The Encounter

The Book of Revelation is a vision the Apostle John received detailing events surrounding the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is the longest and most detailed prophecy in the Bible. It reveals a time of tribulation leading up to the Day of the Lord when Christ will judge the nations and set up God’s Kingdom upon the earth. It brings to conclusion God’s promises to the church and to Israel.

There are certain rules of bible interpretation that will help you understand the book of Revelation. Here are a couple of rules to keep in mind.

1. All scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is reliable.
2. Interpret the Scriptures literally. Let scripture interpret scripture when it comes to symbols.
3. Keep scripture in its context. It’s like viewing a google map! You can zoom in for details and zoom out for context. The Law and the Prophets of the O.T. also provide context to the book of Revelation.
4. Keep in mind that history, culture, and the sciences can confirm and bring clarity to the Scriptures.

So we begin with the Apostle John who experiences an encounter with the Lord Jesus and is given specific instructions what to do with what the Lord is about to show him.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass—Revelation 1:1 KJV

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, and, What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia… —Revelation 1:11

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.—Revelation 1:19

John saw The Lord Jesus Christ in all His glory. This is how we will see him when He comes for us in the rapture. This is how the world will see Him when He returns with His Church to the earth.

The hair on His head was white like wool, as white as snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters. He had in His right hand seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. His appearance was like the sun shining brightly.—Revelation 1:14-16 MEV

As John writes the vision to the 7 churches he gives an admonition at the close of his writing in chapter 22. Three times John records the Word of the Lord, “I am coming soon!”

“Look, I am coming soon. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book…—Revelation 22:7 MEV

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me to give to each one according to his work…” —Revelation 22:12 MEV

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!—Revelation 22:20 MEV

What does “soon” really mean?

Keep in mind what the Apostle Peter said regarding the return of the Lord. It’s been 2000 years since this prophecy was given to the church. 2 Peter 3:1-12 gives some insight to what the Lord was saying, “I am coming soon!” The word soon means quickly (KJV), speedily and suddenly and “without delay.” Soon describes the nature of His 2nd coming not the time span up to His 2nd coming. God has a time table and is doing a quick work in the earth. God has been at work for the past 6000 years of human history and we are now coming up on the 7th millennium which is a day of rest for humanity under the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Understanding God’s redemptive plan and the nature of His return will create a sense of expectation and hope for the future as well as an urgency to fulfill the Great Commision.

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let him who hears say, “Come.” Let him who is thirsty come. Let him who desires take the water of life freely.—Revelation 22:17 MEV