A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 7: The Reve l at i on of John: The Consummat i on of Al l Th i ngs i n Chr i s t 211

b. Keys to the imagery that we have no comprehensible way to decipher as moderns in a post-industrial, thoroughgoingly digital age

2. Striking in its uniqueness in the New Testament

a. The only wholly prophetic book in the New Testament library of 27 (contrasted with 17 of the OT)

b. The subject matter of John’s writings, when taken together, literally cover from eternity past to eternity future. (1) Eternity past . John 1.1-3 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (2) Eternity future . Rev. 22.3-5 – No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. [4] They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. [5] And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

c. Special blessings are promised to the readers of this work, and stern threats of judgment are also given to those who distort the message of this book (cf. Rev. 1.3 with 22.18-19).

d. The content of the meaning of the book is said to be “unsealed” or, put another way, its message is said to be “unveiled,” cf. 22.10 (contrast this with Daniel’s vision, 12.9).