Megathemes of Revelation

As I continue my Sunday morning message series preaching through the book of Revelation, certain themes are heard that are important for followers of Jesus to remember. For one thing, God is still sovereign. In other words, He is still sitting on the throne, and he is greater than any power in the universe (Rev. 1:12-18). God is not to be compared with any leader, government, or religion. Even though you might wonder where our nation or world is headed, God controls history and he will keep his people united in fellowship with him. Though Satan seems to be having his way right now, we are not to be distracted from God’s power, care for us, and love for all.
 
Second, followers of Jesus are to remember that even though Christ first came to earth as a “Lamb” to take away our sins by being our sacrifice, he will return to earth as the triumphant “Lion” who will judge Satan, and he will reward the faithful with eternal life, but bring eternal punishment to those who choose to reject him. Though Satan was defeated with the cross and resurrection of Jesus, he will face ultimate defeat when Jesus returns to usher in final judgement and eternity. Maybe you face suffering and injustice right now, but evil and the pain it brings will not prevail forever. God’s final judgment will put an end to these as sin and death is done away with forever (Rev. 20:11-15).
 
Third, in light of the above observations from Revelation, God’s people are to remain faithful to him, and they are to serve Jesus only. Revelation encourages Christians to resist the demands to be seduced by secular culture’s lures. For Christians back in the day when the Apostle John wrote Revelation (A.D. 95), the temptation was to worship the Roman Emperor so that you could keep your job and lifestyle. For Christians today the temptation is to set aside God’s character and morality as we read of it in the Bible, so that we can fit into a secular society. Scripture is clear about how Christians are to remain faithful: You don’t cave into your preferences and personal desires; you submit your preferences and personal desires to the Jesus who lived, died, and lives again for you (Rev. 2:7; 22:7).
 
Working together to win together until the end,
Tyler

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