A Study of Revelation (Rev 1:1) Part 3: The Certainty of the Apocalypse.

Revelation 1:1 opens with a powerful declaration: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass." The word "must" underscores the certainty of God's promises and the unfolding of His divine plan. In a world often characterized by uncertainty and unpredictability, this assurance becomes an anchor for our faith. The phrase "must come to pass" conveys a sense of divine inevitability. It's a reminder that, regardless of the challenges, trials, or perplexities we may face, God's sovereign plan will unfold exactly as He has ordained. The events revealed in the Book of Revelation are not contingent upon human whims or changing circumstances; they are bound by the unshakeable certainty of God's Word.

In our lives, uncertainties may abound — personal struggles, societal changes, or global events that leave us searching for stability. Yet, Revelation 1:1 invites us to ground our faith in the assurance that God's promises are unwavering and His plan is unalterable. As we navigate the complexities of life, we can find solace in the unchanging nature of our God.
The certainty proclaimed in this verse is not meant to instill fear but to cultivate faith. It beckons us to trust in the One who holds the future, to find hope in the midst of challenges, and to rest in the assurance that God's purposes will be fulfilled. Our response to uncertainty is not anxiety or fear, but a steadfast reliance on the One who declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 21:6).

As we meditate on the certitude of God's promises, may we be encouraged to face each day with confidence, knowing that the God who declares the end from the beginning is with us. In times of doubt or confusion, let the unchanging nature of God's Word be our guiding light, leading us into a deeper trust and reliance on the One who orchestrates all things according to His perfect and certain plan. As George Eldon Ladd aptly notes, "God is sovereign; he has a redemptive plan which, in his own time, must be carried out. Nothing can hinder the sure consummation of God’s Kingdom" (Ladd, Revelation, 22).

The unfolding events in the book of Revelation are not shrouded in mystery; they "must" happen according to God's decree. God, akin to pulling back a curtain, reveals His predetermined future. Despite some Christians viewing the book of Revelation as an impenetrable enigma, the purpose, as stated by John, is to "show unto his servants things that must shortly come to pass" (Rev. 1:1). Contrary to sealing up the prophecy (Dan. 9:24; 12:4), John is instructed, "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand" (Rev. 22:10). God sent and signified this vision to illuminate the truth about the future for His servants, not to obscure it.
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In Revelation, God assures His people that there is no need to wonder and marvel without understanding (Rev. 17:6); He will reveal the mystery (Rev. 17:6-7). Therefore, dear reader, do not neglect God's Revelation. Cry out to Him, seek understanding (2 Tim. 2:7), and allow Him to aid your study and illumine your mind (Ps. 51:6; 119:18; Prov. 22:21; John 16:13-16). This revelation is not veiled; it is unveiled, exposed, and disclosed for you to behold.