The Predominant Practical Purpose of the Apocalypse
S. Conway Revelation 21:7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. He that over-cometh, etc. At the beginning of this book - in the epistles to the seven Churches - we had this repeated promise, "to him that overcometh." And its reiteration there as well as here alike proves that the purpose of this book was an intently practical one. It was not given to furnish food for mere mental or sentimental musings, or to be only a treasure house of poetical imagery. Far other and higher than these were the ends contemplated. Think of some of them. I. THAT ONE HERE NAMED - to encourage the persecuted, much tried Church, into whose hands the book first came, to continue patient, to increase courage, to endure still the trials of their lot. For this were all its awful warnings, its vivid pictures of judgment, its entrancingly beautiful promises - so exceedingly great and precious. They all aimed to deepen in the mind of each member of the Church the conviction of Romans 8:18, "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy," etc.; and to convince of the truth of the Lord's words (Matthew 19:29), "Every one that hath forsaken," etc. Such was the primary purpose of the book. But there are others. II. TO VINDICATE THE CHARACTER OF GOD. It has ever been the trial of the thoughtful in all ages how the present condition of the world could be consistent with the conviction of the character of God as holy, just, and good. This Apocalypse of the end and issue of all things does not a little to reassure and re-establish the tottering faith. When we know we are being conducted to a glorious and beautiful city where we would fain be, we do not heed overmuch the discomforts of the way. III. TO ENNOBLE LIFE. It does this: 1. By revealing a noble destiny. The elevating power of such a revelation cannot but be, for it always is, great. 2. By inspiring scorn for what is inconsistent therewith. 3. By uplifting our desires and aims. IV. TO IMPART PATIENCE IN SUFFERING. If I believe in the issue of suffering, and know the good it is to "work out," must not this minister patience? V. TO MAKE US "ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD," because here we have shown to us "that our labour is not in vain in the Lord." No faithful effort is thrown away, or can be. VI. TO FURNISH US WITH A GOSPEL FOR THE POOR. Because, when here we have done what we can for those who need our help, ministering to them to the best of our power, if we have nothing else to say to them, our all is but little. But this Apocalypse gives us much else - much indeed. VII. TO MEET AND MINISTER TO THE NATURAL DESIRE FOR BLESSEDNESS. Man is made to be blessed. His constitution demonstrates that, and his incessant desire for happiness is that which lends greatest force to the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Now, in such revelation of the future of God's redeemed as these chapters give, there is the response to that hunger of the soul which others falsely promise, but which this alone can give. VIII. TO MAKE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST PRECIOUS TO US. For he it is who, having "overcome the sharpness of death," has opened "the kingdom of heaven to all believers." We owe it all to him, and by him alone can we keep in that "patient continuance in well doing," which by his grace lands us at last on that blessed shore. Such are some of the ends contemplated by this book. Are they being fulfilled in us? - S.C. Parallel Verses KJV: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. WEB: He who overcomes, I will give him these things. I will be his God, and he will be my son.