So there are five methods, or five views, of interpreting the book of Revelation. Which one is the right one—which one is the best one? Well, actually, from much of what I’ve read, there is something to be said for each one of those views. In other words, the understanding—the interpretation—of Revelation is not to be done in light of just one of these views; but, rather, there is something in each one of those views, whether it’s the Historical, the Preterist, the Idealist—whichever it might be, there is something to be said for each one.

Let’s consider the BASIC MESSAGE, if you will, of the book of Revelation. There are two aspects to the basic message to the book of Revelation. This is really condensing it down into just a couple of key points.

The first aspect that we see in the book of Revelation is warnings. There are two warnings that we see in the book. First, the book sends a message of warning to all those who would oppose God—to all those who would oppose God’s purpose—to all those who would oppose God’s people. We might say “right on” to that!

However, secondly, we also see in the book of Revelation a warning for the people of God. So it’s a two-part warning. There’s a warning there for those who would be against God—for those who would oppose His purpose and His people. But, there’s also a warning there contained for the children of God: We must remain faithful!

The second important aspect of the book of Revelation is the comfort and hope it offers the faithful child of God. Once again, Revelation is a proclamation of victory! In fact, a key word—maybe the key word—in all of the book is “overcome”—to overcome—to experience victory—to conquer! The followers of Christ are assured of the ultimate and complete defeat of God’s enemies, and, at the same time, the triumph of the Christian faith—the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it becomes a book of comfort in the midst of affliction. The Message of Revelation gives the child of God—both then and now—hope and encouragement in the face of severe suffering in that he is assured that the saints of God will overcome Satan with the blood of Christ and the Word of His testimony, Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”.

One must never lose sight of this important purpose as he studies the book of Revelation. Otherwise he will become hopelessly lost and miss out on the understanding that God would have each to know—that being, that each one may have victory in Jesus.

“I read the back of the book, and we win!”

We will move on next time to something of an overview or summary of the book.