A world is coming in which there are no more tears and no more sorrows and no more pain. At that time, believers will fulfill God’s purpose for them, reigning as kings and priests with Jesus Christ, and we will have exciting tasks to carry out in the new creation. But most important of all, we will see God’s face, and we will enjoy fellowship with him forever. Come, Lord Jesus!

Symbolism and Visions

The most striking thing about the book of Revelation is that the theology of the book is presented in an apocalyptic form, so that the book is characterized by symbolism and dazzling—and sometimes confusing—visions which can make the book difficult to understand. Several themes stand out in the book. First, John paints for us a chilling description of evil. The church is opposed by an unholy trinity: the dragon, who is the devil; the beast, which is the Roman Empire; and the second beast, which supports and fosters the purposes of the first beast. We can add to these the great harlot, Babylon, which points to the city of Rome and to the city of man in general. The unholy trinity desires complete control over the lives of all people, desiring worship and adoration and total commitment. It is truly totalitarian.

Second, and in response to the great conflict in which believers are engaged, John calls upon his readers to resist, to endure until the end, to refuse to compromise with the evil powers demanding absolute submission. The call to conquer and overcome isn’t optional; only those who persevere until the end will receive the crown of eternal life.

Third, at the same, John comforts believers with the truth that God is completely sovereign, that he reigns and rules over all things, and that nothing happens outside of God’s control and sovereignty. God reigns on his heavenly throne. He is described as the One who is, the One who was, and the One who is to come (Rev. 1:4). Yes, evil is real, and John doesn’t explain the mystery of evil in the book. But he does teach us that the world isn’t spinning outside of God’s control. The unholy trinity will not finally triumph.

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