Transcript Slide 1
Most people revere the Bible. In fact, recent polls indicate that men and women everywhere wish to understand the Bible better. However for a majority, the book of Revelation is a major problem. Its prophetic language and mysterious symbols seem to defy comprehension, so millions have given up ever understanding it. • Many feel that the book applies largely to either the past or the future, and that, furthermore, it is a closed, or sealed, book and not meant to be understood by people today. • But the truth is that the book of Revelation is not closed or sealed God's angel commanded that it not be sealed, (Revelation 22:10): Some of the most important messages that God has ever given are found in the book. • Revelation is an open book It was written especially for our times - the last days of earth's history (Revelation 22:10-1 2), and a very special blessing is pronounced upon all who understand and heed the counsel of the book, (Revelation 1:3; 22:7.) • Revelation is really a summary of the entire Bible, in which the main themes of Holy Scripture are reviewed in order to stress their importance. As an a embodies the mighty oak, so Revelation embodies the great key points of the, entire Bible. How to Understand the Book of Revelation • Q.1) The book of Revelation passed through five steps to reach us. What are they? – Revelation chapter 1 verses 5,11 & 19 – Next slide • A. God gave it to JESUS • B. Jesus gave it to THE ANGEL • C. The angel gave it to JOHN • D. John WROTE it down • E. John sent the book to the CHURCHES How to Understand the Book of Revelation • Q.2) God promises a special blessing to those who: –Revelation chapter 1 verse 3 –HEAR, READ and KEEP the things written in Revelation. How to Understand the Book of Revelation • Q.3) Whom did Jesus say the Scriptures reveal? –John chapter 5 verse 39 –JESUS, HIMSELF How to Understand the Book of Revelation • Q.4) When explaining prophecy, what approach did Jesus use? –Luke chapter 24 verse 25 – 27 & 32 –“He EXPOUNDED unto them in ALL the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF.” Communication by Symbols • Q.5) What does Revelation 1:1 say the angel did to the message of Revelation as he gave it to John? –“He SIGNIFIED it by His angel unto His servant John.” Communication by Symbols • Q.6) How does Revelation 1:1 say that God presented the message of Revelation to His servant? –“To SHOW unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.” Communication by Symbols • Q.7) Why did Jesus speak in parables and clothe the book of Revelation in symbols? –Luke 8:10 –“That SEEING they might not SEE, and HEARING they might not UNDERSTAND.” – Continued next slide Communication by Symbols • BEAST (Daniel 7:23) = Kingdom • WATER (Revelation 17:15) = People • DAY (Ezekiel 4:6) = Year Authority of the Bible • Q.8) How reliable are the words of prophecy? –2 Peter 1:16, 19 –“Were EYEWITNESSES of His majesty… We have also a more SURE word of PROPHECY.” Authority of the Bible • Q. 9) God gives two warnings in regards to interpreting prophecy. What are they? –1. 2 Peter 1:20 –2. Revelation 22:18,19 –1. “No PROPHECY is of PRIVATE interpretation.” –2. We are not to ADD to or TAKE away from the words of this prophecy. Authority of the Bible • Q.10) Since God says that Revelation is not now, and never has been sealed, why is it that so many feel it is closed, sealed or impossible to understand? –Isaiah 29:10 – 14 –Satan’s strategy is to claim that Revelation cannot be understood because “it is SEALED” or because we are not LEARNED. Authority of the Bible • Q. 11) How much of the scripture is inspired? –2 Timothy 3:16 –ALL Authority of the Bible • Q. 12) If we twist the scripture to fit our own opinions and preferences, what can be the result? –2 Peter 3:15,16 –OUR OWN DESTRUCTION Four Important Keys • Q.13) Four things are essential, if I am to truly understand the Bible, including Revelation. What are they? (i) 1 Corinthians 2:14 Spiritual things are SPIRITUALLY discerned. (ii) Revelation 21:6 I must “THIRST” for truth. Continued next slide (iii) 2 Timothy 2:15 & Acts 17:11 I must STUDY the Bible and TEST all BELIEFS by its teachings. (iv) Revelation 1:3 “If any man will DO HIS WILL he shall KNOW of the DOCTRINE whether it be of GOD.” • Q. 14) What promises does Jesus give to those who obey His word? –Revelation 3:10 –He will keep them from the HOUR of TEMPTATION –Revelation 22:14 –They will have the right to the TREE of LIFE and may enter in through the GATES of the CITY. • Q. 15) As the Holy Spirit of God shows you great truths about Jesus from the book of Revelation, are you willing to obey these truths? Lesson One - Quiz • True or False • 1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ originated with God the Father. TRUE • 2. One principle of Bible study is to let the Bible explain itself. TRUE • 3. Three blessings are promised in chapter one of Revelation. TRUE • 4. The purpose of the Revelation of Jesus is to prepare a people for Christ’s soon TRUE return. • 5. All scripture is inspired. TRUE