The book of Revelation can seem confusing after reading through it because it is so different from the other books of the Bible. The fantastical imagery and the constant use of numbers alone can make one’s head spin. However, understanding the message and purpose of the book of Revelation can help one make sense of the book. In this article, I demonstrate how the main message and purpose of the book of Revelation is supported throughout the entire book of Revelation, unifying the book.
The message of the book of Revelation is to remain faithful to Jesus. The purpose of Revelation is to motivate faithful Christians to remain faithful to Jesus and to admonish unfaithful Christians to repent and become faithful to Jesus. The contents of Revelation support the message of faithfulness.
The core message of remaining faithful to Jesus is forcefully driven home in Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Asia (Rev 2–3). The rest of Revelation (chapters 4–22) unveil two types of work for the purpose of motivating Christians to remain faithful to Jesus. The first type of work is Satan’s work in the world. Satan is actively persecuting Christians and seducing Christians into being unfaithful to Jesus. The second type of work is God’s work in the world. God is actively opposing and defeating Satan and those aligned with him. The book of Revelation also shows that God has the ultimate victory and all those aligned with him will avoid the Lake of Fire and enter the New Jerusalem. Both Satan’s work and God’s work are revealed for the purpose of motivating Christians to remain faithful to Jesus.
Revelation Chapter 1: Introduction to the Book
Revelation chapter 1 introduces the book as a revelation from Jesus that he shows to the apostle John (1:1–2). John in turn is to convey what he sees and hears, including the message, to the seven churches that are in Asia (1:4–5, 9–11). The main message of remaining faithful to Jesus is not present in the first chapter because of the introductory material. Rather the main message begins in chapter 2 with the messages to the individual churches that are in Asia.
Revelation Chapters 2–3: Remain Faithful to Jesus
Chapters 2–3 of the book of Revelation are Jesus’ messages to seven churches. Each message centres around the church’s faithfulness or unfaithfulness to Jesus. I have written an article on this topic found HERE, so I will only summarize the centrality of faithfulness in chapters 2–3 here.
Each church has various challenges to its faithfulness. Challenges such as persecution, false teaching, apathy, even wealth threaten to lead the churches away from being faithful to Jesus. Some churches are praised by Jesus for remaining faithful to him, such as the churches at Smyrna (Rev 2:8–11) and Philadelphia (3:7–13). Other churches are condemned by Jesus for wholesale unfaithfulness, such as the churches at Sardis (3:1–6) and Laodicea (3:14–22).
Unfaithfulness to Jesus takes three forms in chapters 2–3. First, a church can be unfaithful to Jesus by denying him (Rev 2:13). Denial of Jesus is usually a result of persecution. In order for persecution to stop and life to be easier, some Christians will deny Jesus. Jesus denounces such actions and praises those who proudly claim to be his disciples in the midst of persecution.
Second, a church can be unfaithful to Jesus by committing idolatry (Rev 2:14–15, 20–23). The Pergamum and Thyatira churches are accused of worshipping other gods alongside of Jesus (the reference to idol food and sexual immorality is a metonym for idolatry). Although these churches still worship Jesus, they have added other gods to their worship. According to Revelation, this is a form of unfaithfulness to Jesus. Christians must be solely dedicated to Jesus and worship Jesus alone.
Third, a church can be unfaithful to Jesus by not adhering to Jesus’ instructions and commands (Rev 3:1–3). A faithful disciple of Jesus must also live how Jesus says he should live. Churches and Christians do not get to choose how to live their lives. If one is to remain faithful to Jesus, one must adhere to Jesus’ instructions and commands.
Jesus’ message to all seven churches is to either continue remaining faithful to Jesus or repent of your unfaithfulness and then remain faithful to Jesus. Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3 sets the stage for the unveiling that is to begin in chapter 4.
Revelation Chapter 4: God Has Authority over All Creation
Chapter 4 of the book of Revelation is a vision of God the Father on his heavenly throne receiving worship from all living creatures because God has authority over all of creation.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
REVELATION 4:11, emphasis added
Chapter 4’s emphasis on God as having authority over the entire created order (i.e., over everything) serves as an encouragement to the churches to remain faithful to Jesus. Because God has authority over literally everything, there is no one and nothing that can defeat God or thwart his plans. Even if it seems like Satan is winning and there is no hope, Revelation 4 reminds the churches that Satan is under God’s control and God’s plans can never be thwarted. Thus, all Christians should remain faithful to Jesus regardless of circumstances and false perceptions that Satan and the wicked will be victorious.
Revelation Chapters 5–6: God’s Present Judgement of the Wicked
Chapters 5–6 of Revelation unveil the beginning of God’s wrath being poured out on the wicked. In chapter 5, Jesus (the Lamb) is considered worthy to dispense God’s wrath against the wicked on earth in the form of seals.
“And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.’”
REVELATION 5:9–10, emphasis added
Chapter 6 of the book of Revelation details Jesus opening the first six seals and pouring out his wrath upon the wicked, which begin at the ascension of Jesus (seals 1–5) and conclude at Jesus’ return (seal 6).
“Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?’”
REVELATION 6:15–17, emphasis added
Revelation chapters 5–6 reveal God’s work behind the scenes. Although it might not be perceptive to the eye, God is at work now judging and fighting against those who are opposed to Him, who are persecuting God’s people.
The reality of God fighting against those who are persecuting the church and who are opposed to God, God’s will, and God’s people should motivate those Christians who are faithful to Jesus to remain faithful. It should also motivate those Christians who are unfaithful to repent and become faithful to Jesus. God has been roused and his judgement of the wicked began at the ascension of Jesus. For a more detailed explanation of the seven seals, see my article HERE.
Revelation Chapter 7: God’s Protection of Christians
Chapter 7 of Revelation is an interlude between seal 6 and seal 7. The interlude unveils God’s protection and security of his people from his (God’s) wrath. In Revelation 7:1–8, God places his seal on his people so that they are not harmed by his wrath.
“Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
REVELATION 7:3, emphasis added
For a more detailed analysis of the sealing of God’s people and the sealing of Satan’s people, click HERE.
The second half of the interlude unveils a vision of the future of God’s people (Rev 7:9–17). After God’s wrath against the wicked is complete, God reveals that all his people, those he has sealed, are safe and stand before God’s throne worshipping him.
“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, ‘Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?’ I said to him, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’”
REVELATION 7:13–14, emphasis added
Revelation chapter 7 shows the eternal security of God’s people. God will protect his people from his wrath and will guarantee that they remain after the judgment, not the wicked.
Chapter 7 encourages Christians to remain faithful to Jesus because they will be the only ones left standing after the dust clears, after God’s wrath is complete. For those Christians who are unfaithful, the assurance of being sealed and protected by God should motivate them to repent and become faithful once more, guaranteeing their salvation from God’s wrath.
Revelation Chapters 8–9: God’s Future Judgement of the Wicked (Part 1)
Chapters 8–9 of Revelation resume the recounting of God’s judgment upon the wicked, those who commit idolatry, murder, sorcery, and sexual immorality (Rev 9:20–21). Revelation 8:1–5 recounts the opening of the seventh seal, which leads into the seven trumpet plagues against the wicked (8:6–9:21). Only the first six trumpet plagues are recounted here.
Whereas the seal judgments 1–4 reveal God’s wrath against the wicked from Jesus’ ascension to his return, the trumpet plagues reveal God’s future wrath that he will pour out against the wicked just before Jesus returns. For more information about the trumpet plagues, see my article here.
Just like the seal judgments, however, the trumpet plagues reveal to God’s people that God is both aware of the actions of the wicked and will punish them for their sin and wickedness. Knowing that God will pour out his wrath against the wicked encourages the faithful Christians to remain faithful to Jesus both to avoid God’s wrath and by reminding them that they are on the winning side. The revelation of God’s future wrath upon the wicked should motivate the unfaithful Christians and churches to repent of their sin and become faithful to Jesus so that they will avoid God’s wrath. If they remain unfaithful, then they will be counted amongst the wicked described in Revelation 9:20–21.
Revelation Chapter 10: Confirmation that John is a Prophet
Chapter 10 of Revelation is a second interlude in the book that comes between trumpets 6 and 7. Chapter 10 confirms that the apostle John is a prophet. As such, he has been commissioned to speak for God and everything he says is the trustworthy and true word of God. Revealing that John is a true prophet (like the Old Testament prophets) to those reading the book of Revelation should motivate the faithful Christians to hold fast to their faithfulness, and should convict the unfaithful Christians to heed Jesus’ call to repent and become faithful.
Revelation Chapter 11: The Destiny of the Church
Chapter 11 of Revelation reveals the destiny of the Church (i.e., all Christians) during the 3.5-year period mentioned in 11:2–3. The 3.5-year period refers to the period between Jesus’ ascension and return (see my article on the 3.5-year period here). Thus, Revelation 11 reveals the destiny of the Church between Jesus’ ascension and return.
Jesus says that the two witnesses, which is symbolic for the church (click here to see why), will testify to the world about Jesus between Jesus’ ascension and return (Rev 11:3–6). The church’s job is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
REVELATION 11:3
Jesus also says that the church will be heavily persecuted by the Beast, culminating in a mass slaughter of God’s people (Rev 11:2, 7–10).
“And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them, and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city that symbolically is called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified.”
REVELATION 11:7–8, emphasis added
The good news, however, is that God will provide eternal security for the saints from Satan and the Beast after death (Rev 11:1, 11). Not only that, but those who remain faithful to Jesus will be richly rewarded when Jesus returns (11:18).
“Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, ‘Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there.’”
“But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.”
“The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
REVELATION 11:1, 11, 18, emphasis added
The promise of eternal security and rewards for the saints (i.e., Christians) should encourage all Christians to remain faithful to Jesus. Jesus acknowledges the hardships that Christians will go through, that they will be heavily persecuted and many will be killed, but Revelation 11 looks beyond the death of one’s body. When Jesus returns, those who were faithful to him will be raised from the dead where they will forever be protected from Satan and his Beast, while also being richly rewarded for their faith. For the Christians who have been wavering in their faith because of persecution, chapter 11 reveals why they should remain faithful with the hopes of convicting them, moving them to repentance, and instilling perseverance within them to face whatever persecutions may come.
Revelation Chapters 12–14: Unveiling the Real Enemy
Chapters 12–13 of Revelation are two of the most important chapters in the book. These two chapters reveal the Church’s real enemy: Satan, the Sea Beast (antichrist), and the Land Beast (false prophet). According to Revelation, these three are the enemies of the church who influence the wicked to attack and persecute Christians. These three are angelic beings who operate in the heavenly realm, but who have influence in the earthly realm. The Church’s enemy is not the State, not other religions, not rulers or earthly powers, and not people. The Church’s enemy are the three angelic beings that are the power behind the State, other religions, earthly powers, and people who hate Christians.
The revelation of the Church’s real enemy is extremely important for the unfaithful Christians. Revelation 12–13 reveal that it is Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet who are leading the churches astray, who planted false prophets and false teachers in the churches, and who are ultimately responsible for persecution and hardships. These chapters force the unfaithful Christians and churches to decide whether they will side with Satan or with Jesus. The purpose is to convict the unfaithful to repent and side with Jesus, becoming fully faithful to him. Those who are already faithful to Jesus will be strengthened in their faithfulness, knowing that they have been withstanding the attacks of the Devil.
To help motivate all Christians to be faithful, chapter 14 previews Jesus’ return again while also revealing God’s protection upon the saints and calling them to persevere.
“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’”
REVELATION 14:12–13
Revelation Chapters 15:1–19:10: God’s Future Judgement of the Wicked (Part 2)
Chapters 15 of Revelation recount the blowing of the seventh trumpet (this began in Rev 11:15–19), which leads into the seven bowl plagues. The seven bowl plagues are God’s final future judgments upon the wicked in the earth that occur just prior to Jesus’ return (16:1–21). Chapters 17:1–19:10 then recount the destruction of the antichrist’s (the Sea Beast) city, Babylon. Babylon, the city of the antichrist, is contrasted with the New Jerusalem, the city of Jesus the Christ. Revelation is showing that the antichrist’s city is destined for destruction, while the Christ’s city will stand forever.
God’s future judgment of the wicked and Babylon vindicates the faithful Christians for remaining faithful. They live, the wicked do not. This motivates the faithful Christians to remain faithful. The destruction of the wicked and Babylon, however, is a loud warning to those Christians who are unfaithful. It is a warning to repent or be destroyed with the wicked.
“Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.’”
REVELATION 18:4–5, emphasis added
Revelation Chapters 19:11–20:15: God’s Future Judgment of the Church’s True Enemies
The destruction of God’s enemies and the Church’s true enemies continues in Revelation 19:11–20:15. In chapter 19, the antichrist (Sea Beast) and the false prophet (Land Beast) are cast into the Lake of Fire where they are “tormented day and night forever and ever” (19:20; 20:10). Then in chapter 20, Satan is finally cast into the Lake of Fire, where he is also tormented forever.
“the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
REVELATION 20:10
The destruction of the Church’s true enemies (first mentioned in Revelation 12–13) is one of the key motivating factors for remaining faithful to Jesus. It may seem like Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet are winning during the period between Jesus’ ascension and return (see Revelation 11). However, Revelation 19:11–20:15 make clear that they will not win. Their defeat is certain. They will suffer torment forever. Not only will they suffer torment, but so will everyone who aligns themselves with them (20:11–15). By unveiling the certain defeat of Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet, faithful Christians should be strengthened to remain faithful to Jesus, the winner, and unfaithful Christians should fear being cast into the Lake of Fire with Satan and, so, repent and become faithful to Jesus.
Revelation Chapters 21:1–22:5: Jesus, the Ultimate Victor
Revelation 21:1–22:5 confirm Jesus as the ultimate victor in the struggle against Satan, the antichrist, and the false prophet. Not only is Jesus the last one standing, but his city, the New Jerusalem, is established on Earth. Revelation 21:1–22:5 promises that all those who are faithful to Jesus will be victorious with him and will live forever in his city, seeing God face-to-face.
“The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
“But nothing unclean will ever enter it [the New Jerusalem], nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it [the New Jerusalem], and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
REVELATION 21:7, 27; 22:3–4, emphasis added
Entering into the New Jerusalem, seeing God face-to-face, and living forever with Jesus should be immense motivation to remain faithful to Jesus and shun Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet, and Babylon. The end result of being forever with Jesus justifies persevering in faithfulness through difficult and dark times, because the Christian knows that Jesus will be the ultimate victor. Momentary persecution is nothing compared to eternal security and blessings.
Revelation Chapter 22:6–21: Concluding Exhortations to Remain Faithful to Jesus
The final section of the book of Revelation reinforces the truth of the book’s message and exhorts the readers to ensure they will enter the New Jerusalem by being faithful to Jesus (Rev 22:6–21).
“‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’ The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
REVELATION 22:16–17
The call to “come” is a call to remain faithful to Jesus and partake of all the blessings, both present and future, that faithfulness brings.
Summary and Concluding Thoughts
As I have hopefully shown, the book of Revelation centres around the exhortation to remain faithful to Jesus. Jesus’ message to each of the seven churches is to be faithful to Jesus. The purpose of unveiling what God and Satan are doing behind the scenes where we cannot see is to motivate faithful Christians to remain faithful to Jesus and to admonish unfaithful Christians to repent and become faithful to Jesus.
Understanding the main message and purpose of the book of Revelation unifies the contents of the book, making each section easier to understand. Faithfulness to Jesus as the unifying message of Revelation also makes teaching and preaching the book much easier and relevant to modern Christians.
My hope in this article is to help those reading it understand the book of Revelation a little better. Revelation is one of the most practical and hope-filled books in the Bible. It should be read, studied, taught, and preached regularly. Now that you understand it a little better, I pray that you read, study, teach, and preach it more often.