His Winnowing Fork is Ready

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3 ESV)

Some may think I may write on eschatology too much. I often feel that it is because many do not see the joy and enlightenment that comes from understanding eschatological scripture and the Book of Revelation. There is a delightful anticipation in eschatology, as well as an adverse reaction to it. Revelation is the book most parishioners want to have preached, and the book pastors least wish to preach.

The inerrancy of Scripture, the belief that the Bible is without error or fault in all its teachings, gives it authority. Most disagreements about authority are deep. The vast divide is found in fundamentals. The ravine results from the idea of authority. For believers, divine revelation is found in the infallible spoken word of God. For non-believers, authority is based on human wisdom.

Believers know that any wisdom possessed by humans is divine in nature, a reflection of God's grace. Humans are depraved, but unbelievers cannot see the depth of their depravity, foolishness, and sin. Believers acknowledge authority as God’s words spoken in one book. This book provides our convictions and our reasoning. For Christians, the word of God is sufficient.

Unbelievers believe in their independence. Believers hold the idea that they have free will, that nothing supports them in their lives, and that their decisions are theirs to make. They believe they have a right to decide what is moral, right, and wrong. They will refuse the word of God because it convicts their actions, which are contrary to God’s will.

The Book of Revelation is a book to be celebrated, not feared. It may seem to hide things, but in reality, it reveals all things. The Book of Revelation should comfort us, assuring us of the divine plan that unfolds within its pages. Lastly, it was given to exalt Christ as it is the Revelation of Christ.

The third verse, our verse for today, tells us that we who hear and keep what is written are blessed. We are blessed, not condemned. Genesis reveals the beginning of our time in creation, and Revelation tells the end of our time in consummation. Genesis reveals the coming of the Savior, and Revelation reveals the assumption and establishment of the new heaven and earth under the control of the Savior. Genesis tells of Satan's first intervention in creation, and Revelation tells of Satan's final destruction.

There is significant angelic participation in Revelation. An Angel delivered this vision to John on Patmos. Angelic beings are in almost every chapter of this book. In Revelation, God refers to angels sixty-seven times. Revelation documents reveal the ministry of the angels as well as their actions on earth following God’s commands.  

The Book of Revelation possesses divine intervention. God and the Spirit affirm it through its text. Christ, who is the theme of the book, also affirms it. Revelation is the doxology John gives us. John lays out all of Christ's amazing characteristics, “him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” (1:4-6)

The Book of Revelation reveals why the gospel and salvation are crucial to believers and unbelievers. Jesus said He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Revelation reveals God's glory and the mercy given to the saints. Revelation is not about destruction; although it occurs, it is about the ultimate victory over evil, the coming of the King, the new Jerusalem, and the permanent end of evil.

We must understand the Book of Revelation to understand the need for the gospel and the importance of our faith and salvation. We must also grasp Trinitarian doxology. So, when you read about eschatology at In Messiah, it is not because we are doomsday preachers; on the contrary, it is because we glorify all aspects of God's plan, which culminates in the return of Christ, the new heaven, and the new earth.

John MacArthur said, Jesus once left heaven for humiliation; He will leave heaven again in culmination. Jesus once left heaven to be killed; He will leave heaven again to kill. Jesus once left heaven to serve, and he will leave heaven again this time to be served. Jesus left heaven to disperse grace; He will leave again to demand justice. Jesus left heaven to seek and save, and He will leave again to search and destroy.

Know where you are with the Lord. Clearly understand what Jesus did for you and what you must do for Him. His winnowing fork is ready, are you?

Grace and Peace