REVELATION

REVELATION 1

 JOHN’S VISION OF JESUS’ TRIUMPH + RETURN

Revealing an image of the future, God sends an angel to John with a prophetic message. John begins by saying that those who read and believe this message from God will be blessed.

Throughout his letter, John addresses seven churches throughout Asia Minor, writing to both encourage and correct them. Referring to Jesus, John speaks of the one who is and who was and who is to come. John wants the readers to know the presence of Jesus—past, present, and future.

John praises Jesus, giving Him glory for freeing believers from sin. Through Jesus, God has established a new faith and calls believers the kingdom of priests. When Jesus returns, He will arrive on clouds, similarly described during His ascension (Acts 1). Upon His arrival, every eye will see Him, even those responsible for His death.

John was imprisoned on the Greek island of Patmos when he received a vision from the Holy Spirit. John hears a loud voice calling him to record what he witnessed, and send the message to the seven churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

When John turns to see the voice speaking to him, he sees seven golden lampstands, similar to the vision of the prophet Zechariah (See Zechariah 4). Similarly, the lampstand or menorah within the temple have seven branches (See Exodus 25).

In the midst of the lampstands, John sees the Son of Man, a name referring to Jesus, clothed in a long white robe with a golden sash. The man has stark white hair and eyes like flames. His feet are bronze, and His voice is like roaring waters. He holds seven stars in His right hand and His face is shining like the sun.

This vision shares similar qualities to the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of a bronze man with a measuring tool (See Ezekiel 40). Both Zechariah and Ezekiel’s visions are representative of rebuilding the temple. In John’s vision, God is beginning to reveal His plans to rebuild the new heavens and new earth, God’s final dwelling place.

In the vision, John describes the mouth of the man as a sharp two-edged sword, the same image that Paul uses to describe God’s Word in Ephesians 6. This man, an image of Jesus, has the image of truth as His tongue–Jesus’ words are true and trustworthy!

Upon seeing the man, John falls at His feet in awe. The man tells him not to fear, for he had previously died, but is now alive. The man was victorious over death, now holding the keys to hell in His hands. Not only did He defeat death, He defeated all sin and evil. The man clarifies that the seven stars are representative of the angelic messengers to the seven churches that John is to address.

REVELATION 2

JOHN’S MESSAGE TO EPHESUS, SMYRNA, PERGAMUM + THYATIRA

John continues his letter by addressing each of the seven churches individually, starting with the church in Ephesus. First, John commends the church for having endurance and patience. Despite having many false teachers opposing the church in Ephesus, the believers there have remained faithful and not grown weary. John warns the Ephesians that they have abandoned their first love, Jesus. John calls them to repent of their apathy and return to their works rooted in love.

For those who remain steadfast, God offers the promise of the fruit from the tree of life, which grants eternal life in paradise. In the Garden of Eden, God protected Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of life in their fallen state (Genesis 3). God did not want humanity to be eternally fallen, but He wanted them to have the chance for salvation and redemption. After Jesus establishes the new heavens and new Earth, humanity can enjoy the gift of a sinless, perfect eternity.

To the church in Smyrna, John warns that tribulation is coming. During a period of ten days, many of them will be tested and imprisoned. John promises that those who are faithful until their death will be given the crown of life, the gift of eternity with Jesus.

John next addresses the church in Pergamum, who are surrounded by evil and chaos. Although many are commended for not denying their faith in the midst of trials, John rebukes some of the people, comparing them to Balaam, a corrupt leader who misled the prophet Balak (Numbers 22–24). John mentions the Nicolaitans, a religious group that practices sexual immorality. John’s message to the church in Pergamum urges believers not to be deceived by false teachers or swayed by sexual influences. Referencing God’s provision of manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, John trusts that God will continually provide for His people.

Continuing his messages to the seven churches, John writes to Thyatira. John acknowledges their love, faith, service, and patient endurance. Also offering a warning, John calls them not to be tolerant of false teaching, idolatry, or sexual immorality. John mentions Jezebel, a rebellious and idolatrous woman who influenced the wicked King Ahab (1 Kings 16–21). Despite the opportunity for repentance, some of the people of Thyatira refuse to return to God. For the believers in Thyatira, John urges them to remain steadfast in their faith and follow God for the entirety of their lives.

REVELATION 3

JOHN’S MESSAGE TO SARDIA, PHILADELPHIA, + LAODICEA 

Writing to the church in Sardis, John states that they have a reputation for being alive, but are actually dead in their faith. John calls them to repent and return to a life of following God. Some believers in Sardis have remained steadfast, and John says they will be clothed in white garments and their names will be added to the book of life. Those who remain faithful will be called conquers because they will share in Jesus’ victory over death.

Next, John writes a hopeful message to the believers in Philadelphia. These believers have kept God’s Word and not denied their faith despite persecution. John describes Jesus as holding the key of David, showing the fulfillment of the prophecy that the eternal king will come from the line of David (2 Samuel 7). Revelation 1:18 states that Jesus holds the key to hell, but He also holds the key to heaven—Jesus has authority and dominion over both life and death! Those who have been patient and faithful in their endurance will be spared from the judgment that will come upon the earth. John commends the faithful believers and describes them as the pillars of God’s temple.

Addressing the seventh and final church, John writes to the church in Laodicea. These believers have become lukewarm, neither hot nor cold in their faith. John corrects them and calls them to repentance. Jesus only reproves and rebukes those who He loves, like a loving father. John says that for whoever knocks at the door, Jesus is accessible and available. Those who have trusted in Jesus will eventually sit at God’s throne as conquerors of death and sin.

Because these messages were written directly to specific groups of people within a certain context, it is important to look for the truth of God’s character rather than applying these words directly to the modern-day church.

REVELATION 4

THE IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY THRONE ROOM

After recording the messages to the seven churches, John is shown an open door, leading to the heavenly throne room. A voice speaks to John, saying that he must be shown what will one day take place.

Upon the throne is a person who has the appearance of jasper and carnelian. These two gemstones, which are white and red, are possible representations of Jesus’ purity and the blood of His sacrifice.

Above the throne is a rainbow that appears to be made of emerald. This rainbow points to God’s covenant with Noah, where He promised never to wipe out humanity with another great flood (See Genesis 9). The gemstones also highlight Jesus’ role as the ultimate high priest. Previously, God instructed Israel's high priests to wear jasper, carnelian, and emerald along with nine other gemstones on their chest in a garment called a euphod (See Exodus 28).

Around the great throne are twenty-four additional thrones, seating twenty-four elders clothed in white garments and golden crowns. Scripture does not specify, but many believe that these twenty-four thrones are representative of the twelve sons of Jacob (twelve tribes of Israel) and the twelve disciples. These two groups symbolize God’s people from both the old covenant (before Jesus) and new covenant (since Jesus).

From the throne come flashes of lightning and thunder. In front of the throne are seven burning torches of fire and a sea of crystal glass. On each side of the throne are four living creatures, each with six wings and covered in eyes. These creatures, described as a lion, ox, man, and eagle, continually praise God and sing, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” These beings resemble the cherubim described by the prophet Ezekiel (See Ezekiel 1, 10) but also share characteristics of seraphim (described in Isaiah 6), as they continuously worship God.

All beings give glory, honor, and thanks to the depiction of God on the throne. The twenty-four elders in the surrounding thrones fall down and cast their crowns before Him. They praise God and acknowledge Jesus as both the Creator and Savior of humanity.

REVELATION 5

WORTHY IS THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN 

In the right hand of the One seated on the throne is a scroll with seven seals. Proclaiming with a loud voice, an angel asks who was worthy to open the scroll and break the seals. Because no one in heaven or earth is able to open the scroll, John is distraught.

One of the elders in the throne room comforts John and says not to fear, for the Savior has conquered and can open the scroll. The elder references Jesus as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” and the “Root of David.” These two phrases serve as names for the promised Savior throughout Scripture (See Genesis 49:9, Isaiah 11:1). Because Jesus is an offspring of David, from the tribe of Judah, He fulfills these prophecies of the Savior.

Between the throne and the four creatures, John sees a Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, who looks as though it has been slain. Throughout Scripture, the lamb symbolizes God’s provision. God provided a lamb for Abraham, so that he did not have to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:8) Similarly, God spared those who had the blood of a spotless lamb on their doorpost during the Passover (Exodus 12). Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be obedient to God’s plan, comparing Him to a lamb led to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). When John the Baptist first saw Jesus, he recognized Him as the Savior and declared “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

The slain Lamb, representing the crucified Jesus, is the only one worthy to open the scroll. When the Lamb takes the scroll from the seated one, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and incense, worshipping the Lamb. Looking around, John heard thousands and thousands of voices praising God and saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!” By the blood of His sacrifice, the Lamb ransomed people for God from every tribe and nation.

Some interpret the scroll as God’s plan for judgment and redemption, detailing how His kingdom will be established on Earth as foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 8:16, Daniel 8:26, 12:8-10). The slain Lamb, a depiction of the crucified Jesus, is the only one worthy or able of opening the scroll. This image highlights the necessity of a Savior and God’s plan for redemption from the beginning.

Revelation 5:12 - saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!

REVELATION 6

THE SEVEN SCROLLS, THE FOUR HORSES, + THE DAY OF THE LORD  

Continuing John’s vision, the Lamb opens the first four seals of the scroll, each one causing one of the four great creatures to summon a horseman.

The first of the four horses is white, ridden by a man holding a bow and wearing a crown, representing a military commander and warrior. Instead of a sacrificial lamb, many assumed Jesus would arrive as a strong military leader or political ruler.

When the Lamb opens the second seal, a red horse appears, ridden by a man with a large sword and the authority to remove peace and incite war.

As the Lamb opens the third seal, a black horse arrives, ridden by a man holding a pair of scales, measuring wheat and barley. These horses likely represent death and famine, common results of war and unrest.

With the fourth seal, a pale horse arrives. Its rider, named “Death,” holds power over a portion of the world, inflicting them by sword, famine, and plague.

These four horsemen, often seen as God’s enemies, are believed to represent war, conquest, famine, and death. Previously, the prophet Zechariah was shown a vision of four horsemen which symbolized God's watchful sovereignty and His intentions to judge those who oppressed His people (Zechariah 1).

When the Lamb opens the fifth seal, John is shown the souls of the Christian martyrs, those who were killed for their testimony of faith. The martyrs cry out, asking how long until God brings His judgment upon Earth. Each is given a white robe and instructed to remain patient regarding God’s justice.

As the Lamb opens the sixth seal, there is a great earthquake, causing the sun to turn black and the moon to turn red. When this occurs, the stars in the sky fall and the heavens and earths are altered. This day represents the time of God’s judgment, known as the Day of the Lord. Many of the early prophets foretold this day, including Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, Isaiah, and Joel.

REVELATION 7

THE GREAT MULTITUDE FROM EVERY TRIBE + NATION

Before the destruction of the Earth is to begin, an angel arrives from the east carrying the seal of God. This angel is there to protect those who are servants of God, preserving them from God’s wrath. In the vision, John hears that 144,000 servants would be sealed and protected, twelve thousand from each of the twelve tribes. This numbering of the tribes is reminiscent of a census of the twelve tribes, which was typically a preparation for war (Numbers 1).

Although John hears that 144,000 would be saved, he turns to see a greater multitude of people that no one could number. The great crowd comprises every nation, from all tribes and people, speaking all languages. Everyone stands before the lamb on the throne, clothed in white and holding palm branches. In a loud voice the people cry out “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Everyone is overcome with awe and falls to the ground worshipping God.

In the vision, one of the elders addresses John, asking who made up the great crowd. John replies that they are the believers who have been made clean by the blood of the Lamb. These people will serve God and remain in His presence. They will no longer experience hunger or thirst. The Lamb will be their shepherd and guide them to springs of living water, wiping away every tear from their eyes.

REVELATION 8

THE SEVENTH SEAL REVEALS THE SEVEN TRUMPETS 

When the Lamb opens the seventh and final seal, a great silence fills heaven for half an hour. After the silence, seven angels stand before God and are each given a trumpet. Another angel appears with a golden altar and incense. The fire from the incense is thrown onto the earth, causing thunder, lightning, and an earthquake.

The angels prepare to blow the trumpets. As the first angel blows his trumpet, there is hail, fire, and blood thrown upon the Earth. As the second angel blows his trumpet, a great mountain with fire is thrown into the sea, causing destruction of the ships and sea creatures. The third angel blows his trumpet, resulting in a great star falling from heaven. As the fourth angel blows his trumpet, the sun, moon, and stars are struck, causing darkness upon the earth.

For each of the trumpets, a third of the Earth is affected. In the vision, John sees an eagle flying above him, saying “woe to those who dwell on earth,” warning them of the remaining three trumpets.

REVELATION 9

THE FIRST SIX TRUMPETS BRING DEVASTATION + DESTRUCTION

As the fifth angel blows his trumpet, John sees a star fall from heaven to Earth. This fallen star is given a key to a bottomless pit, from which arose dark smoke like that of a furnace. Out of the smoke come fierce scorpion-like locusts. These terrifying creatures have the power to torment the unrepentant for five months. During that time, the people long for death, but the scorpions will not kill them.

These locusts are ruled by the fallen star, the angel of the bottomless pit. Many interpret the fallen star as a reference to the fall of Satan, when Satan rebelled against God and fell from heaven (See Isaiah 14:12, Luke 10:17-20).

As the sixth angel blows his trumpet, John hears a voice from the golden altar before God. This voice releases four angels, unleashing a vast and terrifying army, who kill a third of humanity by fire, smoke, and sulfur. The horses of the army have heads like lions, and the tails of serpents.

Despite the severity of these plagues, the survivors still refuse to repent. Instead, they continue worshipping demons and manmade idols. The first five trumpets are reminiscent of the plagues sent on Egypt: hail, blood, drought, darkness, and locusts. Those who did not repent are like Pharoah, who had a hardened heart despite the many plagues (See Exodus 7–11). God’s wrath alone does not lead the people to repentance.

REVELATION 10

JOHN CONSUMES THE SCROLL OF GOD

John sees a mighty angel descending from heaven, holding a small scroll. The angel has the unique appearance of a sun and fire, adorned with clouds and rainbows. With his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, the angel cries out and seven thunders roar. After the thunder sounds, the angel raises his right hand to heaven, declaring there will be no more delay—God's plan will soon be fully revealed and accomplished.

John hears the voice from heaven instructing him to take and eat the scroll, which will hurt his stomach, but taste sweet as honey. John’s consumption of the scroll symbolizes how the truth of God’s judgment can be hard to digest, but His redemption of the Earth is ultimately sweet.

This action resembles the vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, whom God also instructed to eat a scroll as a symbol of internalizing God’s Word (Ezekiel 3). After consuming the scroll, John is commanded to continue prophesying to many nations and peoples in many languages.

REVELATION 11

THE WITNESSES + THE SEVENTH TRUMPET 

Next in the vision, John is given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple and the altar. He is not to measure the court outside of the temple because it will be trampled by the nations. This imagery is similar to the vision of Zechariah, who saw a man using a tool to measure Jerusalem (Zechariah 2).

Meanwhile, God grants authority to two witnesses who prophesy for 1,260 days. These witnesses are called lampstands, a symbol previously used to describe the church. These witnesses have protection from God and authority over the weather. During the time of their prophesying, they have the ability to bring plagues upon the earth.

Once they have finished testifying, a beast rises from the bottomless pit and kills them. This beast is often compared to the beast in Daniel’s apocalyptic prophecy (See Daniel 7). After the beast conquers the witnesses, their dead bodies remain in the street. After the three and a half days God revives them with His breath, bringing them back to life. They go up to heaven and there is a great earthquake, killing many people.

The seventh and final angel blows his trumpet, ushering in loud voices saying that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of Jesus.” Not only will the world be restored, but Christ will reign eternally! The twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones fall upon their faces and worship God. God brings wrath upon the Earth, but rewards those who are His followers. The elders acknowledge God as the destroyer of the destroyers, showing His authority over death and evil.

God’s temple in heaven is revealed and the ark of the covenant is seen within the temple, along with thunder, lightning, earthquakes, and hail.

Revelation 11:15 - Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”

REVELATION 12

THE ENEMY DEFEATED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB

John is shown a series of signs and visions, starting with the image of a pregnant woman. She appears in heaven, clothed with the sun and moon and wearing a crown of stars. She is crying out in pain from the agony of giving birth.

Another being appears, a red dragon with ten horns and seven heads, each adorned with a crown. The giant creature stands before the pregnant woman, waiting to devour her newborn. Instead, God protects both the child and the mother.

Suddenly, a war breaks out. Michael, the leader of the angels, fights against the dragon. Once he is defeated, there is no longer a place for him in heaven, and he is thrown down into the Earth. The creature is identified as the devil, or Satan, the deceiver of the world.

The heavens rejoice, knowing that Jesus has the ultimate victory! The dragon is ultimately conquered by the blood of the lamb. The angels warn the Earth that the devil will attack with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short.

When the dragon arrives on Earth, he seeks the woman who had recently given birth. The woman is given wings like an eagle so that she is able to fly away from the creature. When the enemy attempts to sweep the woman away with a great flood, the Earth protects her from the water. The dragon is furious and continues to wage war on her offspring, targeting those who follow God.

This battle is representative of the prophecy of Jesus described in Genesis 3:15. In this verse, God curses the serpent saying, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall crush your head and you shall bruise his heel” The woman in this chapter is an image of Jesus’ followers. God knows that the enemy and the sin in the world will bruise the heels of believers, but Jesus will ultimately defeat sin and death!

REVELATION 13

THE TWO BEASTS + THE MARK OF 666 

In the next vision, John sees two beasts battling one another. The first beast rises from the sea, with seven heads and ten horns adorned with crowns. The beast appears like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. The beast is given power by the enemy and has great authority over the earth. One of his seven heads appears to be fatally wounded but is miraculously healed. Everyone marvels at the beast and worships both the beast and the enemy.

The beast slurs blasphemous and prideful words, speaking against God and His people. The beast is given authority to wage war on those who have not repented and turned to God. John calls for believers to endure in their faith and follow Jesus.

Then John sees the second beast, which has two horns and the voice of a dragon. This beast has the same authority as the first beast and convinces people that the first beast is worth worshipping.

Those who do not worship the first beast are killed. For those who compile and worship the beast, they are marked on their hands and forehead with the number 666, known as the mark of the beast. These beasts are often interpreted as military and economic power, which often lead to the abuse of influence and admiration. Those who value temporary, earthly victory over God’s ultimate spiritual victory deny God’s sovereignty and authority. Although there are many theories, the meaning of the number 666 will likely remain unknown until the prophecy of John’s vision is fulfilled.

REVELATION 14

THE HARVEST OF GRAIN + HARVEST OF THE VINE 

Looking around, John sees the slain Lamb leading the faithful 144,000. John hears a voice from heaven, roaring like the sound of water or loud thunder. The voice sounds like harps, singing a new song before the throne, which only the 144,000 recognize. These 144,000 are redeemed by God, making them pure and truthful.

Continuing the vision, John sees an angel flying directly above him. The angel proclaims the gospel to everyone on Earth, including every nation, tribe, and language. The angel cries out, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Another angel appears, saying that Babylon has fallen. Babylon, who once opposed the Israelites, is an archetype of corrupt and rebellious leadership. By saying that Babylon has fallen, the angel is proclaiming that God has defeated wickedness.

Finally, a third angel appears. This angel declares that anyone with the mark of the beast, the sign of those who worshipped false gods, will experience God’s wrath. Those who worship the beast will experience torment and have no rest.

Believers are called to maintain endurance, keep God’s commandments, and keep their faith in Jesus. John hears a voice from heaven saying that those who die in the Lord are blessed and will have rest.

John sees a man, seated on a white cloud with a golden crown and a sharp sickle. Another angel comes out of the temple, calling for the man to reap the harvest of the Earth.

Then, two more angels appear, one with another sharp sickle. One of the angels calls out, instructing the one with the sickle to collect the grape harvest of the earth. Once they are harvested, the grapes are thrown into the winepress. From the winepress, blood pours and pools.

The grain harvest is representative of God’s people, who He gathered for His purposes. The wine harvest is representative of those who have not repented and trusted in humanity over God. In the end, there are only two options: follow the Lamb or follow the beast.

REVELATION 15

SEVEN ANGELS WITH SEVEN PLAGUES

The next sign revealed to John is seven angels with seven plagues, symbolizing God’s wrath. Before them, John sees a sea of glass and fire. Those who have conquered the beast praise God, singing songs and playing harps. The conquerors declare that God alone is holy and all the nations will come together to worship.

The seven angels carrying seven plagues were clothed in bright linen with gold sashes. One of the four living creatures gave to the angels seven golden bowls filled with God’s wrath. Until the seven plagues have been poured out, no one will be able to enter the heavenly temple.

REVELATION 16

THE SEVEN BOWLS OF WRATH POURED OUT

After seeing the angels, John hears a loud voice from the temple instructing the angels to pour out the bowls of God’s wrath upon the Earth. As the first angel pours out his bowl, the worshippers of the beast are afflicted with painful sores. The second angel pours out his bowl into the sea, turning it to blood and causing every living sea creature to die. Similarly, the third angel pours his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they become blood.

The fourth angel pours out his bowl of wrath upon the sun, and it is allowed to scorch people with fire and kill them with heat. Despite all these plagues, the people do not repent.

The fifth angel pours out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom is plunged into darkness. Instead of turning to God in repentance, the people blame God for their affliction. Like the seven trumpets, these seven bowls are reminiscent of the Exodus plagues.

The sixth angel pours out his bowl on the Euphrates, and the river water dries up.

Out of the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophets, three demonic spirits appear. These spirits perform signs and warn the world to prepare for battle. The spirits assemble the people at a place called Armageddon.

As the seventh angel pours his bowl into the air, a loud voice comes from the temple, saying “It is done!” Upon hearing this, there are flashes of lightning, thunder, and a great earthquake. From the earthquake, the city splits into three parts and the nations fall. Babylon, the archetypal city of rebellion, is destroyed.

REVELATION 17

THE PROSTITUTE + THE SCARLET BEAST 

In his vision, John is carried away and shown a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. The woman is adorned in purple in scarlet clothing, wearing gold jewels and pearls. She holds a cup full of impurities and sexual immorality. She is called Babylon, with the name “mother of prostitutes” written above her forehead. The woman is drunk off of the blood of the martyrs, those who died for sharing the news of Jesus.

John marvels at her sight in wonder and confusion. An angel explains to John that the beast with seven heads and ten horns represents earthly kings of the past, present, and future. These kings will wage war on the Lamb, but the Lamb will ultimately conquer and defeat the beast. The Lamb is the Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.

Eventually, the beast will hate the prostitute. She will be made desolate and naked, and the beast will devour her flesh with fire. The woman, although wicked, is still under God’s authority. The angel reveals that God has strategically placed her to carry out His purposes until God’s Word is fulfilled. The prostitute is representative of the city that has dominion. During the time of John’s vision, Rome is the oppressive nation.

Revelation 17:17 - for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.

REVELATION 18

THE FALL OF BABYLON 

John sees another angel coming down from heaven with great authority. The angel calls out that Babylon has fallen and become a dwelling place for demons. Babylon was known for being a rebellious nation and often symbolized wickedness. The angel says that all the nations have been influenced by Babylon, growing increasingly immoral and prideful. Another voice arises, praising God for his justice on Babylon. Those who are living in continual sin are devastated by the fall of Babylon, but the faithful rejoice in God’s might.

All of the merchants of the Earth weep over Babylon's destruction, since Babylon was a center for trade. Although many benefit financially from Babylon, God laid the city to waste. The destruction of Babylon shows the contrast between worldly values and God’s economy of righteousness. A mighty angel takes a large millstone and throws it into the sea, emphasizing the death and drowning of Babylon. Those who worship God above Babylon rejoice and know that their victory is near.

REVELATION 19

THE BRIDE OF THE LAMB + THE FINAL VICTORY 

After God’s victory is revealed, John hears a loud voice from a great multitude. They are praising God, crying out “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” God’s judgment is not unwarranted, but exhibits His truth and justice. The twenty-four elders and four creatures all bow down before the throne, worshipping and honoring God.

The multitude continues praising God, rejoicing and exulting Him as Lord. The angel instructs John to write all of this down and states that those who are invited to the wedding feast are blessed. The wedding feast is a celebration of the Lamb and the bride, which represents the church. In heaven, God and His people are finally unified!

John falls to worship the angel, but the angel quickly stops him. The angel corrects John, stating that only Jesus is worthy of worship.

Suddenly John sees the heavens open, revealing a white horse. The rider of the horse is called “Faithful and True,” wearing many crowns and having eyes like flames. He wears a white robe that was dipped in blood, symbolizing purity and sacrifice. Within his mouth is a sharp sword, an image of truth.

The great beast, the enemy of God and false prophet, is captured. This beast is a deceiver, leading astray everyone who received the mark of the beast. Jesus is ultimately victorious over the beast, as the beast is thrown into a lake of fire! The rest of God’s opposers are slain by the sword of His mouth.

REVELATION 20

THE 1,000 YEARS + THE BOOK OF LIFE 

Next in his vision, John sees an angel from heaven, holding the key to the bottomless pit. The dragon and serpent, who are representative of God’s enemies and evil, are bound in the bottomless pit for a thousand years.

John also sees all of the martyrs, those who had died for the sake of the gospel, and those who refused the mark of the beast, sitting in thrones. These believers reign with Christ for a thousand years. Believers who had previously died will not be brought into new life until the end of the thousand years.

Once the one thousand years has ended, Satan is released from the bottomless pit. He deceives and rallies the nations, attempting to start a rebellion. As Satan attempts to defeat God, he is devoured with fire, leaving him eternally tormented.

This time period, the one thousand years, is known as the millennium. The timing of the millennium, as well as its literal or metaphorical meaning, is one of the most heavily debated theological topics among Christian scholars. Regardless of your interpretation, it is clear that Jesus deals with sin and vindicates His loyal followers.

After the final defeat of Satan, John sees a great white throne. Before the throne is an open book, recording who has been made righteous before God through faith in Jesus.

REVELATION 21

NEW HEAVEN, NEW EARTH, NEW JERUSALEM 

In his vision, John sees a new heaven and new earth. The first heaven and earth are no more, they have passed away. John sees a new holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down from heaven. Jerusalem is presented like a bride adorned for her new husband.

A loud voice calls out, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” God’s presence was no longer within the temple, but everywhere, filling the new heavens and earth. Because of God’s perfect presence, there will be no more tears, death, or mourning. When believers are reunited with God in the new Jerusalem, there will be no more pain or sadness.

Jesus, seated at the throne says “Behold, I am making all things new.” John is told to document what he sees, trusting this vision of God. Because of Jesus’s victory, all sin and separation are finished. God is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. What He created, He will redeem and complete.

One of the angels speaks to John, saying “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” The angel shows John the holy city of the new Jerusalem. It is radiant, like a jewel or crystal. It has twelve gates, with twelve angels, named after the twelve tribes. Similarly, it has twelve foundations, each named after the twelve apostles.

The angel carries a rod to measure the gates and walls of the cities. Measuring the giant city, John realizes that the city is made of pure gold and adorned with every kind of jewel. The gates are made of a single large pearl and the streets made of pure, transparent gold.

In the new Jerusalem, there is no need for a temple, God’s presence is the temple! There is also no need for the sun or the moon to shine, because God’s glory provides light. Similarly, there is no need for the gates to be shut, because nothing unclean or false ever enters the New Jerusalem.

REVELATION 22

THE RIVER OF LIFE + RETURN OF JESUS 

In his vision, John is shown the river of life. The water flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, through the middle of the new Jerusalem. On either side of the river, is the tree of life, which yielded twelve tribes of fruit. The fruit of the tree that God protected Adam and Eve from eating was now freely available to all of His people (See Genesis 3). The leaves of the tree provide healing for the nations, giving God’s people eternal unity and peace. God reverses every curse that occurred in Eden!

John is instructed to write down what he saw, showing God’s words as trustworthy and true. This vision was sent to John to show what would soon take place. John hears that Jesus is coming back soon and the ones who trust in the words of God’s prophecy will be blessed.

When John hears this and sees these things, he is overcome with worship. John is instructed to worship God alone and share the prophecy of this book. The time is near for Jesus’s return and John is taught to pursue truth, righteousness, and holiness.

As Jesus’s return nears, John teaches that those who wash their robes in the righteousness of Jesus will be blessed. Jesus offers payment for our sins through trusting in Him. Those who believe in Christ as the payment for sin will be welcomed into eternal life.

The Holy Spirit and the Church welcome others to come to Jesus, inviting all who are thirsty to drink the living water. This invitation is similar to the words of Jesus talking to the woman at the well. He invited the woman to drink from the well that never runs dry, which is the same invitation for all believers (See John 4).

John warns readers not to add or subtract their own words to God’s Word. Despite the complexities of this book, John reminds readers to discern what God has clearly revealed and not make their own assumptions.

John ends this letter of prophecy, and the entirety of Scripture, by telling of the victory and return of Jesus. “Come, Lord Jesus!”