Follow along with this chapter's full text

Since the book of Revelation was never sealed (as the book of Daniel was), it has been a helpful guide  for all people since John wrote it almost 2000 years ago. Part of understanding the book is realizing that Jesus is the heart of the revelation, the one from whom the revelation stems. The book is even called "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:1).

Establishing the Authority of the Book

The number seven is very prominent in the book. There are seven churches, seven letters, seven stars, seven candlesticks, seven lamps, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven horns, seven thunders, seven heads, seven crowns, seven angels, seven vials, and seven kings. Amidst these symbols stands Jesus Christ the great High Priest, the Supreme Judge, the King of kings. The sanctuary symbols are also prominent throughout the book, revealing Christ as Intercessor, Judge, and King.

Jesus stands in the midst of the seven lampstands. He is the light of the world, and this light is to be spread to the entire world by His Church. The fact that He walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (Revelation 2:1) is a promise of His presence in the Church throughout the ages.

Jesus is not only revealed as our great High Priest, but as God Himself in Revelation 1. John uses an epanados (a repetition of sentences in inverse order) to identify Jesus Christ as the great I AM. John quotes the Old Testament prophets in this sequence to bring to light a salient feature—the divinity of Christ—and in this way to give the highest stamp of authority to that which is to be revealed.

The epanados is as follows:  
Revelation 1:5 Witness (Isaiah 55:4) 
Revelation 1:7 Coming with the Clouds (Daniel 7:13)
Revelation 1:7 Pierced (Zechariah 12:10)
Revelation 1:8 I AM, Alpha and Omega (Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; 48:12) 
Revelation 1:11 I AM, Alpha and Omega (Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; 48:12) 
Revelation 1:12 Golden Lampstands (Zechariah 4:2)
Revelation 1:13-15 Heavenly High Priest (Daniel 10:5-6)
Revelation 1:16 Mouth like a Sword (Isaiah 49:2)  

The first and the last quotes are from Isaiah, the second and second last from Daniel, the third and third last from Zechariah, and the double quote in the middle is from Isaiah. This feature is repeated to highlight it. Christ is the great I AM. Sadly, some modern translations leave out the second "I AM" quote in Revelation 1:11, thus nullifying the epanados.  

Christ, the great I AM, is thus the central theme of the book of Revelation. The Church through all the ages is the besieged bride, through whom Christ disseminates His truth to call people out of the world.

The book depicts Satan, the great foe, as the one bent on destroying Christ’s work. It describes the unfolding battle, the final destruction of sin, and the establishment of the kingdom of righteousness. The messages are not given to instill fear, but to encourage.  

Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death (Revelation 1:17-18).

Ahead to A Study of Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches

This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.

A Basis for Conflict

Is there evidence for Creation science? How does it compare to evolution? The following articles give insight in to these questions and more.

The Big Bang Theory
Creation and Evolution: Is Compromise Possible?
How Can We See Stars That Are Billions Of Light Years Away?
Understanding the Creation Week
The Rise of Evolutionary Thinking
Geocentricity: It's Time to Face the Facts
Earth's History: Conflicting Paradigms
Lamarck Proposes Natural Selection
Age Of The Earth Is Carbon-Dating Accurate?
Flood Chronology

Evidence in Stone

Can we understand the age of the earth by depth of rocks? What other theory could the evidence reveal?

Soft Rock Evidence for Rapid Washout

The Fossil Record

What does the fossil record show us? Is it all random or a defined science that we can understand? Where does evolution fit? Uncover mysteries in the history of the Earth.

Evolutionary Sequences
Order in the Fossil Record
Evolution of the Horse Explosive Evolution
Fossils prove a Flood Fossil Footprints
Dinosaurs and the Flood Petrified Trees
The Biblical Flood Reasons For Extinction
Fossil Reefs The Post-Flood World
Human Evolution

Genes of Genesis

As we study the genome, the molecule, and the atom, we see a vast network of intricate systems beyond our understanding. Were these systems really formed by chance?

Mechanisms For Variation
Molecules That Began Life
"Species" versus "Kind"
Creating Life in a Test Tube?
Natural Selection
Natural Selection as a Creative Force
Ernst Haeckel's Theories
Variation and Classification
Why So Many Species? The Australian Problem
Synesthesia: Mystery of God’s Creation

Creation to Restoration

How did this world change from the perfection depicted in Genesis to a world full of thorns, thistles, parasites, and death? If God made everything perfect, how could it have all been so changed?

A Good World Gone Bad
An Imperfect Planet Evidence For Design
Evidence For Transformation
Rapid Transformation
Clean and Unclean: The History of the Human Diet
The Dawn Chorus and Life Forces

Archaeology and the Bible

Archaeology and prophecy have proven the Bible to be true. But what's so special about the Bible that makes it a point of so much controversy?

Archaeology Confirms the Bible
The Lost Books of the Bible

Music

Music is a powerful emotional motivator.

Can You Feel the Music?
The Bible and Rock Music: Are they Compatible?
From the Horse's Mouth: The Rock Industry Condemns Itself

Hollywood and the Movies

What is the system of worship found most often in our society? Does it glorify God?

Hollywood's History
Hollywood and Gnosticism

Brain Closed—Please Come Again

Research has shown that our sensitivity to stimuli reduces itself yearly by about 1%. Is your brain hibernating?

The Dangers of Television

Beware of the television's abilities to hypnotize, alter moods, and even cause depression.

Violence and Video Games

Like music and movies, video games are addictive and can cause behavioral problems.

The Origins of Halloween

What is the origin behind this popular festival celebrated every October 31?

The Pope Claims to be God on Earth

Read proof that throughout the Roman Church's history, the Papacy has often claimed that the Pope is divine.

The Jesuits

Learn what people throughout history have had to say on the reputation, history, and political nature of the Jesuit Order.

Ignatius of Loyola and Martin Luther
Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises
Protestantism Destroyed
The Jesuit Superior General

The Bloody History of Papal Rome - A Timeline

The oppression of Protestants is widespread and consistent throughout history.

Cross and Crown

This book "Cross and Crown" is a powerful and thrilling recital of the most romantic and dramatic incidents in history to be found on record, told in the simplest, most graphic, and entertaining form.

The Bloody History of Papal Rome - Quotes

It was once written in America's oldest Catholic newspaper, the Boston Pilot, that "No good government can exist without religion, and there can be no religion without an Inquisition, which is wisely designed for the promotion and protection of the true faith.”

Read several authors' thoughts on Rome's history.

The Aggressive Intentions of the Papacy

The historian Ranke says this about Protestant-Catholic relations: "In the year 1617, everything betokened a decisive conflict between them. The Catholic party appears to have felt itself the superior. At all events it was the first to take up arms."

This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.

Christianity and Violence

Would the world be a safer place without Christian fundamentalism?

Religious Doublespeak

Language can be used to communicate both truth and lies. Learn about the religious doublespeak being used to pull the wool over the eyes of the world.

Hegelian Thinking and World Politics

Hegelian dialectic thinking is applied in many situations in world politics. Often the ordinary people are used as pawns in the game of Hegelian psychology played by those who pull the strings of world control.

The Great Controversy

Read this classic work by Ellen G. White.

The Destruction of Jerusalem
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended

Is the Bible True?

If archaeology and prophecy have proven the Bible to be true, then why is it a point of so much controversy?

Archaeology Confirms the Bible
Studying Scripture
Scripture is Inspired by God
The Lost Books of the Bible

Who is Jesus?

Is Jesus really who He says He is?

Did Jesus Ever Exist?
Was Jesus the Messiah? Is Jesus God?
Why Did Jesus Have To Die?
Six Purposes for Christ's Life and Death on Earth
What Day Did Jesus Die? The 70-Week Prophecy
Jesus, the Recycled Redeemer
Names of Christ in Revelation

Christian Living

Consider the crucial points of the Christian life with author Wendy Goubej.

What does the Bible have to say about money?
Why Should I Study the Bible?
How God Saves Us
God’s Supreme Sacrifice for You
Conversion and Repentance
A True Christian Spiritual Life What is Faith?
Apologetics Surrender Christian Growth
God's Promises to You
Baptism: the New Birth Experience

The Origins Of Evil

Did God create sin? If not, where did it come from?

The Prince of this Planet
The Origin of Sin The Great Controversy
God's Plan to Eradicate Sin

A Day of Rest

Have you taken a day to recreate lately?

What is the Seventh-Day Sabbath?
Creation and the Sabbath The Weekly Cycle
Why Sunday? Sabbath FAQ

The Gospel Story

Since the beginning of time, God has communicated timely messages to the inhabitants of planet Earth. It all started in Eden, with the first Gospel announcement.

The Second Advent Movement
The Beginning of the End of Time
The Great Disappointment and the Birth of Adventism
What are the Three Angels' Messages?
Adventism and the Final Conflict

Signs and Wonders

Are miraculous signs the best way to be sure that God exists?

Supernatural Deceptions
What are Stigmata?

Walking Through Daniel

Dive into prophecy and history in this chapter-by-chapter commentary of the book of Daniel.

Introduction to Daniel
Daniel 1 Commentary Daniel 2 Commentary
Daniel 3 Commentary Daniel 4 Commentary
Daniel 5 Commentary Daniel 6 Commentary
Daniel 7 Commentary Daniel 8 Commentary
Daniel 9 Commentary Daniel 10 Commentary
Daniel 11 Commentary Daniel 12 Commentary

Walking through Revelation

Join us on a journey through the pages of this letter from Christ to His people.

The Chiastic Structure of Revelation
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 1 Commentary: The Revelation of Jesus
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 2 Commentary: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira
Revelation 3 Commentary: Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea
Revelation 4 Commentary: The Throne in Heaven
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 5 Commentary: The Scroll and the Lamb
Revelation 6 Commentary: The Vision of Seven Seals
Revelation 7 Commentary: The 144,000
Revelation 8 Commentary: Seven Trumpets
Revelation 9 Commentary: The Bottomless Pit
Revelation 10 Commentary: A Little Book
Revelation 11 Commentary: Two Witnesses
Revelation 12 Commentary: The Woman and the Dragon
Revelation 13 Commentary: Two Beasts
Revelation 14 Commentary: Three Angels' Messages
Revelation 15 Commentary: Seven Angels, Seven Plagues
Revelation 16 Commentary: Seven Bowls of God's Anger
Revelation 17 Commentary: A Woman Rides the Beast
Revelation 18 Commentary: Babylon Falls
Revelation 19 Commentary: The Rider on the White Horse
Revelation 20 Commentary: Millennium and the Judgment
Revelation 21 Commentary: The New Jerusalem
Revelation 22 Commentary: Invitation and Warning

Deceptions Today

The greatest deceptions are still being formed in society today. Secret international alliances, the mark of the Beast, the New Age, and other issues are discussed.

The Antichrist Identified
Politics and the Papacy Unity at All Cost?
Pentecostalism The New Age Movement
The United Nations' Global Government
Secret Societies
What’s So Bad about Spiritual Formation?
Zionism

The Second Coming of Christ

How will Christ return, and what will it mean for His people?

Signs of The Second Coming of Christ
How Christ will Return
What will Happen to God's People?
What will Happen to the Rejecters of God?
Will there be a Secret Rapture?
The Seven Plagues

The Millennium of Peace

Learn about the Bible's prophecies on God's judgment, deliverance, Armageddon, and the earth made new.

Viewpoints What is the Judgment?
Probation and God's Promises
Consequences Begin Deliverance and Armageddon
Satan Bound God's People will Judge
Postmillennial Return of Christ
The Resurrection of those who Reject God
The Crowning of Christ
The Punishment for those who Reject God
The Earth Made New

Spiritual Gifts

Learn from Paul as he teaches the Corinthian Church about spiritual gifts.

Understanding 1 Corinthians
Pagan Practices
1 Corinthians 12: Spiritual Gifts
What are Spiritual Gifts?
Defining the Spiritual Gifts A Lesson in Love
Dealing with Tongues
Prophecy: God's Guiding Gift

The Mystic Realm of Death

Is there more to death than the fact that it is the opposite of life?

Death: Understanding the Terminology
A Biblical Understanding of Death
The Resurrection of Lazarus Spiritism
Hell and Purgatory An Immediate Afterlife?
The Parable of Lazarus

Excitotoxins

Excitotoxins cause physical and spiritual destruction. Learn about the main types of exitotoxins and what can be done to avoid them.

Aspartame
MSG: Is This Silent Killer Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets

Is a Little Wine Good for the Heart?

Reports show that red wine may be beneficial to heart health. Is that a good enough reason to start drinking alcohol?

Is a Little Wine Good for the Soul?

The Dairy Controversy

Get the truth about lactose, calcium, and the need for caution around dairy products.

Drink Milk? Udder Propaganda
Lactose Intolerance Calcium

Poisoned Meats

Today's meat and dairy industries are focused on profit rather than health.

The History of the Human Diet

Genetically Modified Foods

The agriculture industry is fast becoming reliant on genetically modified foods. Learn the facts about GMOs and the effects this trend is having on health worldwide.

Soy Safety Summarized
Still Eating Genetically Modified Foods?
The Big GMO Cover-up

Refined Grains

Most of the bread products consumed today are made of refined grains. Are our breakfast cereals and "fortified" loaves as healthy as we like to think?

The Gluten Connection: Weighing in Against Modern Wheat

Coffee

Do the stimulating benefits of coffee really outweigh the costs?

America's Number One Drug Problem—Coffee
Caffeine Caffeine Raises Stress Hormones

Sugar—Affecting the Body and Mind

Refined sugar is addictive, destructive, and devoid of any nutritional value. Why does it continue to be a staple food across the world?

Sugar and Mental Illness
Eating Sugar is Worse than Eating Nothing at All
Sugar Substitutes
The Truth About Evaporated Cane Juice

Smoking

Smoking leads to massive amounts of sickness and death every year. Can you beat the nicotine?

Kicking the Tobacco Habit
Nicotine and Depression

Necessary Treatments?

From mammograms to prescription drugs, the modern medical industry is always presenting a new way to diagnose and solve health issues. But are these new treatments really healing anything?

Mammograms or Thermal Imaging?
How to Kill a Cold, Starve a Fever
Many Doctors Ignore the Root Cause of Cancer
Are Hospital Births or Home Births Safer?
Compromise in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Hepatitis B Vaccines
Mercury Poisoning from Amalgam Dental Fillings
Tylenol, the tip of the iceberg

Deathtraps in the Cosmetics we Use

There isn't one person I have ever met who knew anything about cosmetics, and that is because the chemistry of cosmetics has always been cloaked in secrecy.

Depression

Find practical ideas for dealing with depression in these articles about symptoms and treatments.

Diseases of the Mind
Lifestyle Principles for Treating Depression
Nutritional Treatments for Depression
Herbs and Medication for Treating Depression
SAD and Bright Light Therapy

Get Healthy!

We are surrounded by unhealthy foods, unwise practices, and even harmful medical advice. Learn how to overcome these obstacles and choose a healthy lifestyle.

The Eight Laws of Health
"You've Changed"
When Sin Has Nothing To Feed Upon
Physical and Spiritual Health
Use it or Lose it! Living off the Land
An Attitude of Gratitude Serving Others
A Healthy Attitude The Healing Power of Honey
Iron in the Vegan Diet Healing

Helpful Health Charts

These graphs and tables can help you jumpstart your health routine.

Sources of Calcium - Chart
Animal Products and Food-borne Illness
Chocolate and Carob Compared
Compatible Combinations of Plant Foods - Graph
Acid and Alkaline Ash Food Groups - Graph
Schedule for a Healthy Lifestyle