“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of the prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and who keep what is written in it…” (Revelation 1:3, NRSV). This verse shows that the Book of Revelation is primarily intended to be a practical book, not a source of wild speculation. To help us see some of the practical value, we want to point out some contrasts within this book.

Contrasts in People

Some are marked as God’s people (3:12; 7:3; 14:1, 4-5), while others are marked as Satan’s people, because they serve his agents (9:4; 13:14-18; 14:9)

Note: Those who are marked as God’s people are those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb, those who exhibit faith, love, obedience, courage, and perseverance. These are the qualities seen in God’s people throughout this book. Do you exhibit these same qualities?

Some have their names written in the Book of Life (3:5; 21:27); while others either do not have their name in this book, or have had their names blotted out (13:8; 17:8; 20:15). Are you sure your name is written there?

Some give glory to God (4:9-11; 5:11-13; 7:11-12; 11:13; 15:3-4; 19:1), while others either do not give Him glory or blaspheme Him (13:5-6; 16:9, 11, 21). Note especially 16:9. One way we can blaspheme God is by not repenting of sin.

Some bow before God (14:6-7; 15:4; 19:10; 22:9), while others bow before idols (9:20). Remember, an idol doesn’t have to be a statue or image; it can be anything that means more to us than the Lord.

Some worship the Lamb, who lives forever and ever (5:12-13), while others worship the beast, who will be destroyed (13:4; 19:19-21). It makes no sense to be loyal to anyone (or anything) other than Jesus.

Some do not defile themselves with women (they keep themselves pure from the world—14:4); while others join themselves to the great harlot (they are corrupted by the world—17:1-2, 5; 19:2). Think about it—have you been conformed to Christ or to the world? Which (or who) is influencing you more?

Some hold fast during persecution (2:12-13; 12:11), while others deny the Lord (13:11-18; 21:8). In other words, some are brave and some are cowards.

Contrasts in Fate

Note: The previous contrasts should help us see who will receive what.

Some will drink from living fountains of waters (7:17; 21:6; 22:1, 17), while others will drink the wine of God’s wrath (14:8-10).

Some will be called to the marriage supper of the Lamb (19:9), while others will be called to the great supper of God, where they will be the supper (19:17-21).

Some will rest from their labors (14:12-13), while others will have no rest day or night (14:11).

Some will stand victoriously on the sea of glass (15:2), while others will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (19:20; 20:10, 15; 21:8).

Some will never experience pain and anguish again (21:4), while others will be tormented forever (14:10-11; 20:10).

Some will enter through the gates into the heavenly city (21:24-27; 22:14), while others will be left outside (22:15).