7 Reasons Christians Can’t Ignore the Book of Revelation

Revelation is the only book of the Bible that gives a specific promise to those who read it, hear it, and obey it. From the very first chapter, the heavenly and divine message includes a blessing. Revelation isn’t meant to be feared or avoided. God means for it to bless us in a unique way. Revelation is meant to be engaged with, learned from, and lived out. The words are at the very beginning of the book. “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3) This verse frames the rest of the book, from the messages to individual churches to the disturbing tribulations. As disturbing or confusing as it might seem, God’s heart is to bless the reader. It’s a call to live faithfully now in light of the end. Revelation also ends with a warning, not to add or take away from its words. God will add plagues to those who add words and remove blessings from those who subtract from the book (Revelation 22:18-19). Like the blessing, this warning calls us to respect the book, treat it seriously, and uphold it as truth. To ignore Revelation, we miss out on the very blessing God wants to give us. Further, it might bring consequences our way, especially if we consider it in light of Jesus’ parables about the end times, especially the five wise and foolish virgins. When we read it with open and seeking hearts, we receive the hope and courage God promises through its words. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Pamela D McAdams