to the new covenant that was sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the first to rise up in this new covenant, setting the example for the rest of humankind. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, all have been born into a sin nature. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). Since we are in sin, we will suffer eternal death; however, if we submit to Him as Lord and Savior of our life, we become born again and attain eternal life in God (Rom. 6:23). This is being raised from the dead. This did not happen with anyone until after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He has served once again as our example in life.

Psalm 89:27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Ruler (KJV=prince), in Greek, translates as the chief authority, the number 1 figurehead of authority. There is nobody over Him on this earth. All authority comes from God, and all kings/authorities are placed into position by God, under the authority of Jesus Christ.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

1 Timothy 6:13–16 NKJV I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

The word used for love is agapao in Greek. It is the root word where we get the word agape. Agape is the love that God has for us, a covenant love that will never end. Regardless of what we do, God’s agape will always be there for us. The root word usage that appears in this verse is the same as is used in John 3:16 and John 21:15–17. This is more than just a casual mention of the words I love you. It is more than the love you would show for a friend (Greek=philos). It is a love that you can depend upon to be available in any and all situations that life may present. It is God’s greatest gift to us, wrapped in the personage of Jesus Christ.

John 3:16–17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 21:15 NKJV So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?

How can mere words describe the love that has been shown us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? He gave up His heavenly position to take the form of a human and came to this earth in order to: (1) testify to the truth of God and, (2) provide a means for us, as flawed and sinful humans, to be reconciled back to God as His children. Through the shedding of His blood, His death upon the cross, and His resurrection to the right hand of the Father, we have been provided the pathway back to eternal life with the Father.

Until this time, the people of God received atonement for their sins through the sacrifice of animals. There was no atonement for sin without the shedding of blood; but now there is no longer a requirement to sacrifice animals and have their blood sprinkled upon an altar by a priest. This was all satisfied by the sacrificial death of Jesus upon the cross.

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 9:13–15 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And