"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "Who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Footnote: Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The Lord God is the beginning and the end. God the Father is the eternal Lord and Ruler of the past, present, and future. Without him you have nothing that is eternal, nothing that can change your life, nothing that can save you from sin. Is the Lord your reason for living, "the Alpha and the Omega" of your life? Honor the One who is the beginning and the end of all existence, wisdom, and power.
Journey Through the Book of Revelation
In chapter one, John relates the circumstances that led to the writing of this book. In chapters two and three, Jesus gives special messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor.
Suddenly John is caught up into heaven, where he sees a vision of God Almighty on his throne. All of Christs's followers and the heavenly angels are worshiping God. John watches as God gives a scroll with seven seals to the worthy Lamb, Jesus Christ. The Lamb begins to open the seals one by one. As each seal is opened, a new vision appears.
As the first four seals are opened, riders appear on horses of different colors -- war, famine, disease, and earth are in their path. As the fifth seal is opened, John sees those in heaven who have been martyred for their faith in Christ.
A set of contrasting images appears at the opening of the sixth seal. On one side, there is a huge earthquake, stars falling from the sky, and the sky rolling up like a scroll. On the other side, multitudes are before the great throne, worshiping and praising God and the Lamb.
Finally, the seventh seal is opened, unveiling a series of God's judgments announced by seven angels with seven trumpets. The first four angels bring hail, fire, a burning mountain, and a falling star -- the sun and moon are darkened. The fifth trumpet announces the coming of locusts with the power to sting. The sixth trumpet heralds the coming of an army of warriors on horses. In chapter 10:1-11, John is given a little scroll to eat. Following this, John is commanded to measure the temple of God. He sees two witnesses who proclaim God's judgment on the earth for three and a half years.
Finally, the seventh trumpet sounds, calling the rival forces of good and evil to the final battle. On one side is Satan and his forces; on the other side stands Jesus Christ with his forces. In the midst of this call to battle, John sees three angels announcing the final judgment. Two angels begin to reap this harvest of judgment on the earth. Following on the heels of these two angels are seven more angels who pour out God's judgment on the earth from seven bowls. One of these angels from the group of seven reveals to John a vision of a "great prostitute" called Babylon riding a scarlet beast. After the defeat of Babylon, a great multitude in heaven shouts praise to God for his mighty victory.
The final three chapters of the book of Revelation catalogue the events that finalize Christ's victory over the enemy: Satan's 1,000-year imprisonment, the final judgment, and the creation of a new earth and a new Jerusalem. An angel then gives John final instructions concerning the visions John has seen and what to do once he has written them all down.
Revelation concludes with the promise of Christ's soon return, an offer to drink of the water of life that flows through the great street of the new Jerusalem, and a warning to those who read the book. May we pray with John, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus".
The Bible ends with a message of warning and hope for men and women of every generation. Christ is victorious, and all evil has been done away with. As you read the book of Revelation, marvel at God's grace in the salvation of the saints and his power over the evil forces of Satan and remember the hope of this victory to come.
Keep reading -- 6 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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