The purpose of this book is to make the study of the book of Revelation more accessible and understandable for the average believer. The title is taken from The Revelation of Saint John the Divine chapter one verse three. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. To understand what we read it is very important to have guidelines. Notice the wording in verse one, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
This is the first guideline that should be understood. This book of the prophecy will contain things which must shortly come to pass. It will not contain history. The person who interprets Revelation scripture with events of history have done so erroneously. Realize that the writers of scripture do not understand God’s timing. Hebrews 10:35-37, Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Peter explains in 2 Peter 3:8, But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. Each writer has an urgency to deliver his message but not necessarily the whole understanding. We will see evidence of this as we study this subject.