The book of Revelation is perhaps the most controversial book in the Bible among Christians. Even sincere, Bible-believing Christians seem to come up with more widely varying interpretations of this book than of any other passage or prophecy. The variety and severity of these disagreements can be intimidating or discouraging to the simple reader, who may feel that there is no one Truth to be found within its mysterious pages. But it is vitally important to remember that God did not inspire the writing of Revelation to bring confusion, but hope and joy to his suffering church.
As you read through Revelation, do not miss the clear promises, direct warnings, and joyous prophecies by allowing yourself to be discouraged or confused by the colorful and marvelous language in which this beautiful book is written.
An old preacher once defined the theme of the book of Revelation as this: “Jesus wins!” That’s good; but perhaps even better we might sum it up with these two words repeated in Revelation itself: “Worship God!”(Revelation 19:10; 22:9) — because Jesus is shown to be God and the point of the book is our response to him as God.
The Word of God says Jesus wins because Jesus is God, and so we are to worship him.
That’s it. If you get that, you understand Revelation. And if you have that message out of Scripture, then you understand Scripture. You don’t have to be an academic theologian. You just have to know this: the Word of God says Jesus wins because Jesus is God, and so we are to worship him.
And if you keep that fact in mind, then all of the other facts fall into their proper place.
This does not mean we should not study the book closely and seek to understand the message of each passage; but it does mean that we must never lose sight of the victorious, glorious portrayal of Jesus Christ that is written plainly across every section and passage of the book.
For believers in Christ, then, the joy of seeing their Lord and Savior so clearly and constantly magnified should make this book precious indeed.