The Book of Revelation. The Apocalypse. Words that often call to mind bizarre creatures, strange seals, dreadful plagues, and a slew of other mystifying symbols.

Most of us approach this last book of the Bible with forebodings rather than hope. To us John’s vision seems more like a nightmare.

But the elderly apostle begins with a statement that doesn’t seem to fit the rest of the book: “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” Apparently he intends to unveil something tremendously important about Jesus. Something life-changing. Something we can’t afford to miss.

Larry Lichtenwalter explores a side of Revelation seldom portrayed: Christ’s passionate love for humanity. This recurring theme subtly appears in the imagery and symbolism throughout John’s vision. The slain Lamb. The divine protective sealing. The blood-bleached-white robes. The heart-wrenching prayer of the saints. Without Christ’s love, these scenes and symbols would mean nothing.

Ultimately John’s vision reveals the extraordinary love of our Savior for His rebellious, undeserving children—and the incredible reasons we can love Him in return.