Revelation

This book is about a revelation or vision that God gave to John. The visions had special messages from God. These messages were to encourage the believers. And these messages told about God’s plan for the new heaven and earth.

Many things that John writes about have symbolic meanings. A symbol is a sign or an image. It tells you about something or reminds you of something. A cross, for example, is a symbol of Jesus and of Christianity. When we see a cross, we think of Jesus and his death on the cross. A dove is a symbol of peace and of the Holy Spirit.

This book is a letter containing both prophecy and apocalypse.
This letter is a message to the seven churches.

An apocalypse tells us something about the end of the world. It describes those events in word pictures and symbols.
A prophecy is God’s message to people. It explains why the world is. It also tells us what God plans to do in the world. A prophecy often contains a warning.

1

A famous composer of beautiful church music once said this. He said that music has only one purpose and that is to praise God.
Revelation tells us what happens between Jesus’ ascension and his second coming. Good and bad things happen. And sometimes it looks as if the bad things will win.
But Revelation assures us that God will conquer all. On that day, the universe will praise God with music and singing.

2–3

The seven messages to the seven churches were sent to all the churches. Each church could read all of the letters, not only the letter addressed them. At one time or another, every church on earth is like one of these seven churches. God’s message is always the same. God wants his people to remain strong in their faith and to trust in him.

Revelation 2:25

The message to the church in Thyatira is clear. They must remain strong in the faith they have. They must continue to believe what they were taught about Jesus.

This makes Inny think about all the things you have learned about Jesus. It’s important for you to remember all those things. So take some time to write them down.

Thank God for sending Jesus to save you from your sins. And thank God for his promise of life forever with him. Never forget what God does for you.

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4–5

Here are the meanings of some of the symbols in these chapters:

John is trying to describe God using these symbols. (Read Revelation 4:2–4.)

The 24 elders are thought to be symbols of the heavenly church. (Read Revelation 4:4.)

The seven seals in Revelation 5:1 are sometimes called the seven Spirits of God. They are a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
The four living creatures are cherubim. They stand around God’s throne. And they join in singing the song of praise that celebrates our salvation. (Read about this in Revelation 5:6–10.)

6:1–17, 8:1

Jesus opens the seven seals. Then John sees what is going to happen on earth. And John sees that nothing happens unless God allows it to happen.

These four horses are the first four seals.
The fifth seal shows us all the Christian martyrs — they are the ones who died for their faith.
The sixth seal shows natural disasters.
When the seventh seal is opened, there is a time of silence in heaven. (Read Revelation 8:1.)

7:1–8

Here we read about 144,000 people. The number 144,000 is the product of 12 × 12 × 1,000. This number is thought to be a symbol that represents all believers!

All the believers are marked with God’s seal. He knows who they are. He knows them by name. And he will keep them safe until the day of Jesus’ return. Jesus said that God keeps his children safe, protecting them with his hand. (Read John 10:28.)

7:9–12

Get your group together and read Revelation 7:9–12. John sees a large crowd worshiping God. What do they say about God?

Have a brainstorming session with your group. Think together about who God is and what he does and has done. Write down all the words you can think of.

Joinme wants you to use your list of words when you pray and praise God.

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8:1–4

When the seventh seal was opened, there was silence in heaven for half an hour. During this time, God listened to his children’s prayers.

Inny wonders if you can keep quiet for one minute. Check the time on a clock. Now close your eyes and sit quietly for as long as you can. What is the time on the clock now? How long did you manage to remain quiet?

Remember this: It doesn’t matter if it’s quiet or noisy, God hears your prayers all the time. Are you glad that God listens to your prayers? Remember to talk to him often.

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8–11

Seven angels blew seven trumpets to warn people. This was a warning that Jesus’ second coming and God’s judgement day was near.

The first six trumpets announce disasters on land, sea and in the air. They are part of God’s judgement of the earth and should warn all people to turn to God.
The seventh trumpet announces that God will be worshipped as King by all people.

12–14

These chapters tell us about the war between the church and Satan.

It will be a terrible war! But God’s people must be patient and faithful. In the end, the Lord Jesus overcomes Satan.

15–19

In these chapters we read about God’s judgement. Seven angels bring seven plagues to earth. These plagues are in seven golden bowls filled with the anger of God. These golden bowls are symbols of God’s judgement and punishment. God will certainly judge the earth. And his judgement is true and fair.

19:7

After Jesus comes back, there will be a wonderful celebration.
Talky thinks it might be like a wedding. Talk about beautiful weddings that you have attended and what made them special.

Now think about the celebration in heaven. Talk about why John says that the celebration in heaven will be like a wedding.

Talk about what you think will happen there. Take time to praise God for giving you this picture of heaven.

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20:1–3

How do you think you would feel if a big, angry dog rushed at you? Choose a color from Hearty’s color chart on page 19 that shows how you would feel.

How would you feel if the dog’s owner had him on a leash? How is it different from when a dog isn’t on a leash? Choose a color from Hearty’s color chart that shows your feelings.

Jesus defeated the devil and bound him with chains. How do you feel about that? Choose a color from Hearty’s color chart that shows your feelings.

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20–2

When Jesus has returned and judged all the people on earth, everything will be changed. The devil will be punished and thrown into a lake of fire. God will make a new heaven and a new earth. All God’s children will live with him on this wonderful new earth. It will be more beautiful than we can imagine.

21:9–22:5

John also calls the new earth the New Jerusalem. He thinks the new earth will look like a beautiful new city. (Read Revelation 21:9–27 and 22:1–5.) Draw the city with its river of life.

Crafty wonders if you know what the best thing is about this city. Jesus is going to be with his children. And they will never be sad, ill or unhappy again. (Read about this in Revelation 21:3–4.)

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22:20–21

The last book in the Bible starts and ends with wonderful promises:

This is the truth!

22:12–15

When Jesus was on earth, he explained what he does for us. In the gospel of John, Jesus talked about himself using the words “I am”. He used them seven times. In Revelation 22, John adds three new “I am”s.

Crafty says make a list of Jesus’ statements and draw a picture of each. Then write the name of the book, the chapter and verses where they are found:

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