A Beginner's Guide to the Book of Revelation

Why Study the Book of Revelation?

Revelation, the only prophetic book in the New Testament, stands alone as a lighthouse in the churning sea of modern turmoil. Its miracles will only be understood by those who have the ears to hear and the ability by the Spirit of God to discern.

The tragedy today is that not only do atheists and agnostics deny the miracles of the Bible but also some so-called Christian preachers and teachers, liberal in their outlook and education, consider many biblical miracles to be allegories and reject the supernatural.

That motivates me to get on with this prophetic discovery. If Satan is against it, I’m for it. If Jesus said I’d be blessed by reading and hearing the words of this book, I’ll take Him at His word.

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
Revelation 1:3

Many avoid the book of Revelation, believing it’s too difficult to understand. Yet Jesus Himself promised blessings to those who read and take it to heart. This book wasn’t meant to confuse—it was written to be understood. Its message is of vital importance for every believer.

If Jesus said I’d be blessed by reading and hearing the words of this book, I’ll take Him at His word.

Who Wrote the Book of Revelation?

This final book of the Bible that tells us the awesome events which will bring history to a finale is sometimes called “The Revelation of St. John the Divine” or “The Revelation of John.” The correct title should be “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” John did not write an imaginative piece of spiritual fiction; he was chosen by Jesus to record the epic which would forever change the lives of those who read and understand it.

God sent an angel to communicate with John, and John tells us: “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:1–2, NIV).

God sent an angel to communicate with John.

Although John wrote down the words in the book of Revelation, its true author is Jesus Christ. This divine message comes directly from God, unveiling the future and offering hope to all who believe.

What Does Revelation Say About Jesus Returning?

Christ’s return will change the situation on earth. He will “return in the clouds,” a familiar description of His appearing. When Moses was given the law on Mount Sinai, a thick cloud surrounded the mountain. When the tabernacle was set up in the wilderness, a cloud covered the tent of the congregation. At the transfiguration of Jesus, He and the disciples were overshadowed by a bright cloud. When He ascended to heaven, a cloud received Him, and Daniel predicted that the Messiah would come with the “clouds of heaven.”

On days when the cumulus clouds form in blue skies, I like to imagine that Jesus will appear and all over the earth unbelieving persons will stare with amazement and shock to see Him descend to earth.

The vision of Jesus returning in the clouds is more than just poetic imagery—it’s a recurring biblical promise emphasizing that His return will be both visible and undeniable. Just as He ascended into the clouds before His disciples, He will one day return in the same way, fulfilling God’s Word.

How Is the Book of Revelation Organized?

The book of Revelation is organized along a timeline, starting with John’s vision centuries ago and concluding with the New Heaven and the New Earth. Here is an overview of the information you'll find in each section of Revelation:

Request a printed copy of this timeline here.

These excerpts were taken from Dr. Jeremiah’s study of Revelation, Escape the Coming Night. Learn more here.