Thoughts On Revelation (14)
The thought of judgment is indeed a sobering thought. In our study of Revelation we have seen the judgment of God tempered with mercy. This intriguing book of the Bible clearly sets forth the reality of the forces of good and evil. It leaves no doubt that there is a realm of malevolence fully directed by none other than Satan. Yet above all, there is One who is truly good, and the Author of all that is good. He is all powerful and of a surety Satan and the powers of darkness will be defeated and destroyed by the One who is Lord of lords and King of kings. Because God is just and merciful, even in carrying out judgment on mankind’s wickedness, He does so with an invitation to repentance.
As we have noted in our study, and as you have noticed in your reading, Revelation uses much imagery. This has often lead to wild speculation or downright fear. Seals, trumpets, bowls of wrath, locusts with iron breastplates and faces like men; these cause some to conclude that Revelation is beyond understanding, and therefore irrelevant to the believer. Such a conclusion robs one of the comfort and confidence offered in this book, a blessing simply by reading it. There is no commandment saying that it must be fully understood. After all, you don’t have to fully understand aerodynamics in order to be blessed by a peaceful flight.
Revelation is a fitting final book in the canon of scripture. Genesis begins by telling us that God is the Creator of all things and the Author of history. Revelation concludes the present world order and brings history to a close by the same Almighty God. Revelation helps clarify our world as it is, and has been, while giving sure hope for how it will be when all things are made new.
-Terry Morrison