Revelation

Hello everyone. I hope you all had a good Labor Day. I hope it was a wonderful day of rest for you. Today we will be looking into the book of Revelation. There is no other book that is regarded with as much caution as Revelation. Many are afraid to read it. Many don't read because they think that they could never understand it. I will not deny that it is difficult to understand at times. The early church found it to be a book of comfort and encouragement during times of persecution.

Revelation is unlike any other work of Scripture. Some things to keep in mind are first, that it consists of many visions that interweave together. Some are literal and some are metaphorical. These images were familiar to the people of this time and come from the Old Testament as well as other sources that we may or may not have at our disposal today.

Second, the style it used is called apocalyptic, and the people were also familiar with this. Things like beasts, dragons, and even dissolving universes were pictorial representation of deep historical and theological realities (Elwell). Sometimes we may have to stop as we read and try to figure out what these things represent. Some of them are obvious, but not all. Perhaps a good solid biblical commentary would be a good companion for your Bible study.

Third, we have to remember that basic Christian doctrine is woven throughout the book (Elwell). Don't get bogged down in the symbolism. Keep a look out for the deep spiritual truths. Jesus is Lord. He died on the cross and rose again on the third day. He ascended into heaven. He will return to claim His people, the Church.

Revelation was written by the apostle John from the island of Patmos, which is a small island off the coast of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea. If your Bible has a map section, it can probably be found on one of those maps. Though there is some debate as to the date of it's writing, most agree that the date is between 81-96 A.D. during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian.   

I want to talk a moment about interpretations of Revelation. This book, along with tidbits from other books, depicts the event leading up to Christ's return. There are many views on this topic. The Left Behind series is based on just one of many interpretations. If this is a subject of interest for you, there are four major view points: Premillennial, Amillennial, Dispensational Premillenial, and Postmillennial.

With that said, let me warn you. It is dangerous to be too caught up in eschatological (the end times) theology. Some of the best Bible scholars throughout history have not agreed or were unsure as to which interpretation was best. I think we need to hold to the words of Walter Elwell, "It is tragic when the return of Christ becomes a point of controversy. The important thing is that Jesus is coming back, not when or exactly how He will accomplish it." And to quote Martin Luther, "We ought to live as though Christ was crucified yesterday, risen today, and coming tomorrow." If we live these words, we will be ready for when our Lord does return.

I know I've said a lot. With that said, I'm not going to offer commentary on this book. I want you look deeply into this book and find what is important. I wish you good reading and may you get closer to God because of it. I leave you with these words from the chapter 22.

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
   Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
 ²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. 

Come, Lord Jesus, come!!!