WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN – WHAT IS NOW AND WHAT WILL TAKE PLACE / REVELATION 1:19

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Revelation 1:19

Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

The Ultimate Divine Outline: Understanding the Past, Present, and Future in Revelation 1:19

Have you ever opened the Book of Revelation and felt immediately overwhelmed? Between the multi-headed beasts, the mysterious scrolls, and the dramatic cosmic imagery, it is easy to feel lost in the prophecy.

But God did not leave us without a map. In fact, right at the beginning of the book, Jesus hands the Apostle John a master key that unlocks the entire structure of the vision. It is found in Revelation 1:19:

“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.”

In this single verse, Jesus provides a perfect, three-part divine outline for the ultimate unfolded story of humanity. If you want to understand Revelation, you simply need to look through these three chronological windows.

1. “What You Have Seen” (The Past Vision)

The first section refers to the opening vision John experienced on the island of Patmos, captured entirely in Revelation 1. John saw the resurrected, glorified Jesus standing in the midst of seven golden lampstands.

This is not the humble carpenter of Nazareth or the suffering servant on the cross. This is Christ in His full majesty—eyes like blazing fire, a voice like rushing waters, and a face shining like the sun. This past vision establishes Christ’s supreme authority before any prophecy is revealed. He is the alpha, the omega, and the ultimate author of history.

2. “What Is Now” (The Present Church Age)

The second section addresses the immediate reality of John’s day, which continues into our present era: the church age. This covers Revelation 2 – 3, where Jesus dictates personal letters to seven literal churches in Asia Minor.

These chapters hold up a mirror to the modern church. Jesus addresses our triumphs, our compromises, our persecutions, and our spiritual lukewarmness. It reminds us that while we wait for the culmination of history, we have a job to do right now. We are called to endure, to repent, and to remain faithful lampstands in a dark world.

3. “What Will Take Place” (The Future Glory)

The final and largest section of the book spans from Revelation 4 all the way to Revelation 22. It unveils everything that is still to come—the events preceding, during, and following Christ’s triumphant return to earth.

This is where we see the unfolding of the tribulation, the final defeat of evil, the ultimate judgment, and the creation of a New Heaven and a New Earth. It is a future where God wipes away every tear, death is swallowed up forever, and God dwells intimately with His people. It tells us how the story ends: Jesus wins.

The Takeaway

Revelation 1:19 reminds us that our God is completely sovereign over time. He is the God of what was, what is, and what is to come. We do not need to fear the future because the same Jesus who comforted John on Patmos holds tomorrow firmly in His hands.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You that You are the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. Thank You for not leaving us in the dark, but for giving us Your Word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Lord, when we look at the things John saw, we are struck by the breathtaking majesty of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to live with a holy awe of His authority. As we navigate the “things that are now,” give us the strength, courage, and discernment to be a faithful Church. Keep our lamps burning brightly, and protect us from compromise or apathy.

And as we look forward to the “things that will take place,” fill our hearts with unwavering hope. When the world around us feels chaotic, remind us that the victory is already won. We anchor our souls in the promise of Your return, looking forward to the day when all things are made new.

In the mighty and glorious name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace