Introduction

The book of Revelation or the Apocalypse as sometimes referred to, has for more than two millennia remained a mystery book that has astounded not only the biblically uninformed and intellectual midgets but also great scholars with formidable academic achievements. This book presents us with certain complexities in attempting to decipher the multifaceted and many sided dimension that it portrays.

Different religion and people in a bid to interpret the content of the book have adduced very many analogies, conjectures and analyses; each trying to convince the other of their grasp and sagacious comprehension of this mysterious book. Scholastic endeavours enunciate the Book of Revelation from a completely different perspective; employing purely human concepts to attempt an explanation of its celestial composition falls way below the standard and expectation that this book intends.  At best the ordinary mind goes away philosophizing, at worst speculative.

The Book of Revelation no doubt differs from other books of the bible because one is confronted with the herculean task of appropriately deciphering literal interpretation from symbolisms or understanding that which was which is and which is to come. Some other conundrums such as the thousand year reign, its representations and how it aligns with the overall argument of whether humanity is at a pre or post millennium reign. The seven plagues and the angels each following in the sequence in which they have been commanded further perplexes one in trying to know at what stage is humanity in the whole preconceived plan of God.

Jesus appraises the performance of His church. He eulogised them in the area of their steadfastness and upbraided them where their laxity and lethargy had led to diminished fervour in the pursuit of the master's mandate. The Book of Revelation evinces the heartbeat of Jesus for His church and the adherence to His promise of "I will never leave you nor forsake you".

We see a different dimension also play out in heaven, God's official residence. One is speechless as the Book of Revelation unravels the conspiracy, connivance and division among the angels. Satan instigates an uprising against God. He commits the unpardonable offense against his creator by contemplating a coup d'état against God.  Satan's high treason led to a war in which God's army removed Satan from his lofty height into the abyss of eternal wretchedness and damnation. Heaven erupts with a cocktail of uncontrollable joy at Satan's dethronement and sympathy for the inhabitants of the earth, Satan's new abode.  

The Book of Revelation however engenders some very cogent truth that echoes throughout the entire book of the bible. It validates and authenticates certain central issues mainly- the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the reward that awaits everyone who accepts the Lordship and sovereignty of Christ, the potency of the blood of Jesus. It also provides a peek into the mode of worship in heavenly realm. Apostle John takes us on a journey and stirs our imaginations as we envision the splendour and scintillating environment where God resides and from where our saviour now awaits our glorious reunification with Him someday soon.

We encounter hope in a very real sense as we arrive towards the end of the book. The assurance that all the sorrow of humanity will someday be completely expunged and man will someday live in perfect harmony with his creator.  The realisation that the entire human race will one day be truly united without prejudices and compromises, without the complexities of human nature struggling for relevance in a conceited and self-willed determination; or the topsy-turvydom of earthly life.  The Book of Revelation ends with the triumph of good over evil and the entrenchment of a new world System wherein believers will inhabit a new heaven and a new earth.  John talks about the river of life flowing from His throne and the unhindered access to partake of the tree of life. It will be a time of rest from all our labours and trials; when we shall bask in the glory of the Lord and see God face to face and have His name on our foreheads. It will be a time when all the puzzles will fit perfectly.

How to approach the book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation was delivered by revelation to the Apostle John when he was in the spirit. It is therefore logical that the Book of Revelation be approached on the basis of revelation and by the help of the Spirit through the process of spiritual renewal.

I believe the Book of Revelation will rekindle new fire and create such enormous surge of faith in our walk with the master and hopefully one will experience the same kind of spiritual awakening that the apostle encountered; which will stir an unquenchable desire for the supernatural and the thirst for the new age even as this life gradually fizzles into oblivion.

Exposition

1. Apostle John witnesses the hierarchical and orderly nature of heaven; there is a procession by which John was to receive the revelation of Christ. The Book of Revelation is not Jesus showing and proclaiming Himself; as one showing forth his own glory or portraying what was to transpire immediately soon and what strategic role he's to play in the unfolding of that which time and season was to adjudicate.

2. God gave these revelations to Jesus and Jesus gave it to the Apostle John and commanded the angel to explain the vision and meaning. John attests to the veracity of the word and the testimony by documenting every word heard and everything seen. Rev: 19:10

3. The Book of Revelation proclaims a blessing to everyone who reads and hears the word of this prophecy. This book provokes a readymade blessing for everyone who endeavours to read and hear the prophecy contained therein. It therefore presupposes God's inherent blessing when we take heed to the commandment of both the reading and hearing of this prophecy and doing the things contained therein. Joshua: 1: 5-8, Proverbs: 3: 1-4. Rev: 19: 10.

4. Here Apostle John was charging the church by invoking the grace and peace of God on the seven churches in Asia.  The seven churches stands as a metaphor for the entire church of Jesus Christ regardless of location, position and name. Apostle John talks about the seven Spirits before the throne of God. I believe this infers God's Spirit right in the presence of God also proclaiming grace and peace to the churches of God.

5. Jesus Christ also proclaims blessings of grace and peace upon His church. Apostle John accentuates our liberty through the blood of Christ and proclaims Him the "first begotten from the dead", greater than any king. Romans; 5: 11, 1 Pet; 1; 18, 1 Corinthians: 15: 45

6. The price of redemption is His blood and the acceptance of the process confers on us kingship, royalty and priesthood and God the Father attests to the validity of our new status on the basis of Jesus' atonement on the cross. 1 Pet: 2: 9-10, Eph: 2: 14-16, 20-22, 2 Corinthians: 5; 19-21. The realisation of this truth must always stir our hearts to offer unto Him praise and thanksgiving.

7. Apostle John reiterates the same words of Jesus about His second coming. Luke 21: 27, Acts: 1: 11, 1 Thessalonians: 4: 14: 18.

8. Jesus Himself proclaims His Almightiness and sovereignty.  He is the alpha and omega; by Him do all things consist. Col: 1: 15-17. He is the beginning and the end. Nothing survives outside Him. Amen.