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Why are people drawn to the book of Revelation and confused by it? What might be the value in studying it?
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The book of Revelation talks about the birth and death of Jesus, the lamb of God, and gives us a summary of what’s to come. People are confused by the symbols used to describe events, we are confused by timelines of when events will occur. Some events seem to mirror things that have happen and people believe they can determine what is coming next, but Jesus told us we do not know when the end will come. There is value in studying the book of Revelations and trying to get a better understanding of what it says so that we are not deceived by false prophets who will use it to draw us in the wrong direction. Studying the book of Revelations will help to comfort us during trying times because we know Christ is coming back for us to bring us into a new heaven and new earth where sin and death do not exist. We can find comfort in knowing that God has all power over evil and sin, so we should not be dismayed over events that seems to be out of control.
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People are drawn to it I believe because of how unique it is and confused because it is vague and feels very daunting to think of the end times. I think there is value in it because it was decided as canon and therefore able to build us up as believers. I think there’s significance in knowing our future is secured because of the power and person of God.
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People are drawn to the book of Revelation and confused by it because it has fascinating images and dreadful judgments. It is action packed. It is also confusing because of the symbols/pictures and language used. They are intrigued and curious. But the images and the fact that it is not written chronologically can be confusing. The value in studying it is that we see Christ is concerned about His church, that God is in Heaven full of power and majesty and not in turmoil with Satan’s war, that God will be victorious and punish the evildoers who will not repent, and that He will restore the earth to a sinless state and spend eternity for all those who trusted Jesus. Finally, a value in studying it is expressed right in the pages of the book in 1:3, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near.”
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I think people are drawn to the book of Revelation because of its prophetic nature. People are eager to know what will happen in the future. However, they are confused by it because it contains prophetic/apocalyptic literature. The value in studying Revelation is first of all that it is God’s word and all of God’s word is valuable for studying. It teaches us about God and about ourselves and where the universe is headed.
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They become confused by the interpretation of the dreams and visions given to John . The interpretations and sequence of events still to be fulfilled. To a Christian it
adds to the excitement of the certain hope that awaits us and of the certain victory and just heightens our thankfulness to God for His love, grace and mercy and what He has saved us from and what we have to look forward to. Also it should move us in the urgency in spreading to the gospel and praying for all those still not saved, knowing the horrendous things those left behind on earth will experience during the great tribulation and their ultimate destination unless they repent of their Sins and trust God for salvation.