MORE THAN CONQUERORS

The Message of Revelation

To understand Revelation we must examine it within its historical setting. John is writing this to the churches of Asia with the intent that it be read aloud to the congregation. It is not a depiction of the end times but it is a revelation of what is soon to take place.

The theology of Revelation can best be summed up in one word: VICTORY!! John is writing to these churches because persecution and suffering are inevitable. He is writing to encourage them to remain faithful in the midst of persecution because the battle has already been won. Victory is secure because Satan has been defeated through Jesus Christ. Through Christ they don’t have to fear death/martyrdom because if they remain faithful and do not compromise their faith, they will be made MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

Revelation can be difficult for us to understand because we don’t always know how to understand the Apocalyptic language. John wrote to people who understood the historical, sociological-political, and literary contexts. His intent was not for it to be read literally, but instead understood in symbolic terms.

Even though John had this specific and narrow audience in mind there are lessons or theological principles which we can claim for our lives today. Most importantly, the message of VICTORY is still the same for us. We may not have to give up our lives but suffering and persecution are still inevitable. We can receive encouragement and confidence from this message just as the early Christians mentioned in Revelation did. If we remain faithful, do not compromise our faith and proclaim that Christ is Lord, we too can claim VICTORY and the promise of reigning with Christ!

It is also important to realize that God knows his people and will nourish and provide for his people even in the midst of crisis. The challenge for us is to sort out our faith before the crisis strikes. We are to be firmly planted in God and Christ, prepared for whatever period of suffering we encounter. We can also understand our existence in an already/not yet mindset. The Kingdom is here in the now but it will also come in its fullness later. We have been raised with Christ now and we will experience the glory of his resurrection later.

The message of Revelation for believers is a message of empowerment. It is a message that cannot help but impact my life. What better message do we have to share than we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Jesus Christ! Although life may not be easy, Satan is defeated and the VICTORY is ours. The very essence of that message should break forth from our lives like rushing water. Through Christ we have hope. In Christ we have freedom. The bonds of Satan have been broken and once we come face to face with this truth we are empowered to live like the redeemed!

Trust in God, do not compromise your faith with the world, and proclaim Christ as Lord. Fall to your knees and worship at his feet recognizing his holiness, righteousness and sovereignty. Then go in Christ and proceed as Conqueror!