Why Study Revelation?

This week, our college age/young adult ministry will begin a 12-week study through the Book of Revelation using the ESV Knowing the Bible series. Despite the fact that I have been in full-time ministry for more than 16 years, I have yet to lead a study through this portion of Scripture – until now. 

There are several reasons why I, as well as many other Christians, steer clear of Revelation when choosing their next Bible study. The obvious reasons include: difficulty in interpretation, challenging genres, and rigid theological systems that people align themselves with. Two of the lesser obvious reasons include: the book’s apparent lack of practicality and the fear people carry of being labeled as one of “those” Christians (e.g. Christians consumed with identifying the reason behind the “next blood moon”).

So, why should students study the Book of Revelation? Why is it profitable for a group of young adults to devote their attention to this portion of Scripture, specifically? With those questions in mind, let me offer 5 brief reasons why I believe studying the last book of the Bible is profitable.

1.     “Revelation is Useful for Our Spiritual Growth”

2 Timothy 3:16 reads, “All Scriptureis breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (ESV, emphasis added). While it may be easy to plead confusion when studying the last book of the Bible, we must not overlook that it is still part of the Word of God. As such, it is useful to us as we follow Jesus and are conformed to His image. In Revelation, we are warned against growing cold in our love for God (2:4), false doctrines (2:14), sexual immortality (2:20), spiritual lethargy (3:1), and lukewarm devotion to Christ (3:15). How useful could each one of these lessons be to you as you seek to live faithfully for Jesus each day?

2.     “Revelation Comes with the Promise of Blessing”

In the book’s opening, John writes, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (1:3). In the closing chapter of Revelation, John echoes this statement by writing, “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (22:7). We may have different interpretations of the millennium, or John’s visions, but the promise of God’s blessing to those who read, hear and obey what is written is unmistakable. 

3.     “Revelation Exalts Our Jesus as Lord and Savior”

This exaltation begins in the very first verse of Revelation which reads, “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” In verse 5 we read, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his bloodand made us a kingdom of priests to his God and Father, to him be the glory and dominion forever and everAmen” (ESV, emphasis added). This theme of exaltation continues throughout the book. In chapter 5, Jesus is seen as the Lion and Lamb who is the only one worthy of opening the scroll. In chapter 14, the Lamb stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000 and they sing together to Him a new song. In chapter 19, Jesus is the one who appears from heaven on a white horse to conquer his enemies. Finally, as the book comes to a close, Jesus sits on the throne reigning in glory with his Father.

4.     “Revelation Reminds Us that Jesus is Coming Soon”

Older generations seem to grasp the truth and promise of Christ’s imminent return better than younger generations. Perhaps this is due to the greater awareness of one’s own mortality as youthfulness fades. Perhaps it is because they have experienced enough of life on this earth to realize the truth of Paul’s words, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Phil. 1:23). At the outset of the book, Jesus shows his servants “the things that must soon take place” (1:1). We are warned not to seal up the words of this powerful book, because the time of the Second Coming is drawing near (22:10). The book concludes with a promise from Jesus that he is coming soon, and we should wait eagerly for this day (22:10). I am excited for the truth and importance of this reality to take hold in the lives of our young adults!

5.     “Revelation is the Culmination of the Story of Redemption”

In the opening scene of Scripture, God dwells with his created beings in a garden where a tree that leads to death stands. In the closing scene of Scripture, there is a river that flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, and a tree stands nearby. Rather than bringing death, the tree that stands in this scene brings life, and “the leaves of the tree [are] for the healing of the nations” (22:2). The curse which befell the earth and its inhabitants following mankind’s fall from grace will be undone (22:3), and our separation from God will be dissolved forever (22:4). The sin-induced darkness upon earth and mankind will be completely obliterated into light. “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”

My hope is that this study will cause fruit to grow in the lives of the young men and women who participate. Furthermore, rather than shying away from studying Revelation, I encourage those who serve children and youth to eagerly pursue the blessing that God promises to his people when they “keep the words of the prophecy of this book” (22:7).

Grace and Peace,

Wescott