Post on 28-Dec-2015
The Book of Revelations
Background and Overview
• Cosmic warfare• Anti-Roman • Written by John• Resurrected Christ appears to
John• God is going to wage war on
the forces of evil
Main Body• Two major parts• First part • Seven letters to seven Churches– Ephesus– Smyrna– Pergamum– Thyatira– Sardis– Philadephia– Laodicea
Parousia
• Return of Christ to the earth• Persecution increasing• Christians realizing Jesus’
return not imminent• Reaffirmation, Christ will
return• Feast of Christ the King
Red Dragon
• Red dragon tries to devour Christ
• Dragon summons fallen angels and makes war against Heaven’s forces led by Michael
• Dragon defeated and goes to earth to wage war
In-Direct Warfare against God: Using Us
• Dragon summons two beasts to wage war against God
• Lead the people away from God
• Blasphemes against God
Beast
• Red Dragon summons 2 powerful beasts
• Foreign nations will rule• The Beast’s power will penetrate
the rank and file of the believers• Ultimately God and those loyal will
wage war and defeat • 666• John hints could apply to many
rulers
The Lamb
• The Lamb (Jesus) • Clear distinction between
those who follow the Jesus
• And those who are led astray by the Beast
Whore of Babylon
• Referring to the corruption in Pagan Roman society
• Like Ancient Babylon, Rome known for luxury, corruption, and power
• Also referred to Jews who cooperated with Romans
• Later the Romans will reinterpret this term
Justice will Prevail
• Satan’s defeat 20:7 • All death undone• Judgment by God• Death can mean two things• Bodily death• Complete separation from God
New Heaven and New Earth
• Passing away of the old Order
• God is in full communion with creation