The Book of Revelation

Revelation means unveiling or revealing, and in this case the unveiling of Jesus Christ and the end of human history.  History is linear (though there are cycles), moving towards a culmination of Christ's victory over the powers and establishment of darkness.  Indeed, there's a special blessing pronounced on those who read and take heed to the words of this apocalyptic book (1:3). 

John the apostle wrote this book around AD 95, while being exiled to the island of Patmos.  As with the Gospel of John which he also wrote, where there were mentions of sevens ("signs" and "I ams"), likewise in Revelation the number seven features quite prominently.  Seven represents perfection and completeness.  The reason for the book was that John received a revelation from Jesus Christ, with a message each to the seven churches in Asia Minor. It was to encourage them in a time of persecution; challenging them not to be complacent nor to compromise with the things of the world.  

During John's era, the believers were living under the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian who was an egomaniac, demanding worship from the people.  Domitian wanted to succeed emperor Nero in his hatred and hostility towards God, by bringing persecution to God's people. No doubt there are people today who are still championing this cause.  But praise be to God, we know how history would end.  Those who are evil will continue in their evil ways, and those who are good will continue to be good (22:11).  God will the ultimate judge of both the living and the dead. 

Outline of Revelation
1. Vision of Jesus Christ (Ch 1)
2. The vision of the 7 churches (Ch 2-3)
3. The vision of the day of the Lord (Ch 4-22)
    i. Three groups of judgments (Ch 6-18)
    a.  Seven seals
      b.  Seven trumpets
    c.  Seven bowls
   ii. The marriage supper of the Lamb (19:1-10)
  iii. The second coming of Jesus Christ (19:11-21)
   iv.The millenium (20:1-10)
   v. The Great White Throne judgment (20:11-15)
  vi. The eternal state (21-22)

With God on our side, we're on the winning side.  Good will ultimately triumph over evil.  Hallelujah! For the Lord God the Almighty reigns! (19:6)

The book ends with a warning not to add or subtract from the prophecy of this book (22:18-19).

Come, Lord Jesus, come!