When you think of the book of Revelation, what do you think of? Better yet, how do you feel? Most of us use words like worry, anxious, or afraid.

Undoubtedly, that is in many people’s minds, both in what the book of Revelation talks about and how it is spoken about. But what if it should be viewed in a different light?

The Book of Revelation can and should be a book of encouragement for Christians. We are not asked to have our heads in the sand concerning challenging times that are and will be. We are to be realistic as Christians. Encouragement means to give someone courage. And you do not need encouragement for the good times.

The Book of Revelation encourages us through those bad times—persecution, lackadaisical spirituality, and temptation to leave Christ. It encourages us to stay in the faith and be devoted to Christ no matter what.

How do we know Revelation is a book of encouragement? First, John repeatedly uses three sets of words or ideas in the book several dozen times, “hold fast” (Rev. 3:11), “endure” (Rev. 14:12), and “conquer” (Rev. 6:2). These words in themselves say that there is something to overcome. We should expect challenges to living for Christ. 

The Book of Revelation can and should be a book of encouragement for Christians.

The book doesn’t call us to run and hide but to overcome. This differs significantly from what many of us grew up hearing about Revelation.

How else is it a book of encouragement? The book is written as an ancient epic. In the first act, we see Jesus displayed high and exalted. Satan and his followers fight against God and His kingdom. 

Then, in Revelation 19-22, we see Jesus overcome His foes and rule eternally. We will have courage if we read the story as one big picture instead of chopping every verse to bits. The encouragement is this: despite the struggles between the two kingdoms, believers will be victorious with Christ because of His might.

Do you see the encouragement in the book of Revelation? It is not just warnings about the future but encouragement to have hope. If we hold fast, our King- King Jesus, will someday conquer all evil. And those who are part of His kingdom will overcome, live, and reign with Him eternally.

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.