Aids to 'Revelations'
Watchman Nee's sermon provides essential insights and aids for understanding the book of Revelation, emphasizing its relevance and the attitudes believers should adopt towards it.
Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of understanding the book of Revelation as we approach the end of the age and the hope of the millennium. He notes that while Revelation was once avoided, it is now seen as a blessed text, encouraging believers to read and heed its prophecies. Nee provides essential aids for interpreting Revelation, discussing various schools of thought, the significance of numerals, and the distinction between salvation and reward. He also compares Revelation's prophecies with those in other biblical texts and outlines the major future events described in the book. His goal is to inspire believers to engage with Revelation and apply its teachings in their lives.
Text
As we are quickly approaching the close of this age with the blessed hope in view of the dawning of a new age - even the millennium, it is no surprise that the hearts of God's children are increasingly drawn to the last book of the Bible, Revelation. Whereas in the past that book was shunned by most as not being understandable, now it is looked upon as a blessed book, just as it is written of it: "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand" (Rev 1:3).
In the study of Revelation, however, there are certain basic things one must know in order to understand this book. The lack of such fundamental knowledge has kept people in the past from reading it and it still presents a problem to those who are now studying it. In order to encourage God's children to study, Watchman Nee in the nineteen-twenties prepared aids to the book of Revelation and published them in serial form in Christian magazine, from Volume 2 to Volume 23. Although these writings belong to his early days, the light released remains nonetheless undiminished through the years since that time. They offer invaluable helps to all who love the word of God.
In this present volume, then, the author deals with the attitude the believers should have towards the book of Revelation as well as the ways and means of understanding it. He presents the different schools of interpretation concerning Revelation and offers the key to its right interpretation. He touches upon the distinction between salvation and reward, the four kinds of judgment, and the spiritual significance of numerals in the Bible since these are essential to rightly dividing the word of truth. He compares the prophecies in Revelation with the other prophecies of the Bible - such as Daniel's human image and the seventy sevens, the Olivet prophecy of our Lord, and Paul's prophecy found in 2 Thessalonians. Finally he summarizes the great events of the future as given in Revelation according to their respective times, and suggests a detailed outline of the book.
May the Lord use this volume to help many to read, to hearken, and to keep the things written in the book of Revelation.
Sermon Outline
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I
- {'A': 'The significance of the book in the current age', 'B': 'Historical perception and recent interest'}
- Introduction to Revelation
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II
- {'A': 'Basic principles necessary for interpretation', 'B': 'Common misconceptions and barriers to study'}
- Fundamental Knowledge for Understanding Revelation
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III
- {'A': 'Watchman Nee's contributions in the 1920s', 'B': 'The enduring relevance of these writings'}
- Aids to Understanding Revelation
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IV
- {'A': 'Believers' mindset in studying prophecy', 'B': 'Encouragement to engage with the text'}
- Attitudes Towards the Book of Revelation
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V
- {'A': 'Different schools of thought on Revelation', 'B': 'Key concepts: salvation vs. reward, judgments, numerals'}
- Interpretation Schools and Key Concepts
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VI
- {'A': 'Comparison with Daniel and other biblical prophecies', 'B': 'Understanding the Olivet prophecy and Paul's insights'}
- Comparative Prophecies
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VII
- {'A': 'Outline of events as presented in Revelation', 'B': 'Chronological significance of these events'}
- Summary of Future Events
Key Quotes
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.” — Watchman Nee
“The lack of such fundamental knowledge has kept people in the past from reading it.” — Watchman Nee
“May the Lord use this volume to help many to read, to hearken, and to keep the things written in the book of Revelation.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- Engage with the book of Revelation regularly to deepen your understanding of God's plan.
- Approach the study of prophecy with an open heart and a willingness to learn.
- Utilize available resources and writings to enhance your interpretation of biblical texts.