The Bible is primarily the revelation of God and especially through the Lord Jesus Christ. Our first introduction to God is as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In His creation He told us of His greatness and demonstrated His wisdom.
But sin ruined all that, and from the moment God dealt with Adam and Eve and the serpent, He began to reveal the great story of redemption. “The Seed of the woman will bruise the serpent’s head” was the promise of a Redeemer. The rest of the Old Testament reveals the holy God who could not allow sin in His presence; but instead of banishing us as He could have, He shows the way into His presence. An innocent victim’s blood must flow so that we could be clothed with His righteousness.
The New Testament reveals, in all His glory, the Person who had been pictured to us throughout the Old Testament. The Lord Jesus Christ “became sin for us” so we might be allowed into the presence of a holy God. One day He will come again “apart from sin” to bring us into the fullness of the salvation to which we have been introduced as a result of placing our faith in the finished work of Calvary. We shall then be in His presence forever.
The culmination of this revelation of Jesus Christ is found in the last book of the Bible. “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” brings to its conclusion the history of mankind and of God’s dealings with humanity. It displays the Lamb of God in the midst of the Throne receiving glory from the myriads of angelic hosts as well as the redeemed of all ages. This Lamb is worthy to judge the earth, for He died to redeem it. He is described in the book as the Judge of the Church, the Judge of the world, the Judge of Babylon, and the Judge of the beast, the serpent who first tainted the beauty of the world God had created. It also tells us of the greater beauty of the new heavens and new earth wherein dwells righteousness. This is all revealed to John in symbols and pictures that need to be interpreted in the light of the rest of the Scriptures. For most of us, this means we need some help. That’s where a few good books come in handy.
Let me suggest some that will do you good. First is “Verse by Verse Through Revelation” by William R. Newell. Mr. Newell is a respected teacher of a past generation. His verse-by-verse expositions are careful and clear–he does not dodge the hard spots, and offers convincing arguments for what he believes. You will be enlightened by this commentary. It is published by World Publishers, a division of Riverside Book and Bible House.
“The Exposition of the Revelation of Jesus Christ” by Walter Scott will help you on the symbols of the book. It is a verse-by-verse exposition, giving attention to the symbols and numbers in the book, which will enhance your appreciation for its divine inspiration. This book is available through Kregel Publications.
John Phillips hardly needs an introduction. His book, “Exploring Revelation,” is not verse by verse, but paragraph by paragraph. The style is lucid and practical, and is great for homiletic thoughts. Loizeaux Brothers is the publisher of this one.
A number of years ago, Theodore Epp went through the book of Revelation on his radio program. I was traveling as a salesman at the time and really was blessed by his ministry. Those programs were edited into book form and published by Back to the Bible. He was so practical in his applications. Some of what he said, especially in regards to the letters to the churches and some practical tips to interpretation have stayed with me to this day. This book will fit nicely in any library.
As you read these books, you will be thrilled as they help you see the wonders of the One who will receive all the glory in Immanuel’s land.