New Testament Survey Exam 12

What John discovered
through the unveiling is now available to us 2,000 years later. It is God’s
great prophetic plan for the future. I hope you read and reread this book
for it is the only book of the New Testament which pronounces a blessing
on those who read, hear and do the things contained in it (1:3).

Revelation and Daniel are closely related for they often deal with
the same subject matter (compare Dan. 7 with Rev. 13).

The book of Revelation is parallel to this imagined story. The English
word “revelation” comes from the Greek word apocalypses meaning “to
unveil” or “to uncover.”

Throughout the centuries of church history, Bible students have
approached the interpretation of the book of Revelation differently. Some
think, for instance, that it was entirely fulfilled in the early history of the
church. Others believe that it is a book which has been in the process of
being fulfilled throughout the whole Christian era. Still others hold that
Revelation is not a record of actual events which have been fulfilled or which
are going to come to pass; rather, it merely pictures the constant struggle
throughout the church age between good and evil. A fourth interpretation,
favored by this author, is sometimes labeled the futurist view. It holds that
the greater part of Revelation (4–22) is yet to be fulfilled. The futurist view
uses Revelation 1:19 as the inspired key in outlining the content of the book.
Let us see this general structure in the next point based on that verse.

b. The Judgments of the Seven-Year Tribulation Period (6:1–9:10)
This is a time of the wrath of almighty God. Three series of judgments
are predicted. These series are called the seal judgments, the trumpet
judgments and the bowl judgments. Each series consists of seven
specific judgments. The earth has never seen anything like it.

1. The Past—“write the things which you have seen” (1:1-20)
2. The Present—“and the things which are” (2:1–3:22)
3. The Future—“and the things which will take place after this”
(4:1–22:21)

The New Jerusalem (21:1–22:5) Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place
for you . . . I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I
am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). Where is that place? It is the
New Jerusalem. This section gives a glorious description of the city
where we shall dwell with our Lord forever

The Kingdom and Final Judgment (20:1-15) The earthly kingdom
of our Lord will last for 1,000 years. Satan is bound during the kingdom
period and then released upon its conclusion. He will attempt to deceive
the nations once again, but will be unsuccessful for the Lord will cast
him into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet already
are. Then the last judgment, called “the great white throne” will
be convened. Those whose names are not found in the book of life,
showing they are not true believers, will be cast into the lake of fire.
What a solemn scene. Let me ask you. Will you be in heaven someday
with the Lord, or in the lake of fire with the devil? It is your choice. To
choose Christ is to choose heaven. To refuse Him is to suffer forever
in eternal torment.

Jude’s original purpose was to write concerning the common salvation,
but he changed his mind because of the pressing need to minister to them
about contending earnestly “for the faith which was once for all delivered
to the saints” (1:3)

The expression “the faith” refers to the teaching of the
Apostles (“apostles’ doctrine,” Acts 2:42). It is the truth of God’s Word.
Jude 1:4-16 makes it quite clear why there was a need for Jude to change
his purpose. Much of this section is very much like 2 Peter 2.