The last book of the New Testament is the record of the revelation that the apostle John received during his imprisonment on the island of Patmos for being a Christian (1:9 and following). Many of the chapters of this book are difficult to interpret. Some of the greatest theologians in the history of the Church have felt unequal to the task of expounding these Scriptures. For example, John Calvin, one of the great reformers, wrote a commentary on every book of the Bible except Revelation.
Despite the fact that the meaning of every part of this book may not be immediately apparent, there is the promise that those who read (not necessarily understand) it will be blessed (1:3).
Though some parts may be obscure, certain ideas do stand out with unquestioned clarity. Chapters 1 through 3 describe Jesus as He appeared to John and record the messages to be sent to the seven churches of Asia Minor. These messages are quite clear in their meaning. Chapters 4 through 18 are more difficult, but chapters 19 through 22, which concern those events by which God brings final redemption to the world, are clear for the most part. These four chapters are extremely important to completing the history of redemption outlined since Genesis.
Write in your own words your impression of Jesus Christ as John describes Him in Revelation 1:19-20.
How is this picture of Jesus different from the one of Him as Savior?
Name the seven churches to whom John was commanded to write, and tell the one main message he was to give to each. (Revelation 2-3)
What qualities do you see in your church that are like the ones you read about?
What great events are described in Revelation 19:1-21?
What will be the fate of the devil at the beginning of Christ's thousand-year reign (Revelation 20:1-3)? What will be his fate at the end (Revelation 20:7-10)?
What will be the fate of all unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15)?
List three ways in which the Christian's ultimate destiny will differ from this present existence (Revelation 21:1-7).
How can you prepare spiritually for Christ's coming and the events that will be taking place?
Adapted from The 10 Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity, by Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Cru. All rights reserved.
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