VICTORY THROUGH THE LAMB! REVELATION VICTORY THROUGH THE LAMB!

THE BOOK Author = “John” Audience = “7 Churches of Asia” Theme = God & His people will be victorious A series of visions received while John was exiled on island of Patmos “on account of the word of God & the testimony of Jesus”

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Believers facing problem of “emperor worship” Most likely date: A.D. 81-96 (reign of Domitian) Domitian liked to call self Dominus et Deus (“Lord & God”) Challenge to believers: “Be faithful unto death” (2:10) – i.e., even if it kills you!

APOCALYPTIC STYLE Revealed in Visions Angels serve as Guides & Revealers Symbolism (especially numbers & animals) Pessimism re the present world order Hope focused on a “new age” to come Pseudonymity (but not in Rev.)

JESUS IN REVELATION Central character of the book Title: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” More than 30 titles in Rev. Most frequent title = “the Lamb” (29 times) Shows Jesus to be = with God (chaps. 4-5; 21:22, 22:1) Victory comes through being faithful to “the Lamb”

LESSONS FOR TODAY Christians can’t expect to live in this world w/out _____________. Regardless of the opposition, those who follow Jesus will be ________________. In spite of the world’s pressure, Christians must be “___________ unto ____________.” ______ of Scripture is important for us to have a well-___________ faith.

KEY VERSE “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3