The Book of Revelation: What Does It Mean?
The Book of Revelation is arguably the most intriguing part of the Bible because it tells of events that have yet to unfold. Even some skeptics use it as a reference for topics about the end times and cataclysmic events. Somehow, many people hold on to the bizarre belief that the world will end somehow.
From the word itself, the book talks in length about events that were revealed to the disciple John in a set of visions. The visions are filled with symbolisms that are not supposed to be taken literally but should be deciphered for their real message. That's where the problem lies. Various religious groups have interpreted and misinterpreted the symbols to fit their own doctrines.
The first thing that comes to mind about Revelation for an average person is mankind's destruction. Many even mistake the prophecies foretold in the Books of Luke and Matthew about wars and rumors of wars as well as pestilence and famines as found in Revelation — although these events are interrelated.
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These forecasts are scary for unbelievers due to their lack of understanding. But for Christians, the fulfillment of these prophecies is the culmination of the long-awaited second coming of Christ (19:11-16) and the establishment of His Kingdom on earth (21:1-8).
But before all this takes place, there will be a period of tribulation under the rule of the Anti-Christ (13:7). The Anti-Christ will gather the armies of different nations for an epic battle against Christ Himself in Armageddon (16:6) where he and Satan will be defeated (18:1-24).
Other significant happenings in Revelation are the earth's restoration (21:1), judgment of the dead (20:11-15), the thousand-year reign of Christ (20:6) and Satan's eternal damnation (20:10). These are glorious times for those standing on God's side and bad news for those who won't inherit His Kingdom.
