The marvelous book of Revelation is a prophetic vision of things to come. This first chapter makes it clear that at the center of God’s plan for now, for the future, for eternity is Jesus Christ, who is presented to us in a glorious vision that emphasizes His divine attributes.

Christ’s concern for the world is seen in His priority on the church. Only when the church is faithfully following Him will the gospel have its full impact on the world. In addressing the churches in Revelation 2, Jesus both encourages believers and appeals for their repentance.

It is significant that the Lord has words of commendation for only one of the three churches addressed in Revelation 3. All had started well; only one had continued in uncompromising, faithful service. This chapter provides important warnings and guidance for all of us.

Heaven is not only the dwelling place of God. As the apostle John’s vision in Revelation 4 and 5 reveals, it is a place of continual worship of God. The scene in these chapters challenges us to make worship a priority in our daily lives here on earth.

We Christians have been delivered from God’s wrath in the coming tribulation period. Yet beginning with Revelation 6, the Bible gives us details of that period that we might learn more of God’s justice and grace and become more zealous in proclaiming the gospel.

The tribulation judgments in Revelation 8–9 reveal not only God’s righteousness, but also the depths of human depravity. They remind us that while God chooses to use us to spread the gospel of Christ, we can never break through the hardened hearts of sinners—only God can.

As the description of the tribulation period continues in Revelation 10–11, through the apostle John, we are given a view of events both in heaven and on earth. It reminds us that what happens on earth is by God’s design, under His control, and ultimately for His glory.

The hatred and persecution of the Jewish people throughout history is testimony to their unique place in God’s eternal plan. Satan tries to destroy them in order to destroy God’s plan and promises. Revelation 12 reveals Satan’s long war against Israel.

Satan is the great deceiver, and his deception will bring into existence a political leader, a religious system, and an economy around which the world will unite. Unity grounded in that which rejects Jesus Christ, however, is destined to produce horrifying results.

The coming tribulation will be a dark and terrifying time on earth. But as Revelation 14–15 reminds us, God is in control of it all. It is part of the plan He is working out to bring about Christ’s ultimate triumph and glory.

God’s end-time judgments continue in Revelation 16. Here we not only see God’s infinite power at work but are also reminded of His perfect justice and the depravity and hardness of those who reject Christ.

The rebellious, human-centered attitudes evident so long ago in Babylon continue to bear bitter fruit in the lives of people today. They will become even more prominent in a future Babylon. But as that city demonstrates, all opposition to God will eventually be subdued.

The coming events prophesied in God’s Word can seem deeply troubling, but they are clear evidence, not only of human depravity, but also of God’s holiness, grace, and sovereignty. In particular, Christ’s return is cause for eternal praise of our Redeemer.

Revelation 20 describes two very different outcomes for followers of Christ and those who reject the Savior. This is a stark reminder that decisions we make now will affect our future and that the future the Bible describes should affect the way we live today.

What is heaven like? Most of what we know about heaven is found in the book of Revelation, and chapter 21 of that book reveals that the ultimate destination of Christians is not “up there” but “down here” on a new earth.

The eternal dwelling place of God’s redeemed people is mind-boggling. It is unimaginably enormous in size and decorated with precious stones of massive size and incomparable beauty. And most importantly, it will be an unending expression of God’s glory and grace.

As we survey the biblical revelation of our eternal home, we find it to be a place filled with God’s glory and our complete enjoyment. And what could be more enjoyable and fulfilling than living in complete absence of sin and in the presence of our holy God?

The final words of Revelation remind us of the blessing we have in God’s Word. They assure us of the sufficiency of the Bible and invite all to come to Christ and to look for the sure promise of His return.