Revelation

Principles for Revelation

1. Don't shy away from because of its distinctive genre.
2. Remember it is ultimately about Jesus Christ, not Satan or the Antichrist!
3. Since it is in large part, a prophetic word to the Church, expect to be exhorted to holy living today in light of this vivid picture of God's future triumph through Christ.
4. Since it is about the end of history, it is not mean to be unrealistic, but rather a realistic glimpse of the future in order to inform godly choices today.
5. It is filled with over 300 allusions to the Old Testament, therefore, it is really intended to function as the capstone of all of Scripture and to complete the picture of what God has been doing in human history.

The Specific Contribution to Our Spiritual Formation

Primary Contribution: To encourage and exhort us to overcome through continued faith and faithfulness in the difficult times by revealing God's ultimate triumph over Satan in establishing Christ's kingdom and the new heavens and new earth.

Therefore, ask: What insights into God's ultimate triumph does this passage give us and how does it encourage us to live faithfully and courageously today in the face of opposition to and persecution of the church?

Secondary Contribution: To inform us of some of the specific events signaling the end of the age.

Therefore, ask: What can we learn about where God is going to take history and glorify Himself as we see what events He will sovereignly allow at the end of the age?