A Panorama Of Prophecy

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Revelation 1:3There is a special blessing for those who study the Book of Revelation. (See Revelation 1:3.) This final book of the Bible is a panorama of prophecy—the unveiling of Jesus Christ.Revelation 1:19 is the key that unlocks the whole book: “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.”In the first division of the Book of Revelation, John writes what he had seen in a vision, which was Jesus Christ glorified.Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus came the first time despised and rejected by men; He’s coming the next time as King of kings and Lord of lords.”The second division of the Book of Revelation (the things which are) is the Church Age we live in now. John sends messages to the seven churches, which represent the churches of all the ages.In the third division (the things which will take place after this) John records several prophecies to take place in the End Times.1. The RaptureAt any moment, God will call His Church home to join Him at the judgment seat of Christ. (Revelation 4:1). Because the Church restrains evil on Earth, corruption will take over after God’s people are called home. Revelation 13:1-3 prophecies how the Antichrist will rise to power.2. The Great TribulationRevelation 6:12-17 describes the dire state of the world after the Antichrist deceives the nations. God’s wrath will be so terrible that men will desire death, but death will flee from them.3. The Battle of ArmageddonRevelation 16:13-16 prophesies the Battle of Armageddon, which will mark the end of the seven-year tribulation. Jesus Himself will demonstrate His mighty power over the beast and his army.4. The MillenniumRevelation 20:1-6 prophesies a thousand-year period of time in which Jesus rules and reigns—no more war, only peace on Earth.5. The Final JudgmentRevelation 20:11 claims the millennium will end with final judgment, in which every unsaved person will stand before the great throne of God.6. The Final State of Heaven and HellRevelation 21:6-8 declares that the work of God will be finished; only those who are saved will see the new Heaven and new Earth.Apply it to your lifeAdrian Rogers warns us, “What God began in Genesis finds its climax in Revelation.” Prayerfully read through Revelation with an open heart to learn what God has in store.