Many people believe that the book of Revelation is historical fact. I do not share that belief. I believe that it is God’s warning to us about what is to come; a warning to change our ways or one day, when we least expect it, judgment will come.

I am not an expert in Biblical prophecy or end times prophecy. I am simply a Believer in the fullness of God’s Word. He makes promises and keeps them.

When I read Revelation as a Believer, a Christian, I see what is to come. I do not understand all that will be and happen, but I can heed the warning and the promise.

Let’s suppose the book of Revelation were “just history.” History is its own warning. If we do not know history, we do not understand it, and we fail to recognize in our own lifetime that our behaviors are repeating it, then there is no hope for us.

History does teach us and warn us of mankind’s fatal flaws: Pride and arrogance; a reliance on ourselves; believing we are the catalysts of creation; worshipping creations and not the Creator; thinking that we have all the answers; being led to a point where we exchange freedom for chains, whether they be physical chains or economic chains. The more things change for man, the more they stay the same; we put too much faith in self and too little in God.

Do you recognize the churches of Revelation in the world today?

Revelation 2:2-3, 7 (KJV 1900)

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Revelation 2:9–10 (KJV 1900)

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Revelation 2:16 (KJV 1900)

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Revelation 2:20 (KJV 1900)

20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Revelation 2:22 (KJV 1900)

22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

Revelation 2:26 (KJV 1900)

26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Revelation 3:2 – 3 (KJV 1900)

2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Revelation 3:11 (KJV 1900)

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 3:16 – 17 (KJV 1900)

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Revelation 3:19 – 20 (KJV 1900)

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

I believe that the time is here to choose God or man. I choose God.

 

 

Author:  Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©2012 Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved

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