The Framework Of The Book OF Revelation

Having progressed thus far in our discussion of the book of Revelation, we begin to see more clearly the book's framework. After its rousing introduction (Revelation 1:1-9), Revelation can be viewed as divided into 16 visions as follows:

1st vision (1:10-3:22): John sees by inspiration the glorified Jesus, who sends warm messages of counsel to the seven congregations.

2nd vision ( 4:1-5:14) : A magnificent view of the heavenly throne of Jehovah God. This One hands scroll to the Lamb.

3rd vision ( 6:1-17): Breaking open the first six seals of the scroll, the Lamb progressively reveals a composite vision of events due to happen in the Lord's day. The four horsemen of Apocalypse ride forth, God's martyred slaves receive white robes, and the great day of wrath is described.

4th vision ( 7:1-17): Angels hold back the winds of destruction until the 144,000 of spiritual Israel are sealed. A great crowd out of all nations attribute salvation to God and Christ and are gathered for survival through the great tribulation.

5th vision ( 8:1-9:21): At the opening of the seventh seal, there are seven trumpet blasts, the first six of which comprise the fifth version. These six trumpet blasts herald expressions of Jehovah's judgment on mankind. The fifth and sixth trumpets also introduce the first and second woes.

6th vision (10:1-11:19): A strong angel gives John a little scroll, the temple is measured, and we learn the experiences of the two witnesses. It climaxes with the blowing of the seventh trumpet, which heralds the third woe for God's enemies - the incoming Kingdom of Jehovah and of his Christ.

7th vision ( 12:1-17): This describes the birth of the Kingdom, resulting in Michael's hurling the Serpent, Satan, down to the earth.

8th vision ( 13:1-18): The powerful wild beast comes out of the sea, and the beast with two horns like a lamb urges mankind to worship it.

9th vision ( 14:1-20): A splendid fore view of the 144,000 on Mount Zion. Angelic messages are heard around the earth, the vine of the earth is reaped, and the wine press of God's anger is trodden.

10th vision ( 15:1-16:21): Another glimpse of the heavenly court, followed by the pouring out of the seven bowls of Jehovah's anger into the earth. This section, too, ends with a prophetic description of the end of Satan's system.

11th vision ( 7:1-18): The great harlot, Babylon the Great, rides a scarlet-colored wild beast, which goes briefly into the abyss but comes forth again and devastates her.

12th vision ( 18:1-19:10): The fall and final destruction of Babylon the Great are announced. After her execution, some mourn, others praise Jehovah, the marriage of the Lamb is announced.

13th vision (19:11-21): Jesus leads the armies of heaven to execute God's wrathful judgments on Satan's system, its armies and its supporters; carrion birds feast on their corpses.

14th vision ( 20:1-10): 20:1-10): The abyssing of Satan the Devil, the Thousand Year Reign of Christ and his fellow kings, mankind's final test, and the destruction of Satan and his demons.

15th vision ( 20:11-21:8): The general resurrection and the great Judgment Day; a new heaven and a new earth appear, with external blessings for righteous mankind.

16th vision ( 21:9-22:5): Revelation is climaxed with a glorious vision of new Jerusalem, the lamb's wife. God's provision of healing and life for mankind flows from that city.

Revelation concludes with warm words of greeting and counsel from Jehovah, Jesus, the angel and John himself. The invitation to everyone is "Come!"-Revelation 22:6-21.

Next time: 'Slaughtered Souls' Rewarded