Neville Turley

I am John, your brother, and as a follower of Jesus I am your partner in patiently enduring the suffering that comes to those who belong to his Kingdom. I was put on the island of Patmos because I had proclaimed God's word and the truth that Jesus revealed.  Revelation 1:9 (GNT)

To understand the book of Revelation, one needs insight into its authorship and the background against which John recorded it. It is not the Revelation of John but the revelation of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus Christ sent an angel to reveal to believers what the future held for them so that they could be comforted. It is a message of hope, not only for John’s generation but for all Christians.

In John’s time the followers of Jesus were undergoing persecution by their Roman oppressors. Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96) had banished John to Patmos. It was there that John received this revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation urges Christians to face their situation with confident expectation even when they are suffering. Their Saviour is going to return triumphant overthrowing Satan and defeating the forces of evil. There will be no more pain, no more tears and death will be abolished when our Lord Jesus returns and establishes his kingdom in the fullness of God’s glory. Revelation completes the story of God’s creation that began in Genesis. 

In Genesis God created the universe – heaven and earth and the waters covering the earth.  In Revelation we read a new heaven and earth will replace the old and the sea will vanish.

In Genesis God created the sun and the moon. In Revelation the sun and the moon will no longer be necessary for the Lord God will be the light.

In Genesis there is the marriage of the first Adam. In Revelation the marriage supper of the second Adam – Jesus Christ.

In Genesis we see the beginning of sin. In Revelation sin is vanquished.

The two most contentious books of the Bible are Genesis and Revelation. The one tells of Satan’s downfall and the other prophesises his eventual doom. No doubt he is actively creating confusion and sowing doubt about God’s word. Be very wary of the great deceiver. He will do anything to lure us from the Rock of our Salvation. Cling to that Rock!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father may your Holy Spirit keep us safe from the evil one through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen