7 Reasons Everyone Should Read Revelation
Dragons, beasts rising from the sea, armies of locusts, and rivers of blood–the Book of Revelation contains some of the Bible’s most terrifying imagery. I had been a pastor for many years when it occurred to me that many Christians avoid reading Revelation because they fear its apocalyptic visions and are confused by its complex symbolism. But despite its challenging content, Revelation has always offered Christians hope and truth, essential for the Christian life. What follows are seven reasons why I think everyone should carefully read this fantastic book.
1. To See Christ’s Victory
While Revelation contains frightening images, its core message depicts Jesus’s triumph over fallen spiritual powers. The book reveals Christ as the victorious King who defeats all evil powers and establishes his eternal kingdom. As Revelation 17:14 declares, “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.”
2. To Find Hope in Suffering
Revelation was written to encourage persecuted Christians, showing that present trials are temporary. The book promises that faithful believers will share in Christ’s victory. “Be faithful to the point of death,” Jesus says, “and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Revelation doesn’t promise trials and persecution will be done away with in this life, but that our perseverance in trials will be rewarded with eternal life.
3. To Understand God’s Sovereignty
Throughout Revelation, we see God in complete control of history. Nothing happens outside his sovereign knowledge and authority. Even in tribulation, he is working out his perfect plan. Jesus has this authority because he is the one who sovereignly created all things in the beginning. As Revelation 4:11 declares, “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.”
4. To Be Spiritually Transformed
Revelation isn’t just about future events–it isn’t even primarily future. Rather, it calls believers to live faithfully now. The letters to the seven churches provide practical instruction for spiritual growth and warn against compromise with worldly values. For example, the Church in Sardis is challenged to “...strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete…” (Revelation 3:2). Like in Sardis, churches today have a purpose. They should be careful not to become idle and die but strengthen what is there, even if it is only a few members, to complete the work of God before us.
5. To Gain Eternal Perspective
The book lifts our eyes from temporary earthly struggles to focus on eternal realities. It reminds us that this world is passing away and a glorious new creation is coming. "Look, I am making everything new," declares the One seated on the throne (Revelation 21:5).
6. To Join in True Worship
Revelation contains scenes of heavenly worship that teach us how to revere and praise God. The four living creatures never stop saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God, the Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come” (Revelation 4:8). Likewise, when we gather to sing Holy to Christ Almighty, we join the choir of angels and saints in heaven who worship before the throne of the Lamb.
7. To Anticipate Final Justice
Revelation promises that God will make all things right for those suffering oppression and injustice. Evil will be defeated, tears will be wiped away, and God’s people will dwell with him forever in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22). The picture painted is not just about personal inheritance in God’s Kingdom, but gives hope for worldwide reconciliation and justice in the Kingdom of God.
Revelation need not be feared. It encourages and motivates faithful Christian living. Its message isn’t one of fear but of hope—Jesus Christ’s supreme reign and return to fully establish his kingdom. When read with this perspective, Revelation becomes not just accessible but essential reading for every follower of Jesus.
