OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The Final Consummation

Introduction, Rev_1:1-20

I. The Messages to the Seven Churches, Rev_2:1-29; Rev_3:1-22

II. The Period of Struggle and Suffering, Revelation 4-7

1. The Throne in Heaven, Rev_4:1-11

2. The Book with Seven Seals, Rev_5:1-14

3. The Opening of the Seven Seals, Rev_6:1-17

4. The Sealing of the 144,000, Rev_7:1-17

III. The Messianic Conflict, Revelation 8-14

1. The Seven Angels with Trumpets, Rev_8:1-13; Rev_9:1-21; Rev_10:1-11; Rev_11:1-19

2. The Woman and the Dragon, Rev_12:1-17

3. The Two Beasts, Rev_13:1-18

4. The Heavenly Proclamations, Rev_14:1-20

IV. The Messianic Victory, Revelation 15-20

1. The Song of Moses and the Lamb, Rev_15:1-8

2. The Seven Bowls of Wrath, Rev_16:1-21

3. The Fall of Babylon, Rev_17:1-18; Rev_18:1-24; Rev_19:1-10

4. The Last Judgment, Rev_19:11-21; Rev_20:1-15

V. The Messianic Kingdom, Rev_21:1-27; Rev_22:1-5

Conclusion, Rev_22:6-21

INTRODUCTION

The book of Revelation completes the sacred canon. It sets forth in vivid figures the struggles and sufferings that precede the manifestation of “new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.” The unveilings of the future which it contains were given to the beloved Apostle on the island of Patmos, whither he had been banished by the Emperor Domitian, in a.d. 94or 95. The followers of Christ in those days were exposed to severe sufferings, and nothing could be more appropriate to their circumstances than this book, which is filled with consolation for those who are fighting the Lord’s battles. Victory may be delayed, but it is sure.

To every believer this book is especially valuable, because it gives a view of our Lord’s life on the other side of death, where He acts as priest and is preparing to rule as king. His temporary subjection to death and His victory over it, His omnipotence and universal dominion, His reception of the adoration which His holy apostles refuse-these are the thoughts that are conveyed in the richest and most striking imagery.

Though many details of the book are difficult of interpretation its main teachings are perfectly clear, and some of its chapters rank among the greatest of all Scripture.

{e-Sword Note: The following material was presented at the end of the Revelation in the printed edition.}



REVIEW QUESTIONS ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Outline

(a) By what title may the book be described?

(b) What are its main divisions?

(c) How are these divisions related to each other?



Introduction

(d) By whom was this book written? In what circumstances?

(e) What is its value to believers today?



Revelation 1-22

Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding number in the Comments.

1. What do the seven churches represent?

2. What is Jesus’ favorite assurance?

3. What is the structure of each of the letters to the churches?

4. With what disciple of John may we connect the promises of the epistle to Smyrna?

5. Why was the church warned against the Nicolaitanes?

6. Why did Thyatira need the counsel, “Hold fast till I come”?

7. For what was Sardis condemned and what was the message to her?

8. What assurance of opportunity was given to a church of “little power”?

9. Why is lukewarmness more censured than coldness? What is the promise if we open the door when He knocks?

10. What does the vision of “the throne set in heaven” mean?

11. How may we interpret the seven horns and seven eyes of the Lamb?

12. Why was the Lamb declared worthy to open the book?

13. What do the riders on the four horses signify?

14. What striking command was given to the martyrs of the faith?

15. What was the song of the multitude before the throne?

16. How is the blessedness of those “in white robes” described?

17. What followed the opening of the seventh seal?

18. What is our protection against spiritual foes?

19. What may be meant by “the river Euphrates”?

20. What promise was given by the angel with the little book?

21. How do the two witnesses suggest the history of reform in the Church?

22. How does the reign of David illustrate that of Christ?

23. How extensive is the conflict between the forces of good and evil?

24. What power is represented by the beast and who were his worshipers?

25. What assurance may we find in the words “everlasting gospel”?

26. What is the promise for those who die in the Lord?

27. What is suggested by “the sea of glass”?

28. How can God’s severity be reconciled with His goodness?

29. What warning is uttered about the coming of “the great day of God”?

30. Who is the scarlet woman and what is her fate?

31. What great city is denoted by the name Babylon?

32. How is her desolation to be interpreted?

33. What is said of “the marriage of the Lamb”?

34. What attributes are ascribed to Jesus in the vision of the white horse?

35. What is meant by the millennial reign of Jesus?

36. How is the final judgment described?

37. What was declared by Him “that sitteth on the throne”?

38. What are some of the glories of the New Jerusalem?

39. What is said of the tree of life?

40. What is the final invitation of the book of Revelation?