It is the time when all sin will be judged, demons will be cast away, and Christ will reign over the earth. This is the word of God showing us his plan for the retribution of his son Jesus Christ. By sending these words to John in a vision God is warning the people of the world to repent for their sins and that the time is drawing near. "John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven spirits which are before his throne;" (Rev. 1:4). The content of Revelation is very complex apocalyptic literature consisting of many symbols some of which are explained and other are not. The number seven occurs numerous times throughout this narrative. The number seven, a perfect number, divisible by nothing meaning completeness. "The book is broken down by four series of seven according to the theme of which is, which was, and which is to come." (Ladd 14). Concluding with the fall of Babylon, the final battle, and the new Jerusalem. By breaking down the content in this way it is more easily explained, but keep in mind that there are a few brief interruptions that do not apply to the derivative of seven. The first series of the four are The Seven Letters (rev. 2:1-3:22). In these seven letter John sends messages to the seven churches in Asia. Although research shows that this is also meant towards other bodies outside of these seven churches. Each of these letters begin with a characterization of Christ and praise to the churches for the good deeds that they have accomplished. They then criticize the churches for mistakes they have made ending with a promise of protection for those that conquer. Moving on to what is to come he then writes of the second series of seven. The Seven Seals (Rev. 6:1-17). The great tribulation lasting for a period of seven years. A large scroll is described with seven seals to be broken, each with a consequence, in order to reveal its contents.
