Prelude to the Unveiling

In this introductory message to the book of Revelation, Chuck Swindoll presents the final book of the Bible not as a source of confusion, but as the "unveiling" of Jesus Christ to a world that has lost its way. Acknowledging the "chaotic times" in which we live—marked by rumors of war and terrorism—Swindoll argues that Revelation is uniquely relevant because it provides the only reliable map for the future, authored by the One "who was and is and is to come" [3–7]. Swindoll establishes the book’s primary purpose: to show God's servants "things which must soon take place." He clarifies that from God's eternal perspective, where a thousand years is like a day, the return of Christ is imminent [8–11]. The message explores the Triune God presented in the opening verses: the Father who transcends time, the Spirit in His seven-fold fullness, and Jesus Christ, the "faithful witness" and "ruler of the kings of the earth" [19–21]. The sermon concludes with a focus on the inevitability of Christ's return. Unlike His first coming in humiliation, His second coming will be a global event where "every eye will see Him," resulting in mourning for those who rejected Him. Swindoll ends with an urgent plea to accept the "release" from sins offered by Christ’s blood now, warning that spiritual preparation cannot be postponed because "it is later than it has ever been before" [25, 29–30].

Message Key Facts:

• Singular, Not Plural: Swindoll emphasizes that the title is "The Revelation" (singular), not "Revelations." It refers to one unified unveiling of the truth concerning Jesus Christ, rather than a collection of disparate visions.
• The Promised Blessing: Revelation is one of the rare books that promises a specific blessing to those who read, hear, and heed it. Swindoll defines "blessing" (from the Hebrew ashar) as finding the right pathway and meaning in life amidst the false pathways of a chaotic world [13–15].
• "Soon" and Imminence: Addressing the phrase "things which must soon take place," Swindoll explains that God is not bound by a 24-hour clock. Citing 2 Peter 3:8, he notes that a 2,000-year wait is but a "couple of days" in God's timetable, making the events imminent at any moment [9–11].
• Donald Grey Barnhouse’s Prophetic Voice: Swindoll quotes Donald Grey Barnhouse from the early 1930s, who wrote about the world "plunging through one catastrophe after another." Swindoll notes how these words from 70 years ago sound like they were written for the post-9/11 era, proving the timeless relevance of prophecy.
• Washed vs. Released: In Revelation 1:5, some translations say "washed us from our sins," while others say "released." Swindoll explains that there is only one Greek letter difference between the words. He prefers "released" (found in older manuscripts), which emphasizes that Christ freed believers from the penalty of sin once and for all at the Cross [22–23].
• The "Grandfather Clock" Illustration: To illustrate the urgency of the times, Swindoll tells a story of an old couple whose clock malfunctioned and chimed 15 times. The husband remarked, "I don't know what time it is, but it's later than it's ever been before." This serves as a warning against spiritual procrastination.
• The Ruler of Kings: Swindoll highlights the title of Jesus as "ruler of the kings of the earth." He reminds the listener that every earthly monarch and leader—whether they realize it or not—is a pawn in the hand of God, who moves their hearts like channels of water.

Message References:

• Revelation 1:1–8: The primary text covering the prologue, the greeting to the seven churches, and the announcement of Christ’s return.
• 2 Peter 3:3–8: Referenced to explain God’s relationship to time ("one day is like a thousand years") and to answer mockers who ask, "Where is the promise of His coming?" [9–10].
• Psalm 1:1: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly," referenced to define the concept of blessing.
• Proverbs 21:1: "The Lord is able to move the heart of the Kings like channels of water," referenced regarding Christ’s sovereignty over earthly rulers.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll