As we walk further into the chapters of Revelation, it can be easy to get trapped in the weeds of imagery and imagination. Dragons, beasts, harlots, and everything else tend to distract us from the true purpose of the book, though it was never intended to. From the beginning of the book, the Holy Spirit is revealing to God’s servants (us) the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:1). If we forget God’s intent in giving this revelation, then deciphering any of it will become a mess, full of confusion and misunderstanding. We, however, have the opportunity to see what God’s purpose is in revealing Christ to us. This is by understanding what is said to the seven churches of Revelation 2-3. The two common themes among all of the churches are “repent” and/or “hold fast.” Christ is calling these churches to repent of what is evil and hold fast to what is good. The rest of the book shows us why this is so vital to us as God’s servants.
As we walk through Revelation 17-19, we will see how desperately important it is for us to repent of all evil and only hold fast to the truth. Babylon the great is more than just a city that was long ago; it is also a way of life that stands against God. As we read in the coming chapters, Babylon the great will fall, and Christ will reign. May those of us who call on Him be found in Him when He comes.
Revelation 19:11-13 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called faithful and true, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.
Pastor Forrest Smith
