On various interpretations of the book of revelation. Reagans book, wrath and glory, covers the book of revelation chapter by chapter. The uniqueness of my interpretations, and especially the fact that i interpret scriptures the lds church has declined to interpret, motivate me to explain why i presume to venture into this doctrinal. It talks about a time when god will dwell with men and he will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain for the old order i. The book of revelation is not so intimidating once you understand what the author was up to. It is the only biblical book that is wholly composed of apocalyptic literature. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all christians are called to trust in jesus promise, behold, i am with you always, until the end of the age mt 28.
It fittingly has the last place ending the scriptures and gods revelation to man. Book of revelation christianity knowledge base fandom. Do our minds become confused when we hear all those sevens and l2s, and all those strange titles applied to jesusthe alpha and omega and the bright morning star. It introduces students to revelation as an example of an ancient genre of literature and considers its enduring. Different schools of interpreting revelation evidence unseen. This book by gregg, on the other hand, is a detailed, versebyverse commentary. In it, john 1 talks about the ultimate defeat of evil and the glorious return and reign of the lord jesus christ. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted christ is speaking to john. The book of revelation reveals how gods salvation has entered the world in the life, death and resurrection of jesus. Historicism, a method of interpretation in christian eschatology which associates biblical prophecies with actual historical events and identifies symbolic beings with historical persons or societies, has been applied to the book of revelation by many writers. Revelation 20 states that satan will be defeated and locked up for years and then released for a short time. If youre befuddled by the book of revelation in the bible, dont fret.
Oct 04, 2019 for proof of this, one might visit and read the various interpretations of revelation chapter 9 from a host of biblical scholars. This article has evaluated four various interpretations as it relates to ones interpretation of the book of revelation. To ascertain his thinking on the book these sermons are indispensable. As catholics, we reject the approach of those who use this book to guess wildly about the future or to create fear and mistrust among christians or to support their own political agendas.
The things john had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Futurist occurs in the future the futurist school holds that everything after chapter 4 is yet to happen in the future. Joseph smith gave some public discourses that dealt entirely or in part with the interpretations of various aspects of the revelation. And so what we have to realize is that in some interpretations of the book of revelationin fact most of themthe interpretation is created by bringing things into the book of revelation, into. How can we understand the book of revelation and its many interpretations. Introduction the book of revelation is one of the most encouraging books. Biblical studiesnew testament commentariesrevelation.
Four views on the book of revelation zondervan, 1998. Each of the interpretations holds various strengths and weaknesses. There are hundreds of quotes, references, and allusions to both the old and new testaments in the book of revelation. The book of revelation, the final book of the new testament, has some of the most dramatic and frightening language in the bible. The different approaches that various people or groups use to understand the book of revelation called interpretive horizons are generally grouped under four major categories, with some subgroups see the kingdom of god. Youll find four major interpretive approaches to the book of revelation that can help you read, understand, and figure out the apocalyptic letter of john. Take a look at the basic structure of the book of revelation. Christ tells john to write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. A 21st century interpretation of the book of revelation. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. For christians, this is the study of what the bible says about all of the abovechief among them being the book of revelation. Whether you find that intimidating or enticing, we need some guardrails. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Despite our various views, there are some common threads upon which christians agree.
The historicist view follows a straight line of continuous fulfillment of prophecy which starts in daniels time and goes through john. This book is a tremendous tool for anyone wishing to understand how different schools of interpretation approach the book of revelation. Wilsons charts cover a range of historical, literary, rhetorical, and interpretive issues that will guide the careful student in making more viable interpretations of this difficult yet enriching book. And finally jesus coming, not as a prince of peace at all, not as a lamb, but at.
Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and theories about the meaning and significance of this enigmatic work. Four parallel columns present the information you need on these key views, and inform you about outstanding commentators on the book of revelation. A 21st century, secular interpretation of the book of revelation now, even though the realms of religion and science in themselves are clearly marked off from each other, nevertheless there exist between the two strong reciprocal relationships and dependencies. Most churches today teach the futurist interpretation of the book of revelation. Chiefly, these are preterism, historicism, futurism, and idealism. A parallel commentary covers the traditional views in an evenhanded fashion. The lamb with seven horns and seven eyes becomes a lamb with 12 eyes and 12 horns, thus perfecting the symbolism to identify christ and his apostles. When interpreting the book of revelation there are two important elements to remember. Marvin pate, in his four views on the book of revelation 231 correctly states, i believe, that how one approaches revelation 1. The book of revelation or the apocalypse of john p.
There are various interpretations of revelation, and this is reflected in the. Larry has authored numerous journal and dictionary articles on biblical and. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. The historicist system of interpretation understands the book of revelation as setting forth the major events of christian history spanning the time of john until the present. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies.
A wellknown illustration of an historicist reading of the book of revelation is the reformation identification of the harlot babylon in revelation 17 with the roman catholic church and the papacy. Great book to learn more about contrasting views on the book of revelation. Bible for many christians, yet one of the most difficult books to understand. The second method of interpretation is known as the idealist method. The plethora of views, however, can be distilled into essentially four main categories.
This course leads students through a close reading of the book of revelation to uncover its meaning in its sociohistorical context and to explore its various interpretations both in critical scholarship and in popular culture. The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. Like all books of the bible, revelation was written in a particular time and. Thomas not only concentrates on the various facets of literalgrammatical interpretation but also delivers on the main discussions of each verse in the apocalypse. Introduction the book of revelation is one of the most encouraging books of the new testament. Jan 02, 2020 a simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. However, it is in this writers view that the futurist and historicist interpretations remain most faithful to the content and style of revelation.
That book allowed the proponents of each of four different views to present an overall summary of their approach to the book of revelation. The parallels are too numerous to detail in this post, but i have described them more fully here. Sep 02, 2019 22 revelations mark of the beast exposed revelations ancient discoveries duration. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. Understanding the book of revelation church of jesus christ. Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation wikipedia. An overview of various interpretations of the books imagery the role revelation plays in the entire bible story by embarking on this journey, believers will recognize how the entire bible narrative that begins in genesis finds its concluding climax in johns miraculous vision. Going it alone in interpreting the book of revelation. This book is the unveiling of jesus christ in his relationship to the church, to judgment, and to what is to come. How one sees the opening phrases like these things, will soon take place and. The adventists take a unique view applying it to the millerite movement. Within eschatology, there are various interpretations on what exactly the writings refer to.
The text has been influential in various ways, and there have been diverse opinions and interpretations. Most christians dont even realize other interpretations exist, but there are actually 5 different approaches to interpreting the book of revelation, maybe you knew. Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to courses on the book of revelation in both the church and the academy. A less wellknown historicist interpretation is the medieval churchs identification of the beast from the sea in revelation with the rise of islam. The book of revelation is one of the most encouraging books of the new testament. Indeed, some might feel revelationssymbols and metaphors are so confusing that they. The idealist approach doesnt interpret revelation in terms of any. Charts on the book of revelation is a useful supplement to. The route by which the revelation came to john is given here. Ten keys for interpreting the book of revelation digital commons. This is in accordance with the book of revelations chapter 20 that describes the millennium hence giving rise to various interpretations and understandings.
Most mainstream christian churches dont have anything resembling a formal interpretation of the revelation of st. Unfortunately many evangelicals do not realize that there are different ways in which the book of revelation has been approached by christians. The book of revelation vancouver school of theology. There are four major schools of interpretation for the book of revelation.
The revelation commentary consists of the text of revelation divided into short passages, with each passage being accompanied by historical andor interpretive notes. For most the only question about eschatology that exists is whether you think the rapture is pre, mid, or posttribulation. Interpretive models for the book of revelation as a whole. For an interesting commentary on revelation that fairly presents the interpretation of various views, see s. Going it alone in interpreting the book of revelation, part 1. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. May 31, 2018 most mainstream christian churches dont have anything resembling a formal interpretation of the revelation of st. The classical historicist view of the vision of the angel with the little book, in revelation 10, represents the protestant reformation and the printing of bibles in the common languages. The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time. However, it is in this writers view that the futurist and historicist interpretations remain most. Did the years already happen or are we still waiting for it. The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and. It also makes the book of revelation applicable and relevant for all. The four parallel columns allow the reader to compare the views and hopefully identify the strengths and weaknesses of each.
In it, john1 talks about the ultimate defeat of evil and the glorious return and reign of the lord jesus christ. Under this view, the book of revelation is mostly a book of future prophecy. Notwithstanding, many christians remain interested in the study of matthew chapter 24, mark chapter, luke chapter 21, daniel 10. What is the meaning of the years of revelation 20. This work is an asset to academics, pastors and lay readers who want a broader exposure to various interpretations of the book of revelation. In the book of revelation corrections, for instance, the angels of the various earthly churches become the servants presiding officers of those units. It holds a unique place in biblical interpretation. Historicist interpretations of the book of revelation.
Jul 09, 2019 notwithstanding, many christians remain interested in the study of matthew chapter 24, mark chapter, luke chapter 21, daniel 10. I happened to mention that i was reading the current sda quarterly entitled the book of revelation and it prompted me to ask how we arrive at truth by studying revelation, and by reference to interpretations which one might be nearer the truth. In this sense the word apocalyptic has a slightly broader meaning, and it. An overview of revelation multimedia training kit covers the book of revelation verse by verse. I have taught a class on revelation in which i address the question of the years in some detail.
Is the modern interpretation of the book of revelation flawed. The book is the most controversial in the new testament canon. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which. The futurist school believes revelation should be interpreted literally.
And so what we have to realize is that in some interpretations of the book of revelation in fact most of themthe interpretation is created by bringing things into the book of revelation, into. Aug 02, 2016 most churches today teach the futurist interpretation of the book of revelation. The interpretation of the book of revelation has often proven difficult throughout the history of the christian church. For proof of this, one might visit and read the various interpretations of revelation chapter 9 from a host of biblical scholars. Mar 07, 2012 the book of revelation, the final book of the new testament, has some of the most dramatic and frightening language in the bible. When people read the book of revelation they encounter this vast array of symbols. The book of revelation is a fascinating book, and the debate regarding its interpretation will continue. Reagans video program, revelation revealed, presents a sweeping overview of the entire book of revelation. It talks about a time when god will dwell with men and he will wipe every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, or mourning or crying. This book by gregg, on the other hand, is a detailed, versebyverse commentary, with the text divided into paragraphs, and each paragraph followed by four parallel columns. The book of revelation is one of the plainest books god ever caused to be written. That there are differing views on the interpretation of the apocalyptic writings in the book of revelation is no secret.
The interpretation of the book revelation lamb and lion. Revelation is the last document book of the new testament, and therefore of the bible as a whole. So the book clearly is to all of gods people in every generation. Three angels broadcasting network 3abn 3,177,720 views. Though it is little more than a piece of scholarly gossip, some have even suggested that the reformer john calvin, one of the best interpreters of the scriptures the church has known, shied away from writing a commentary on the book of revelation for this very reason. Even modern scholars approach revelation in several different ways. A simple outline for the book of revelation is found in revelation 1. First, revelation is a fulfillment of the sixtyfive books that came before it. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. The belief states that there would be a golden age of a thousand years on earth before the final judgment and eternal life thereafter.
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