What Is the Book of Revelation?

by: William C. Brownson

I call this book the most mysterious, fascinating, thrilling part of the Bible. Just what is it?

First, it’s a revelation from God (v. 1). God gave it to his Son to show to his servant John by the ministry of an angel. Revelation is a word from the living God.

It is also an apocalypse, a kind of literature that is highly symbolic, giving heaven’s perspective on the things of earth, encouraging the faithful in times of trial.

Finally, it’s also a letter to seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. It includes a salutation and a benediction, and as a whole becomes an epistle to the entire church of Jesus Christ. Revelation is not a chart for the ages but a message to God’s suffering people, assuring them that God’s kingdom of justice, peace, and salvation will surely come.

In verse 6 we celebrate one of its great central themes: praise to our living Lord, Jesus Christ. “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Blessing is promised to all who read it aloud, and especially to all who hear and keep its words. May we receive it in that way!