Reflections on Revelation and Rediscovering Bold Faith
I’m currently studying the book of Revelation with a wonderful group, using Dr. David Jeremiah’s Revelation: The Ultimate Hope in Christ. In it, he highlights four key themes that every believer in Christ:
- must never compromise,
- can rely on God’s promises of deliverance,
- can be assured that evil does not triumph, and
- should worship God for His gift of salvation.
Over the next few posts, I’m going to explore each of these themes. They are foundational to understanding both our spiritual history and the message of Revelation as a whole.
Many of Us Compromise About Jesus
Jesus is wonderful, perfect, and wholly loving—He rescues us from destruction and brings us into life. And yet, I find myself denying Him in subtle ways. Not through outright rejection, but through silence.
I fall into what I’d call the “sin of omission.”Failing to speak His name when I know I should. Avoiding hard conversations, sidestep opportunities to point others toward Him, and choose silence over the risk of discomfort or rejection.
I don’t want to seem judgmental. I don’t want to make anyone angry. And so, I compromise.
A Warning to the Church in Ephesus
In Revelation, Jesus speaks directly to the church in Ephesus:
“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
— Revelation 2:1–5
The Ephesian church worked hard, stood against false teaching, and persevered through suffering—yet they had drifted from their first love. Jesus calls them to return.
I see myself in this passage. I don’t want to forsake the passion and boldness I had when I first came to Christ.
Proclaiming Jesus Is Hard
We are called to proclaim Jesus daily—not just inside the walls of our churches. And yet it can feel much easier, and far more comfortable, to remain quiet.
Revelation tells the story of a persecuted early church—a church that risked everything so that more people could enter the Kingdom of God. And here I am, hesitant simply because someone might not appreciate what I say.
The cost of speaking is small compared to the cost of staying silent. But still, silence comes easier.
Revelation Shows What Awaits Those Who Reject Jesus
Studying Revelation has opened my eyes again to the reality Scripture presents: those who turn away from Jesus face judgment, and those who turn toward Him receive mercy, grace, and eternal life.
I don’t want anyone I love—or anyone at all—to miss the Kingdom of God. And I don’t want Jesus to say of me, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”
My prayer is that I grow in boldness, love, and spiritual sensitivity. That I speak truth gently, guided by the Holy Spirit. That I show the beauty of Christ with both courage and compassion.
God’s Judgment Is Real—But So Is His Mercy
God’s judgment is frightening, solemn, and entirely just. But Christ offers a way to escape that judgment through repentance, mercy, and grace.
As I continue studying Revelation, I’m praying:
- that I become more courageous for Christ,
- that I am willing to endure whatever scorn may come,
- that I love people enough to tell them the truth,
- and that my life reflects the magnificence of what is possible through Jesus.
Revelation is not just a book of prophecy—it is a call to faithfulness. A call to bold love. A call to return to our first love and never compromise about Jesus.