The Future is Here

Revelation 1:1-3

Adrian Rogers


Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Revelation 1:1-3

The Book of Revelation is the golden clasp that brings the entire Bible together. It is a book of steadfast hope, dispelling the fog to reveal that the future is here. Revelation 1 gives a formal introduction to the contents of the whole book.

First, we see the central Person of Revelation, Jesus Christ.

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place...” (Revelation 1:1).

The Book of Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ; we will see Him in a different way than we’ve seen Him before.

Adrian Rogers says, “Jesus is the hero of the Bible; if you read it and you don’t find Jesus, go back and reread it.”

We also see our clear purpose as servants of Jesus Christ.

We are bondslaves who seek to understand the mysteries of Scripture because we love our Master.

There is also a comforting promise in Revelation 1.

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).

We live in a broken world that is cursed with sin and pain. Through this book, we can understand the mystery of history, make sense of suffering, and find stability in chaos.

This chapter also reminds us of Revelation’s certain prophecy.

There are no more prophecies that need to be fulfilled before Jesus can come. Revelation reminds us of the things which were, things which are, and those which shall be. It deals with the past, present, and future.

The Book of Revelation outlines the future, which includes the rapture of the saints and the tribulation of this world. It prophesies the Battle of Armageddon, the rise and power of the beast, the millennium, and the glorification of the Savior.

It is all much closer than we think; Jesus can come at any moment.

At the end of Revelation, we’re offered the last invitation of the whole Bible: “Come!” (Revelation 22:17). Come to Jesus before it’s too late.

Apply it to your life

Revelation 22:20 says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” As the future draws near, keep your eyes on Jesus Christ.