Revelations

Bible Survey Notes:

Author: Kenneth Malenge 

Section Chapters Main Focus Key Events Key Characters / Symbols Key Doctrinal Themes
I. Prologue and Vision of Christ 1 Introduction & Christ’s Glory Vision of the risen Christ, command to write to the churches John, The Son of Man (Christ) Authority of Christ, Revelation as prophecy, Comfort for persecuted believers
II. Letters to the Seven Churches 2–3 Christ’s Messages to Churches Commendations, rebukes, promises to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea Christ, Seven Churches Spiritual health of the Church, Call to repentance, Promise to overcomers
III. Vision of Heaven & The Throne 4–5 Worship of God and the Lamb Heavenly throne room, 24 elders, 4 living creatures, The sealed scroll, The Lamb worthy to open it God the Father, The Lamb, Elders, Angels Sovereignty of God, Worthiness of Christ, Heavenly worship
IV. The Seven Seals 6–8:1 Judgments Begin Four horsemen, Martyrs under the altar, Cosmic signs, Silence in heaven Riders on horses, Saints, Angels God’s judgment, Persecution of saints, Sovereignty over history
V. The Seven Trumpets 8:2–11 Intensified Judgments Hail & fire, Burning mountain, Wormwood star, Darkness, Locust plague, Army from Euphrates, Mighty angel with little book Angels, Demonic locusts, Two witnesses God’s warnings, Human hardness of heart, Witness in persecution
VI. The Seven Signs (Conflict of the Ages) 12–14 Spiritual Warfare Woman & Dragon, War in heaven, Beast from sea & earth, 144,000 redeemed, Messages of angels Dragon (Satan), Beast, False prophet, Woman, Michael, 144,000 Cosmic struggle, Perseverance of saints, Sovereignty of Christ
VII. The Seven Bowls 15–16 Final Judgments Seven plagues poured out: sores, sea & rivers to blood, scorching sun, darkness, Euphrates dried, Armageddon, Earthquake & hail Seven angels, Beast, Kings of earth Wrath of God, Certainty of judgment, Preparation for final battle
VIII. The Fall of Babylon 17–18 Judgment on the Great Harlot Babylon described as prostitute, her destruction lamented by kings & merchants Babylon, Kings of earth, Merchants World system opposed to God, Vanity of earthly wealth, God’s justice
IX. The Return of Christ 19 Victory of Christ Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Christ returns on white horse, Defeat of beast & false prophet Christ, Bride, Armies of heaven, Beast, False prophet Triumph of Christ, Marriage of the Lamb, Eternal victory
X. The Millennium & Final Judgment 20 Christ’s Reign & Last Judgment Satan bound, Christ reigns 1000 years, Final rebellion, Great White Throne judgment Christ, Satan, Saints, Great White Throne Millennial reign, Final judgment, Eternal destiny of mankind
XI. New Heaven and New Earth 21–22 Eternal State New Jerusalem, River & Tree of Life, God dwells with His people, Final invitation & warning God, The Lamb, Bride, Saints Eternal glory, God’s presence, Victory of the Lamb, Hope for believers

Key Verse: Revelation 1:19 – “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” (KJV)

BIBLE SURVEY – PART 6

The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Apocalypse)

Introduction

Revelation is the closing book of the Bible and the only New Testament book written entirely as prophecy. It combines apocalyptic imagery, prophecy, and epistle. Its purpose is to reveal Jesus Christ in His glory, assure believers of victory, and warn the ungodly of judgment.

1. Authorship and Date

  • Author: The Apostle John, while exiled on the island of Patmos.
  • Date: c. A.D. 95, during the reign of Emperor Domitian.
  • Audience: Seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and the universal church.

2. Purpose of the Book

  • To reveal Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.
  • To encourage persecuted Christians with the assurance of final victory.
  • To unveil God’s plan for the end of the age.
  • To warn unbelievers of coming judgment.

3. Structure and Outline

The book is often structured around Revelation 1:19:

“Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.”

  1. The Things Seen (Past): Vision of Christ (ch. 1).
  2. The Things Which Are (Present): Letters to the seven churches (ch. 2–3).
  3. The Things Which Shall Be Hereafter (Future): Prophecies of end times (ch. 4–22).

4. Key Sections

a. Vision of Christ (Chapter 1)

  • John sees the glorified Christ walking among the lampstands (churches).
  • Christ is portrayed as Judge, Priest, and King.

b. Letters to the Seven Churches (Chapters 2–3)

  • Ephesus: Left first love.
  • Smyrna: Suffering church.
  • Pergamos: Compromising church.
  • Thyatira: Corrupt church.
  • Sardis: Dead church.
  • Philadelphia: Faithful church.
  • Laodicea: Lukewarm church.
  • Each letter includes praise, rebuke, exhortation, and promise.

c. The Heavenly Throne (Chapters 4–5)

  • Vision of God’s throne and worship in heaven.
  • The sealed scroll introduced; Christ the Lamb is worthy to open it.

d. Judgments (Chapters 6–18)

  • Seals (6–8): Represent wars, famine, death, and cosmic disturbances.
  • Trumpets (8–11): Bring plagues, demonic woes, and destruction.
  • Bowls (16): Final judgments, completing God’s wrath.
  • Interludes show God’s people sealed and protected.

e. The Enemies of God

  • The Dragon (Satan),
  • The Beast (Antichrist),
  • The False Prophet,
  • The Harlot (Babylon).

f. Christ’s Return and Victory (Chapters 19–20)

  • Christ returns on a white horse with the armies of heaven.
  • The Beast and False Prophet are cast into the lake of fire.
  • Satan is bound for a thousand years (Millennium).
  • Final judgment before the Great White Throne.

g. The New Heaven and New Earth (Chapters 21–22)

  • God creates a new heaven and earth.
  • New Jerusalem descends from heaven as the eternal dwelling of the redeemed.
  • No more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.
  • Christ is the Light; the redeemed reign forever.

5. Key Themes

  • The Sovereignty of God: History is under God’s control.
  • The Triumph of Christ: Jesus is Victor over sin, Satan, and death.
  • Judgment of the Wicked: God’s wrath falls on all rebellion.
  • Hope for Believers: Assurance of eternal glory with Christ.
  • The Urgency of Readiness: “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:12).

6. Key Verses

  • Revelation 1:8 – “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending...”
  • Revelation 5:12 – “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain...”
  • Revelation 19:16 – “King of kings, and Lord of lords.”
  • Revelation 22:20 – “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

7. Summary

Revelation gives the church a vision of Christ’s ultimate victory, the destruction of evil, and the glory of the new creation. It closes the canon of Scripture with a triumphant declaration: the Lamb who was slain is now the reigning King, and His people will reign with Him forever.

Name of the Book Author Date of Authorship Name Meaning Recipient Theme of the Book Purpose Key Verse Key Chapter Key Characters Doctrines
Revelation John the Apostle c. A.D. 95–96 “Unveiling” or “Disclosure” Seven churches of Asia Minor (and the universal church) Christ’s ultimate victory over evil and establishment of His eternal kingdom To reveal the glorified Christ, future events, and encourage perseverance Revelation 1:19; 22:12–13 Ch. 21–22 (New Heaven and New Earth) Jesus Christ, John, angels, the church, Satan, Beast, False Prophet Second Coming, Final Judgment, Sovereignty of God, Eternal State

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