Alpha and Omega

I have often found while talking to others about the book of Revelation, that many seem hesitant to approach this book , as though it is a sealed book that none can decipher. But to the contrary, Revelation 22:10, instructs us: "And he said to me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy (or message) of this book: for the time is at hand." This book was given to us for instruction and for our edification. Revelation is the one book that begins with and ends with a blessing to those who read and keep what is written in these pages. (Chapter 1:3; 22:7). I am sure that God wouldn't promise us blessings from this book, and then make it so difficult to understand that we were robbed of those blessings. What we must bear in mind is the fact that the book of Revelation (not Revelations), is not a one night read, neither is understanding completed with just this book. We must study all the endtime prophecies along with the book of Revelation, before we can uncover the mysteries of this divinely inspired book. But there is one thing certain about the symbolism in this book, and that is every symbol used in Revelation is explained or alluded to somewhere else in the Bible. Perhaps God ordained it this way, so we would have blessing after blessing as we delve into His Word.

I realize there are many books on the market today about prophecy and some ministers even teach it in the pulpit. And this is good. But we must always remember that we now live in the last days, days of apostasy as the Bible predicted (2Timothy 4:2-4; 2:15) (2Peter1:20-21) (1John 4: 1-3). We must study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed. This does not mean that we can't read prophecy books, or shouldn't listen to prophecy sermons. What it does mean, is that we must read the Word, pray for understanding and wisdom in the things that are hard to understand, and to allow the Spirit to help us determine what is right and what is wrong. With this in mind, I think we are ready to begin our study of the last days. God bless, Tara Hart

The Word of God is one absolutely perfect, unbroken, and unbreakable circle. --H.R. Ironside

The Genesis and Revelation Connection

In the book of Genesis, we have 'types' and the truth of those are completed in the book of Revelation. The first book is the beginning, the last is the consummation. How like our God to give us this! He is the Beginning (the Alpha) and the Ending (the Omega), and such are these two books... the first and the last. Notice the correlations between these two books, it is amazing when we consider this in the natural, but as we approach it in the spiritual sense in which God ordained it, it is totally awesome!

Genesis gave us the account of Creation.
Revelation presents the New Heavens and the New Earth!

Genesis displays the earthly paradise with the Tree of Life and the River of Blessings. These were lost by the fall of man.
Revelation gives us the Paradise of God with the Tree of Life and the pure river of water proceeding out of the Throne of God and the Lamb; Paradise regained through the Christ's atonement!

In Genesis we see the first man and wife set over God's Creation.
In Revelation we see the Second Man (Christ Jesus) and His Bride (the Church) ruling over a redeedmed world!

In Genesis we learn of the beginning of sin as the serpent beguiled Adam and Eve.
In Revelation that Old Serpent called the devil and Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire!

In Genesis we have the first murderer, the first polygamist, the first rebel, the first drunkard, etc.
In Revelation all such sinners as these, who clung to the world and rejected God's grace in Jesus Christ, are eternally banished from the presence of God.

In Genesis we view the rise of Babel (or Babylon).
In Revelation we are called to contemplate the doom of Babylon.

In Genesis we see man's city.
In Revelation the City of God

Genesis show us how sorrow, death, pain and tears are the ultimate end to sin and rebellion that came into the world.
Relevation does not close til we have seen God wiping away all tears and welcoming His redeemed into a home where sin, death, pain and sorrow can never abide.

The contrasts and comparisons of these two books are far more numerous than these. But you can observe by these, that He planned every word that would be written in the Bible, and then the Spirit whispered every mystery into the minds of His prophets.

Many might ask why should we study prophecy. Here are just a few reasons why it is important. Prophecy is our red alert system, a divine warning, our blanket-covering, the insurance company that will never reject our claims. If you knew that when you stepped into your house that there was a bomb ready to explode, would you stay in the house? Of course you wouldn't. So it is with prophecy. We have an early warning system and thus we can protect ourselves and our loved ones for what lays ahead. Those who do not study prophecy will be unprepared for the things that await us in the not so far future. The Word says that His people perish for lack of knowledge. If we are clueless about what the Bible says about our future, then you could be overwhelmed with stress and fear, instead of resting safely in the arms of Jesus, when the storms come.

Prophecy reveals the plans of God. It also enlightens us to the economic and political events of our day that have been prophesied in the Word. An example of this is, the global rush for a one-world currency, a global government, and a global religion. Many might think this is just wishful thinking and that his could never happen. But, don't be deceived. All these things were predicted hundreds of years ago in the Bible. These days will come and so will the antichrist! Ever prophecy in the Word of God has had a 100% accuracy rate. No other source of prophecy can say this, the world can only guess at the answers. Prophecy also validates the authority of the Bible, and it also demonstrates God's ability to know the future. -- Tara Hart (Copyright 2001)