INTRODUCTION TO THE REVELATION (of Jesus Christ)AUTHOR: Apostle John (He was 85 to 95 years of age)

WRITTEN: 90 to 100 A.D.

3 MAJOR DIVISIONS OF REVELATION (Rev. 1:19)

I. "The things which you have seen." (The Glorified Christ)

REV. 1:1-20 PAST

II. "The things which are..." (The Churches of Christ)

REV. 2:1 - 3:22 PRESENT

(Ephesians 3:1-7) Dispensation of Grace.

III. "The things which shall be hereafter..." (The Coming of Christ)

REV. 4:1 - 22:21 FUTURE

(The Kingdom of this world becomes the Kingdom of our Lord and His Christ "anointed one", REV. 11:15)

OVERVIEWThe Book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ as:

1. The Faithful Witness (Heb. 12:1,2; 2 Tim. 2:11-132. First Begotten from the dead. (Ps. 2:7; Heb. 1:5; 5:5; Acts 13:33)3. Prince of the kings of the earth.4. The One who is, who was, and who is to come.5. Guardian of the Churches.6. Son of Man, Son of God.7. Standing at the "door" (of one's heart) and knocking.8. Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Root of David.9. The Alpha & Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Ending.1

10. He that was dead and is now alive forever. (I Cor. 15:54-57)11. Having the Keys of Hades and Death.12. A slain Lamb, now alive and Worthy13. Redeemer.14. Lord God Almighty.15. The King of saints.16. Husband of the Church.17. Faithful and True, a Righteous Judge.18. The Word of God.19. King of kings, and Lord of lords.20. The Root and Offspring of David.21. The Bright and Morning Star.22. The One who is coming quickly!

1 See John 14:1-6; Isaiah 42:8; 43:11; 44:1-6,24; 45:5,6,18,21,25; 46:8-10; Isaiah 48:12,13

-1-Copyright Ó 1990 Klaus SchiesselRevelation Introduction

BOOK OF REVELATION: CONNECTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT

The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, closes with the mention of the Sun of Righteousness which is yet to arise. It holds out a hope for a cursed earth, and that hope is the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The last book of the New Testament, Revelation (of Jesus Christ), closes with the Bright and Morning Star. The book of Revelation completes the Revelation from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The first book of the Bible, Genesis presents the beginning. The last book of the Bible, Revelation, presents the end.

Contrasts between the two books of Genesis and Revelation:

1. In Genesis the earth was created: In Revelation the earth passes away.2. In Genesis was Satan's first rebellion: in Revelation is Satan's last rebellion.3. In Genesis the Sun was to rule the day: in Revelation there is no need for the Sun - Christ will

be the light.4. In Genesis the darkness is called "night": in Revelation "there is no night there". (Rev. 21:25, 22:5)5. In Genesis the waters were called "seas": in Revelation there is no more sea.6. In Genesis was the entrance (beginning) of sin: in Revelation is the exodus (ending) of sin.7. In Genesis the curse was pronounced: in Revelation the curse is removed.8. In Genesis death entered: in Revelation there is no more death.9. In Genesis was the beginning of sorrow and suffering: in Revelation there will be no more

sorrow and no more tears.10. In Genesis was the marriage of the first Adam: in Revelation is the marriage of the last Adam

(Jesus Christ the Lamb)11. In Genesis, Babylon is built (man's city): in Revelation we see "Babylon" destroyed and

God's city, the New Jerusalem brought into view.12. In Genesis Satan's doom was pronounced: in Revelation we see Satan's doom and destruction

executed.

Old Testament General References

i. Joshua Messiah’s glory (Jesus Christ)ii. The Tribes of Israeliii. The prophesied Kingdomiv. Mount Zion (Jerusalem)v. A woman with the Sun, moon and 12 stars vi. New heavens and a new earth (Isaiah)vii. New Jerusalem (Ezekiel) viii. The ministry of angels - Michael the archangel ix. Seven spirits, lamps or "eyes" of the LORDx. Living creatures; Lion, Calf (Ox), A man, and an Eaglexi. The beast with 7 heads and 10 horns

The "Day of the LORD"

-2-Copyright Ó 1990 Klaus SchiesselRevelation Introduction