End Times: Back to the Future

Lesson 7Revelation Chapters 1 – 3

As we continue our look at End Time Prophecy, we begin our study of the book of Revelation. Revelation represents the capstone of the Bible. It is where all of the unfilled prophecy of the Bible finds fulfillment. It is the revealing of God’s plan and the central role of Christ in everything. As we begin our studies in Revelation, it will soon become evident that our previous study of Old Testament Prophecy and Christ’s teaching in Matthew Chapters 24 and 25 has established a good foundation. We are now ready to see Christ revealed in all of His glory and the unfolding of God’s eternal plan for all mankind.

End Times

In Revelation Chapter 1, John writes, led by the Holy Spirit, of Christ who has made himself visible to John in a new and dramatic way. We also observe prophetic symbols used by Christ, and then the meaning of them is revealed to us.

Read Revelation Chapter 1 and answer the following:

  1. Who is quoted in Rev. 1:8, and who is quoted in Rev. 1:17? What can we learn from these two verses regarding God and Christ?
  2. In Rev. 1:20, Christ reveals a mystery. A mystery is something that is not known. Thus, Christ reveals to us something that was previously not known. What is it?
  3. Having read John’s description of his vision of Christ, what is one central truth that we can deduce from this vision as it relates to Christ’s Bride, the Church?

Now, read Revelation Chapters 2 and 3, which includes the seven letters Christ sends to each of the churches. Also, consult this Seven Churches Summary and note the following for each church: strengths, faults, instruction, and promise.

  1. What are some possible conclusions that we can draw from a study of these seven letters?

The first three chapters of Revelation have provided us a depiction of the Church and an excellent portrait of Christ as its central figure. These scriptures also described the Church’s responsibilities and what Christ expects of us as its members. Finally, they revealed the promises that Christ has given us, if we will only follow Him.

In our next lesson, John will paint a picture of Christ taking us up to heaven and revealing an even greater mystery: God’s plan for Judgment and the redemption of man through the Tribulation Period; followed by a look at our new heavenly home and life with Christ.

I pray you will continue to be faithful in your study, and that through it, your faith and walk with Christ will be strengthened.

Have a great week everyone!

In Christ,

Wes

[2011]

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