I understand perfectly well why the book of Revelation is so little read. I think I see clearly why even Christians give themselves so little to the study of this wonderful book. They often say, “Oh, it is very difficult, and so full of figurative language that we cannot comprehend its meaning.” But that is not the reason. Do you think the devil likes that you and I should ponder carefully a book that speaks, first of all, of himself and his angels being cast out of heaven (Rev. 12:9); and then of his being cast, solitary, into the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1–3); and then, finally, hurled into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10)? Do you think the devil likes that you and I should be occupied with his three-fold fall till, at length, he finds himself the most miserable wretch in creation; for such, indeed, he will be, as he reviews in eternity the sorrow he has wrought through pride, terminating in endless shame? You would not put into the hands of a man a book that told of your downfall. You would put it in the fire if you could.

But there is yet another reason. This is the book that brings out the final issues of all things, and the book that shows what is to be the end of the pathway of that lowly, self-humbled, blessed One whom the world refused. This book shows His final exaltation and glory, His reign for a thousand years over an earth delivered from Satan, and then His final and definitive dealing with the great adversary of man.

Little wonder that Satan has persuaded Christians that the book of Revelation is a book that had better not be opened. It is remarkable, however, that in the first chapter God speaks of the blessing connected with reading and keeping the sayings of this book (Rev. 1:3). So I fervently commend it to your attention, henceforth.