Read (and watch) Part 1 first: Why Study the 7 Churches?
The words of Jesus to the 7 churches of Asia are recorded in the final book of the Bible: the book of REVELATION. If you are searching for the best Christian education and looking through your Bible study books, this is the perfect place to start. The first verse reads: “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:” (Rev. 1:1). What does REVELATION mean? What is this book about? Watch now!
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
The word revelation, as in “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” is from a Greek word apokalypsis (S:602), which speaks of taking off the cover. In this book, Jesus is revealed, as it uncovers Him and His plan. This book (and all 66 books) are all about HIM! When using your Bible study tools, it becomes clear how deeply connected these Biblical themes are.
In verse 8, Jesus lets us know, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). Because Jesus always has been and always will be, He is able to effectively address the past, present, and future. Based off His endless knowledge as the eternal God, He tells John to “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter” (Rev. 1:19). And what He shared with John to write for us about what was, what is, and what is to come, we can learn from and observe to help us today.
Applying the Word: A Bible Study “How To”
What do we do today with the words that Jesus gave? What do we do with the Revelation John wrote? Revelation 1:3 makes it plain: “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.” Read it. Hear it. Keep it. The time is certainly at hand.
Key Takeaways
Understanding the book of Revelation is absolutely essential for anyone looking to build a comprehensive Bible reading plan. By taking the time to uncover these profound truths, you are actively engaging in the best Christian education available—direct instruction from the Word of God. As you continue to use our Biblical study guides to navigate these complex scriptures, remember that the ultimate goal is to see Jesus Christ revealed in every chapter. He is the Alpha and Omega, and His message to the seven churches remains incredibly relevant for us right now. Whether you are reviewing previous Bible class lessons or seeking out new Bible subjects to study, always keep in mind the instruction of Revelation 1:3: read, hear, and keep the prophecy. Allow this Biblical teaching to prepare your heart; for the time is truly at hand.
What have you learned from the book of Revelation? Share your comments below!
