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You Can Understand the Book of Revelation: Exploring Its Mystery and Message
Revelation. It’s often the book of the Bible that Christians, pastors, and seminaries have the most trouble understanding. But Skip Heitzig, the dynamic senior pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque—one of the nation’s largest churches—is eager to bring clarity to the mystery of Revelation and share why it’s an important, relevant, and exciting book to explore. With a smart, good-natured style and an investigative flair, Skip provides clear explanations and captivating explorations to help readers Readers can mine the riches of Revelation for their faith today as they deepen their understanding of and relationship with the loving, all-knowing, and promise-keeping God.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
109 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 6, 2022
Heitzig is easy to read and he has some great anecdotal stories to make his point. The star I can give is how Christ focused and pastoral Heitzig is in his writing. He wants his reader to grow in Christ not in fear and speculation about the book if Revelation. For that, I commend him. I really wanted to give this two stars. However, the book as a whole is chaotic despite how accessible his writing is. He rarely dwells on the passage he's explaining but skips around all over the place. He assumes a lot of things rather than defends them. Things like the antichrist or the 144,000. He assumes his reader already agrees with him and then tries to help navigate an admittedly difficult book. This would be my main objection to the structure of the book.
As a postmillennialist, I try to read the books of people with whom I disagree. This book has been on my shelf for a while and I finally decided to pick it up. Not really any surprises, it's a pretty straightforward Dispensational Premillennial with a heavy Arminian bent to it. Up through Chapter 3 of revelation, I had only minor nitpicks of his interpretation regarding the seven churches. Chapter four onward were just a disaster of interpretation. It would take a lot more time than I'm willing to give to point how many times statements made in early chapters are contradicted by his interpretation of later chapters.
This book does not, nor was it intended to, engage with other views. Occasionally he will allude to "some scholars" but all in reference to hypothesis of things like the mark of the beast or the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven.
Though he admirably tries to keep Christ as the focal point of Revelation, I think the presuppositions he brings to the book cloud his view of the nature of the book. RJ Rushdoony once said, "As a book for sight, Revelation becomes a frustration; as a book for faith, it becomes a joy and a comfort." This book is case in point of this idea.
As a postmillennialist, I try to read the books of people with whom I disagree. This book has been on my shelf for a while and I finally decided to pick it up. Not really any surprises, it's a pretty straightforward Dispensational Premillennial with a heavy Arminian bent to it. Up through Chapter 3 of revelation, I had only minor nitpicks of his interpretation regarding the seven churches. Chapter four onward were just a disaster of interpretation. It would take a lot more time than I'm willing to give to point how many times statements made in early chapters are contradicted by his interpretation of later chapters.
This book does not, nor was it intended to, engage with other views. Occasionally he will allude to "some scholars" but all in reference to hypothesis of things like the mark of the beast or the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven.
Though he admirably tries to keep Christ as the focal point of Revelation, I think the presuppositions he brings to the book cloud his view of the nature of the book. RJ Rushdoony once said, "As a book for sight, Revelation becomes a frustration; as a book for faith, it becomes a joy and a comfort." This book is case in point of this idea.
February 11, 2023
Gave 3 stars, would have done 2.5 stars because it’s a decent insight, but Skip does elect his own eschatological view within the pages. I’m enjoying Mike Heiser’s commentary much more.
March 9, 2018
Good enough to read again along with the Book of Revelation.
April 23, 2023
I did not like this book. God did use it to reveal His truth to me, though, as I was going through it realizing we are at a much different point in time than Skip says we are. This book promoted further study of the book of Revelation for me, and for that I am grateful. But God has revealed to me through dreams and His interpretation to me over a period of three years that we are in the seventh seal of the tribulation right now. It started in 2020. It is a longer period than many think, and is detailed in Daniel 9. Skip says Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, which is simply not true. And I am disturbed by this because, as an author, I know how long it takes to write a book and the process a godly author has to go through with God along the way—God honing him or her for His glory so that the desired outcome is from God, not of man. As a pastor, Skip is held to an extremely high standard. I have a hard time understanding how he could go through the entire process of writing this book with God and still come to this conclusion. And it is obvious by some of the devolutions he takes throughout the book, that he has chosen to go “off script” for his own purposes—often adding to or taking away from the word of God, which the book of Revelation expressly warns against!
February 14, 2023
I will say, I love Pastor Skip! His and mine Theology are N-sync probably because I grew up in a Calvary Chapel Church.
Reading/listening to this book is SO important, especially now a days. The Bible is the only book that has ever existed that has had, with 100% acurecy every prophecy in it, totally come true, to date and there is NO reason to not believe that every single terrible event mentioned in Revelation won’t come to pass. The fact that we, “the world” are witnessing he beginnings already. Should terrify you, if it doesn’t well, it says: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God Psalms 14.1 (a)
This book sums up and explains what will happen right up until the Earth is destroyed
Reading/listening to this book is SO important, especially now a days. The Bible is the only book that has ever existed that has had, with 100% acurecy every prophecy in it, totally come true, to date and there is NO reason to not believe that every single terrible event mentioned in Revelation won’t come to pass. The fact that we, “the world” are witnessing he beginnings already. Should terrify you, if it doesn’t well, it says: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God Psalms 14.1 (a)
This book sums up and explains what will happen right up until the Earth is destroyed
January 5, 2025
I love biblical prophesy and have always been fascinated with the book of Revelation. This book was well written. A prerequisite to reading this book is to read the book of Revelation in the Bible. Or read Revelation along with this book. You must have a foundation in that book to be able to understand this book. As a believer and follower of Christ, it is a blessing to know that I will spend eternity with Jesus and have nothing to fear from the great tribulation and suffering revealed in this book. With that said, this book motivates me to share the gospel with my friends and loved ones in a much more meaningful way. If we truly love someone, we would never want them to suffer the judgment that comes at the end of time.
November 22, 2025
This book helped me teach Revelation with clarity and confidence. Skip Heitzig breaks down a powerful and often feared book of the Bible in a way that’s easy to follow without oversimplifying the message. His explanations are solid, scriptural, and practical.
Whether you’re a new believer or have been walking with Christ for years, this is a valuable tool. It removes the intimidation factor and replaces it with understanding and purpose. I’m grateful for how much it supported my study and teaching of this chapter.
Whether you’re a new believer or have been walking with Christ for years, this is a valuable tool. It removes the intimidation factor and replaces it with understanding and purpose. I’m grateful for how much it supported my study and teaching of this chapter.
April 8, 2022
Excellent explanation of Revelation
I loved the author's simple way of explaining the difficult concepts in Revelation! I feel like I've learned so much from reading and studying this book. I didn't realize there were discussion questions at the end of the book until I'd finished it though and this would have made me go even deeper in the book of Revelation! Highly recommend to anyone struggling to understand Revelation!
I loved the author's simple way of explaining the difficult concepts in Revelation! I feel like I've learned so much from reading and studying this book. I didn't realize there were discussion questions at the end of the book until I'd finished it though and this would have made me go even deeper in the book of Revelation! Highly recommend to anyone struggling to understand Revelation!
April 19, 2025
Very helpful for understanding the pre tribulation rapture and pre millennial second coming view points as they unfold in the book of Revelation. I would give 5 stars but the narrator of the audio book was not my favorite. Having listened to the author Skip Heitzig on YouTube preach on Revelation, it was hard to listen to someone else deliver his content in such a flat manor.
December 23, 2022
Dispy premil view which mostly assumes the positions without much. If you disagree with these views you won’t be convinced otherwise. Because of his pastoral tone, the comfort of Christ is apparent even via this interpretative lens.
April 14, 2020
Read along with the book of Revelation! Good study guidd.
January 12, 2021
Skip Heitzig one of my favorite writers and pastors.
January 27, 2022
Interesting review and easy to understand. Helps to do supplemental reading.
March 24, 2024
If you're a fan of the fiction writing of Tim LeHay or Jerry Jenkins, you'll like this. But you want find scholarship here
June 30, 2024
Well written!!
August 11, 2011
Reading, "You Can Understand the Book of Revelation" by Skip Heitzig, truly took me by surprise at the friendly, layman approach, that Skip Heitzig takes to studying, understanding and reading the Book of Revelations.
Beginning each chapter with a play on each chapter of the book of Revelations, followed by the chapter and additional reading of scripture to correspond, "You Can Understand the Book of Revelation", is filled with thoughtful explanations of the significance of an often, under-read and other times, controversial book of the bible.
How Skip Heitzig approaches Revelations, is he brings a very, over a cup of coffee, good natured perspective that helps the reader explore such topics as:
With a smart, good-natured style and an investigative flair, Skip provides clear explanations and captivating explorations to help readers discover:
the truth behind the misconceptions
the meaning of the symbols and signs
why messages of Revelation were presented symbolically
what this book has to do with Jesus and the gospel message
the good news that most Christians miss
"You Can Understand the Book of Revelation", truly, not only helps readers approach Revelations in an entirely fresh, but biblical based perspective, but Skip Heitzig shows how, reading and understanding the Book of Revelation, isn't as complex as it may appear.
The writing style is engaging and the tone just conveys, a casual discussion, but the content is strong and shows how relevant, Revelations is and how it can't be dismissed .
I like how, Skip Heitzig, breaks everything down and provides background material to help the reader understand the importance of what is being shared in Revelation, and he took something, that is normally seen as controversial or daunting, and help ease the reader, into understanding, basically that,"You Can Understand the Book of Revelation".
A great addition for bible study, either as an individual or in a group, and highly recommended, if you're just reading, "You Can Understand the Book of Revelation", to make sure you have your bible with you and a highlighter and pen for note-taking, "You Can Understand the Book of Revelation" will be both a valuable and life changing addition to your library.
Beginning each chapter with a play on each chapter of the book of Revelations, followed by the chapter and additional reading of scripture to correspond, "You Can Understand the Book of Revelation", is filled with thoughtful explanations of the significance of an often, under-read and other times, controversial book of the bible.
How Skip Heitzig approaches Revelations, is he brings a very, over a cup of coffee, good natured perspective that helps the reader explore such topics as:
With a smart, good-natured style and an investigative flair, Skip provides clear explanations and captivating explorations to help readers discover:
the truth behind the misconceptions
the meaning of the symbols and signs
why messages of Revelation were presented symbolically
what this book has to do with Jesus and the gospel message
the good news that most Christians miss
"You Can Understand the Book of Revelation", truly, not only helps readers approach Revelations in an entirely fresh, but biblical based perspective, but Skip Heitzig shows how, reading and understanding the Book of Revelation, isn't as complex as it may appear.
The writing style is engaging and the tone just conveys, a casual discussion, but the content is strong and shows how relevant, Revelations is and how it can't be dismissed .
I like how, Skip Heitzig, breaks everything down and provides background material to help the reader understand the importance of what is being shared in Revelation, and he took something, that is normally seen as controversial or daunting, and help ease the reader, into understanding, basically that,"You Can Understand the Book of Revelation".
A great addition for bible study, either as an individual or in a group, and highly recommended, if you're just reading, "You Can Understand the Book of Revelation", to make sure you have your bible with you and a highlighter and pen for note-taking, "You Can Understand the Book of Revelation" will be both a valuable and life changing addition to your library.
Want to read
December 9, 2011When I was in high school I attended a Teen Community Bible Study where we spent a whole term studying and delving into the book of Revelation. However other than that, in all my years of Sunday School, youth group, private Christian School and even while earning my Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies I never again recall any in depth touch on Revelation.
Author and Pastor Skip has a great voice on the page and is very passionate about explaining just how the book of Revelation is full of encouragement for all Christians. - Not something you often here when mentioning Revelation.
"While a little faith may bring your souls to heaven, a lot of faith--clinging to God despite your circumstances--will bring heaven to your soul." -p.17
Reading this book is like sitting in a comfortable setting and having all the symbols and references to the Old Testament books and New Testament times explained. Then one can delve further study on their own and find these things to be making much more sense.
*Thanks to Harvest House for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*
Tour Date: Wednesday, August 10
Author and Pastor Skip has a great voice on the page and is very passionate about explaining just how the book of Revelation is full of encouragement for all Christians. - Not something you often here when mentioning Revelation.
"While a little faith may bring your souls to heaven, a lot of faith--clinging to God despite your circumstances--will bring heaven to your soul." -p.17
Reading this book is like sitting in a comfortable setting and having all the symbols and references to the Old Testament books and New Testament times explained. Then one can delve further study on their own and find these things to be making much more sense.
*Thanks to Harvest House for providing a copy for review through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*
Tour Date: Wednesday, August 10
November 17, 2011
In today’s culture the church isn’t wanting to admit there is an eternal Hell but after looking at the book of Revelation one will have a hard time in claiming otherwise. Revelation has always intrigued me and it’s been years since I’ve actually read it – since I was in high school at least – but it also is a source of confusion for most. Having a hand book of sorts that has you reading Scripture right along with it really goes a long way in understanding this enigma.
This is a book of Scripture that many shy away from or try to explain away as irrelevant or just fantasy, when in actuality it’s a book to show Christians what we can expect as we look forward to the Rapture but also so we know what will come as the seals are opened and the Anti-Christ rises to power. While some may think a book on the book of Revelation would be daunting – this is far from it – almost engaging in a conversational style, it’s easy to digest and get through. To get the most from it though you should have your Bible open and following along, and don’t stop at once, keep re-reading and get what you can out of this powerful Scriptural book.
This is a book of Scripture that many shy away from or try to explain away as irrelevant or just fantasy, when in actuality it’s a book to show Christians what we can expect as we look forward to the Rapture but also so we know what will come as the seals are opened and the Anti-Christ rises to power. While some may think a book on the book of Revelation would be daunting – this is far from it – almost engaging in a conversational style, it’s easy to digest and get through. To get the most from it though you should have your Bible open and following along, and don’t stop at once, keep re-reading and get what you can out of this powerful Scriptural book.
December 5, 2011
In all honesty I have to say that this is possibly the most accurate and complete translation of Revelations that I have come across. Finally it all makes sense! Each chapter includes study scriptures from other books that correspond to the chapter being read to give additional understanding and insight. Stories that illustrate were also included as well as current events tying into the end times. The author brings to light the meaning of the symbols and difficult to understand passages contained in the chapters. I followed along with my bible as I dove into the book. An extremely well written book that alot of thought and time has went into. I think this would also be excellent for bible study or book club. Don't expect to finish it in a day or two! Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for providing this ARC copy for me for my review.
August 12, 2016
Just finished a study through Revelation and this was the companion comentary. Pastor Skip is engaging and poignant throughout. He knocks down the notion that Revelation is not to be understood and drives home the point that knowing Jesus is coming should changes the way Christians act and react in the world.
November 15, 2015
This book is an excellent summary of the book of Revelation and of the end times to come. Recommended for anyone who wants to know what is going to happen at some point in the future with respect to Christians and unbelievers-before, during, and after Christ's return to the Earth.
March 18, 2016
Good introductory book for Revelation. Skip explains the major pints in very easy to understand language. His use of stories and scientific facts adds depth to the passages. After you finish this you will have a good overall understanding of the book.
February 6, 2020
This would be good for someone who knows very little about Revelation. In between inserting the Gospel and Old (and New) Testament context, which are both good, he gives a lot of opinion and personal commentary.
October 10, 2020
A great help, when studying Revelation.
December 5, 2020
Revelation is a difficult book to read and understand. Skip Heitzig does a fantastic job helping you unravel the meaning. A chapter by chapter study of revelation, rich with Biblical insight.
September 17, 2025
Very thorough endeavor by Skip to walk through Revelation. Encouraging, informative, and full of insight.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews