p. 2 | Can We Understand the Book of Revelation?

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 26, 1915

Can We Understand the Book of Revelation?

This question was raised by a reader of the Sunday School Times in that paper of June 24. To the inquiry the editor makes the following excellent rejoinder:—

There is only one book in the entire Bible of which the Holy Spirit has spoken this impressive word: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” God has said that only of the book of Revelation. He promises a special blessing to those who read, and hear, and keep the things of which this book tells. Would it not seem to be worth our while to give very special attention to a book of the Bible to which God has called our attention in such an unmistakable way? The fact that a clear understanding of the fundamental message of this book will be accompanied by a special blessing from God is undoubtedly the reason why Satan wants to keep men from reading it, and has so remarkably succeeded in keeping them from it.

There will still be unsolved mysteries in the book of Revelation. Some things undoubtedly are described there which cannot be fully understood until the fulfillment of the prophecy referring to them is either nearer at hand or actually occurring. But the central message of the book, and many of its details, are intended for the clear understanding of the ordinary, inexpert reader of the English Bible today. And life will take on a richness it never had before when we let our Lord show us what he has for us in this book.