REVELATION, AN IMPORTANT STUDY
by Pastor Lem Niere
“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” Revelation 1:1.
The opening sentence of Revelation announces that this book is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Revelation is not a sealed book. It reveals Christ. The purpose of the book is to show Christ, and to show His “servants things which must shortly come to pass.
Revelation reveals the history and prophecy from John’s era at the end of the first century AD down through time to the very end. Thus, this book has always been relevant, and most important that we today study it.
We are living in a time when the study of Revelation is essential. EG White makes several statements about the importance of the study of this book:
“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies relating to the last days especially demand our study. The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truth that we need to understand. Satan has blinded the minds of many, so that they have been glad of any excuse fro not making the Revelation their study. But Christ through His servant John has here declared what shall be in the last days, and He says, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things with are written therein” Revelation 1:3
[COL 133].
“When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those “that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things with are written therein” [TMGW 114].
In another statement, EG White wrote, “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work” [1SM 121].
A study of Revelation will help guide us to an entirely different religious experience
that will lead to revival and reformation.
Let us challenge ourselves, moving into the closing of 2025, to make the study of the book of Revelation an integral part of our daily devotions. It will immensely help us in our spiritual growth and character development as we face the uncertainties of the future before us.
