As the last book of most modern Bibles (although not chronologically last), the Book of Revelations was written by John the Revelator. John wrote Revelation while a prisoner on the Island of Patmos. He wrote the book to warn the followers of Christ about the destruction of the world and to give Christians encouragement for the return of Jesus Christ during the Second Coming.
John opens the book with a blessing upon those who read the book; “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy…” (Revelation 1:3)
In Chapters 1-3: John describes the details of how he is receiving his revelations. While a prisoner on the island of Patmos, John received an apocalyptic vision from an angel. With this vision he was instructed to write to seven churches about what he had seen.
In Chapters 4-20: John depicts what he sees in his vision and describes the 7 Seals on the book. Each one will bring about some sort of judgment on the face of the earth. After the 6th seal had been opened and 1/3 of the earth was killed from plagues, and those who had survived “…repented not of the works of their hands…” (Revelation 9:20)
After this, John receivesmore visions of which include the antichrist and Satan and 7 more plagues that are poured out upon the earth. Shockingly, yet believable after the 7th plague; “…men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail: for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” (Revelation 16:21) So, instead of repenting they cursed God!
In Chapters 21-22: John describes the New Heaven and the New Earth. He explains that from Heaven, God sends down the holy city of the New Jerusalem. There will no longer be any crying or tears, pain, mourning, or death. Only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life can enter this place to live eternally with Jesus Christ.
“Behold, I [Jesus Christ] come quickly…” (Revelation 22:7) We must be prepared always from the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and for Judgment Day. For we might not have tomorrow, to repent for today.
Zach's Scripture Study 