Revelation 1:1-3 - Joy in the Revelation of Jesus Christ! - Revelation 1:1-3
/God's ultimate purpose in the Book of Revelation is to bless us and bring us JOY in knowing the end of the story. When we know there is victory in the end, we are joyful about the future even though we suffer hardships in this life. Often we despair in our circumstances just like many did when they saw Jesus put to death on the cross and thought it was a failure. But we know that the cross is actually victory for us, and the Book of Revelation details how that victory will continue to unfold in the future. Knowing that God is working every detail of life together to bring about that ultimate victory of Christ should encourage us to face trials, trusting that His glory will be revealed.
The Book of Revelation, recorded by the Apostle John while exiled on Patmos, is shaped like a Nike "swoosh." John's greeting and background information and letters to the churches serve as background information. The storyline starts in heaven in chapters 4 and 5, then proceeds downward in judgment until chapter 19, and then quickly returns back up to heaven in glorious victory. We believe the events of Revelation are coming in the future, even though John wrote it in the past. Also, we believe the events are historical and literal and are not just allegories and symbols unless the text explicitly states it's an allegory. Rev 12:1-2 is an example of an allegorical reference in which the word "sign" informs us its allegorical.
The purpose of the book is in the word "revelation" which means to uncover and reveal something to make it known. The revelation of Jesus Christ means the message comes from Jesus Christ Himself, and He wants to show His slaves how the world will end. Jesus wants to give us a glimpse into the future of the world. The book is divine communication from God and is recorded so that we know this is God's word to us. In Rev 1:1, the communication comes first from God, the Father, to Jesus; and then from Jesus to the angel, then from the angel to John (the apostle); and John records it for the church of all ages.
John also states the book is prophecy (1:3), a divine foretelling of the future so that we know the events that will come about and we won't worry when we see these things develop. John's duty in writing it is to testify to the word of God (v2). He is the witness and speaker for Christ and his writing is divinely revealed Scripture by Jesus Himself (2 Ptr 1:19-21). In Rev 1:19. John is commanded to write these things down for us. Our duty in response is to "read", "hear", and "heed" (v3) the things that are written. Reading implies both public and private reading and study, and hearing means listening to what is being said with an open heart. Heed means to keep or obey the things written oy trusting God that it is true and will happen. and to not doubt His word. Our duty is to obey His word and persevere in trusting God despite our circumstances (Rev 22:7). Because God has lovingly revealed His final victory to us, we can serve Him in joyful obedience in our current circumstances!