397. THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION

1. It is a book of stupendous facts. Facts referring to the Church, the Jew, Israel, the Gentiles, Satan, the beast, the false prophet, heaven, hell, time, and eternity.

2. It is a book of symbols. Seals. Bowls. Trumpets.

3. It is a book telling of present and future judgment. Present judgment as brought out by Christ being in the midst of the churches, in the character in which He is seen; and future in relation to the world, antichrist, Satan, Rome, and corrupt Christianity.

4. It is a book of precious realities. "See the "I knows," and the "I wills" of Christ to the seven churches. Also the "No mores."

5. It is a book full of Old Testament allusions. There are from 200 to 300 references and allusions to the Old Testament in this book. More than in any one Gospel or Epistle.

6. It is a peculiar book, if we contrast it with the Gospel and the Epistle of John. In the Gospel of John, we have Christ as the One in whom we believe; in the Epistle, the One whom we love; and in the Revelation, as the One we are waiting for.

• In the Gospel we see Christ as the Apostle, i.e., the sent One;
  in the Epistle, as our Advocate;
  and in the Revelation, as the King.
• In the Gospel, it is His work on the Cross for us;
  in the Epistle, it is His work for us in heaven;
  in the Revelation, His work as Judge.
• In the Gospel, we see Christ as the Word of God in creation and grace for us;
  in the Epistle, as the Word of Life manifested to us;
  and in the Revelation, as the Word of God in judgment.

7. It is a Book revealing Christ. We see Christ as

• the great High Priest judging the evil in the churches; as the Lamb on the Throne;
• as the Object of worship in heaven;
• as the Man of war overthrowing His enemies;
• as the Judge judging the wicked;
• as the Bridegroom of His church;
• and as the King reigning in righteousness.

8. "Revelation of Jesus Christ"—not of John. Revelation—the unfolding or unveiling the Lord and His purpose.

• Where did Christ get the Revelation? "From His Father."
• What is its purpose? "To show unto His servants," &c.
• To whom are these things made known? "His servants," or, more correctly, His bond-slaves. It is the same word as in Rev 6:15. "Bondman."
• When are these things to take place? "Shortly," or speedily, same word as in Luke 18:8—"speedily."