The emphasis of this book is Jesus Christ, not judgments, tribulations, and persecution. This book is “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (1:1). We see a threefold picture of Christ. First, His eternal nature; “who is and who was and who is to come” (1:8 NKJV). Second, His death, He “washed us from our sins in His own blood” (1:5 NKJV). Third, His return, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him” (1:7 NKJV).
The book is divided into three time events. First, the past, “the things which you have seen” (1:1-20); second, the present, “things which are” (2:1–3:22); and third, the future, “things which shall be hereafter” (4:1–22:21).
Revelation is a difficult book to interpret; don’t get sidetracked by what you don’t understand. Emphasize what you understand and practice it. There are many prayers contained in this book, learn to pray them, “even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (22:20).
Key Words: I saw (occurs 24 times, that is, John saw a vision from God)
Key Verse: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3 NKJV).
