A Revelation Invitation

(The “How to Read Revelation” series begins here.)

Principle #7: Revelation Proclaims the Gospel

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 ESV)

In Roman times gospel was not exclusively, or even originally, a Christian concept. When Caesar was born it was believed to be gospel, glad-tidings, good news, because his birth was believed to have changed everything. His birth and ascension to power ushered in an era of peace and prosperity that the world had never before experienced benefiting all mankind. This hype was propaganda, but there was enough evidence of its truth to be accepted by many, to shape public opinion and to cohere Roman society.

Revelation proclaims true gospel—Jesus’ coming really does change everything. These glad-tidings were announced at Christ’s first advent. At his second advent peace and prosperity, human flourishing, will be fully realized. In Revelation Christians see the gospel as it impacts our daily lives and our present world. Christ’s judgments are the beginning of his reordering to make the world right again. Jesus’ coming as King of kings changes everything.

As Revelation conveys, God’s judgment upon his enemies is unmistakable. More subtly depicted are the grace and mercy he extends repeatedly to his people and to the world. Jesus is described as the firstborn from the dead—good news! Jesus is portrayed as a Lamb who was slain—that’s gospel! The resurrection of his two witnesses demonstrates God’s faithfulness to his church—that’s hope. God delays judgment so that more might repent—displays of mercy. When the Lord seals his servants on their foreheads, the redeemed sing a new song—everything has changed. Because of this gospel message Revelation is uplifting, faith building and reassuring. As the birth of Christ was good news of a new king and eternal kingdom that would forever change the world, so Christ’s return will usher in a new world order. Even in between these two advents, the warnings, woes and judgments described in Revelation show us how God continues to work out the gospel for the sake of his people.

The gospel shines through on every page of Revelation. Look for it. Appreciate it. Draw strength and comfort from it. Again, we may never fully grasp the symbolism of Revelation nor understand all of its imagery, but we can see that he hears the cries of the oppressed, waits patiently for repentance, rescues the persecuted and delivers his people from destruction. We whose robes have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb will emerge victoriously through all tribulation. This is good news. This is the gospel.

Gracious Father, thank you for Revelation’s message of hope. Thank you for the glad-tidings it proclaims. No matter how difficult my circumstances become, I know that you are mercifully working in the world through those tribulations to bring about a new day through your son, Jesus Christ. I welcome that good news. Amen.

(This is the end of the “How to Read Revelation” series.)