Revelation, book of

The last book of the New Testament. John wrote it on the island of Patmos, where he had been exiled because of his faith in Christ. Revelation tells how God gave John visions of the future church and the future earth. It is filled with strange word pictures using beasts, dragons, angels, thrones, scrolls, trumpets, and bowls. It is somewhat like the Old Testament prophecies of Daniel and Ezekiel, because it tells what will occur at the end of time. John wrote to seven churches that were facing hard times around the close of the first century. He wrote to encourage them to stay true to their faith in Jesus Christ. He then tells of God’s judgment upon the world to come, where the forces of Satan and evil are overcome in battle by Jesus Christ. Then a new heaven and a new earth are prepared, where God and His people enjoy each other forever.