Jesus revealed the Book of Revelation to the Apostle John. He wanted him to share it with the world. It is a warning to humanity. Jesus told John to write what he saw in a book and deliver it to the seven churches in Asia. He gave him specific things to write unto the churches (which can be read in Revelation 1-3).
What Prophecies Are in Revelation?
John saw a vision of the seven seals. These seals represent events that will occur during the end time. When Jesus opened the first seal, John saw a white horse. He that sat on the horse had a bow and arrow. He went forth conquering and to conquer. Each time Jesus opened a seal, a beast that was present would tell John to come and see. When Jesus opened the second seal, another horse went out to take peace from the earth. Read Revelation 6-8 eight to see all the events, the horsemen, and what they represent.
Around Revelation 7, we see those saved during the tribulation period. Those sealed during this time are 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Revelation 7 breaks down how many from each tribe are sealed. They are sealed so that the destruction that will come upon the earth shall not hurt them. This period is after the rapture of the church.
Jesus opens the seventh seal, and there is silence for about a half hour (Revelation 8:1). There is mention of a golden censer with incense. Also, the prayers of the saints ascended before God out of the angel’s hand. Different woes come upon the earth at this time. The woes include
- hail with fire
- a mountain burning with fire cast into the sea
- a star falling from the sky called Wormwood, which made the waters bitter and killed many
- the sun and moon are darkened
In Revelation 10, John is given a little book by an angel. The book represents the mysteries of God being finished. The angel instructs John to take the book and eat it. In his mouth. It was as sweet as honey, but it became bitter as soon as he ate it. The angel told him to prophesy again before many people, nations, kings, and tongues.
In chapter twenty, a major prophecy speaks about Satan being bound for 1,000 years. After the 1,000 years are fulfilled, he will be loosed for a season. It also talked about people who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and did not worship the beast. They did not receive his mark on their forehead or their hands. They lived and reigned with Christ for 1,000 years. This appears to occur following the tribulation period.
Scripture here is clear that the devil is loosed after 1,000 years and deceives nations in the earth’s four corners. After the battle of Armageddon, the devil, false prophet, and the beast will be tormented in the lake of fire forever and ever.
John also sees the vision of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation 21. He sees the holy city of Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven. The tabernacle of God is now with man. God will dwell among His people, and He shall be with them.
Does Revelation Prophecy about the Roman Empire?
Some theologians or religious writers believe excerpts from Revelation parallel events in the Roman empire. This is basically because of the relationship between Rome and the church when Revelation was written (around AD 90-95). Revelation 13’s depiction of the beast of the sea is the antichrist. It contains seven heads and ten horns representing the nations that will bow down unto it. The dragon who gives the beast his power is Satan.
A second beast that arises in Revelation 13:11 is from the earth, has two horns like a lamb, and speaks as a dragon. He had the same power as the first beast. He causes people on the earth to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs wonders like making fire rain down from heaven.
Romans were quick to behead people if they offended the king or broke the rules. This is another parallel to the Roman empire. The beast from the land refers to a cult leader or person in power who people worshipped. People cannot buy or sell without the mark on their hand or forehead. People from all social classes are affected and to take the mark is to cause those who do to miss heaven. Scholars, historians, theologians, fanatics, and the like have tried to solve the mystery of 666. It is the mark of the beast and the mark of a man.
Does Revelation Prophecy about the End of the World?
Much of what is described in Revelation deals with the world’s end and events leading up to it. In Revelation 19, we see Jesus coming in all His glory. This is after the rapture of the saints and the tribulation period. He rides in on a white horse. His eyes are like a flame of fire. He has an army that follows him. This is the Battle of Armageddon. The beast or the antichrist, the false prophets, and those who took the mark of the beast are cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation is an important chapter. People must be educated about what happens in the end time. No one knows when these events will occur. We do know that the rapture of the church will take place beforehand. It is important to educate people because we know the unsaved will be left behind. We do not want them to take the mark of the beast just to stay alive. That is why it is important to get the gospel out and educate generations so that they can educate their children about what is to come. Those who get left behind need to know what to do. There may be people left behind who had a chance to be saved and now know they missed it. Hopefully, they witness to those who refused to listen to Christians and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.
What Can We All Learn from Revelation’s Prophecies?
We can come away from reading Revelation knowing that if we give our life to Christ, we will be spared from destruction. We know God is in control and wants to take as many people to heaven as possible. He warns us throughout the Bible to live right and keep His commandments. I know that we like to have an enjoyable time, but people need to get serious about salvation and eternal life at some point. We all will be alive somewhere once we leave this first life.
People are often afraid to read Revelation because of all the drama included, but God has promised a blessing if we read this book. We are showing Him that we want to know about things to come.
Further Reading:
What Is the Significance of End Times Prophecies?
What Is the Timeline of Revelation?
What Are the Seven Seals and Seven Trumpets in Revelation?
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