KNOWING JESUS–SEARCHING REVELATION
The gospel of John was written that “you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you might have life through his name” (John 20:31). However, Revelation was written to those who already believe, about “things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1). Knowing Jesus and having a loving relationship with him as our Savior and Lord is primary; searching to understanding the prophetic mysteries of Revelation is not required for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 13:2).
GROWING IN A LOVING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS
In the first chapters of Revelation Jesus obviously uses symbols in speaking to the people of seven churches, who know him as their Savior and Lord. And he loving advises them on growing in their relationship with him. Afterward, he apparently uses other symbols to tells them about prophetic things of mystery which must soon come to pass.
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The Lord often used figurative or parabolic language when he spoke in other parts of the Scripture. When his disciples asked him why. Jesus told them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them [unbelievers] it has not been given” (Matthew 13:10-11). However, the biblical Word of God tells believers, many things are made known to them by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14); and by their prayerfully studying and searching the Scripture (Proverbs 25:2; 2 Timothy 2:15).)
Might the seven churches, to whom the Lord speaks, represent the entire body of believers of Jesus Christ throughout time, including each believer who is a part of the body (1 Corinthians 12:27). Seven in the Bible often represents completeness or perfection (Genesis 2:2; Exodus 20;8; Exodus 25:31-37).
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However, below is an illustration of Jesus’ assessment of his “seven churches,” and the advice he gives each for growing closer to him. But in assessing them he told them: “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19).
1-Ephesians (Rev. 2:1-7)……… …Licentious/Loose………………….Repent.
2-Smyrna (Rev 2:2-11……Persecuted/Suffering……Be faithful unto death.
3-Pergamus (Rev 2:12-17)……Backslidden/Lost first love……Repent.
4-Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29)………Dead……………………………..Repent.
5-Sardis (Rev 3:1-6)…………….Lax/False doctrines………… …Repent.
6-Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13)……Faithful…………………………..Hold fast.
7-Laodicea (3:14-19)……………Lukewarm…………………Repent/Be zealous.
APPLYING THE LORD’S MESSAGE OF LOVE TODAY
We ought to be mindful that Jesus said: “those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” (Revelation 3:19). We should assess ourselves in light of the message of Jesus to his believers (1 Corinthians 12:27).
We should continually examine ourselves in light of God’s Word, which is designed not to condemn, but to grow us into the likeness of God’s Son, Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:16-17; Romans 8:29).
SEARCHING TO UNDERSTANDING MYSTERIES OF REVELATION
About two thousand years have passed since the Lord had John to write to the Lord’s “servants” about things which would shortly take place (Rev. 1:1). Nevertheless, the Word of God tells us nobody will understand all Bible mysteries until we get heaven (1 Corinthians 13:12).
However, some more recent writers have written about their understanding or interpretation of things in Revelation. These writing might be seen as being more literal or more symbolical interpretations.
An example of books that renders a more symbolic interpretation is may be seen in The Revelation Explained by F.G. Smith. An example of books which offers a more literal interpretation may be seen in Revelation Expounded by Finis Drake.
In any study of Scripture we should pray and ask God to lead us to have the correct understanding (James 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:15; Tim. 3:16-!7). We should follow the biblical example of the early Berean Church—”They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth” (Acts 17:11).
KNOWING JESUS SAVES US
Understanding Revelation may be intriguing and even beneficial in some respects, especially if it helps us in our relationship with the Lord. But the biblical Word of God teaches us that understanding all mysteries cannot please God or save us without godly love and obedience (1 Corinthians 13:2; John 14:15).
The Bible says loving and obeying our Lord God with all our heart; and loving our neighbor as ourselves is what satisfy God (Mark 12:30-31)–This brings us salvation, conforms us into the image of God’s Son, and leads to eternal life with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 8:29; John 14:2-3).
