Revelation 1-9

by Jeff Spry

Why was the Revelation written? People often focus on the secret identity of the antichrist, the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, the invention of a supercomputer in Belgium called “The Beast,” the newfound location of the famed red heifer, the increasing likelihood of the government’s ability to implant microchips under people’s skin, and the sudden rise in earthquakes and wars around the world. Yet, such teaching completely misses the point of the Revelation. John did not write this letter to give first-century churches a “crystal ball” with which people could peer into the future with fascination to learn intricate details of the future. John wrote to a group of believers who needed to persevere in their faith. Many were wavering in their faith due to temptations from society and others were fearful of rising persecution. The call to persevere until the very end of the lives was given to all. The same message of encouragement and exhortation is needed by the Christians of today, even though we are separated from the original audience by almost two thousand years. Today, believers in America are in a battle for our souls just as many believers around the world are in a battle for their lives. John expects his readers to live their faith “out loud” with no allowances for compromise at any level for any reason. Those who do so are the eventual overcomers or conquerors or victors. Indeed, even in the midst of all the “gloom and doom,” John ministers to his readers (and to us) as a loving pastor to encourage his readers, repeatedly reminding them God is in control of those who afflict them and the church will triumph through the victory already won by Jesus Christ. It is my hope that in the study of Revelation, the current generation of believers will likewise be encouraged by John’s words to the churches.

566 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2017