1. Revelation focuses on Jesus Christ. The point of this book is to make known the power, might, glory, and victory of the Lamb.
2. Revelation is given to reveal (make known). The purpose of this book is not to confuse, but to reveal. Revelation is not trying to hide something. Its intent is to show something clearly.
3. Revelation must be interpreted in light of the rest of Scripture (particularly the OT). MacArthur says 278 of its 404 verses allude to the OT Scriptures.
4. Revelation must be interpreted with humility. Godly scholars vary in their interpretations on this book. Being dogmatic about something that is not clear is unwise. Humility demands that we use words like, “most likely,” “possibly,” “sometimes,” “could,” “may,” and “probably.”
5. Revelation has an original audience (like every other Biblical book). Revelation is a letter written to real churches. Real original readers were supposed to hear the content of this book and be encouraged. Thus, interpretations that neglect the original readers should be suspect.
6. Revelation was written to suffering Christians. The purpose of this letter is to encourage persecuted Christians to hold fast to the gospel. It is written so that Christians could know with certainty that the Lamb will triumph. “God gave us Revelation not to tickle our fancy, but to strengthen our hearts." - Poythress
7. Revelation is about Jesus Christ. Since this is Revelation, I had to have a list of "7." So, I just restated the first one to make the most important point again.
Very well said. I could not say it better. I agree with every single point.
Instead of a complicated theory about writing "out of chronological order" how about looking at it as expressing themes that occur throughout human history, in every era. In every period people and human systems (empires, structures, cultures) rebel against the rule of God's Messiah (Psalm 2) and persecute the People of God. That pattern will intensify immediately before the return of Jesus, but it is a constant. And God's sovereignty and rule are also constant. Therefore, Revelation is relevant to every age, from the days of Nero, to the underground church in China, to whatever happens in the future.
ReplyDeleteJourneyman,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you say, but many parts of the Bible point to the "end times" or the "end of the age". The events leading up to that time are a foreshadowing and help us to see what is coming. The problem with Revelation is that it appears to be chronologically oriented, yet some parts describe the wrath of the Beast who is moved by Satin an other parts are part of God's end time wrath. These parts are mixed together making a true understanding difficult to interpret. I believe that I have been shown how to reorder them based on Jesus words in the Gospels and wrote a book about it. You can get a download of the first chapter at www.JesusRevealsRevelation.com. It will lay out the basic concept. Rather than being complicated it all falls into place quite simply.
Revelation1:
ReplyDeleteGlad to have a discussion with you on this or any other topic. However, I'd appreciate it if you, and any other authors who may stumble in here, please not use my blog as a place to promote your books. There are other places where that would be more appropriate. Blog comments sections are places for discussion and give-and-take on the original post topic, not for promoting someones personal agenda (except mine of course - It's my blog!)
Sorry if it looked like my comments were advertising. I am trying to connect with people who are searching to understand Revelation better and discuss the revelations that I have had. It is difficult for me to explain my thoughts to you in the space allowed here, so I thought the download would give you the context for us to begin the discussion. I am interested in your thoughts and I am sorry if I offended you with the book reference.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't offended. Just trying to control the content of my blog. I love discussions on this or any topic.
ReplyDeleteGreat. Lets start with your first two points. I believe that Revelation verses 1:1-8 are God's Executive Summary to the Bible and that verse 1:5 reveals Jesus in one sentence.
ReplyDelete5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood,
What do you think about the first 8 verses as an executive summary for the Bible?