The theme of the Book of Revelation is the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. When our Lord ascended into heaven in Acts 1, He had been appointed to be the Messiah, but He had not been crowned, nor had He taken up His power to rule. In the Book of The Revelation, He appears to John in chapter 1 in a vision. In that vision, His appearance is striking, but still, He is not crowned. However, in Chapter 19, as He returns to the earth and takes control, He is crowned. What has occurred between chapter 1 and chapter 19 is that a coronation ceremony has taken place. This book is the revealing of our Lord as KING of kings and LORD of lords as we are shown a preview of that ceremony.
Now a brief overview of the Book of the Revelation in order to get a sense of its content and sense its structure.
| I. | Title and Introduction (Rev. 1:1-8) |
The first part is the Title and Introduction to the whole book with the title and explanation of the nature of the book in (1:1-2) and the Introduction in (1:3-8).
| II. | The Things Which You Have Seen (Rev. 1:9-20) |
The second part or first major division is Things Which He Had Seen (Chapter 1:9-20). This is the background or stage for the following revelations. In this passage, John writes about what he had seen, that is, the vision of Jesus Christ as the LORD and JUDGE. This first major division can be divided into the following:
| A. | The Background (1:9-11) |
| B. | The Vision (1:12-16) |
| C. | The Instructions (1:17-20) |
Having finished describing his vision of the Lord, John proceeds to record the message our Lord had for seven particular churches.
| III. | The Things Which Are (Rev. 2-3) |
The third part or second major division is The Things Which Are (Chapters 2-3). This section consists of letters addressed to seven churches. These were contemporary churches, and, therefore, the message to them had an immediate, practical reference. John is writing about the things that are taking place in his day. The issues and lessons found here have a practical application to us today as well. However, since this book is stated to be prophetic, it seems reasonable to assume that this section itself has a prophetic significance. One must also note that John is told in 4:1, the first verse of the third major section, to come and see what must take place after “these things.” What follows in that section is a description of events in the Tribulation Period and the following events. Therefore, “these things” must refer back to chapters 2 and 3, and they must refer to events that precede the Tribulation period. Thus, while they have an immediate reference to seven literal individual churches, these seven letters also seem to have a prophetic significance of the various stages in the economy of the church age. Many commentators will disagree that there is any prophetic significance in these letters and relating them to various periods of church history is indeed quite subjective. It is possible to divide the history of the church in several ways, of course, and historians will disagree on specific dates, yet there seems to be a correspondence in the letters and the general flow of church history. I like the following breakdown because it does seem to catch the general overall picture of the church at various times. The seven letters are:
| A. | The letter to Ephesus (2:1-7) This is the church that gave up its first love. It seems to be prophetic of the early church period or the apostolic church. (Pentecost – AD 64) |
| B. | The letter to Smyrna (2:8-11) This is the suffering church. It seems to represent the period of the persecuted church, which ended about the time of Constantine. (AD 64 – 323) |
| C. | The letter to Pergamum (2:12-17) This is the church where Satan dwelt, the state church. It seems to represent the time from Constantine to the true Papal church. (AD 323 – 604) |
| D. | The letter to Thyatira (2:18-29) This is the church where Jezebel teaches. This seems to represent the time of the Papal church in Rome. (AD 604 – 1517) |
| E. | The letter to Sardis (3:1-6) This is the weak church. This seems to represent the era of the reformation church. (AD 1517 – 1790) |
| F. | The letter to Philadelphia (3:7-13) This is the church of the open door. The time represented, it seems, is the time of the late reformation and the awakening. (AD 1790 – 1914) |
| G. | The letter to Laodicea (3:14-22) This is the lukewarm church. This seems to represent the present-day church. (AD 1914 – The Present) |
This ends the section our Lord calls the things that are. These are messages to seven particular churches at a particular time and place in history and to the church in general, to believers living in these days, which is the age of the church. What follows are the things that will take place after this age.
| IV. | The Things Which Shall Be After These Things (Rev. 4:1-22:5) |
The fourth part of the broad outline is “Things which shall be after these.” This is the largest division and deals with events taking place for the most part in the Tribulation Period. This period of time, on earth lasting seven years but in heaven far less, starts at the church’s rapture and concludes with the establishment of the kingdom followed by the last judgment and the creation of the new heavens and new earth. John is transported at the beginning of this section into God’s throne room of heaven. Revelation 4:1-2:
4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”
4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.
From here, John witnesses events taking place on this stage or theater of action, the throne room in heaven, but he also witnesses events taking place on earth, another theater of action. These are the two arenas or theaters of action: God’s throne room in heaven and the earth. What follows in heaven is the coronation ceremony of the Messiah, where He receives the right to rule over all the earth and officially is crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. This ceremony ends with His return to earth to take back from the usurper Satan the kingdom. However, from time to time, our view shifts to the earth to witness what is taking place there. On earth, we see Satan’s attempt to set up His kingdom in opposition to the rightful king.
Not only are there two theaters of action or stages on which the action is taking place, but there are two timelines as well. In the courtroom of heaven, very little time takes place, a few hours or perhaps days at the most, while on earth, seven years pass. While this difference in the passing of time might seem odd to some people, it is not at all unusual. Indeed modern science tells us that time is relative, passing at different rates for different observers compared to their speeds relative to each other. We do not know where the throne room of God is located relative to the earth, or even if it is in the dimensions of this physical universe at all. Why should we then be amazed that time would pass at two different rates?
At the conclusion of the church age prior to the Tribulation, the rapture takes place. All who rely upon the Lord Jesus for their salvation, not trusting in their own efforts, and are alive at this time are transformed, being perfected. They are snatched from this earth to meet the Lord in the air. Those who have died in Christ have already been resurrected, and we join them to ever be with our Lord. Our Lord and the church, the bride of Christ, do not return to earth but proceed to the throne room of heaven for the coronation ceremony of the King of kings. This major point of the outline may be divided as follows:
| A. | The Scene Is Set (4:1-11) This section sets the stage for the coronation ceremony. The scene is heaven, God’s throne room. The Individuals present are described by John. |
| B. | The Crown Is Claimed (5:1-14) The right to rule the earth (the scroll) is brought forward. A call is made for claimants to the throne to present themselves, but no one is found to open it until the Lamb, Jesus Christ, appears. He alone is worthy to do this. He alone is the rightful heir and sovereign over all creation, heaven and earth. He takes the scroll and begins to open the seven seals binding it. Thus the coronation ceremony begins. |
| C. | The Opening Of The Seals (6:1-17) As our Lord opens these seals in heaven, our attention is turned at the same time to the earth where the false kingdom is being set up under the direction of Satan. We also see judgment upon the earth and mankind as they participate in this false kingdom. Six of the seals are opened in this section. |
| D. | The Saints Of The Tribulation (7:1-17) Before our attention is returned to heaven, we are shown God’s true servants in the enemy-held province. First, we see those of the theocratic kingdom who are providentially protected by God and then those who have refused to serve the false ruler and have been martyred for it. To these, the promises of God rest. |
| E. | The Trumpet Fanfare (8:1-12) Back in the throne room of heaven, the seventh seal is broken, the scroll is opened; the Lamb now has the legal right to be sovereign over all creation. A trumpet fanfare to announce the establishment of His kingship with seven trumpets is to be sounded. In these verses, four of the seven trumpets are blown, heralding our Lord as King. Once again, our view shifts between heaven and earth. On earth, we see judgment on those who resist the true king and worship the false. |
| F. | The First And Second Woes (8:13-9:21) As the remaining trumpets are sounded in the halls of the heavenly throne room, the character of the judgments upon the earth changes. Prior to this, they seem to be more physical, affecting the earth and mankind. Now they become more demonic as demonic forces are released upon the earth. Therefore they are called "Woes." Here the first two are loosed upon mankind and, yet for all this, men still refuse to turn from their worship of the demonic to worship the one true God and King. |
| G. | The Earth Is Claimed (10:1-11) In this section and the next, we find witnesses to God’s claim upon the earth. In this passage, the witness is angelic. Claiming land and sea, the angel promises there will be no delay. This message is sweet to some but bitter to others. |
| H. | The Two Witnesses (11:1-14) This witness is human. God’s two chosen representatives minister and witness to God’s power and authority and the coming King during the first three and one-half year period. At the midpoint of the Tribulation Period, the beast, which comes up out of the abyss, having been given all power over the earth, indwelt by Satan himself, kills these prophets. However, God is stronger still, and, in triumph over death, He raises them to life. |
This is about the midpoint of the Tribulation Period. The two witnesses are killed by the antichrist after three and one-half years of ministry. Satan, having been ejected and banned from heaven and confined to the earth, attempts to destroy the 144,000, and, when he cannot do that, all other believers on the earth. This he attempts for three and a half years. It seems best to place the ministry of the two witnesses during the first half of the Tribulation period and the last half beginning with the ejection of Satan from heaven and his three and a half crusade of trying to wipe out all believers on the earth.
| I. | The Seventh Trumpet/The Third Woe (11:15-12:17) It is at this time that the third woe is pronounced, the seventh trumpet sounded, and the ultimate demonic force, Satan himself, is confined on earth. Following the sounding of the seventh trumpet, our Lord is proclaimed as sovereign over all heaven and earth. Now Satan is expelled from heaven, for there is no longer room for him there. He flees and is cast to the earth for his last stand. God in judgment gives the earth the very king it desires. This is the third woe! It marks the midpoint of the Tribulation Period. Satan now turns to intense persecution of "the woman," Israel, for the last three and one-half years. |
| J. | The Two Kingdoms (13:1-14:5) In this section, the two kingdoms are contrasted. Satan’s kingdom is detailed; its leaders are marked out. They are pointed out as being Satanic. The man himself, indwelt by Satan, is given power over all the earth. Also described is the manner in which Satan tries to imitate God in the realm of the miraculous. The main object of this section is to portray the seemingly total control that Satan has over the earth. Nevertheless, the Lamb has just been proclaimed Sovereign! Here then is the content of faith for believers during this period, the coming of the true and rightful King. Satan has no power except that given to him by God. This for the earth and its inhabitants is indeed the third and greatest woe. In contrast to Satan’s kingdom, we are now directed to see those marked by God who belong to the true King yet to come. These are the 144,000. |
| K. | The Announcements of Judgment (14:6-13) This section consists of a series of announcements made to the earth proclaiming the judgment of the false kingdom and its participants. Babylon is mentioned, and those who have worshipped the beast by receiving his mark. |
| L. | The Symbols of Judgment (14:14-20) In heaven, the announcement of Judgment is also made by two symbolic acts. These declare that the time has now come for Messiah to judge the nations of the world for their rejection of God, and the time has come to complete the judgment of the nation of Israel. |
| M. | The Seven Last Plagues (15:1-16:21) As the King assumes His throne, God symbolically demonstrates his judgment by the pouring out of seven bowls by seven angels. And yet, while symbolic in heaven, on earth, this literal judgment falls hard. These consummate God's righteous judgment upon the earth and are completed at the return of Jesus Christ to rule. The seventh judgment is one directed against Babylon the Great. This judgment is described in detail in the next section. |
| N. | The Identity Of Babylon (17:1-18) These verses detail the last bowl judgment against the earth, the one directed upon Babylon. Babylon is called a mystery, and this mystery is explained by an angel. The great prostitute is connected directly with the beast in the beginning, but it is the beast (Satan) that is used by God to destroy her. In this section, she is described and identified. |
| O. | The Judgment Of Babylon (18:1-24) This section describes the judgment that falls upon Babylon the Great. The earth weeps because of her destruction, but the true members of the kingdom are called upon to rejoice at her fall. The Prostitute Babylon refers to the false religious system or systems first used by Satan to undermine the true church. It ultimately becomes a competitor to his worship, and thus he destroys it. |
| P. | The Return Of The King (19:1-21) The bowl judgments are now complete, and our attention is turned toward heaven from where the true King prepares to come. He is seen coming with his saints. The Satanic system is destroyed upon His return. The Beast and the False Prophet are taken and cast into hell. The time of the true kingdom has come. |
| Q. | The Kingdom And Rebellion (20:1-15) These few verses cover one thousand years plus. Satan is bound, and the king reigns with his saints during this time. After one thousand years, Satan is released for a while, and the earth turns to follow him. The world rises in rebellion against the King of Kings. This cannot be. The opposition is quickly destroyed, and the time comes for the last judgment. Heaven and earth flee away. The final judgment comes. All the dead who have not been resurrected are raised. All are accounted for. Those whose names are not written in the Book of Life are ushered into hell forever. |
| R. | The New Heavens And Earth (21:1-22:5) Following the last judgment, the New Heavens and Earth are created, and the New Jerusalem comes down to earth. Here, the King reigns forever, and the eternal state begins. |
This concludes the vision John had of the things which shall be after these things. John will then add a conclusion to his letter.
| V. | The Conclusion (Rev. 22:6-21) |
Section V is the last of the five major sections to The Book of The Revelation. It is the epilogue to the book. The words of the book are attested as true. The King is summoned and implored to come quickly. A blessing and a curse await those who would heed and those who would alter the words of this book, respectively. This conclusion or epilogue divides into two parts.
| A. | The Concluding Statements (22:6-20a) |
| B. | The Amens (22:20b-21) |
The Book of The Revelation is, for the most part, prophetic of a time yet to come, yet a time that is very near. While it is true we cannot know the day or hour; it is also true we can see that day draw near. We are, I am entirely convinced, in the last days of the church age. The church, the conservative church, seems strong and healthy. With the emergence of the megachurch, it has power and wealth. However, it has become something that its Lord never intended. It has become a business and/or a Christian social club. Our Lord says to the church, Revelation 3:17:
3:17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
The time draws near in which the Lord will come for His bride and take her out of this world to be with Him at His coronation ceremony. This is the answer the Father has given to our Lord’s request in John 17:24, where he asks the Father for all believers who would believe.
17:24 Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
While this certainly does mean that those who belonged to our Lord would be with Him in heaven, it goes beyond this. The Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is nothing less than a depiction of our Lord's coronation ceremony as it takes place in the throne room of heaven before the return of our Lord to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up the millennial kingdom. It is here and at this time that our Lord is honored and glorified (See Rev. 5:9-14, for example). To even consider that the Father would exclude the church, the Bride of Christ, those that the Father had given to Him from witnessing this glorious event is unthinkable. It certainly would be a denial of this request made by the Son in John 17:24. Those who hold to a post-tribulation rapture would reject that the church is present during this greatest of all coronations. Those who believe in a mid-tribulation rapture or a partial rapture would also exclude a portion of the church as well. The pre-tribulation rapture best fits with the fulfillment of this request by our Lord that all those that the Father had given to the Son, both the eleven disciples and all who would believe through their ministry, be present to witness the glory bestowed upon Son by the Father.
As we study this book, one thing at least ought to become very clear to us. This world, our social and cultural system, our government, our materialistic lifestyle are all about to radically change. The world you and I see and experience is transitory; it is passing. It could well end tomorrow or the day or the year after that. We do not know when, but soon, very soon!
What are your goals as you now live? Are they based upon the assumption that life as we now know it will go on as it is, that our socioeconomic system will continue to grow and flourish, that we will continue to live in a free nation and, for the most part, just? If that is so, then it is based upon a false assumption. Would you live any differently if you knew that day after tomorrow, the Lord would return, and the Tribulation would begin? What if you knew you had a year left or two or three? Be assured that time is growing short.
World peace will not and cannot be achieved by any efforts of man, diplomatically or militarily. It will not be achieved in the Middle East, Asia, or anywhere else until Satan is defeated and our Lord rules physically on earth. Nor will harmony between man and nature exist until our Lord rules on earth.
This we must see and understand, and, as we do, our lives must change, our goals must change. We must realize that we are in the service of the coming king. Whatever our citizenship might be on the earthly plane, whether it be in a free and democratic nation or under the oppressive rule of a sadistic and selfish tyrant, we are, in reality, citizens of heaven living in enemy-occupied territory waiting for our liberation. We must make the most of the time left to us before that great and terrible Day of the Lord comes.
The following charts are offered in summary of the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. There are two due to the length of the material; one covers the first half of the Tribulation Period, the other, the second half.
