When I ask people what book of the Bible they’d like to understand better, the most frequent response is Revelation. I get that. John’s future-focused vision recorded in the book of Revelation overflows with evocative imagery that sparks our imagination even as we struggle to make sense of it.
Revelation is an intriguing prophecy, full of fascinating allusions, overflowing with enigma. What does it mean? When will it happen?
Many people have invested time—perhaps too much time—attempting to interpret the uncertainty of John’s epic vision. Even with their best work, it’s as if we see into the mirror dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12).
Additionally, each person who tries to explain this vision often piles on additional complexity to an already complicated narrative. Too often, I fear, in a pursuit of clarity they end up connecting dots that may not relate.
We should not strive to make Revelation into something it’s not. It’s not a precise cipher detailing what will happen in the future. We also shouldn’t try to link John’s compelling narrative with real people, places, or events. Instead, we should understand Revelation as the glorious mystery it is, embracing one essential, concluding idea: In the end God will prevail, vanquishing the enemy permanently and living for eternity with his purified bride, the Church of Jesus.
The goal of this book is to take a fresh approach. Read on to find out what to expect and what not to expect in this book. As you move forward, my prayer is that you will walk away with practical and understandable insights that you can apply to your life and spiritual journey today.
To begin, let’s consider the three basic options we could take to explore the book of Revelation...
