Part 1 of an interview with Scotty Smith, Author of Revelation: Hope in the Darkness

 

The book of Revelation has suffered at the hands of its many interpreters though the years. Many simply want to treat the last book of the Bible as though it were a prophetic jigsaw puzzle, written to be solved for the final generation of Christians. Others dismiss it as being too veiled, complex, and culture-bound to be of any benefit to modern believers. Some so spiritualize the text as to render it little more than a book of parables and allegories. However, in Revelation: Hope in the Darkness, Scotty Smith leads readers through each chapter of what he sees as a book filled with hope and love.

Part 1 of an interview with Scotty Smith, Author of Revelation: Hope in the Darkness  The book of Revelation has suffered at the hands of its many interpreters though the years. Many simply want to treat the last book of the Bible as though it were a prophetic jigsaw puzzle, written to be solved for the final generation of Christians. Others dismiss it as being too veiled, complex, and culture-bound to be of any benefit to modern believers. Some so spiritualize the text as to render it little more than a book of parables and allegories. However, in Revelation: Hope in the Darkness, Scotty Smith leads readers through each chapter of what he sees as a book filled with hope and love.   Q: For some, a study of Revelation brings some dread while others are excited to learn more. Why are there so many views of the last book of the Bible and attitudes about studying it?                                    One of the reasons Revelation has generated so many views is because it’s written in a style we’re not very familiar with. Apocalyptic literature is greatly symbolic and needs to be read accordingly. Also, Revelation has between 250-400 quotes or allusions from the Old Testament, and if you don’t understand this, all kinds of fanciful interpretations can be generated.   Also, the obvious is often missed. This is a book by Jesus and about Jesus. He is the focus, hero, and point of the entire book.  If we try to make it fit into another scenario, it can be made to say almost anything the interpreter wants.   Q: Why do you believe that Revelation the most encouraging book in the Bible?   Precisely because it’s by Jesus and about Jesus. Every promise God made finds it’s Yes in Jesus, and Revelation shows us what that looks like. From the first chapter, where Jesus is celebrated as the One who love us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and is regaled the “ruler of the kings of the earth,” all the way to the 19th chapter—where Jesus returns to eradicate evil and greet us at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, and the 21st and 22nd chapters—where Jesus returns to finish making all things new and usher in the new heaven and new earth.  This book is pregnant with hope and overflowing with encouragement. Indeed, I am convinced beyond all doubt that the last book in the Bible was written primarily to stimulate the people of God in every generation to great hope, and missional living and loving   Q: What is Revelation’s purpose?   Our vision of Jesus tends to be too small. Revelation’s purpose is not to give us a puzzle to figure out about Jesus, but to help us clarify and enlarge our vision of him in scary times and prosperous times alike. When we suffer, we tend to doubt Jesus’ love and presence. When we prosper, we tend to ignore and forget his love and presence. The very word “revelation” means “unveiling,” not concealing. When Revelation is read looking for Jesus on every page, he is clearly seen as the point, hero, and truly glorious one.   Revelation encourages the church of every generation and context to know, love, and serve Jesus. He is our perfect righteousness, reigning King, and returning Bridegroom.   Q: You write that love is a central theme of Revelation, and to miss out on that would deny our hearts profound joy, peace, and comfort. How does Jesus show his love in both the commendation and correction of the seven churches of Asia?   When someone knows you perfectly, and loves you completely, their rebukes actually come like a kiss. Jesus affirmations and rebukes to his Bride, not only in Asia Minor, but everywhere, are focusing and freeing. Only Jesus’ love is better than life. It’s the only love that will not let go of us, the only love that can fill the vacuum and void in our lives. The more alive we are to God’s love lavished on us in Jesus, the quicker we will repent and the more generously we will love others. The Apostle Paul referred to this as the “compelling love of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:14-17).   Q: How should we examine our own worship after seeing the example of perfected worship which is illustrated in Revelation 5?   The entire Book of Revelation is a non-stop testimony to the worth and worthiness of our God. This should define our worship more than anything else, for to worship is to declare worth. Jesus inhabits and transcends every “worship style.” Revelation 2-3 put us into a position to learn what kind of churches and worship Jesus deserves and delights in. We matter, but only Jesus is the point.   In both Revelation 4 and 5, we are given a vision of the “worship culture” of heaven. What is striking is how the entire Trinity is worshipped as both Creator and Redeemer. These two chapters alone focus and expand our understanding of our most eternal and glorious calling—to worship God with everything we have and are. As we marinate in these two chapters, we will move from being mere consumers of worship, to being those who are consumed with the glory and grace of our God—fueled by a better understanding of the person and work of Jesus.   Q: What are the elements of each lesson, and how is the study designed to be used?   This small group guide with leader’s notes includes fourteen in-depth lessons for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings. With rich discussion questions, exercises, and articles to encourage thoughtful responses to the text, this study guide helps readers see the gospel more clearly in each chapter of the book of Revelation. Studying with others allows group members to not only benefit from what God is teaching them, but what others are learning in the process.   Q: Your Revelation study is a part of the Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series. What other studies are available in the series?   Revelation: Hope in the Darkness is part of The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible series published by New Growth Press in partnership with Serge.   Each book in the series examines how the gospel story is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The other new releases in the series are Ephesians: The Love We Long For (which I also wrote) and Titus: Life-Changing Truth in a World of Lies by Jeff Dodge. Ruth: Redemption for the Broken by Jared Wilson and Jonah: Grace for Sinners and Saints by Iain Duguid are also available. The Gospel-Centered Life for Students series includes studies of Exodus and Mark. Revelation: Hope in the Darkness Study Guide with Leader’s Notes The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible Series by Scotty Smith August 24, 2020 / Retail Price: $15.99 Print ISBN 978-1-645070-72-6 Religion/Christian Living/Spiritual Growth

About the author

Scotty Smith, DMin, planted and pastored Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN, for twenty-six years. He worked on the pastoral staff of West End Community Church as teacher-in-residence and also served as adjunct faculty for Covenant Seminary, Westminster (Philadelphia), Reformed (Orlando), and Western Seminary (Portland).   He is the author of Unveiled Hope, Objects of His Affection, Restoring Broken Things, Everyday Prayers, Every Season Prayers, Ephesians: The Love We Long For, and Revelation: Hope in the Darkness. He also writes a daily blog, Heavenward on The Gospel Coalition.   Smith and his wife of more than forty-five years, Darlene, live in Franklin, TN.   Follow Scotty Smith on Twitter (@ScottyWardSmith) and Facebook.