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| REVELATION |
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| timetable of events; it speaks lasting truths to every generation of readers. Revelation tells of Christ's future triumph over all the evil in the universe. This crucial message of that final hope was needed by its original readers in the first century and is still needed by us today. |
| How to read Revelation |
| Revelation is probably the most intimidating book in the Bible. It packs in so many symbols and obscure details that most readers find themselves plagued by the sensation that they are missing something. All new forms of writing seem intimidating at first: for example, conside your very first science fiction book, filled with weird names and unearthly creatures, and governed by its own rules of writing. Science fiction seems very strange until you learn the techniques used by virtually all science fiction writers. Once you understand the form, it makes more sense. The same applies to Revelation. It will likely seem strange at first, because it uses techniques of symbolism and visions not commonly used elsewhere in the New Testament. It is best to read Revelation one vision at a time, rather than all at once. The seven main visions give a view of similar events from different angles. - 1. The church on earth (1-3) - 2. The Lamb and the seven seals (4-7) - 3. Seven angels with trumpets (8-11) - 4. The church persecuted by Satan and the beast (12-14) - 5. The sevel bowls of God's wrath (15-16) - 6. Judgment of Babylon (17-19:10) - 7. Final judgment and final victory (19:11 to end). Try to read completely through a vision, following the subtitles marked in the Bible text. As you read, look behind the visual symbols for the |