Keys to understanding the book of revelation its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Short summary of the book of revelation prophecy talk. This is the apocalyptic vision which the biblical book of revelation says will come to pass, according to the understanding of many. We need to understand where each began and how it was developed as it comes into the book of revelation. A brief overview of the book of revelation the rise and. A testimony of jesus christ is a commentary that explains some of the mysteries of revelation. But skip heitzig, the dynamic senior pastor at calvary of albuquerqueone of the nations largest churchesis eager to bring clarity to the mystery of revelation and share why its an important, relevant, and exciting book to explore. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason. Salvation and glory and power belong to our god, for true and just are his judgments.
The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the. How to understand the book of revelation without feeling. In our study of the book of revelation, we must start out with the clear understanding that. Yes i believe one would have to understand a person in the year 95 ad would understand todays world. Lets look at the book of revelation as an airport with ten great airlines coming into it.
How to study the book of revelation christian truth center. Understanding daniel and the revelation plus supplementary material by p. In the 1970s there was an extremely popular book titled the late great planet earth which allegedly interpreted the book of revelation. In the book of revelation, the apocalyptic hopes of the early christian community find their clearest and most complete expression. Book of revelation for dummies cheat sheet dummies. The concept of barter is gone replaced with currency i would start with revenation in re. In the study of any book of the bible or any topic of scripture, a certain amount of ground work is needed for understanding, orientation, and motivation.
The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Conventional understanding until recent times was that the book of revelation was written to comfort beleaguered christians as they underwent persecution at the hands of a megalomaniacal roman emperor, but much of this has now been jettisoned. Written towards the end of the first century, when the emperor domitian was beginning his persecution against the church, it was the last work of the author of the fourth gospel. Does anyone really understand the book of revelations. And no other book of the bible promises blessings to those who read it, hear it and take to heart what is written in it. The book depicts him as the risen, glorified son of god ministering among the churches 1. The book is remarkable for being the earliest surviving example of a book in the english language known to have been written by a woman and the earliest surviving work written by an english anchoress. And i saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire. As the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth 1. We hope this commentary is a beneficial study tool in your devotion to the word of god. According to the first words of the book, god gave this revelation to jesus, who entrusted it to an angel to pass on to john. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which. If you know someone or a group who would like to follow along on this journey through scripture, they can get more info and sign up to receive. Preterists understand the book exclusively in terms of its firstcentury setting, claiming that most of its events have already taken place.
Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. So, having briefly examined the passages for which you requested that i clarify my position, i would suggest looking into the book of revelation now and carrying these understandings with us. People have shied away from this book because of its use of symbolism and its cryptic references. The key to understanding the book of revelation is to interpret it as literally as possibleit says what it means and means what it says. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. Among the things found in this book was the idea that revelation was speaking about such things as the soviet union, nuclear attacks between the ussr and the us, etc. Threefold hallelujah over babylons fall after this i heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting. Preterists understand the book exclusively in terms of its firstcentury setting, claiming that most of its events have already taken place historicists take it as describing the long chain of events from patmos to the end of history futurists place the book primarily in the end times idealists view it as symbolic pictures of. Interpreters of revelation normally fall into four groups. I thought it might be useful to give seven principles for helping understand the book of revelation taken from the book, the triumph of the lamb by dennis johnson.
I used this book to help guide our youth group through the book of revelation and we learned a lot. The entire book of revelation is devoted to the end of the world and details gods judgments unleashed upon the earth plague by plague. This view also ignores revelations prophetic character and, if carried to its logical conclusion, severs the book from any connection with actual historical events. Do you struggle to understand the book of revelation. According to the book, this john was on the island of patmos, not far from the coast of. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. Paul spilsburys book is a close runnerup for my go to book for an introduction to revelation. Yet most people believe that this final book of the bible cannot be understood at allthat its language and symbols are too confusing to make sense. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. This commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. It is crucial that as we study some of the darker prophecies about the antichrist and the final controversy, we remember that christ is the ultimate victor over all evil.
But even ahead of his gospel account stands this wondrous work, the book of revelation. In short, the book of revelation is arguably the most important book you will read in your life time. Religious studies center, brigham young university, 2009, 27189. The book s second and third chapters contain vital warnings to the seven churches that existed in asia minor in the first century a. His efforts have resulted in a number of projects, one of which is this book.
The new view, therefore, began to argue that none of the events described in the book of revelation after chapters i. Its often the book of the bible that christians, pastors, and seminaries have the most trouble understanding. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which. But recognizing this comes from understanding how to read this kind of. Study this book prayerfully, and carefully, for deception is rampant and we must be sure to be found on the right side of this conflict soon to hit the world. It is structured or arranged in a very simple way to help us get the revelation of jesus. This is particularly so with the book of revelation or prophecy in general.
Revelation is first and foremost a revelation about jesus christ 1. Revelation 19 niv threefold hallelujah over babylons. Understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation. Book of revelation explained scripture by scripture.
Understanding the book of revelation berean research institute. The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is comprehending its story flow. The book of revelation is so easy to comprehend if you truly know and understand the books of the old testament. Book of revelation explained a testimony of jesus christ. 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. Temple second edition 2011 thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The foundations and pillars ministry 1204 besstown rd beersheba springs tn 37305. Decoding the bibles most mysterious book, jimmy akin unlocks the secrets of revelation so that anyone can understand them.
The theme of the book is the events leading up to the jesus second coming. The following is the forward and a portion of a chapter from a forthcoming book which, in my view, falls in. Also, the bible reads, and there appeared a great wonder in heaven. Understanding revelations in the bible biblical archaeology society. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection rev 20. Key to understanding commentaries on revelations is knowing the position of the commentator. Not to phds, to experts, to prophecy fans, to a narrow inner circle of specialists. Includes definitions, symbols, ways of approaching the text, and different interpretations. Know that the book of revelation deals with things that are to occur after new testament times, particularly in the last days. Revelation is apocalyptic, a kind of writing that is highly symbolic. The book of revelation in the bible is one of the more difficult books of the bible to understand.
While all judgment prophecies are harsh and frightening, the revelation prophecy stands out as the most terrifying. A fun and fascinating way to learn about the book of revelation. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. 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. Keys to understanding revelation united church of god. And there has been much speculation about it some of it bordering on offthewall, but some of it serious and scholarly. The book of revelation is perhaps the most mysterious book in sacred scripture. Therefore we can expect clarification of some symbols in the book of revelation in other parts of gods inspired word. But the book of revelation renews our hope for our future in christ by reminding us that he is the victor, and he will return in all his glory and rule over us. Mar 19, 2019 the book of revelation is by far one of the most challenging books in the bible, yet well worth the effort to study and comprehend.
Sep 30, 2015 bauckhams book will guide you into a richer understanding of the symbolism and their significance and literary art of johns prophetic imagination. Over the centuries, the church has presented countless interpretations and. The way the book of revelation is actually written is as a series of kind of unfolding revelations, each one of which gets to something deeper in the story. Nov 20, 2008 understanding the book of revelation is an excellent christian booklet with revelation bible charts that explain the symbols. The book of revelation is a book many people read but few truly understand. However, i think revelations focuses more on johns writing of the revelation of jesus christ, accompanied by the writers interpretations a little like a bible study or a church sermon. Revelation is a book that has been called everything from a hodgepodge of. The book of revelation employs symbol after symbol, many of them deeply mysterious. Revelation then becomes merely a collection of stories designed to teach spiritual truth. Many of revelation s events seem to have been fulfilled in the first century. Although not at first in chapter form, the book of revelation is now divided into 22 chapters and can be broken up into four separate parts for an easier understanding of how it flows. To understand this supposedly obscure book we really need to understand the context. It comes packed with almost two hours of eyeopening material that paints an entirely different picture of the book of revelation and what it is all about, covering topics like.
The key to understanding is the mysterious book of revelation is. Jan 02, 2020 the book of revelation is understandable. Understanding the book of revelation pamphlet is a basic guide to bible prophecy. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book rev 22. The elderly mans response was, it says in the book of revelations sic that the angels will stand on the four corners. Justin the martyr around 100 to 165 ac, irenaeus around 140 to 220 ac and the muratori canon end of 2 nd century confirm that the apostle john is the author. The opening vision of jesus, for example, por trays him with white hair, fiery brass feet, and a sword flashing out of his mouth. The book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols. Oct 15, 2014 over the years, he has spent many spare moments during travel and at other times in personal study to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. Applying the best available sources of commentary from a variety of scholars, donald and jay parry show that the book of revelation is meant for us to understand and that it is possible to understand it.
In addition to the book of daniel and the book of revelation, a wealth of apocalyptic writing exists in the apocrypha and the pseudepigrapha of the old testament. Apocalypticism was not a new phenomenon among christians. Although its visions often seem bizarre to the western reader, fortunately the book provides a number of clues for its own interpretation e. The author of the book of revelation, saint john the divine, offers a transcription of seven letters and later describes strange beasts, visions of judgments, governments, demonic battles, heaven, and a new world order a prophetic vision for the end of the world. The real meaning of the bibles book of revelation is a popular, ongoing debate. God reveals a basic framework for understanding future events. The revelation of jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. Intro to revelation biblica the international bible. One of the first things that help us understand the book is. Revelations of divine love is a medieval book of christian mystical devotions. The book of revelation is a revelation of christ jesus christ is the central theme of everything we read in revelation. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation. Book of revelation read, study bible verses online.
The book of revelation is notoriously difficult to understand. These are found in chapter one, entitled a strategy for seeing. Just a short period before his death on the cross, jesus disciples came to him on the mount. Mar 22, 2020 does anyone really understand the book of revelations. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. But recognizing this comes from understanding how to read this kind of apocalyptic literature. As mentioned before, the books very name means to reveal to unveil, to open to understanding what otherwise could not be comprehended. The preterist approach emphasizes the historical context of revelation and tries to understand it the way. For an adequate understanding of revelation, the reader must recognize that it is a distinct kind of literature. The characteristics of apocalyptic writing are fairly well known. Apr 28, 2015 the book of revelation is similar to other literature of the time thats called apocalyptic, which typically includes visions, global clashes, endoftheworld warnings, and many, many symbols.
Understanding the book of revelation is a timely book as we approach the twentyfirst century. In other words, over half of this book depends upon your understanding of the old testament. Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. Revelation uses many signs, or symbols, that are not to be understood literally revelation 1. More subtle sevens seven features 1 seven letter divisions 2, 3 seven personages 12. This framework is primarily laid out in daniel and revelation. It ends in the cataclysmic destruction of the earth. What other book might you compare revelations to and why. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope.
This article examines the book of revelation and is the concluding part of a letter we wrote, the first part being posted in a previous article on this website 2. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. The revelation is the only book in the nt mentioning john as author. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. In this view, the book contains neither historical allusions nor predictive prophecy. John mentions his name four times in the book revelation 1. Is coronavirus one of the plagues in the book of revelation. It is, of course, the cryptic symbolism of revelation that makes it challenging to understand. Years of labor have been dedicated to create this commentary. To understand either group, one must interpret their writings by considering the respective literary form that they used. This distrust of the book of revelation persisted in the east through the 15th century. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. Draper, understanding images and symbols in the book of revelation, shedding light on the new testament.
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. Parker in their new book, the book of revelation made clear published by thomas nelson publishers brings us a downtoearth guide to understanding the most mysterious book of the bible. The strategic purpose is to reveal christ, his return, the setting up of his kingdom, the defeat of satan, and the establishment of the eternal state new heavens and new earth. Apostle john was told to write the things which you see, the things which are, and the things which shall be. Revelation outlines a long series of events that relate. Before beginning to go through the content of revelation, we recommend that you read through the, and sections to familiarize yourself with the framework concerning this incredible book of god. In fact, the opening passage contains a blessing to everyone who reads, hears, and keeps the words of this prophecy. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Revelation with book summary versebyverse bible commentary.
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