The Lion and the Lamb: A Guide to the Book of Revelationნიმუში

Jesus Is King

It’s not uncommon to hear people describe Revelation as a book about “the end times” or “the end of the world” or any number of other descriptors that, while interesting, totally miss the mark.

Revelation is a book about Jesus. Jesus’ identity and authority are the foundation the entire Book of Revelation rests upon:

The revelation from Jesus Christ … Revelation 1:1 NIV

The revelation of Jesus Christ … Revelation 1:1 ESV

The opening line of Revelation sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s from Jesus, it’s of Jesus, it’s all about Jesus. Christ is not Jesus’ last name—it’s His title. It comes from the word for messiah and means savior king. Right off the top, John, the author, lets us know that this book is about the kingship of Jesus and what it looks like when His rule takes root in history. John begins the final book of the Bible with the gospel.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near.Repent and believe the good news!”Mark 1:14-15 NIV

The gospel is the good news that the kingdom of God has come near through Jesus, the Savior King, and Son of God.

When we repent and believe, when we stop living for ourselves and start following Jesus, He rescues us from sin, repairs our relationship with God, and restores our purpose. This is what the entire Bible is about. Genesis to Revelation, it’s the story of what God has done, what He is doing, and what He will do through Jesus to rescue, repair, and restore His people.

So, if we want to read Revelation faithfully, the most important thing we can do is remember that it is (and always has been) a book about Jesus, the Savior King, and Son of God, who died and rose again to rescue us from sin.

If we keep reading in this first chapter of Revelation, we see John emphasize the unique authority and identity of Jesus. Here are just a few examples:

... Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. … Revelation 1:5 NIV

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18 NIV

Do you see it? Jesus—specifically His identity and authority—is the focus of the Book of Revelation. While Revelation does go on to describe strange and disturbing afflictions that will fall on God’s people, John wanted to first remind us that our King is holy, righteous and has the power to do the impossible.

On this foundational truth, we can stand firm, knowing that whatever may come, Jesus is with us. No matter what attacks the enemy brings, we are loved by our King.

As we prepare to read Chapter 1, let’s pray for God to make clear to us how the identity and authority of Jesus is the foundation all of Revelation rests upon.

Our Father, thank You for Jesus. Jesus, thank You for bringing heaven to earth, and for being our Savior King. I pray that as I read Your Word today, Your character will be revealed to me, and that I’ll come to understand more deeply how faithful, righteous, and true You are. And, as I see more of who You are, may my trust and confidence in You continue to grow. You’re worthy of all my trust, Jesus. In Your name, amen.