To appreciate the true value of the book of Revelation, here are some keys:

1. As with any portion of Scripture, seek to understand the context of Scripture before making conclusions and applications of its meaning. 
2. The book of Revelation is exactly what it’s first words declare: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” In other words, more than attempting to solve every detail of prophecy, look for how Jesus is revealed. 
3. The book of Revelation is a letter. It is personal as well as prophetic as the Apostle John writes words of encouragement to believers in seven churches under his care. 
4. The book of Revelation contains significant symbolism, but don’t approach it as if it were science-fiction! Deeper study will be required for accurate understanding, but these events are very real. Neither John not his audience were groupies in some type of apocalyptic-enigma craze. This is not the spiritual version of Comicon or a Star Wars convention. John was a prisoner for his faith, writing to believers who were being persecuted severely for their relationship to Jesus Christ. John’s words were not intended to be entertainment for those believers, but a foundation for their hope and faith. 

I believe that we are living in the last days. Many people may think such a statement to be melodramatic or even silly, but too many prophecies in the Bible have already been proven, and God has never let His words fall to the ground. 

I believe every person will be held accountable to God for their acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only hope for salvation. 

I believe that our works do not save us, but that a person who has truly been saved will certainly demonstrate the fruit of a changed heart. 

I believe that Jesus the Son of God came to humanity as the Son of Man so that the sons of men could become sons of God. 

I believe that Jesus came and reestablished the rule of God’s kingdom on earth, and that He is coming again soon to bring final justice to the world and an end to the kingdom of darkness. 

I believe that salvation through Jesus is a free gift of God’s grace. I also believe that faith in  Jesus may cost my very life, as it has for multiplied thousands of believers who have been martyred for Him. But the sufferings of this world cannot compare to the glory I will experience for eternity. 

John twice repeated God’s call for the “endurance and faith of the saints.” His encouragement to the believers reverberates through time and history, echoing in our hearts today. 

“If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.”  ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭13:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.”  ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭14:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

You may be experiencing opposition, heartache, or even tragedy as a believer, but Jesus has promised you grace to endure and given you hope for eternity. 

Lift up your eyes – your redemption is near!