GOD'S CALL TO THE LOST IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Bible-believing Christians are familiar with the fact that Jesus Christ willingly became a human being in order to die for the sins of the world, and that His Father raised Him from the dead, and declared Him to be KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS  (John 1:1, 14; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 1:19; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 5:12-13; 19:16; etc.)!  They are also aware of the fact that He is pictured in God's Word as "the Lamb of God," and that His sacrifice for us was first pictured in the Passover Lamb at the time of Israel's exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12; Leviticus 23; Numbers 9; Deuteronomy 16; John 1:29, 36; 1 Corinthians 5:7; etc.)!

Bible-believing Christians are aware of the fact that Jesus has promised to return for His Church (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; etc.)!  His coming for us in the clouds has been labelled "The Rapture."  The word, "rapture," comes from the Latin Vulgate where it appears as "rapiemur."  "Rapiemur" is translated from the original Greek word, "harpazo," which is interpreted as "being caught up, or being snatched up."  Born again believers anxiously await that glorious day (Titus 2:13)!  But many mistake "The Rapture," for "The Second Coming of Christ."  In "The Rapture," born again believers will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air.  At His "Second Coming," born again believers will return to earth and will share in His earthly kingdom for one thousand years (Matthew 25:31-32; Revelation 19:11-20:15; etc.).

The Book of Revelation is divided into three sections:  1) the things John had already seen; 2) the things that existed in John's day; and 3) the things which will occur in the future (Revelation 1:19).  John had seen the events in Chapter one; the churches mentioned in Chapters two and three existed at the time of his vision; and the events found in Chapters four through twenty-two would take place in the future.  There are multitudes of interpretations of Revelation, but I do not want to discuss them here.  Most likely, all Bible students are wrong about something described in John's vision.  Unfortunately, most are very dogmatic about their view, and refuse to fellowship with those who see things differently.  I find the Book of Revelation to be very humbling!

What I do want to share today, is the theme of the book.  Contrary to popular belief, Revelation is not only about God's vengeance upon unbelievers in Christ.  It is also about His effort to bring mankind to faith and repentance!  "Repentance" is discussed in Revelation 2:5, 16, 21, 22; 3:3, 19; 9:20, 21; 16:9, 11!  Peter described God and His patience with rebellious men:  "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).  Further evidence is found in the fact that Jesus is described as "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah," only once (Revelation 5:5), but He is described as "The Lamb" twenty-seven times!  Remember, "The Lamb" referred to Him as being "our Passover," the One Who paid for our sins (1 Corinthians 5:7)!

THE BOOK OF REVELATION IS GOD'S LAST WARNING TO COME TO FAITH IN JESUS!