The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Revelation 1:19, “Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall take place after these things.”

Have you ever wondered what is going to happen tomorrow? Do you ever arise in the morning with

concern over what might happen that very day? I’m sure we all have. What’s more, we’ve all thought

about the future –far into the future. How long will I live? How long will the world last? How long—?

You might wonder how a verse like this could be called a “key verse,” since it says so little. It is the

“key verse” because it reveals the general outline and content of the Revelation. This verse reveals the past, the present, and the future. The word Revelation in English is comprised of two segments: “reveal” and “tion,” which means “the act of.” In Greek, the word is ??????????, apokalupsis, which means the “unveiling” or the “disclosure.”

To be sure, there are things “which you have seen” that you did not understand, just as there are

things “which are,” that you do not understand; and there are things “which shall take place,” that, up to this very time, we have not understood its meaning. Is the Revelation going to tell us everything? Not everything, but as much as scholars understand and reveal; and as much as the LORD Jesus wants us to know.

One central theme must be remembered throughout: JESUS is the theme, and the Central Person

throughout the entirety of the book. Some Bibles carry a title on the first page of the Revelation that reads, “The Revelation of Saint John the Divine”; however, that designation is in error. It is “The Revelation of the LORD Jesus Christ.” He is what this book is all about, just as the entire Bible focuses ultimately on Him.

Is it any mystery, therefore, why the Bible always points people to Jesus? Have you not noticed that my emphasis is always encouraging readers to 1) stay focused on the Word; 2) stay focused on prayer; and 3) follow Christ’s directive to witness to others of His saving grace? He is what it’s all about! He is the one and only Savior! And He is the One who is Coming Again! Get ready, because just when you think you have time to prepare, He is at the door, and it’s too late!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

NOTE: Those of you who are in my Small Groups Class at Cross Church, might want to retain this outline.

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom