THE PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Purpose of this Book of Revelation

 

"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."

The Responsibility: This is to minister blessing to those who read. In fact, that is true of any inspired book. The way the blessing is to be ministered differs with the book. This book defines its purpose by the first word of verse three. This blessing is not consequent upon reading, hearing, keeping. This word rather points to character, condition, consciousness, which is revealed by those who read, hear, and keep. Thus this book is for the purpose of enabling people to judge themselves. If they read, hear, and keep the message of this book, it is evident that they are "Blessed" characters and belong to the people of God (cf. 1 Tim. 1:11, 6:15). This is the first seven beatitudes of the book - 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.

You will notice that this touches character, creed, and con­duct.

 This book identifies the character of professing Christians. Those who read, hear, and keep the message are revealed to be the people of God. There are many others who profess to be Christians but reject this message. There must be a reason, and the reason lies in their nature.

 This book provides the creed for the people of God.

  The book exalts Christ throughout.

It points to the final triumph of Christ.

It encourages the believer, gives assurance.

This deals with creed, for it speaks of those who read, hear, and keep.

This book stimulates conduct of the people of God.

It keeps ever before the people that the coming of Christ is near. For the time is near. 1:3; 3:20; 2:10; 22:10, 20.
It keeps before them that his coming is imminent. "Shortly come to pass" 1:1. I will come unto thee quickly. 2:5; 2:16; 2:25; 3:3; 8:11; 22:6, 7, 12, 20.
It keeps ever before them that Christ will finally be vindicated.
1:5 - Prince of the Kings by Resurrection "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."
1:7-8 - His Coming Triumph. "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."

5:5 - Prevailed to open the book. "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."

11:15 - Announcement of taking over Kingdom. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."

19:11 ff - Actual taking possession. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war."

20:11 ff - Final judgment and eternal glory. "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them." "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Conclusion: The realization of blessing is dependent upon fulfillment of the conditions named, namely study of the content and obedience to the teaching.