Why We Study Revelation - 5

Many would say that this is a sealed book. But what was John told? "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand" Revelation 22:10.

What about the book of Daniel? "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4.

Was the entire book of Daniel sealed?

Gabriel explained portions of it to Daniel himself. "And I heard a man�s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision." Daniel 8:16.

Christ both understood it and told the people to read and understand a part of it. "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)." Matthew 24:15.

Only the part relating to the last days was sealed till the time of the end. "The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, �But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased� (Dan. 12:4). When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, �Time shall be no longer.� (See Revelation 10:6.) The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days." Selected Messages Book 2, p. 105:1.

"In view of the testimony of Inspiration, how dare men teach that the Revelation is a mystery beyond the reach of human understanding? It is a mystery revealed, a book opened. The study of the Revelation directs the mind to the prophecies of Daniel, and both present most important instruction, given of God to men, concerning events to take place at the close of this world�s history." The Great Controversy, p. 341:3.

"To John were opened scenes of deep and thrilling interest in the experience of the church. He saw the position, dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance of the people of God. He records the closing messages which are to ripen the harvest of the earth, either as sheaves for the heavenly garner or as fagots for the fires of destruction. Subjects of vast importance were revealed to him, especially for the last church, that those who should turn from error to truth might be instructed concerning the perils and conflicts before them. None need be in darkness in regard to what is coming upon the earth." The Great Controversy, p. 341:4.

Yet many people are ignorant of the things that are revealed. For this reason, what comes upon them? "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." Hosea 4:6.

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18.

What is the reason for this great ignorance? "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time." Revelation 12:12.

What is one of the things that Satan does in his wrath? "Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved." Luke 8:12.

"Why, then, this widespread ignorance concerning an important part of Holy Writ? Why this general reluctance to investigate its teachings? It is the result of a studied effort of the prince of darkness to conceal from men that which reveals his deceptions. For this reason, Christ the Revelator, foreseeing the warfare that would be waged against the study of the Revelation, pronounced a blessing upon all who should read, hear, and observe the words of the prophecy." The Great Controversy, p. 342:1.

What attitude will prevent us from understanding this book? "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

It will only be a mystery to us if we reject the truth. "The book of Revelation must be opened to the people. Many have been taught that it is a sealed book; but it is sealed to those only who reject light and truth. The truth that it contains must be proclaimed, that people may have an opportunity to prepare for the events which are so soon to take place. The third angel�s message must be presented as the only hope for salvation of a perishing world." Pacific Union Recorder, 01-14-04:5.