Vivid Contrasts
The book of Revelation is a book of many contrasts. These contrasts are drawn out with vividness and clarity not always so evident in other portions of Scripture. A writer from over a hundred years ago spoke of these contrasts as follows.
It is a book of strong moral contrasts. Good and evil, in and around the earth, are brought out in sharp distinction and stern alternative. There is no compromise, no shading or blending of moral opposites, or attempt at concord between Christ and Belial. A deep decided line is drawn between the righteous and the unjust, the holy and the filthy, the Lamb and the wild beast, the throne of God and the abyss, Michael and his angels and the dragon with his angels, the Bride and the harlot, New Jerusalem and great Babylon.[1]
Following are several examples:
1. The Contrast between God’s Throne (1:4 & all of chapters 4 & 5), and Satan’s Throne (2:13). Perhaps more than any other book in the New Testament, this book presents the truth that every person is either bowing before the throne of God, or bowing before the throne of Satan. It is a clear-cut choice.
2. The Contrast between the Temple of God (3:12, etc.), and the Synagogue of Satan (3:9). Every person is either worshipping in the Temple of God, or worshipping in the Synagogue of Satan. There is no middle ground.
3. The Contrast between the Lamb (5:6, etc.), and the Beast (13:1 ff.). The context of the book reveals that every person is either lining up in faith with the Little Butchered Lamb, or with the Slaughtering Beast.
4. The Contrast between the Bride (21:9 ff.), and the Whore (17:1 ff.). Every person will forever be rightly related to the Bride, or seen to be a whore.
5. The Contrast between the River of Life (22:1), and the Lake of Fire (20:14). Throughout all eternity every person will either delight in the drinking of the River of Life, or suffer torment in the Lake of Fire.
It is clear through all of these vivid contrasts, along with numerous others which can be found in the book, that through the book of Revelation God offers all men a clear-cut choice. There is nothing vague or unclear about man’s alternatives. Rejecting the Lamb of God carries great consequences throughout all eternity. Submitting to Him does as well!
[1] Donald Fraser, Lectures on the Books of the Bible (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895), 322-323.