Unveiling Final Jesus
Portraits of Christ in the Book of Revelation
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While the Bible does not come to us with an author’s Preface or Introduction, as is common in other writings, the individual ‘books’ within the Bible often do have an opening statement of some kind to set the stage for what is to follow. In The Revelation, thankfully, we are blessed with three verses that marvelously set the stage for the strange and compelling visions that are to follow. In light of the mystery that permeates the pages of this ‘last word,’ why would any follower of the Lord Jesus Christ launch out into such uncharted territory without taking sufficient time to acclimate and acquaint himself with what is freely given to him in these three brief opening verses?
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bondservants, the things which must soon take place; and he sent and communicated it by His angel to His bondservant John, who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (NASB)
Those first five words, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ,” are the English translation of three Greek words, “apokalupsis Iesou Christou.” These three words are, I believe, the most significant words in the whole book. This opening phrase is, in fact, the declaration of the primary theme of this book; it is a “revelation” of Jesus. All the other visions that follow are secondary and supportive of the Person and Work of Christ.
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About the Book
"In terms of the written canon of Scripture, the Book of Revelation is God’s ‘last word.’ Common logic would seem to dictate that a God who is intelligent, reasonable and articulate would speak ‘last words’ that would be easily understood by the vast majority of His audience. Unfortunately, in the case of The Revelation, the reality is quite different. For most of the last two millennia of Church history, Christians have fussed and fought (metaphorically, if not physically) over the intent, intelligibility and interpretation of The Revelation. What was given as a source of encouragement, unity and hope has become a cause of discouragement, division and fear."
About the Author
Dean Knudsen, M.Th.S., has served in pastoral ministry for over twenty years. Along with his wife, Virginia, he has pastored churches in Oregon, Alberta (Canada), and New Jersey, as well as ministering in Jamaica and the Philippines. He and Virginia have two grown sons, Adam and Jesse. His ministry is marked by a strong expository emphasis in preaching the Word of God, including teaching series on numerous of the books of the Bible. His series on the Book of Revelation is one of his favorites and is available by request. Currently residing in Florida, his writing is anchored in years of Biblical study and a passion for seeing Christ in the Book of Revelation. Response to this book is welcomed via e-mail at finaljesus@att.net.