Prof. Johan Malan, University of the North
Abstract: A chronological study of Revelation from a premillennial and pretribulation rapture point of view.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ contains prophecies on the future, which Christ signified by His angel to His servant, John. It is, therefore, not “The Revelation of John” but “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” He is the central theme of the book: “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10). He is the only door to the eternal glory that He is preparing for those who love Him. He is the One who will judge all who despised His saving grace as they loved darkness rather than light. People will be surrendered to the Antichrist because they did not accept the authority of the true Christ in their lives. The Lord Jesus will also return to restore the throne of David in Jerusalem and manifest His kingdom on earth. Every knee will bow before Him and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
While on the barren island of Patmos, John said: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10). Suddenly he was in the Spirit, lifted by the supernatural into the heavenlies. He soared on prophetic wings of ecstasy, and travelled across unborn ages to witness the unfolding plan of God in the tremendous events attending the great and terrible Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord is a period of a thousand years when the Lord Jesus will reveal Himself in a very special way to mankind. He will reward His saints, judge the wicked and rule over the earth for a thousand years.
Unfortunately, many people view Revelation as a sealed book and do not take trouble to study it. They even discourage other people from reading the book and investigating its prophecies. By doing so, they are acting contrary to a clear command: “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand” (Rev. 22:10). On the other hand, a blessing is promised to those who read the book: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7).
The Lord Jesus calls His disciples to live vigilant and prayerful lives: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Lk. 21:36).
Pietersburg, South Africa
Preface
1. Introduction to the book of Revelation
2. Revelation of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1)
3. The church on earth (Rev. 2-3)
4. The church in heaven (Rev. 4-5)
5. The judgement seat of Christ (Rev. 4-5)
6. The seven seals (Rev. 6)
7. Salvation in the hour of darkness (Rev. 7)
8. The seven trumpets (Rev. 8-10)
9. The temple and the two witnesses (Rev. 11)
10. The escape of Israel (Rev. 12)
11. The Antichrist’s reign of terror (Rev. 13)
12. Characteristics of the Antichrist (Rev. 13)
13. The false prophet (Rev. 13)
14. The seven bowl judgements (Rev. 14-16)
15. Religious and political Babylon (Rev. 17)
16. Economic Babylon (Rev. 18)
17. The Second Coming of Christ (Rev. 19)
18. Christ’s reign of peace (Rev. 20)
19. The final judgement and the new creation (Rev. 20-22)
20. A strategy for survival