What Is Distinct about the Theology of Revelation?
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.
The Joy of Hearing
Thomas R. Schreiner
In this installment in the New Testament Theology series, trusted scholar Thomas Schreiner walks readers step-by-step through the book of Revelation, considering its themes, symbolic imagery, and historical context.
Fourth, saints are reminded of the cross, of the redemption that is theirs in Christ Jesus. The reason believers are not part of the evil empire is not because they are intrinsically good, but because they have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. What sets believers apart from the world is that they have turned to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14). Believers only conquer because Christ has conquered as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, as the Lamb who was slain to redeem his people.
Fifth, we should also notice that the book of Revelation has one of the highest Christologies in all of the New Testament. Jesus, as the Lamb of God who was slain, is also presented as equal in both identity and nature with God himself. If you look at the book carefully, you will find that God and the Lamb are put on the same level, or the same plane, nine different times. Just as God is the first and the last, so also the Lamb is the first and the last. Just as God is worshiped on his throne, so Christ is worshiped.
Believers only conquer because Christ has conquered as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, as the Lamb who was slain to redeem his people.
Sixth, Revelation particularly stresses the final judgment of the wicked. As long as life lasts, we are to pray and long for the salvation of all, telling them the good news about Jesus crucified and risen, inviting them to be saved and to believe and repent. But John also looks to the future, to the day when life is over, and here he reminds the saints that God will judge the wicked, that he is a righteous God, that he always does what is right as the judge of all the earth (Gen. 18:25).
The last thing we could say is John reminds us that Jesus is coming again, that a new creation is coming. Thus, he encourages the saints with the truth that they will be rewarded for their faithfulness, that their perseverance will make an eternal difference. 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!
Thomas R. Schreiner is the author of The Joy of Hearing: A Theology of the Book of Revelation.
Related Articles
7 Lessons from the Book of Revelation
Joel R. Beeke, Paul M. Smalley
Here we look at seven lessons that exemplify how the book of Revelation is theological (God-centered), eschatological (focused on future hope), and practical (aimed at godliness).
Understanding the Book of Revelation Isn’t Your Biggest Challenge
The most challenging part of Revelation's very clear message is a call to bold allegiance to Jesus Christ, and a call to refuse to compromise with the world.
What the Church Today Needs to Hear from the Book of Revelation
This message to patiently endure persecution for Christ is a message our church needs today. And if where we are right now means we don’t need it today, maybe we will tomorrow.
When we come to Revelation 19, we finally begin to approach John’s vision of the very last things. Soon we will move to the very good ending of the story of Scripture—and of the whole world.
