Outline of Revelation

Dr. Gail E. Terrell
Pastor, Grace Baptist Church , Hamilton , Ohio

  1. Introduction.   Many different interpretations exist amongst faithful brethren concerning the events described in Revelation.   Future events are always difficult to discern.   For example, the apostles listened over and over as Jesus described what would happen in His death and resurrection; however, the apostles simply could not understand all that Jesus meant.   When Jesus was arrested and crucified, the apostles were so confused about the future that one fought (Peter attacked with a sword and Jesus had to repair the damaged wound, John 18:10), cursed (Peter swore so that would not be recognized as one of the apostles, Mark 14:71), and they all scattered (Mark 14:50).   They simply could not understand what was going to happen three days hence!   Maybe we are like this also.   When faithful brethren disagree, they should simply keep on studying.   Even then, some truths are not for our time to understand:   The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29).   Don’t let your expectations for the future interfere with serving God properly NOW!   If your future expectations are wrong, God will still bring His perfect plan to pass.   Be careful and do not react like the apostles to confusing expectations and difficult to understand passages; that is, Don’t fight!   Don’t curse!   Don’t scatter!   Just serve Christ!!

  2. Prologue: Jesus speaks (1:1-8).

  3. Glorious vision of Christ (1:9-20).

  4. The letters to the seven churches.   Seven actual churches are described that have real challenges, problems, and faithfulness.   Jesus never indicates that these churches represent dispensations, historical stages, or periods.   These are simply seven churches like we always have with us.   The churches need to honor Christ in all they do (2:1-3:22).
    1. The church at Ephesus has left thy first love and must repent (2:1-11).
    2. The church at Smyrna is commended for faithfully serving Christ even though poor (2:8-11).
    3. The church at Pergamos has the evil beliefs of Balaam and Nicolaitanes and must repent ( 2:12-17).
    4. The church at Thyatira has an evil woman confusing the members and must repent ( 2:18-29).
    5. The church at Sardis is dead but a few members are still faithful and they should be heeded (3:1-6).
    6. The church at Philadelphia loves the Lord and is commended for faithfulness (3:7-13).
    7. The church at Laodicea is lukewarm and must repent ( 3:14-19).
    8. Jesus stands at the door and knocks at the door of these churches and will bless those who respond faithfully ( 3:20-22).

  5. The throne in heaven evokes worship of God (4:1-11).

  6. The seven-sealed book which only the Lamb was worthy to open (5:1-14).

  7. Three series of judgments described in chapters 6-19.
    1. The seven seals (chapter 6).      
      1. The white horse (6:1-2).
      2. The red horse (6:3-4).
      3. The black horse (6:5-6).
      4. The pale horse (6:7-8).
      5. The souls of martyrs (6:9-11).
      6. The signs in heaven ( 6:12-17)

  8. Parenthesis:   the sealing of the 144,000 (chapter 7).

  9. The seven trumpets (chapters 8-9).
    1. Hail, fire, and blood (8:7).
    2. Sea turned into blood (8:8-9).
    3. Star falling upon waters ( 8:10-11).
    4. Sun, moon, and stars darkened ( 8:12-13).
    5. Opening of bottomless pit (9:1-12).
    6. Loosing of four angels (9:3-21).

  10. Parenthesis:   the little book, measuring of temple, two witnesses, announcement of consummation (chapters 10-11).

  11. The signs (chapters 12-15).
    1. War (chapter 12).
    2. The beast and his prophet (chapter 13).
    3. Various announcements (chapter 14).
    4. Prelude to the last judgments (chapter 15).

  12. The seven bowl judgments (chapter 16).
    1. The sore on men (16:2).
    2. Turning of sea into blood (16:3).
    3. Turning of fountains into blood (16:4-7).
    4. Increase of heat of sun (16:8-9).
    5. Darkness ( 16:10-11).
    6. Unclean spirits ( 16:12-15).
    7. Consummation ( 16:12-15).

  13. Christ in conquest (chapters 17-21).
    1. Destruction of religious Babylon (chapter 17).
    2. Destruction of commercial Babylon (chapter 18).
    3. Rejoicing and alleluias in heaven (chapter 19).
    4. The binding of Satan and the thousand years (chapter 20).

  14. The eternal state with new heaven and new earth (21:1-22:5).

  15. Benediction.   22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.   Amen.   Even so, come, Lord Jesus.   22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.   Amen.