|
How should we read the book of Revelation?
Various schools of Theology interpret the book of Revelation in different ways. We need to ask ourselves are we being consistent in our interpretation of Revelation with respect to the rest of scripture and is there anything in the content of Revelation that advises us how to read it?
With regard to the latter question the answer is an affirmative yes. Revelation 1 v3 says 'Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.' So firstly we are not given the excuse that it is all too difficult and no one really knows what it all means anyway! I am certainly not going to attempt a detailed exposition on Revelation here, but my first point is that we shouldn't avoid it like the plague and on a more positive note if we hear it, read it and keep those things which are written it we will be blessed for it.
In view of when all these events shall occur, Revelation 1v19 and 4v1 make interesting reading.
'Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this'
'And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.'
Some commentators argue that most of the book of Revelation has been fulfilled and a lot of it relates to the Roman Emperors and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD70. However John wrote this book (which was revealed to Him by an angel, via Jesus which God gave Him) around AD 95 and it is clear that at the very least some of the events had to take place after that. Not surprisingly John Calvin never wrote a commentary on Revelation as He interpreted certain literal events allegorically and that leads us to the important question of how we can be certain concerning what is literal and what is allegorical.
Much of the content of Revelation mirrors or expands or relates to other parts of scripture. For example if we believe that there was a literal tree of life as well as tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden then we must treat the tree of life literally in Revelation 22. There is a striking similarity between the plagues in Exodus that did happen and are understood by their clear meaning which preceded the Exodus and the plagues in Revelation also. Daniel 9v27 tells us about the Antichrist confirming a covenant with many for one week (Shabua = period of seven years) and bringing an end to sacrifice and an offering in the middle of that period, so in Revelation 12 v6 when the woman hides in the wilderness in a place provided to her by God for 1260 days we should be consistent and treat 1260 days as exactly 3.5 Jewish years based on a 360 day calendar of half of one week (Shabua in Hebrew meaning seven of years) If 1260 days becomes an indefinite period of time, or the 1000 year reign also becomes an indefinite period of time, then our method of interpretation is at best guesswork (please see my other article on why I believe in a literal 1000 year millennium.)
When a description in Revelation is symbolic, it is usually evident from reading the verses connected to it in that passage and often the text will tell you what the symbols mean etc. For example Rev 1v20 clarifies that the seven golden lampstands are the seven churches and the seven stars are the seven angels of the seven churches. Furthermore when we read about the Lion and the Lamb in Revelation 5 it is clearly evident from other parts of scripture that these are titles of the Messiah 'Lamb of God' or 'Lion of Judah' The great dragon or serpent in Revelation 12 isn't a grotesque Dinosaur or Anaconda but is the Devil and Satan (see verse 9)
Interpreting the times and ages of the seven churches is a little more complicated. I don't pretend to be an expert on this subject but historical evidence verifies that these were churches present at the time John wrote the Revelation. However I personally believe that they also represent seven distinct ages, yet additionally types of each of the seven churches have existed since the early churches were formed.
Revelation 6-18 relates to the Great Tribulation during which seals, trumpets and bowls are released with specific judgements at specific times culminating in Jesus Christ returning on white horse in Revelation 19. Trying to select a verse out of Revelation at random and equate it to a modern day disasters or events that have occurred at various times in history is not a consistent, systematic or honest way or reading scripture. It is not likely that we would read the rest of Scripture that way so why use a different inconsistent method of interpreting revelation? As many events haven't happened yet and we obviously find parts of it hard to comprehend, that doesn't justify us using a different method of interpretation to understand Revelation, separate to how we would read the rest of Scripture.
In Revelation 20 the subject is the Messianic reign of Jesus for 1000 years, the defeat of Satan and the great white throne judgement. Revelation 21 and 22 tells us about a new heaven and new earth and the river of life.
We should therefore eagerly await the second coming of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus met a Samaritan woman at the well and told her about living water springing up into an everlasting life. In Revelation 22v17 the invitation is given again 'And the Spirit and the Bride say Come! And let him who hears say Come! And let him who thirsts say come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.' Amen |
