The Book of Revelation and the love of God? Part 1

Does the Book of Revelation contradict the claim that God is love? 

This is one of the questions we will be wrestling with in my course on the Book of Revelation as we patiently read through what is a complex and perplexing text. Throughout the history of its interpretation, on occasion students of the book have come to the conclusion that the notion that God is fundamentally loving is irreconcilable with message and imagery of John's Apocalypse (this is another name for the Book of Revelation), especially in Revelation 6-20. 

Interestingly, their are two bookends, or framing devices (more technically known as inclusios) in Revelation that seem to suggest that the book is ultimately about God's love. The first inclusio can be found in Revelation 1:4-8 / 22:12-21; the second framing device is located in the message to the first of the seven churches and the last of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. 

Inclusio 1: Revelation 1:4-8 / 22:12-21

In the opening greeting to the recipients of the letter (1:4-8), John introduces Jesus to the seven churches with two important descriptors: (1) he is the one who loved them and freed them from their sins by his blood, making them a kingdom of priests; and (2) as the one who is coming (again). John orients the readers to Jesus by reminding them that he demonstrated his love by liberating them and by giving them a new purpose or calling in life. In other words, this one who is coming again is characterized not only as the loving liberator who rescues but also as the one who extends to those people the privilege of joining in his work. 

The closing section of Revelation (22:12-21) once again reminds the readers that Jesus is coming soon, and when he does, he will bring with him remuneration (22:12) for the work that each has done (the Greek term that is translated "recompense" in the ESV is misthos which can mean payment, wage, or reward [or punishment, depending on the case]). There is more to consider in this statement than we have space for here, but at the ground level, with this inclusio, John is affirming that the liberating Jesus who has extended the privilege of joining in his work will compensate those who take up the call. Membership has its rewards! This, John seems to be suggesting, is one of the ways in which God's love is expressed. 

Inclusio 2: The Message to Ephesus and to Laodicea

There is a second suggestive inclusio in Revelation and it bookends the message to the seven churches. 

Interestingly, in light of what we just saw in Revelation 22:12, the message to the church in Ephesus affirms their work, their patient endurance and faithfulness to Jesus' call. But it also included an urgent warning: you have lost your first love. Repent, or turn around. The most important work, the Ephesians are reminded, is to love God and love others. God's rescue is an invitation to his life of love. 

And in the message to the last church, Laodicea, John explains that all the warnings and rebukes that are found in the message to the seven churches are rooted in God's love: "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so...repent (Revelation 3:19)." God's call to repent is motivated by love. 

Conclusion

This observation about the two inclusios doesn't ultimately answer the question about whether the Book of Revelation contradicts the claims that God is love, but it does provide some building blocks to press into the apparent contradiction. What we see with these inclusios is that they amplify or expand how we are to understand how God's love is expressed. This includes not only liberation from sin, but also the granting of a purpose, privilege and calling, as well as warning, judgment, and reward. But God's love is ultimately expressed in God's desire to dwell with his people. 

There is, no doubt,  more to be said.