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