Most people revere the Bible. In fact, recent polls indicate that men and women everywhere wish to understand the Bible better. However for a majority, the book of Revelation is a major problem. Its prophetic language and mysterious symbols seem to defy comprehension, so millions have given up ever understanding it.

Many feel that the book applies largely to either the past or the future, and that, furthermore, it is a closed, or sealed, book and not meant to be understood by people today. But the truth is that the book of Revelation is not closed or sealed God's angel commanded that it not be sealed, (Revelation 22:10): Some of the most important messages that God has ever given are found in the book.

Revelation is an open book It was written especially for our times - the last days of earth's history (Revelation 22:10-1 2), and a very special blessing is pronounced upon all who understand and heed the counsel of the book, (Revelation 1:3; 22:7.) Revelation is really a summary of the entire Bible, in which the main themes of Holy Scripture are reviewed in order to stress their importance. As an a embodies the mighty oak, so Revelation embodies the great key points of the, entire Bible.

How to Understand the Book of Revelation Q.1) The book of Revelation passed through five steps to reach us. What are they? – Revelation chapter 1 verses 5,11 & 19 –Next slide

A. God gave it to JESUS B. Jesus gave it to THE ANGEL C. The angel gave it to JOHN D. John WROTE it down E. John sent the book to the CHURCHES

How to Understand the Book of Revelation Q.2) God promises a special blessing to those who: –R–Revelation chapter 1 verse 3 –H–HEAR, READ and KEEP the things written in Revelation.

Q.3) Whom did Jesus say the Scriptures reveal? –J–John chapter 5 verse 39 –J–JESUS, HIMSELF

Q.4) When explaining prophecy, what approach did Jesus use? –L–Luke chapter 24 verse 25 – 27 & 32 –“–“He EXPOUNDED unto them in ALL the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF.”

Communication by Symbols Q.5) What does Revelation 1:1 say the angel did to the message of Revelation as he gave it to John? –“–“He SIGNIFIED it by His angel unto His servant John.”

Q.6) How does Revelation 1:1 say that God presented the message of Revelation to His servant? –“–“To SHOW unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.”

Q.7) Why did Jesus speak in parables and clothe the book of Revelation in symbols? –Luke 8:10 –“That SEEING they might not SEE, and HEARING they might not UNDERSTAND.” –Continued next slide

Communication by Symbols BEAST (Daniel 7:23) = Kingdom WATER (Revelation 17:15) = People DAY (Ezekiel 4:6) = Year

Authority of the Bible Q.8) How reliable are the words of prophecy? –2 Peter 1:16, 19 –“Were EYEWITNESSES of His majesty… We have also a more SURE word of PROPHECY.”

Authority of the Bible Q. 9) God gives two warnings in regards to interpreting prophecy. What are they? –1. 2 Peter 1:20 –2. Revelation 22:18,19 –1. “No PROPHECY is of PRIVATE interpretation.” –2. We are not to ADD to or TAKE away from the words of this prophecy.

Authority of the Bible Q.10) Since God says that Revelation is not now, and never has been sealed, why is it that so many feel it is closed, sealed or impossible to understand? –Isaiah 29:10 – 14 –Satan’s strategy is to claim that Revelation cannot be understood because “it is SEALED” or because we are not LEARNED.

Authority of the Bible Q. 11) How much of the scripture is inspired? –2 Timothy 3:16 –ALL

Authority of the Bible Q. 12) If we twist the scripture to fit our own opinions and preferences, what can be the result? –2 Peter 3:15,16 –OUR OWN DESTRUCTION

Four Important Keys Q.13) Four things are essential, if I am to truly understand the Bible, including Revelation. What are they? (i) 1 Corinthians 2:14 Spiritual things are SPIRITUALLY discerned. (ii) Revelation 21:6 I must “THIRST” for truth. Continued next slide

(iii) 2 Timothy 2:15 & Acts 17:11 I must STUDY the Bible and TEST all BELIEFS by its teachings. (iv) Revelation 1:3 “If any man will DO HIS WILL he shall KNOW of the DOCTRINE whether it be of GOD.”

Q. 14) What promises does Jesus give to those who obey His word? –Revelation 3:10 –He will keep them from the HOUR of TEMPTATION –Revelation 22:14 –They will have the right to the TREE of LIFE and may enter in through the GATES of the CITY.

Q. 15) As the Holy Spirit of God shows you great truths about Jesus from the book of Revelation, are you willing to obey these truths?

Lesson One - Quiz True or False 1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ originated with God the Father. 2. One principle of Bible study is to let the Bible explain itself. 3. Three blessings are promised in chapter one of Revelation. 4. The purpose of the Revelation of Jesus is to prepare a people for Christ’s soon return. 5. All scripture is inspired. TRUE TRUE TRUE TRUE TRUE