Have you had difficulty understanding the Book of Revelation?

by Wes Hunt


HAVE YOU HAD DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK OF REVELATION? (If so, you're not alone. Most people have.)


The truth is, even many professing Christians have trouble comprehending the greatest and final prophetic message in the Bible - the Book of Revelation. I personally know hundreds of true Christians who have listened to, and/or watched, any number of series' on Revelation, in person, on tape (audio or video), on DVD and in their local churches, who still do not understand the meaning of the Book.


God did not choose certain apostles and prophets throughout the scriptures to predict endtime events only so we could not understand what truths they are writing about. No, the Bible itself tells us that God chose "holy men of God" (set apart men!) and then guided them in their writings so that we could hold in our hands a dependable, even infallible, book of truth, including future events known as "prophecy" (Check out II Timothy 3:16, 17 and II Peter 1:19 - 21) In point of fact, prophecy is simply history written in advance and there are thousands of fulfilled prophecies in the Bible. God knows all things before they ever transpire.


Therefore, in Holy Writ, we see God revealing future events, in many cases centuries before they happen. Only an omniscient and omnipotent God can do that! The Book of Revelation serves the purpose of tieing together all the Old Testament and New Testament prophecies relating to the endtimes or Last Days in which we are now living. But God did reveal to certain men the ability to know and write down these future events so that His people would be aware of the "times and the seasons."


But in order to understand what is written in the Book of Revelation, several realities are required: One, that you believe the truthfulness and accuracy of the revealed truth. Two, that you realize the many symbols, signs and figures of speech can be understood by interpreting them by their use in all of the scriptures; that is, let the Bible interpret itself. And three, focus on the larger truths that are being offered rather than on the symbols and signs. In fact, the usage of figures of speech are meant to CLARIFY the meaning rather than blur the message.


What Christians need to know is this: Don't give up on your study of the Book of Revelation because it is NOT ALL THAT HARD to understand!! Consider this thought: Why would God implore His people to read the Book if they couldn't comprehend the Book? He wouldn't and He didn't. Frankly, I've been amazed that such a high percentage of Christians seem to be confused by Revelation. Remember: God is not the author of confusion. (cf. I Cor. 14:33). Furthermore, why would God make a promise to those who read and heed the Book right at the beginning of the Book, if they couldn't understand what they read how could they heed the message? Be sure therefore of this one thing: God wants every Christian to know what the future holds, not only they can prepare to meet and greet the returning Savior, but also so they can warn the unbelieving of coming events to make them consider seriously their own spiritual state.


The command is still valid: "Study to show yourself approved unto God" by diligently studying and interpreting His Word. All scripture, including the Revelation is for our "admonition and learning." It pays to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit who is there for every Christian, because He guided the "holy men" as they were "carried along by the Spirit."









About the Author
Wes Hunt has been a pastor, college professor, songwriter and author of Christian articles, books and booklets for ove fifty years. His passion is the study of Bible prophecy and he especially pursues the study of the Last Days or End Times as revealed in the Bible. He lives outside of Melrose, Fl, with his wife, Mary.