Understanding Revelation: Past, Present, and Prophetic Future

 

Summary

In our journey through the Book of Revelation, we find ourselves anchored in the profound instruction given to the Apostle John by Jesus Christ. The directive is clear: John is to write about the things he has seen, the things that are, and the things that will take place after these things. This tripartite command serves as an outline for the entire book, guiding us through the past, present, and future as seen through the lens of divine revelation.

The first chapter of Revelation is where John documents what he has seen. This is not a mere recounting of events but a vivid portrayal of the glorified Christ, distinct from the humble servant who walked the earth. The image of Christ that John describes is a foretaste of His second coming, a prophecy yet to be fulfilled. This vision serves to authenticate the entire book, assuring us of its divine origin and the trustworthiness of its contents.

Moving forward, chapters two and three are identified as the "things that are." These chapters contain the letters to the seven churches, which are not just historical records but ongoing messages that remain relevant. The present tense used here, "are," signifies that these messages continue to speak to the church today, transcending time and culture.

The transition to the "things that will take place after these things" is marked in chapter four, verse one. This shift indicates that we are entering a prophetic future, detailing events that are yet to unfold. Understanding this structure is crucial as it allows us to discern the sequence and significance of the visions John received.

As we delve into the Book of Revelation, we are reminded that it is not merely a book of future predictions but a comprehensive account that encompasses the past, present, and future of God's plan. It is a testament to the sovereignty of God, who orchestrates history and reveals His purposes to His servants.

Key Takeaways:

- The Book of Revelation is structured around the things John has seen, the things that are, and the things that will take place, providing a divine outline for understanding the past, present, and future. This structure emphasizes the continuity of God's work throughout history and the importance of each era in His grand narrative. [04:16]

- The vision of the glorified Christ in chapter one is not just a historical account but a prophecy that remains relevant today. It challenges us to anticipate Christ's return with awe and reverence, recognizing that our encounter with Him will be with a glorified, conquering King, not merely the humble servant we read about in the Gospels. [11:27]

- The letters to the seven churches in chapters two and three, while addressed to specific congregations, transcend their immediate context. They serve as an enduring call to faithfulness, repentance, and discernment for all believers, reminding us that the words of Christ are living and active. [15:48]

- The use of present tense in describing the "things that are" signifies that the messages to the churches are not confined to a bygone era but continue to be applicable and authoritative for the church today. This encourages us to read Revelation not as a closed book but as an open letter to the church throughout the ages. [13:39]

- The clear demarcation in chapter four, verse one, signals the beginning of the prophetic future, the "things that will take place after these things." This transition reminds us that God's revelation is orderly and purposeful, and as we study it, we gain insight into the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. [15:10]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 1:19 (NASB) - "Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things."
2. Revelation 1:12-13 (NASB) - "Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash."
3. Revelation 4:1 (NASB) - "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three things John is instructed to write about in Revelation 1:19? ([03:38])
2. How does John describe the vision of Christ in Revelation 1:12-13? ([09:52])
3. What significant transition is marked in Revelation 4:1? ([15:10])
4. How does the vision of Christ in Revelation 1 differ from the humble servant described in the Gospels? ([10:57])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the structure of Revelation, as outlined in Revelation 1:19, important for understanding the book's message? ([04:16])
2. How does the vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation 1:12-13 serve as a prophecy for His second coming? ([11:27])
3. In what ways do the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 remain relevant to the church today? ([13:39])
4. What does the use of present tense in describing the "things that are" suggest about the ongoing relevance of these messages? ([13:39])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation 1. How does this image challenge your current understanding of Jesus? How can this vision impact your daily walk with Him? ([11:27])
2. The letters to the seven churches call for faithfulness, repentance, and discernment. Which of these areas do you feel most challenged in, and what steps can you take to grow in that area? ([15:48])
3. Considering the present tense used in the "things that are," how can you apply the messages to the seven churches in your own life and church community today? ([13:39])
4. How does understanding the structure of Revelation help you in discerning the sequence and significance of the visions John received? How can this knowledge influence your study of other prophetic scriptures? ([04:16])
5. The vision of Christ in Revelation 1 is a foretaste of His second coming. How can you live in anticipation of Christ's return, and what practical steps can you take to prepare for it? ([11:27])
6. The Book of Revelation emphasizes the continuity of God's work throughout history. How can recognizing this continuity strengthen your faith and trust in God's plan for your life? ([04:16])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to see Revelation not as a closed book but as an open letter that speaks to the church throughout the ages? ([13:39])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Outline of History
The Book of Revelation offers a unique perspective that encompasses the entirety of God's sovereign plan. It is structured in a way that presents the past, present, and future, allowing believers to understand the continuity and significance of God's work throughout history. The past is not just a series of events but the foundation upon which the present stands, and both are precursors to the future that God has ordained. This divine outline encourages believers to see their place within the grand narrative of God's redemptive history, recognizing that every era has its importance and that they are part of something much larger than themselves.

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" - Isaiah 46:9-10

Reflection: How does understanding the structure of Revelation as a divine outline affect your perception of God's sovereignty in your own life?

Day 2: Anticipating the Glorified Christ
The vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation chapter one is not merely a historical account but a prophecy with enduring relevance. It challenges believers to anticipate Christ's return with awe and reverence. This encounter with the glorified, conquering King is a stark contrast to the humble servant depicted in the Gospels. It serves as a reminder that the Jesus who will return is the same Jesus who ascended to heaven, now clothed in majesty and power. This anticipation should inspire a holy reverence and a passionate commitment to living in a manner worthy of His name.

"And to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." - Revelation 1:5-7

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a daily life that reflects the anticipation and reverence for Christ's return? [11:27]

Day 3: Timeless Messages to the Churches
The letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three, while originally addressed to specific congregations, hold messages that transcend their immediate context. These letters are an enduring call to faithfulness, repentance, and discernment for all believers. They remind us that Christ's words are living and active, speaking directly to the challenges and needs of the church in every age. This timeless aspect of Scripture invites believers to approach these messages as personal exhortations to remain steadfast in their faith and to align their lives with the will of God.

"I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false." - Revelation 2:2

Reflection: What message from the letters to the seven churches resonates with your current spiritual walk, and how can you respond to it today? [15:48]

Day 4: The Living Word for Today's Church
The use of the present tense in describing the "things that are" in Revelation signifies that the messages to the churches are not confined to a bygone era but continue to be applicable and authoritative for the church today. This encourages believers to read Revelation not as a closed book but as an open letter, speaking directly to the heart of the church throughout the ages. The living Word of God is active and relevant, providing guidance, correction, and encouragement for every generation of believers.

"Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." - Revelation 2:7

Reflection: How can you approach the book of Revelation as an open letter to your own life, allowing it to speak into your current circumstances? [13:39]

Day 5: Unfolding God's Redemptive Plan
The clear demarcation in Revelation chapter four, verse one, signals the beginning of the prophetic future, the "things that will take place after these things." This transition reminds believers that God's revelation is orderly and purposeful. As we study it, we gain insight into the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. This understanding provides hope and assurance that, despite the chaos of the world, God is in control and His ultimate plan for redemption will be fulfilled.

"After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.'" - Revelation 4:1

Reflection: What does the assurance of God's orderly and purposeful revelation mean for your trust in His plan for the future, especially in times of uncertainty? [15:10]

Quotes

- "John is told to do three things by Jesus: write the things that he saw, write the things that are, and write the things that take place after these things. That's an outline." [04:16](Download | Download)

- "The things that are must be the things that are until the things that happen after these things begin to happen." [14:07](Download | Download)

- "The whole book of Revelation is prophecy, not just chapters four and onward, but the whole of it, and even chapter one is prophetic and it remains prophetic even now." [11:27](Download | Download)

- "Chapter one authenticates the visions of this book so Jesus tells John I want you to write the things you saw and we understand the reason for it is to give you and I an appreciation that this is a book about the coming of Christ." [12:31](Download | Download)

- "The only chapter in the entire Book of Revelation that is truly things John saw, that's chapter one. What did he see in chapter one? Well, in a word, Christ." [07:58](Download | Download)

- "Whatever came to John in chapter one is not what John was ready for, which was why Jesus said write what you saw John." [09:52](Download | Download)

- "It's spoken in such a way that it remains the word 'are' even now. Is it still the things that are? Well, let's go back to our little timeline... the things that are are going to be whatever chapters are before this stuff." [13:39](Download | Download)

- "When he returns friends, he does not come like he did the first time. In his return, he will come as a conquering King, one who rules with a rod of iron, glorified." [11:27](Download | Download)

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Transcript
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