5 Things You Must Know Before Reading Revelation

In this introductory teaching to a forthcoming series on the book of Revelation, Jeffrey Johnson provides a framework for understanding one of the Bible’s most misunderstood books. Rather than approaching Revelation as a cryptic puzzle or a timeline of speculative future events, he encourages believers to read it according to its literary genre—an apocalyptic work filled with symbols that point to real spiritual realities. Johnson explains key principles for interpreting these symbols, emphasizing context, the broader message of Scripture, and the importance of understanding Revelation through the lens of the Old Testament. He also highlights Revelation’s central focus on Jesus Christ and God’s redemptive plan. The book is presented as the conclusion of the biblical story, revealing Christ’s victory over Satan, the ongoing conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, and the ultimate restoration of heaven and earth. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful through prayer, witness, and trust in the blood of Christ, knowing that God’s purposes will ultimately prevail. This message serves as a helpful foundation for anyone preparing to study Revelation, offering both practical guidance and encouragement to view the book not as a mystery to avoid, but as a powerful testimony to the triumph and glory of Jesus Christ.