Symbolism and visions

What is most striking about the book of Revelation is that the theology of the book is presented in an apocalyptic form, so that the book is characterized by dazzling – and sometimes confusing – symbolism and visions that can make one the book is difficult to understand. Several themes emerge from the book. First, John gives us a frightening description of evil. The Church opposes an unholy trinity: the dragon, who is the devil; the beast, which is the Roman Empire; and the second beast, which supports and promotes the designs of the first beast. We can add the great prostitute, Babylon, which designates the city of Rome and the city of men in general. The unholy trinity desires total control over the lives of all, desiring worship, adoration and total commitment. It’s truly totalitarian.

Second, and in response to the great conflict in which believers are engaged, John calls his readers to resist, to endure to the end, to refuse any compromise with evil powers demanding absolute submission. The call to conquer and overcome is not optional; only those who persevere to the end will receive the crown of eternal life.

Third, at the same time, John comforts believers with the truth that God is completely sovereign, that He rules and reigns over all things, and that nothing happens outside of God’s control and sovereignty. God reigns on his heavenly throne. He is described as the One who is, the One who was, and the One who is to come (Revelation 1:4). Yes, evil is real, and John doesn’t explain the mystery of evil in the book. But it teaches us that the world is not beyond God’s control. The unholy trinity will not ultimately triumph.

Fourth, the saints remember the cross, their redemption in Christ Jesus. The reason believers are not part of the evil empire is not because they are inherently good, but because they have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. What sets believers apart from the world is that they have turned to Christ for forgiveness of their sins. They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14). Believers conquer only because Christ conquered as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, as the Lamb slain to redeem his people.

Fifth, we should also note that the book of Revelation has one of the highest Christologies in the entire New Testament. Jesus, as the slain Lamb of God, is also presented as equal to God himself in terms of identity and nature. If you look closely at the book, you will see that God and the Lamb are placed on the same level, or on the same plane, nine different times. Just as God is first and last, so the Lamb is first and last. Just as God is worshiped on his throne, Christ is worshiped.

Believers conquer only because Christ conquered as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, as the Lamb slain to redeem his people.

Sixth, Revelation places particular emphasis on the final judgment of the wicked. As long as life lasts, we must pray and aspire for the salvation of all, announcing to them the good news of Jesus crucified and resurrected, inviting them to be saved, to believe and to repent. But John also looks to the future, to the day when life will be over, and here he reminds the saints that God will judge the wicked, that he is a righteous God, that he always does what is right as judge of all the earth. (Genesis 18:25).

The last thing we could say is that John reminds us that Jesus is coming, that a new creation is coming. Thus, he encourages the saints by telling them that they will be rewarded for their faithfulness and that their perseverance will make an eternal difference. A world is coming in which there will be no more tears, no more sorrows and no more pain. At that time, believers will fulfill God’s purpose for them, reigning as kings and priests with Jesus Christ, and we will have exciting tasks to accomplish in the new creation. But most important of all, we will see the face of God and enjoy fellowship with Him forever. Come, Lord Jesus!

Thomas R. Schreiner is the author of The Joy of Hearing: A Theology of the Book of Revelation.

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