Introduction
Memory Text: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” (John 1:29, NKJV).
The Genesis foundation
of concepts in the Revelation is essential for studying the book of Revelation.
After all, for instance, it shows the path by which our world descended into
sinful chaos. Nearly every key concept mentioned in Revelation appears—in
some form—in the opening chapters of the Bible. A few of these big
concepts at the core of Revelation is the study for this week.
What is the “law of first mention?”
The “law of first mention” refers to the introduction of a
concept or symbol with a general understanding of that concept which helps
understand how it’s being used later on.
What principle is mentioned in Sunday’s lesson for anchoring the study of
prophecy?
When God establishes truth, He does not change His mind.
When truth is established, repetitions of that truth does not change the truth
but further sheds light on the already-established truth.
How can we understand love from the first mention of “love” in the Bible
found in Genesis 22:1-13?
The first mention of love in the Bible foreshadowed God’s
love for the human race. He loved us to the point where He “gave His only
begotten Son” (Gen. 22:2, 12, 16)—and, then, raised Him from the dead.
How does the story of Isaac’s near-sacrifice help us understand how lambs
are used symbolically?
The first mention of a seh
(lamb) in the Bible comes in the form of Isaac’s question: “Where is the lamb?”
(Gen. 22:7). And interestingly enough, the rest of the Bible answers that
question in great detail. From the Passover rituals to David’s early
occupation. In the New Testament, the question is answered when Jesus appears
in flesh and blood, ministers among His people, and finally sacrifices His life
at the cross.
How does the first mention of a Lamb in John’s Gospel, in John 1:29-34
personally answer Isaac’s question of a lamb?
The first mention of Lamb in John’s gospel seems to be
personally answering Isaac’s question. Sinners are repenting and baptizing,
symbolizing the death of the sinner and the beginning of a new life. In this
context, Jesus, the Lamb of God, suddenly appears and, according to Matthew’s
account, the heavens open to announce Him: “ ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased’ ” (Matt. 3:17, NKJV) just as the voice from heaven announced the
solution to Abraham and Isaac’s problem (Gen. 22:11-14).
“Where is the Lamb?”
The Lamb is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Lamb of God, and is
our substitute.
How does the understanding of the Lamb all through the Bible tie into what
John sees in Revelation 5?
By weaving together all the threads found in the Bible, it
is clear that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is our Substitute. That sheds much light
on our understanding of the slain Lamb in John’s vision.
What parallels are found between the first mention of death and Christ’s
death on the cross?
The first mention of death is the murder of Abel, the
righteous by the unrighteous, Cain. This parallels with Christ’s murder by the
unrighteous.
What is the key subject in the book of Revelation?
The issue of worship is a key subject in the book of
Revelation.
Who is the perpetrator and enabler of false systems of worship?
The “dragon” (Rev. 13:2-4), who is Satan, is the perpetrator
and enabler of false systems of worship.
What are the two accounts in the Scripture in which Satan leads the whole
world astray?
In Genesis, at a moment when there were only two people in
existence; and then in the account given in Revelation 12 and 13, in which
Satan is identified as the one who “deceives the whole world” (Rev. 12:9) and
as the one who enables the sea beast power so that “all the world” marvels and
follows it (Rev. 13:2, 3).
What is the nature of the great controversy?
God’s character and Word do not change, and the ambitions of
the devil does not change. God’s character is love. The devil may wear a
thousand disguises, but millennia of fallen human history, coupled with the
prophetic scenario painted in Revelation, demonstrate that he never strays from
the game plan he used in Eden.
In Conclusion,
Every truth about Christianity, about God, about our salvation has its roots in the Bible. It is important to bear this in mind, when we study prophecies, because God has given us everything through history with His people. Going against God’s Word can lead to deception and consequently lead us away from God. May God help us to stand in the truth, in Jesus’ name.