“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 1:13
The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It was most likely between 90-95 A.D. Although the introduction of Revelation is written as an epistle to the 7 churches of Asia, most of the remainder of the book is stylistically apocalyptic and/or prophetic. The imagery and symbolism of Revelation has led to numerous debates and interpretations, many of which are scripturally sound and reasonably plausible. The Bible is not absolutely explicit in its description of the “End Times”, thereby leaving plenty of room for various opinions on the subject.
As such, Southern Baptists are not dogmatic on their interpretation of Revelation or their understanding of the “End Times”. In fact, there are many differing perspectives on this issue within the denomination. That said, all Southern Baptists do agree on the 3 central tenets of eschatology. First, Jesus will return personally and visibly to the earth. Second, the dead will be raised. Third, Christ will judge all men in righteousness - some will receive eternal life and others everlasting punishment. Beyond this, the exact details and timing of the return, resurrection, and reckoning are open to discussion.
With this in mind, I want you to know at the outset that my interpretation of Revelation may be somewhat different than yours or other such explanations you’ve encountered in the past. Many Bible scholars much more educated than myself have commented on this fascinating book. I am simply going to present Revelation from my perspective, based upon my own personal understanding of it. I do not claim to be unquestionably certain about the specifics or to have the only possible and correct explanation. Truth be told, my opinion of Revelation has changed in the past and may do so again in the future as my knowledge of scripture increases.
I. THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE POSITION
Based upon years of studying and reading the Bible, I am a proponent of the pre-tribulation rapture position. Although this is a relatively new doctrine (which makes me somewhat skeptical), having originated in the early 1800’s, I still believe that it most accurately reconciles all of the numerous Biblical verses and passages pertaining to the “End Times”. The modern pre-tribulation rapture position is not new revelation, in that it does not add anything to scripture. It is simply another, albeit more recent, approach to interpreting the ancient text. Just because it's new doesn’t necessarily mean it's wrong, though it does invite scrutiny…
Following this timeline, I believe that we are currently living in (and very near the end of) the Church Age. At any moment, Jesus could return in the air for His church at an event called the Rapture. After the church is removed and the Holy Spirit is absent, a 7-year period of tribulation will begin. This time will be marked by worldwide unrest, famine, and disease. At the midpoint of the tribulation, the Antichrist will rise power and exercise absolute authority over the earth. He will reign throughout the later half of the tribulation, a time called The Great Tribulation, during which judgments and persecutions will increase - especially against the saints of God. At the end of the tribulation period, Jesus will return from Heaven with His church, defeat the Antichrist and his followers, bind Satan, and set up His millennial kingdom on earth.
From my perspective, what I’ve just outlined is the most credible and literal sequence of “End Time” events. When I read, study, and teach from Revelation, this is the lens through which I look. As we work our way through this book in the coming months, you will see that its overall structure generally aligns with the pre-tribulation rapture position. That said, I believe that much of Revelation, specifically the apocalyptic portions, are not always presented in chronological order. Having this framework in mind helps us to better understand and align its events.
II. ABOUT THE REVELATION (Revelation 1:1-3)
The word “Revelation” means to disclose or communicate divine truth. God initially gave this revelation to Jesus in order that He might share it with His servants. In other words, God wanted us to know what would take place in the last days. To this end, Jesus sent His angel to relay the message to the apostle John. Upon receiving the revelation in a vision, John then faithfully and carefully wrote down everything he’d seen so that others could read it. The book of Revelation is John’s testimony. Thus, the revelation originated with God, was given to Jesus, then to His angel, next to John, and finally to us on the pages of scripture.
John stated that the contents of Revelation would “soon take place”. Clearly, they had not happened by the time of his writing. Therefore, the book of Revelation unveils events that will occur in the future (at least from John’s vantage point, and to a large degree our own). Also, in his introduction, John pronounces a blessing on those who read and take the prophecies of Revelation to heart. Again, he says that “the time is near”. There is a repeated sense of urgency in that the realization of this vision is imminent.
III. A MESSAGE TO THE 7 CHURCHES (Revelation 1:4-8)
John addressed the opening chapters of Revelation specifically to the 7 churches of Asia. While these were distinct, local churches that existed during John’s lifetime, I believe that they collectively represent the Christian church at large. His observations of and instructions to each of them have broad and far-reaching implications and applications. Such is the case in the Pauline and general epistles as well. Though addressed to a particular audience, clearly the message of Revelation is not narrowly intended for only a handful of churches, but rather is given to all believers.
In my opinion, the salutation or greeting of this book can be neatly summarized in this way: “Grace and peace to you from God - the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son.” While this is not the most familiar ordering of this sequence, there is nothing inherently wrong with it as all 3 members of the Trinity are co-equal. John eloquently describes each Person of the Godhead, listing Jesus last in this case because of the extended exultation ascribed to Him.
God the Father is referred to as “Him who is, and was, and is to come”. A few verses later He is also called “the Alpha and the Omega” and “the Almighty”. These names highlight the timeless nature and unlimited power of the Father. God the Holy Spirit is enigmatically described as “the seven spirits who are before His throne.” This name speaks to the perfection and completeness of the Holy Spirit while also emphasizing His various functions (Isaiah 11:2).
Finally, God the Son is named “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Jesus showed His love for us and saved us from the just consequence of our sins by dying on the cross as our substitute. Furthermore, He has made us into a kingdom of priests to God the Father. For doing these amazing things, John exalts the Lord declaring that He deserves all glory, praise, and dominion forever. Amen!
In the final sentence of His introductory remarks, John plainly states the main idea of Revelation. Jesus will someday return to the earth, coming in the clouds, in like fashion to His ascension (Acts 1:9-11). When He comes, everyone will see Him - including those who rejected and crucified Him - and all of His earthly enemies will mourn His arrival. This is the central and indisputable truth of the “End Times” - Jesus is coming again!
CONCLUSION
There are many possible and valid interpretations of Revelation. In this series, I am going to present my own personal perspective. That said, I cordially invite you to share your opinions and insights with me as we progress through this book. Perhaps we can sharpen one another’s understanding of eschatology. While we may differ on some particulars, we can undoubtedly agree that Jesus is coming again. Regardless of how it all unfolds, the most important question is this - will you be ready when He arrives?
The book of Revelation was written by the apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It was most likely between 90-95 A.D. Although the introduction of Revelation is written as an epistle to the 7 churches of Asia, most of the remainder of the book is stylistically apocalyptic and/or prophetic. The imagery and symbolism of Revelation has led to numerous debates and interpretations, many of which are scripturally sound and reasonably plausible. The Bible is not absolutely explicit in its description of the “End Times”, thereby leaving plenty of room for various opinions on the subject.
As such, Southern Baptists are not dogmatic on their interpretation of Revelation or their understanding of the “End Times”. In fact, there are many differing perspectives on this issue within the denomination. That said, all Southern Baptists do agree on the 3 central tenets of eschatology. First, Jesus will return personally and visibly to the earth. Second, the dead will be raised. Third, Christ will judge all men in righteousness - some will receive eternal life and others everlasting punishment. Beyond this, the exact details and timing of the return, resurrection, and reckoning are open to discussion.
With this in mind, I want you to know at the outset that my interpretation of Revelation may be somewhat different than yours or other such explanations you’ve encountered in the past. Many Bible scholars much more educated than myself have commented on this fascinating book. I am simply going to present Revelation from my perspective, based upon my own personal understanding of it. I do not claim to be unquestionably certain about the specifics or to have the only possible and correct explanation. Truth be told, my opinion of Revelation has changed in the past and may do so again in the future as my knowledge of scripture increases.
I. THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE POSITION
Based upon years of studying and reading the Bible, I am a proponent of the pre-tribulation rapture position. Although this is a relatively new doctrine (which makes me somewhat skeptical), having originated in the early 1800’s, I still believe that it most accurately reconciles all of the numerous Biblical verses and passages pertaining to the “End Times”. The modern pre-tribulation rapture position is not new revelation, in that it does not add anything to scripture. It is simply another, albeit more recent, approach to interpreting the ancient text. Just because it's new doesn’t necessarily mean it's wrong, though it does invite scrutiny…
Following this timeline, I believe that we are currently living in (and very near the end of) the Church Age. At any moment, Jesus could return in the air for His church at an event called the Rapture. After the church is removed and the Holy Spirit is absent, a 7-year period of tribulation will begin. This time will be marked by worldwide unrest, famine, and disease. At the midpoint of the tribulation, the Antichrist will rise power and exercise absolute authority over the earth. He will reign throughout the later half of the tribulation, a time called The Great Tribulation, during which judgments and persecutions will increase - especially against the saints of God. At the end of the tribulation period, Jesus will return from Heaven with His church, defeat the Antichrist and his followers, bind Satan, and set up His millennial kingdom on earth.
From my perspective, what I’ve just outlined is the most credible and literal sequence of “End Time” events. When I read, study, and teach from Revelation, this is the lens through which I look. As we work our way through this book in the coming months, you will see that its overall structure generally aligns with the pre-tribulation rapture position. That said, I believe that much of Revelation, specifically the apocalyptic portions, are not always presented in chronological order. Having this framework in mind helps us to better understand and align its events.
II. ABOUT THE REVELATION (Revelation 1:1-3)
The word “Revelation” means to disclose or communicate divine truth. God initially gave this revelation to Jesus in order that He might share it with His servants. In other words, God wanted us to know what would take place in the last days. To this end, Jesus sent His angel to relay the message to the apostle John. Upon receiving the revelation in a vision, John then faithfully and carefully wrote down everything he’d seen so that others could read it. The book of Revelation is John’s testimony. Thus, the revelation originated with God, was given to Jesus, then to His angel, next to John, and finally to us on the pages of scripture.
John stated that the contents of Revelation would “soon take place”. Clearly, they had not happened by the time of his writing. Therefore, the book of Revelation unveils events that will occur in the future (at least from John’s vantage point, and to a large degree our own). Also, in his introduction, John pronounces a blessing on those who read and take the prophecies of Revelation to heart. Again, he says that “the time is near”. There is a repeated sense of urgency in that the realization of this vision is imminent.
III. A MESSAGE TO THE 7 CHURCHES (Revelation 1:4-8)
John addressed the opening chapters of Revelation specifically to the 7 churches of Asia. While these were distinct, local churches that existed during John’s lifetime, I believe that they collectively represent the Christian church at large. His observations of and instructions to each of them have broad and far-reaching implications and applications. Such is the case in the Pauline and general epistles as well. Though addressed to a particular audience, clearly the message of Revelation is not narrowly intended for only a handful of churches, but rather is given to all believers.
In my opinion, the salutation or greeting of this book can be neatly summarized in this way: “Grace and peace to you from God - the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the Son.” While this is not the most familiar ordering of this sequence, there is nothing inherently wrong with it as all 3 members of the Trinity are co-equal. John eloquently describes each Person of the Godhead, listing Jesus last in this case because of the extended exultation ascribed to Him.
God the Father is referred to as “Him who is, and was, and is to come”. A few verses later He is also called “the Alpha and the Omega” and “the Almighty”. These names highlight the timeless nature and unlimited power of the Father. God the Holy Spirit is enigmatically described as “the seven spirits who are before His throne.” This name speaks to the perfection and completeness of the Holy Spirit while also emphasizing His various functions (Isaiah 11:2).
Finally, God the Son is named “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Jesus showed His love for us and saved us from the just consequence of our sins by dying on the cross as our substitute. Furthermore, He has made us into a kingdom of priests to God the Father. For doing these amazing things, John exalts the Lord declaring that He deserves all glory, praise, and dominion forever. Amen!
In the final sentence of His introductory remarks, John plainly states the main idea of Revelation. Jesus will someday return to the earth, coming in the clouds, in like fashion to His ascension (Acts 1:9-11). When He comes, everyone will see Him - including those who rejected and crucified Him - and all of His earthly enemies will mourn His arrival. This is the central and indisputable truth of the “End Times” - Jesus is coming again!
CONCLUSION
There are many possible and valid interpretations of Revelation. In this series, I am going to present my own personal perspective. That said, I cordially invite you to share your opinions and insights with me as we progress through this book. Perhaps we can sharpen one another’s understanding of eschatology. While we may differ on some particulars, we can undoubtedly agree that Jesus is coming again. Regardless of how it all unfolds, the most important question is this - will you be ready when He arrives?