"Revelation" II

Revelation can be easily understood if one would just familiarize themselves with Old Testament prophets language. In the first century, they were accustomed to these word images to make a point. We are not and so everyone tries to make something more of the book when there is no need.

The central message of the book is that God is in control in all human affairs and He alone is worshiped and served! The Roman Empire was trying to destroy God's rightful place by oppressing His saints and exalting it's personal might on the earth. The power behind this destruction of God's saints is called the devil and Satan, who is described as a great red dragon (Rev. 12). It is this image to impress upon the readers the magnitude of the situation, not literal. He hates God and goes after anyone who holds to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 12:17).

There is a a beast that rises out of the sea (Rev. 13). Using this vivid, descriptive language, the readers (and us) are told who this beast is in ch. 17. He is a king (17:11)! There is a second beast that arises out of the earth (Rev. 13). He looked as innocent as a lamb but when he spoke, he spoke as the dragon (13:11). The picture is he looks innocent but is extremely dangerous. The earth beast has only one purpose: to make all the nations worship the sea beast (13:12-15)! We find out the earth beast is a false prophet, nothing more (19:20). There is a woman who rides on the back of the beast. After great, detailed descriptions are given about her and the saints of God she is responsible for killing, we are given who she is: "The woman who you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth." (17:18) "Reigns" is present tense so you must keep in mind at the writing of the book, there was only ONE city that reigned over the kings of the earth. ROME! "Is" is present tense at the writing too! Let the words means what they say. Chapter 18 is how the fall of this ungodly empire would affect the trade of all the nations around. They depended on her commerce and trades to maintain their livelihood. When she is destroyed, the merchants and kings of the earth mourn, while the saints in heaven shout for joy (19)!

There is way too much made up and read into the book. Simply let the book give you a picture in your mind as you read and stay with it, because it will explain the characters, the dealings and on-goings as you go through. You don't have to assume and it is not some secret code. It explains itself if you will allow it without trying to put your own ideas in it! God reigns and has control over all human events, even when it might not look like it. The book is a book of comfort, hope and security that God has control and you can trust Him. That's why the chapters 2-3 come at the first in writing each of the congregations. If Rome was coming down, the brethren need to get their lives straight and hold to the teachings of Jesus so they too can be victorious in the end. One final thought, it cannot be the end of all mankind because at the end of the book, there are still kings and kingdoms on the earth. If you have a question, ask. Otherwise, read and let it reveal itself to you.