Seeing Christ both now and in the future—Revelation 9-12

Scholars often remind us that Revelation is a book that is both confusing and yet enlightening. It drifts from the present to the future and back to the past. Some scholars see it as books of imagery and others see it as literal. The Holy Spirit speaks and John was a conduit of what God plans to do both now and in the future. Since John did not live in our century some of the images cause us to wonder what he really saw and heard. But, no matter what the truth is: God plans and executes his plans perfectly that we might understand.

But, we are left to ask: What is the most important truth that we can glean from these chapters?  First that “The kingdom of the world [will] become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” John could write that because as he saw him who was and is and will be forever. He is the Lord God; the All-Powerful will judge those who refuse to believe and also to reward those who revere his name. These did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die and in so doing overcame by the word of their testimony.

May we be found faithful as the saints of old and one day hear well done thou good and faithful, enter into the joy of the Lord.