When most people think about the book of Revelation, they often think the theme is the end times. Of course, they would not be wrong because that is a major theme. However, when only this tag is placed on the book, other great themes are missed.

A major theme that runs through this great book is the idea of conquering. The word “conquer” is used 17 times in the book. The ideas of conquering are used even more. 

The word is used for three different reasons. Twice the word is used for Satanic forces (Revelation 11:7, 13:7). Nine times it is used to call Christians and churches to overcome (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 15:2, 21:7). Four verses speak of Jesus as the ultimate conqueror ( Revelation 5:5, 6:2, 12:11, 17:4). 

The idea of conquering is great, but what is being conquered? What has Jesus conquered? What are Christians called to conquer?

What is being conquered? Sin, death, eternal punishment in Hell, and being ruled by Satan. A life in the flesh is being conquered. The Christian is called to conquer or overcome these things. While we are tempted to give into idolatry, worshiping Satan, following our own way, and rejecting Christ, we can and should overcome it. We should have faith alone in Christ and follow Him only. 

Christ is the Conqueror. He conquers “through the blood of The Lamb (12:21).” He overcame sin by living the perfect life, death by rising from the dead, and Hell by taking on God’s wrath and protecting Christians from eternal punishment. He is the Conqueror.

Here is a challenge for you: sit down and read the entire book of Revelation in one sitting. Read it like a story. Read it like an epic. Don’t look at Bible study notes. Don’t try to grasp every verse. Just read it through in one sitting. This should take about 90 minutes.

If you do, you will also see that the story is one of overcoming and conquering. You will start with the hero, see the struggles that the characters are going through, their enemies, and how Christ helps them overcome, bringing on a full celebration. That’s because it is a theme of the book. Christ the Conqueror helps His followers conquer and overcome.

Once we see this theme, it will give us courage. Courage to overcome sin; courage that we can resist the temptation to follow Satan and our flesh; courage that no matter what we are going through, if we have faith in Christ and follow Him, we will live in His Kingdom eternally. It is a book of encouragement. 

Do you see Revelation as a book of encouragement for Christians? Where do you need to overcome that which God has called you to? Do you look to the ultimate overcomer, our Conquering King Jesus Christ? 

Thanks for taking time to read this Maddening Theology post. If you enjoyed this content you can find Pastor Tim’s sermons at www.cornerstoneforestcity.org. You can also join us at 520 Marion St. Browndale, PA 18421 on Sundays at 10 AM. To make following the blog easier you can also register. You can also join us on Facebook at Cornerstone Forest City. Also, don’t forget to download our APP on iTunes  or Googleplay.