REVELATION THROUGH LOCKDOWN (Pt 1)

Introduction:

There are number of ways people have read and preached the book of Revelation, these approaches are:

1. Preterits: This group of people hold the idea that all things in the book were fulfilled within 1st C Christianity, the problem with this approach is, it makes the book irrelevant to us today.

2. Historicist: Looks at the seven churches as dispensations of the Christian movement in history, the key question that this group has in mind when reading the book is, where in history are we now? The problem here is, it makes the book irrelevant to the audience that first read it, that is, the seven churches and 1st C Christians.

3. Futurist: looks at the book as belonging to the future mostly from chapters 4 onward. The problem here is, this approach makes the book irrelevant both to us and to the 1st audience.

4. Idealist: looks at the book as a principle that contrasts the church, Christ and the devil, holding that is not a history of events nor a prophecy of what is to come. Rather it’s a book that only gives Christians in the face of suffering hope. Problem here is, the book does give us prophecy as it states and a history of events.

5. Neglect idealist: looks at the book as a principle that contrasts the church, Christ and the devil, gives Christians in the face of suffering hope and believe that the book indeed is a record of history and does have prophecy. (I subscribe to this group)

Having looked at the various approaches to Revelation as a book, let us delve into the books’ first part, which is the prologue found in the first chapter.

The Prologue:

Rev 1:1-3;

Verse 1: the revelation in this book is of Jesus Christ given to him by God that he may show his servants things that were soon to take place (this would mean the book is indeed prophetic). Jesus makes this revelation know to his servant John by the means of an angel

Verse 2: John bears witness of what he had seen, refers to sharing his experiences with others (us), most notably in his writing.

Verse 3a: A blessing comes with reading aloud the words of the prophecy in this book, this would be the means to which the words of the book would be proclaimed to those in the church, there being no printing press, the book would be read aloud in the congregations for all to hear before being recopied and sent to other churches. The blessing here would be that of proclaiming the word of God to the church. A blessing also of hearing and keeping what is written, for indeed blessed are those who not only hear but keep the word of God (Luke 11:28), walking in it day and night. For your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).

Verse 3b: The prologue ends with; the time is near, indeed it is, yet we might be tempted to ask: “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:4)-NIV. But we are reminded, that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same Word (that is, the Word of God) the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. (2 Peter 3:5-7)-NIV

And we are encouraged; With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8,9)-NIV

Then we are Cautioned; But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought we to be? we ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. (2 Peter 3:10-12)-NIV.

Let us then keep in mind what the Word of God says, for therein is life and the light of men. Let us pay attention to ourselves and to the congregation of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, running the race with endurance even as we see the day draw near.