Bible Revelations

QUESTION: Bible revelations - Should I be afraid?

ANSWER:

The Book of Revelation is not a message of fear, but one of hope, showing the defeat of evil (final and forever), and fulfillment of God's promises. It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, given to John in the form of divine visions. In the beginning chapter John is told to record the things being shown to him, with much of it supporting the Old Testament prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel.

The first three chapters are letters to the seven churches in Asia. The letters offer Jesus' message that he sees what they are doing right, wrong, and the warning to repent for those areas of error. They are letters of instruction to everyone by using the typical examples of these seven churches from the times of John to the present. The message is how "THE Church" is to serve, behave, and turn from sins.

Revelation might be considered a complex book that has perplexed novice readers and intellectual scholars alike. It is however, a book that uncovers a special message, given by Jesus, to those operating in faith and by his Holy Spirit. The point is that if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and Lord, then we are ready and confidant (without fear), no matter how, when, or what the circumstances of Christ's return.

End times prophecies merely inform us of the condition of the world when God's judgment will fall on those who have rejected Him, ignored His opportunities and warnings, and denied God's gift of forgiveness for sin. Revelation also illustrates the deadly deceit that Satan uses on unbelievers. John's revelatory book describes the events that will take place leading up to the time of Jesus' final battle to defeat Satan. Jesus will then reclaim and restore His pure and intended kingdom.

Scripture tells us in Isaiah 45:22-23: "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear."

Romans 14:11-12 confirms: "It is written: 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God."

In the end, every atheist, agnostic, Islamic, Buddhist, Wiccan, or whomever, will finally recognize and confess that there is only one true and living God. They will bow to our Lord Jesus Christ. All will acknowledge Him as "Lord of Lord and King of Kings." But those who have already accepted Him are assured their eternal reign with Him in heaven and will be saved from judgment that the wicked and unrighteous will inherit. The faithful will instead inherit his rewards. This is the good news that literally means - the Gospel of Jesus Christ.