Is the book of Revelation relevant today? Is it possible for us to understand
it? Can we know to whom it was written-and why? What are the meanings
of its mysterious symbols?
The name of the book, Revelation, is a translation of the title in the
original New Testament Greek, Apocalypsis -the origin of
the other name by which the book is now known, the Apocalypse. The Greek
term denotes an unveiling or uncovering-thus, a revelation. It here
signifies an opening up of hidden knowledge to understanding.
This book has perplexed readers for almost 2,000 years. Over the centuries
it has been one of the world's most misunderstood and misinterpreted books.
Yet it need not be so.
The fundamental message of the book of Revelation is simple. It promises
that God will institute universal peace, prosperity and cooperation over
all the earth immediately after the return of Jesus Christ. It reveals
how this wonderful new world will be established and why it will never
be destroyed or superseded by any other way of life or social order.
The book of Revelation also describes an incredibly deceptive alliance
of internationally powerful political and religious entities attempting
to prevent Jesus' reign from ever being established. Their opposition to
Him and His saints will result in a time of international turmoil and suffering
unlike anything the world has ever seen.
The terrifying weapons developed and manufactured using modern technology
are an indication that the terrible time of trouble may be much nearer
than we think. Nations have already stockpiled more than enough weapons
to annihilate all human life from the face of the earth. Rogue nations
increasingly gain the ability to produce and use horrifying weapons of
mass destruction.
