O WORSHIP THE KING
Most Christian’s think of Revelation as a very complicated New Testament book with lots and lots of prophecy charts and really strange enigmas that no one truly understands. Yet I found that the book of Revelation is one of the most Christ-centered, doxological books in the Bible. It is also one of the most encouraging New Testament books, especially for persecuted believers (pay special attention to the original context in Revelation 1:9). Chapter 1 begins with a picture of Jesus Christ in all His post-resurrection glory (note Revelation 1:12-20)! This triumphant vision sucks the air out of your sanctified lungs (note Revelation 1:17). Chapters 2 and 3 provide immensely practical instructions from the Lord of the Church to seven congregations in Asia Minor. These are seven real churches that represent the type of congregations (and church goers) that exist in every century of church history. What King Jesus praises and condemns in these chapters is some of the richest pastoral theology in all the Bible. Revelation 4 pictures heaven's worship of the Sovereign Creator of the universe (the Lord God Almighty is His name). Revelation 5 highlights the great Hero of Heaven, Jesus Christ. He alone is worthy to “open the book and its seven seals” (note Revelation 5:5-7). Some of the richest details about the gospel are also presented in this magnificent fifth chapter (see Revelation 5:9-14). I believe that Revelation 6-18 describes the awful Tribulation period that is yet "to come" (see Revelation 1:19; 3:10). Rather than spend six months in chapters 16-18 going verse by verse through the Text I provided two overview sermons of this unit of Scripture. Chapter 19 highlights the majestic return of Christ as the righteous Judge, the Holy Warrior, and as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords while chapter 20 describes the millennial Kingdom and the final judgment of all God's enemies. Chapters 21-22 showcase the New Heavens and the New Earth. As I exposited the final two chapters of Revelation I told my flock that heaven is going to be mind-numbingly massive, heart-stoppingly holy, and breathtakingly beautiful. For believers the best is yet to come. Is it any wonder that after taking all of this in John proclaims, "Amen, Come, Lord Jesus! Come!"
One of my final messages in Revelation covered the famous battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:17-21). Instead of getting lost in the minutia of this final battle I emphasized what I believe is one of the major themes of this section: Judgment without mercy. Those who reject the mercies of God in Christ will one day experience God's judgment without mercy. Talk about practical and timely exposition.
I believe that expositors can walk a thin line when preaching through this neglected Prophesy. I did not want this sequential, expository series to be merely an information drop that simply tickles the fancy of those "prophesy chart pundits" in my church. At the same time I did not want to ignore the rich biblical theology of the Apocalypse either. In other words, just because it is 'en vogue' right now not to have strong convictions with regards to eschatology does not mean major biblical themes should be/can be ignored. Do we believe in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 or do we not? If we believe in an inerrant and sufficient Scripture than Revelation's message should not be overlooked. Just because Calvin did not write a commentary on Revelation does not make this inspired revelation any less important to the biblical Canon.
As one preaches through the book of Revelation the careful expositor will have to express an eschatological position. And herein lies the rub. Again, I get it. "Pan-millennialism" is en vogue today. But how can we preach the "full counsel of God" and maintain a "it does not really matter/no one can be certain" agnostic eschatological position? What do Calvinists think of Arminians who skip over large portions of Scripture like Ephesians 1 or Romans 9-10 because these Texts do not really fit their doctrinal positions? I have often wondered why we give a free pass to fellow Calvinists who skip over Texts like Matthew 24-25, Romans 11, and Revelation 6-22? Let's at least be consistent in faith and practice.
Some of the interpretive issues that Revelation forces an expositor to grapple with are as follows: Does Revelation 3:10 promising deliverance from a future Tribulation period? Does Revelation 6-18 describe a 7 year period of unparalleled evil (the Day of the Lord and the future Tribulation) or something else? Is the binding of Satan in Revelation 20 future or present? Is the First Resurrection physical or spiritual? Is the reign of Christ in Revelation 20 on earth or in heaven? Will Christ reign on the earth for 1,000 years?
Dogmatic theology does not mean you have to anathematize everyone that holds a different eschatological position than we do. Good and godly saints have come to different conclusions concerning the finer points of end time’s theology. I will try and address that concern in a future blog post.
Bottom line: Pastors should consider preaching through the book of Revelation because of this book's profound Christology. The more I talk with unbelievers and the more I minister to American believers the more I see a need to proclaim the REAL Jesus in all of His glory. Jesus is after all "the Lion of Judah" and "the Lamb that was slaughtered" for our salvation. He is the faithful witness, the Lamb that was slain, the first-born of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth, the righteous Judge, the Holy Conqueror, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
To Him who sits on the throne, and
to the Lamb, are blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.
Amen.
