The book of Revelation made simple! Ha! How many times have we picked up a book with such a title only to become more confused as we read it--or stopped reading it! Well, may this little sketch not be as those!
Personally, Revelation is one of the most exciting and action packed books of all scripture. In just 404 verses of 22 chapters the history and future of the church is told and foretold. As Jimmy Maynor used to say, "To truly understand Revelation you need a revelation." This book, the last of the New Testament promises a blessing to its readers, those who: read, hear and keep it! |
The book of Revelation is a teacher's delight, yet "the preacher" must tread softly here. Years ago I heard some preach this book of Revelation as we do the Gospel; but such preaching today would sound foolish and bring embarrassment to that dogmatic preacher. To put a name on each beasts' horn and unroll your timeline chart of future events in precise order may be presumptuous.
May we not "spiritualise" the book of Revelation. It is already loaded with symbolism and spiritual meaning. May we not complicate and confuse it by adding more personal and private interpretations of our own thus making it even more mysterious. |
Simplify is the key!
Let us simply draw up our skeleton outlines and trust God will put the meat on the bones
as we go and grow in knowledge and grace. Deuteronomy 29:29
In Revelation 1:19 Jesus told John to
"write the things which thou hast seen ( chapter 1),
and the things which are (chapter 2 & 3 the seven churches "which are in Asia),
and the things which shall be hereafter ( chapters 4-22)."
Chapter 4:1 ...Things which must be hereafter.
John is shown the future from chapter 4 onward.
Chapters 1-3 ---things which are Chapters 4-22 --prophecy
"write the things which thou hast seen ( chapter 1),
and the things which are (chapter 2 & 3 the seven churches "which are in Asia),
and the things which shall be hereafter ( chapters 4-22)."
Chapter 4:1 ...Things which must be hereafter.
John is shown the future from chapter 4 onward.
Chapters 1-3 ---things which are Chapters 4-22 --prophecy
Revelation Outline Chart
If you keep in mind this one clue it will do wonders for you in understanding the book of Revelation.
Here is the clue-- There are 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, and 7 Vials DO NOT MIX THEM! They are separate events.
Here is the clue-- There are 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets, and 7 Vials DO NOT MIX THEM! They are separate events.
Chart of the 7's in Revelation
The 7's of Revelation
Chapters 1-3 7 Letters to 7 Churches
Chapters 5-11 7 Seals, 7 Trumpets Chapter 15 &16 7 Vials Chapter 1:12,20 7 Candelsticks Chapter 1:16, 20 7 Stars Chapter 1:20 7 Angels Chapter 1:4 7 Spirits Chapter 5:6 Lamb with 7 Horns and 7 Eyes Chapter 4:5 7 Lamps Chapter 10:3,4 7 Thunders Chapter 12:1 7 Crowns Chapter 13:1 7 Headed Beast 17:3,7 Chapter 17:9 7 Mountains Chapter 17:10 7 Kings 7 Stands for completeness, fullness, totality |
7 Beattitudes of Revelation
Chapter 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth... Chapter 14:13 Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord Chapter 16:15 Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments Chapter 19:9 Blessed are they which are called to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb Chapter 20:6 Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Chapter 22:7 Blessed is he that keepth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Chapter 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments |
Map of the Area of the Book of Revelation
Outline of Events Yet to Come
7 Year Pact or Covenant of the Anti-Christ
The Jews re-build the Temple at Jerusalem
The Anti-Christ breaks the Covenant after 3 1/2 years
The Anti-Christ sets up the Abomination of Desolation in the Temple beginning the Great Tribulation, last 3 1/2 years of World History
Christians are raptured at Christ's Second Coming at the end of the Tribulation
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Heaven
The Wrath of God is poured out on the Earth
Christ returns with His Army on white horses victorious at the Battle of Armageddon destroying the Beast and his kingdom
King of Kings sets up 1,000 year Millenium of Heaven on Earth ruling with his saints over the remaining wicked till Magog rebellion at the end of the Millenium led by the Devil who is destroyed by fire.
New Heaven and Earth forever
The Jews re-build the Temple at Jerusalem
The Anti-Christ breaks the Covenant after 3 1/2 years
The Anti-Christ sets up the Abomination of Desolation in the Temple beginning the Great Tribulation, last 3 1/2 years of World History
Christians are raptured at Christ's Second Coming at the end of the Tribulation
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Heaven
The Wrath of God is poured out on the Earth
Christ returns with His Army on white horses victorious at the Battle of Armageddon destroying the Beast and his kingdom
King of Kings sets up 1,000 year Millenium of Heaven on Earth ruling with his saints over the remaining wicked till Magog rebellion at the end of the Millenium led by the Devil who is destroyed by fire.
New Heaven and Earth forever