Principal Theme Of Revelation

    In studying the Book of Revelation, I have come to believe that the sovereignty of God is the principal theme of the book (there are other themes as well).  God rules all history, time, and people.  Chapter one verse eight states: “’I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’”  God is the first and the last; He is Lord of all.  Therefore, all creation must worship Him.  The heavenly beings worship God and say, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (4:11).

The word “throne” appears 34 times in Revelation and signifies the sovereignty of God.  In chapters 4 and 5, “throne” is used seventeen times.  The One who sits on the throne has created all things – He rules over all.  In chapter five, both God and the Lamb are given a place of equal honor in redemption.  Jesus is the Lamb who was slain and yet lives – He is Lord of all the Redeemed.

Chapters 4 and 5 serve as the introduction to the remaining visions in the book.  The throne’s “significance is to demonstrate the authority of God and of Christ over all that is about to unfold in the remainder of the book.”  “The trials of the believers, the apparent triumph of the forces of the enemy, the eventual destruction of the latter and the victory of the church are all under the sovereign control of God.”  Indeed, the hand of God ultimately controls the trials of His saints, even as it did the trials of His own Son, the Messiah.  The purpose of all that God is accomplishing through this time of tribulation is His glory in the redemption of His people.  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

In Revelation, God displays His authority, sovereignty and majesty as the Ruler and Judge of the universe.  Therefore, believers are to gain from this book a God–centered view of history, even their own lives.  GOD IS IN CONTROL!  Jesus Christ is Lord!

[Quotes taken from the REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE, by Reformation Trust Publishers]