For Bible study I am reading commentaries on the book of Revelation. During these studies I see that there are many ways to approach the book in light of its linguistic, grammatical, historical, and spiritual contexts. Not everyone agrees on times, dates, symbols, or events. It almost seems that the book was written for ancient historians and theologians to argue about in university libraries.
However, one thing is clear–it is meant to be a revelation of Jesus Christ. The more I meditate on these prophecies it becomes clear that the primary purpose is not to tell us what the future holds, but to introduce us to the one who holds the future.
There are prophecies in the book of Revelation that have happened, are happening, and will happen in the future. But the main character of the book is the sacrificial lamb–Jesus Christ.
1. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (5:12)
2. “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (12:11)
3. Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (19:9)
These are only a few places where the lamb is mentioned. The ultimate point of the book of Revelation is that no matter how dark things get on planet earth there is always eternal hope for those who place their faith and trust in Jesus who was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
~Stephen Beagles