I think the Book of Revelation gets a bad wrap. So many people approach it timidly or are scared of what lies within. I used to feel that way too. 

The end times can be disconcerting to think about, and Revelation doesn’t give many answers to our many questions. But there is one answer it shouts loud and clear: Jesus reigns.

The awesome reality of what the end times means for Christians is often overshadowed by the imagery used throughout Revelation and the many views that exist about eschatology. 

Christ’s Second Coming will be the realization of everything Christians have longed for. It is God fulfilling His promise to defeat Satan and death once and for all and dwell with us forever.

Don’t be intimidated or distracted by what the end times might look like. Take comfort in what the end times certainly mean. 

Jesus reigns. Death is defeated. Sin is no more. Suffering, pain and tears are no more. God’s people — a multitude from every nation, tribe and peoples and language — stand before the throne in worship. The Lamb has conquered. We see His face. For all eternity.

We should not live in confusion about or fear of Christ’s return. We can live in hope knowing our King has already won the victory. An eternity of worshiping our God, our Redeemer, our Lord awaits. 

Don’t let the oft-confusing attempts to decode and interpret Revelation distract you from what it is: A story of victory and triumph. A homecoming for believers. Encouragement in the now, hope for the future.

I recently spent some time reading Revelation and I want to share with you some of the verses that bring me that great hope.

But He laid His right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. (Revelation 1:17b–18)

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9–10)

… Behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, … crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Revelation 7:9–10)

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign.” (Revelation 11:17)

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful. (Revelation 17:14)

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3–4)

They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:4–5)

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (Revelation 22:17)