Purpose of the Book of Revelation

The common view is that the book of Revelation describes the events leading up to the second coming. This is a serious mistake. The book covers the whole of New Testament history, but focuses intensely on the middle of the diagram by explaining how the coming of the Kingdom, the judgments of God, tribulation, suffering, the collapse of human government and the calling of the Jews fit together. The main themes are listed in the first chapter of the book.

1. Destruction of Human Political Power
John’s greeting from Jesus to the churches says he is ruler of all kings.

Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead,
and the ruler over the kings of the earth (Rev 1:5).

Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth. This means that the kings and political leaders have two choices. If they oppose Jesus, they will be swept away by judgement. If they acknowledge Jesus is Lord, they will have to step down from their role, as a kingdom cannot have two kings.

2. Judgment
Jesus will send judgment on those who oppose him.

Look he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen (Rev 1:7).

The expression “coming on the clouds” is not a description of the second coming, but an Old Testament expression that refers to any manifestation in history of God’s omnipotent power against the world. The Greek word translated “coming” is “erkomai”, the normal word for come. “Parousia”, which is used throughout the New Testament for the second coming of Jesus, is not used in the book of Revelation, as the second coming is not a major theme of the book.

3. Fullness of the Jews
Revelation describes the time when Israel comes to faith in Jesus

Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him (Rev 1:7).

In contrast with many other verses that speak of people seeing Jesus, this one includes “those who pierced him”. As part of a worldwide move of the Holy Spirit, the Jews will be converted to faith in Christ. They will have the eyes of their hearts opened to see Jesus and accept him as their Saviour

4. Trouble and Distress
John himself was going through a time of trouble when he received this vision.

I John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus (Rev 1:9).

John encourages Christians to persevere and endure patiently through trouble.

5. Suffering
Suffering brings in the kingdom.

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus (Rev 1:9).

The kingdom does not come through Christians gaining political power. Rather, as Christians follow Jesus example and take up the cross of suffering, the political powers will collapse, allowing the Kingdom to emerge.

6. Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is the central theme in the book of Revelation.

He has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (Rev 1:6).

The Old Testament prophesied the Kingdom of God. Jesus said it was near. The book of Revelation explains how the Kingdom of God comes in history.

7. Sovereignty
The sovereignty of Jesus is emphasised throughout Revelation.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty (Rev 1:8).

Jesus has existed from the beginning, and he will be in control at the end. Because he is eternal, he knows all things. He is almighty, so he can do all things. His authority and sovereignty are absolute and total.

The Book of Revelation covers all seven of these themes.