The Book of Revelation

There are various interpretations of the book of Revelation in the Bible. It is not an easy book to interpret. For a new Christian it is better to focus on the understanding the Bible as a whole, and to later, much later, to better put Revelation in perspective and understand and interpret it. Focus instead on the essentials in the Bible. It is also good not to obsess about interpretating the book of Revelation or make it an issue of fellowship according to which view you take at least, as long as it is not outside Biblical orthodoxy. At the same time as the Bible says we should: "Watch your life and doctrine closely" (1 Timothy 4:16). "When spiritual matters are involved, failing to give the due caution can be eternally fatal." (Gary Thomas, Not the End but the Road, p. 63)

There are four basic views among Evangelicals and there is room for diversity on the interpreting the details of the book of Revelation. All conservative Christians believe Jesus is coming back to judge the quick and the dead.

I am just going to explain the view I believe. Having stated this, I realize that the futuristic speculative approach to Revelation is now the most popular among the general Chrisitan population.

From the start let me say that one huge principle of interpretation is to understand what is written in its historical context. What was it saying to the people in that time that it was written and then how can we apply it today. If we miss this, we miss the essence of what is written and of interpreting the book. Time limits going into the other principles of interpretation which Theologically is called the discipline of Hermeneutics.

In this blog time limits the detail I will go into but let me lay out the basic interpretation and then you can resource the recommended books, listed at the end.

The people in the book of Revelation were going through extreme persecution. This is the time when the Christians who were in Rome were thrown into the arena, tortured and killed by Lions and other beasts. All the Apostles where martyred accept John the Apostle who lived to an old age. This book was an encouragement by God to the people of that day, and these people were greatly persecuted and needed it, as we do as well today, even thought today it is more just dealing with an anti-Christians bias at least in North America. The question that would come up during persecution, is were is God in all of this? There was the great danger today as then, of compromise and of loosing heart. As Jesus said, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).

The are various views on when the book of Revelation was written. I believe the evidence points to it being written between 64-68 A.D. during the emperor Nero times. Most likely it was written in A.D68. (see the book, Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation by Kenneth L. Gentry) I also believe it was written by the Apostle John.

In interpretating the book of Revelation, it is important to understand the imagery in the context of the Old Testament. Some factors are symbolic, use metaphor and analogy and the wise interpreter makes the distinction in context. Some say they interpret all the book literally, but this is a fallacy. For instance, they don’t believe there was literally a seven headed dragon. (Revelation 12:3) Also numbers had an important symbolic meaning to people of this day.

Let me give you a brief broad general overview of the book. Chapters 1-4 are actual churches that existed during the time of the writing, and we can make application to the churches of today. There is a transitional chapter is in chapter 5. Chapters 6-11 details that first enemy to be defeated which is the apostate Jewish group of people persecuting Christians and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. In chapters 13-19:1-10 the second enemy that was going to be defeated is Rome who also greatly persecuted the Christians. The third enemy to be defeated is the Devil in Chapter 19:11-Revelation 20. Chapter 20 is a general overview and review and states that Satan is progressively being bound first here on earth during the millennial age (the church age) and into eternity.” As Jesus said, “The gates of hell will not prevail against the church” (Matthew 16:18).

During this time on earth that the devil was defeated on the cross for those in Christ, he is bound to a certain extent and not able to deceive anymore the nations as a whole against Christ, during the millennial age which is the time from Christ to the end of the age. The Millennial or 1000 years is symbolic of a long indefinite time. This is called the Amillennial view which means no millennial. However, this is an inaccurate term. It is a realized millennial where Christ and His saints have victory over the devil, although the victory is only fully expressed in heaven. “Today Jesus reigns and rules from what is ‘Jerusalem which is above” (Galatians 4:26). (The Time is at Hand, Jay E. Adams, p. 39) See also Hebrews 12:22.

The end of Chapter 20 is where the second coming of Jesus Christ occurs and the so-called rapture of the church to glory that is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. (The word rapture is not a Biblical term, but a term used to describe the events of Jesus’ second coming in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Chapters 21 and 22 is the fully realized rein of Christ in all His glory with His saints and the angels. This is heaven for the saints and God creates a new heavens and new earth.

The saints live in eternity in heaven with God and those who refused the remedy for their sin in Jesus Christ spend eternity in hell. The day of the Lord will come suddenly like a thief in the night. (Revelation 16:15; Luke 12:39) “While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Be ready. Be walking in God’s grace in Jesus Christ. Walk in the Spirit not the flesh. (Romans 8:5-8) We will all give account of what we have done with God’s grace in salvation and in our Christian lives. (Matthew 12:36; etc.)

What is the application for today. First God is sovereign we should not interpret His patience with weakness. God somewhat limits His sovereignty to allow man to have a certain amount of free will. Christians will win because they win in Christ. Troubles in the world are only for a time, but eternity is forever. Don’t loose heart and become bitter against people but set you heart on Jesus and love Him even beyond your physical life in this world. Buckle up buttercup your Lord has gone before you. (Jeremiah 12:5) God has one enormous purpose in it all, so trust in Him. Don’t let the circumstances deter you from following Jesus. Some circumstances are from God, some from us, some are just life, and some are attacks of the devil. Learn to have discernment and lean into the heart of Jesus. Only the love of God will take you through well. Have Jesus as your fist love even above your own comfort. Focus on daily growing in that love of God. Don’t waste your time or your life, let your life glorify God and thus enter His glory, here and into eternity. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Resources

The Time is at Hand, Jay E. Adams---(partial preterist Amillennial-very similar largely to my view—fairly easy to read. Adams also lists some books that have influenced him. Page 11)

Visions of Revelation, Jay E. Adams and Michael P. Carroll— (partial preterist Amillennial—have not read yet. Hard to find and expensive if found)

The Last Days According to Jesus, R.C. Sproul---(partial preterist and was sometimes a postmillennial but through time went back and forth between post and amillennialism—was not dogmatic about it)

Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the Book of Revelation, Kenneth L. Gentry---(partial preterist but a strong postmillennial with a Theonomy leaning)

The Beast of Revelation, Kenneth L. Gentry

Navigating the Book of Revelation, Kenneth L. Gentry

The Apocalypse of John, Milton Terry— (Partial Preterist and Post-Millennial)

(For a more detail list and description of the various summary content of the authors of the partial Preterist view, please make a request from this blogger) email at:- info@alanjniebergal.com