The book of Revelation is the final book of the Bible, offering the words, instructions, warnings and loving encouragements as humanity expectantly waits for the return of Christ. The book of Revelation is written by the apostle John, Who 's authorship has its detractors, however, most agree upon him being the writer of this final book of the Bible. He is writing Revelation about 60 years after Jesus ' ascension, in the mid-late 90 's, during a precarious time for Christians and Rome. Christians faced devastating persecution under the rule of Domitian (A.D. 81-96).
However, by the time of the writing of Revelation in the mid 90 's, the Christian church had progressed beyond a band of unorganized outcast, they had experienced tremendous …show more content…
The Prologue opens with the declaration of the intent of the prophecy, which is for Jesus "to show" God 's faithful servants, of "what must take place soon." God demonstrates his love for humanity by offering clarification for the confusing times they have experienced while waiting for Christ to return, "had God not taken the initiative, the human mind could never have understood the real forces at work in the world. Nor could anyone have known how it would turn out." The sovereignty of God is on full display. God reassures his servants, who were currently facing persecution, “that in spite of all the earthly and Satanic opposition. God remains sovereign. At the appointed time, he will put an end to evil and reward those who have faithfully persevered.” The prophet, readers, and hearers of this revelation from God, encourages endurance during the time of waiting. Interestingly, God chooses to convey the word through the protagonist of his plan, Jesus Christ, who had not made many appearances since his departure, surely this is an encouragement for all. The relief the people must have experienced, motivated them to sustain a desire to wait for the completion of God 's plan obediently. Trusting that God 's final act of salvation will validate the perseverance of his servants who faithfully …show more content…
For the believer, waiting for the return of Christ is a foundational facet of the Christian faith, inspiring hopeful anticipation in the hearts of the faithful, who trust God will fulfill his promise, bringing Christ back. Additionally, believers have a responsibility to wait well. Waiting well for the believer constitutes, being prepared to meet Christ at any moment since there is not a specified date or time for his return. In preparing to meet Christ, the Bible instructs believers to live sober, moral, peaceful, hardworking, communal, active, patient, grateful and holy lives, joyfully awaiting the return of Jesus. Waiting for the return of Christ is an opportunity for believers to be sanctified by God. Moreover, this season of waiting, affords believers time to live transformed lives as examples for those outside of the fellowship of believers. The faithful are called to wait passionately, actively completing the tasks that Jesus mandated upon his ascension— "be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8), which includes living a transformed Christ-like life. Furthermore, the believer must temper expectations of "time and season" for the culmination of God 's redemptive plan. Believers are called to trust that God 's timing is the authority over the fulfillment of events. Conversely, the believer must choose to wait well,
However, by the time of the writing of Revelation in the mid 90 's, the Christian church had progressed beyond a band of unorganized outcast, they had experienced tremendous …show more content…
The Prologue opens with the declaration of the intent of the prophecy, which is for Jesus "to show" God 's faithful servants, of "what must take place soon." God demonstrates his love for humanity by offering clarification for the confusing times they have experienced while waiting for Christ to return, "had God not taken the initiative, the human mind could never have understood the real forces at work in the world. Nor could anyone have known how it would turn out." The sovereignty of God is on full display. God reassures his servants, who were currently facing persecution, “that in spite of all the earthly and Satanic opposition. God remains sovereign. At the appointed time, he will put an end to evil and reward those who have faithfully persevered.” The prophet, readers, and hearers of this revelation from God, encourages endurance during the time of waiting. Interestingly, God chooses to convey the word through the protagonist of his plan, Jesus Christ, who had not made many appearances since his departure, surely this is an encouragement for all. The relief the people must have experienced, motivated them to sustain a desire to wait for the completion of God 's plan obediently. Trusting that God 's final act of salvation will validate the perseverance of his servants who faithfully …show more content…
For the believer, waiting for the return of Christ is a foundational facet of the Christian faith, inspiring hopeful anticipation in the hearts of the faithful, who trust God will fulfill his promise, bringing Christ back. Additionally, believers have a responsibility to wait well. Waiting well for the believer constitutes, being prepared to meet Christ at any moment since there is not a specified date or time for his return. In preparing to meet Christ, the Bible instructs believers to live sober, moral, peaceful, hardworking, communal, active, patient, grateful and holy lives, joyfully awaiting the return of Jesus. Waiting for the return of Christ is an opportunity for believers to be sanctified by God. Moreover, this season of waiting, affords believers time to live transformed lives as examples for those outside of the fellowship of believers. The faithful are called to wait passionately, actively completing the tasks that Jesus mandated upon his ascension— "be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8), which includes living a transformed Christ-like life. Furthermore, the believer must temper expectations of "time and season" for the culmination of God 's redemptive plan. Believers are called to trust that God 's timing is the authority over the fulfillment of events. Conversely, the believer must choose to wait well,