The last book of the Bible is not merely a book of beasts, judgments, and symbols. It’s very first words tell us what it truly is:
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
(Revelation 1:1–3, KJV)- Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
Revelation is first and foremost a revelation of Jesus Christ; His person, His glory, His authority, His judgment, His kingdom, and His relationship to His Church. It was written to real believers in real churches in the first century, and it still speaks with power and urgency to every believer today.
In this article we will walk through:
- Why Revelation was written
- Who it was written to
- How it reveals Christ in His fullness—Lamb, Lion, Judge, King, and Bridegroom
- Why this book matters for every believer living in these last days
Why Revelation Was Written
To Reveal Jesus Christ and God’s Plan
The opening verse sets the purpose:
(Revelation 1:1, KJV)- “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass…”
This book is a revealing—an uncovering—of Jesus Christ and of the future events that fulfill God’s plan. It is not given to confuse God’s people, but to show His servants what is coming and to anchor them in Christ.
At the close of the book, the Lord emphasizes again that these are faithful and true words:
(Revelation 22:6–7, KJV)- “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”
Revelation is therefore prophetic, trustworthy, and Christ-centered. It displays God’s plan from the present Church Age, through coming judgments, to Christ’s return, His kingdom, and finally the new heaven and new earth.
To Bless Those Who Read, Hear, and Obey
Unlike any other book; the Bible, Revelation contains a specific promise of blessing:
(Revelation 1:3, KJV) – “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
And near the end:
(Revelation 22:7, KJV)- “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”
God did not give Revelation to frighten His children into confusion, but to bless those who take it seriously, listen carefully, and obey its message. It calls believers to faithfulness, purity, endurance, and worship.
To Strengthen Believers in Persecution and Suffering
John tells us where he was when he received this vision:
(Revelation 1:9, KJV)- “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
John writes as a “companion in tribulation.” The early churches faced intense pressure from the Roman Empire, false religion, and spiritual opposition. Revelation shows that, no matter how dark things look on earth, Jesus Christ is still in control, and His kingdom will triumph.
When believers suffer, Revelation reminds them that:
(Revelation 17:14, KJV)- “…the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”
To Warn the World and Call to Repentance
Revelation also serves as a solemn warning. It shows the coming judgments of God upon a Christ-rejecting world and the eternal destiny of those who refuse the Lamb.
(Revelation 11:18, KJV)- “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.”
Yet, even with judgment, there is mercy. The book ends with a final invitation:
(Revelation 22:17, KJV)- “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
Who Revelation Was Written To
The Seven Churches in Asia
Revelation was not written as an abstract prophecy with no audience. It is addressed to real churches:
(Revelation 1:4, KJV) – “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come…”
Jesus Himself commands John:
(Revelation 1:11, KJV) – “…What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.”
Chapters 2 and 3 contain specific letters from Jesus to:
- Ephesus – a doctrinally sound but loveless church
- Smyrna – a persecuted but faithful church
- Pergamos – a compromising church
- Thyatira – a tolerant church allowing false teaching
- Sardis – a spiritually dead church
- Philadelphia – a weak but faithful and evangelistic church
- Laodicea – a lukewarm, self-satisfied church
Each letter ends with the same call:
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
(Revelation 2:7, KJV; see also 2:11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22)
For All Believers in Every Age
Though first sent to seven churches in Asia, the Lord’s repeated phrase “what the Spirit saith unto the churches” shows that this message applies to all churches and all believers.
The problems in those churches; loss of first love, fear of suffering, compromise, tolerance of sin, spiritual deadness, lukewarmness; are still present today. Revelation calls every believer to examine their heart and overcome:
(Revelation 3:21, KJV)- “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
Revelation speaks not only to first-century Christians but to every believer who desires to be faithful to Christ until He comes.
How Revelation Shows Christ in His Fullness
Revelation is not first about beasts and symbols; it is about Jesus Christ. He is revealed in multiple roles:
- The Lamb
- The Lion
- The Judge
- The King
- The Bridegroom
Jesus as the Lamb
One of the most repeated titles for Christ in Revelation is “the Lamb.” John sees the heavenly scene:
(Revelation 5:6–10, KJV)- “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb…And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”
Here we see:
- The Lamb slain – pointing to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
- The Lamb standing – risen and alive forevermore.
- The Lamb worthy – the only One who can open the sealed book of God’s purposes.
Later we read:
(Revelation 7:17, KJV) – “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
And:
(Revelation 13:8, KJV) – “…the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Revelation reminds us that everything God does in judgment and in salvation centers on the Lamb. The only ones who are safe in the coming wrath are those who have washed their robes in His blood:
(Revelation 7:14, KJV) – “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Jesus as the Lion
Before John sees the Lamb, he hears a title:
(Revelation 5:5, KJV) – “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”
The “Lion of the tribe of Juda” connects back to Jacob’s prophecy:
(Genesis 49:9–10, KJV) – “Judah is a lion’s whelp…The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
Christ is not only the gentle Lamb who was slain; He is the Lion who has prevailed, the royal King from the tribe of Judah, the One to whom all nations will be gathered.
Revelation shows that the Lamb who was slain is also the Lion who conquers.
Jesus as the Righteous Judge
In chapter 1, John sees Christ in overwhelming glory:
(Revelation 1:12–18, KJV) – “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
His eyes as a flame of fire speak of perfect knowledge and judgment. His feet like brass point to righteous judgment. The sharp twoedged sword pictures His judging and piercing Word.
Later, when He returns:
(Revelation 19:11–13, KJV) – “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”
Ultimately, all the unsaved dead stand before Him:
(Revelation 20:11–15, KJV) – “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened…
And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works… And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation shows Jesus as the Judge of all the earth—perfectly righteous, perfectly just, and absolutely holy.
Jesus as the King
From the beginning, Revelation presents Christ as King:
(Revelation 1:5, KJV) – “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.”
The coming kingdom is announced:
(Revelation 11:15, KJV) – “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
When He returns:
(Revelation 19:16, KJV) – “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Then we see His saints reigning with Him:
(Revelation 20:4, KJV)- “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them… and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
In the eternal state:
(Revelation 22:3, KJV) – “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.”
Revelation shows that Jesus is not only Savior and Lord in our hearts; He is the destined King over all nations, whose visible rule will fill the earth.
Jesus as the Bridegroom
Revelation also reveals Christ in tender relationship to His people as Bridegroom:
(Revelation 19:7–9, KJV) – “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb…”
And in the vision of the New Jerusalem:
(Revelation 21:9–10, KJV) – “And there came unto me one of the seven angels… and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.”
This connects with Jesus’ promise:
(John 14:1–3, KJV) – “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Revelation, then, shows the completion of Christ’s work as Bridegroom; His bride purified, prepared, and dwelling with Him forever.
Why Revelation Matters for Every Believer Today
It Gives a Special Blessing to Obedient Believers
Again, God promises:
(Revelation 1:3, KJV) – “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein…”
Many believers avoid Revelation because they find it difficult, symbolic, or frightening. Yet God promises a blessing to those who read, hear, and keep it. That means:
- Read it carefully.
- Listen with a humble heart.
- Obey its calls to repentance, purity, watchfulness, and worship.
It Calls the Church to Examine Itself
The letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2–3) show that Jesus walks among His churches and knows them perfectly:
“I know thy works…”
(Revelation 2:2, 2:9, 2:13, 2:19; 3:1, 3:8, 3:15, KJV)
He knows:
- Our doctrine
- Our love (or lack of love)
- Our purity or compromise
- Our spiritual temperature
To Laodicea He says:
(Revelation 3:15–17, KJV) – “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”
But even to this lukewarm church, He gives a gracious invitation:
(Revelation 3:20, KJV) – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Revelation reminds every believer and every church today: Jesus is watching. Jesus is speaking. Jesus is calling us to repent, return, and overcome.
It Encourages Believers to Overcome
Repeatedly, Jesus speaks to “him that overcometh”:
(Revelation 2:10, KJV) – “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
(Revelation 3:21, KJV) – “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne…”
Believers today face temptation, persecution, false teaching, and spiritual warfare. Revelation calls us to endure, not in our own strength, but by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony:
(Revelation 12:11, KJV) – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
It Shows the Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Revelation pulls back the curtain on spiritual realities:
(Revelation 12:7, KJV) – “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels…”
God’s people are not in a small, private struggle; they are part of a cosmic battle between God and the forces of darkness. Yet the outcome is certain: the dragon is defeated, the beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20), and the devil himself is finally judged:
(Revelation 20:10, KJV) – “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone… and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
This gives believers courage. No matter what Satan schemes today, his end is sure, and those who belong to Christ will share in His victory.
It Fixes Our Eyes on the Coming Glory
For suffering saints, Revelation gives precious promises:
(Revelation 21:4–5, KJV) – “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new…”
The New Jerusalem is described as:
(Revelation 21:2, KJV) – “…the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
And:
(Revelation 22:5, KJV) – “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”
Revelation lifts our eyes from the temporary things of this world to the eternal joy of being with Christ forever.
How We Should Respond to the Revelation of Jesus Christ
With Worship
When John sees the Lamb, heaven explodes in praise:
(Revelation 5:12–13, KJV) – “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth… heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.”
Revelation is meant to lead us to worship, not argument; to adoration, not speculation.
With Holiness and Readiness
Because Jesus is coming, we are called to live holy lives:
(Revelation 22:10–12, KJV) – “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
With a Heart for the Lost
The final invitation of the Bible is evangelistic:
(Revelation 22:17, KJV) – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
The Church (the bride) joins with the Spirit in calling sinners to Christ. Revelation should move us to witness, to pray, and to plead with souls while there is still time.
Are You Ready to Meet the Lamb, the Lion, the Judge, the King, and the Bridegroom?
Revelation ends with both a warning and a promise from Jesus Himself:
(Revelation 22:20–21, KJV) – “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
The Jesus revealed in this book is:
- The Lamb who was slain for your sins.
- The Lion who has prevailed.
- The Judge before whom every person will stand.
- The King who will reign forever.
- The Bridegroom who will dwell with His people in eternal joy.
If you have never truly trusted Him, the call of Scripture is clear:
(John 3:16, KJV) – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
(Romans 10:9–10, KJV) – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
And Revelation still says today:
(Revelation 22:17, KJV) – “…whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
The book of Revelation is not a puzzle to entertain the curious; it is a revelation of Jesus Christ to transform, purify, strengthen, and prepare His people. Every believer today needs this book, its vision of Christ, its warnings to the church, its call to overcome, and its promise of eternal glory.
If the Holy Spirit is convicting and pulling at your heart strings today, give in to Him and follow the prayer below for your salvation in Jesus Christ! You may not ever get another chance to except Christ as your personal Savior and Lord! Your next breath is not promised!
Come! He’s Waiting on You!
Prayer to Salvation
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today admitting that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy and grace. Your Word says in Romans 10:9–10 that if I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in my heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, I shall be saved. Today, I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and my Savior. I believe with all my heart that He died for my sins, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. Wash me clean in Your precious blood. I turn from my old life and surrender fully to You. Come into my heart, make me a new creature, and fill me with the Holy Spirit. From this day forward, I choose to follow You, live by Your Word, and walk in the new life You have given me.
Thank You, Lord, for saving me, for forgiving me, and for writing my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
