How do you read Revelation? Is it a mystical document that tells the story of the end of the world? Is it a cryptic document that John uses to clothe his message to struggling Christians? Is it a timeless document that has a mixture of both? And I guess you could have a few other options as well.
I once believed it was a mystical document giving us clues to the end of the world. I have since changed my view. I think John had a particular message to the people of his day. John knew what he was writing and he knew what this vision meant. Once my view
changed the pendulum began to swing too far the other way into a cryptic document that explained events that have very little to do with the future. This is where I am today—tomorrow this might change:
History tends to repeat itself. Therefore, is it possible that Revelation describes relevant history for John’s people but also relevant history for people throughout the centuries? I tend to read Revelation as the ongoing cosmic reconciliation that is taking place with its ultimate culmination in the victory of Christ over all. In a way I think it has the same message that we have been discussing in Ephesians: God redeems broken people and a broken world. It meant that to John’s audience and it means that to us.
Will there be more intense persecution as we close out the chapters of this book and open up the pages of the next? Certainly. Will there be a literal end times Antichrist? Perhaps. Is John foretelling of a one-world economic system? Maybe, but I do not think that Revelation is about John looking into a crystal ball and trying to explain in his terms what he saw. Again, the Book of Revelation, in my opinion, is about “uniting all things in him, things in heaven, and things on earth.”
What do you think?
I once believed it was a mystical document giving us clues to the end of the world. I have since changed my view. I think John had a particular message to the people of his day. John knew what he was writing and he knew what this vision meant. Once my view
changed the pendulum began to swing too far the other way into a cryptic document that explained events that have very little to do with the future. This is where I am today—tomorrow this might change:History tends to repeat itself. Therefore, is it possible that Revelation describes relevant history for John’s people but also relevant history for people throughout the centuries? I tend to read Revelation as the ongoing cosmic reconciliation that is taking place with its ultimate culmination in the victory of Christ over all. In a way I think it has the same message that we have been discussing in Ephesians: God redeems broken people and a broken world. It meant that to John’s audience and it means that to us.
Will there be more intense persecution as we close out the chapters of this book and open up the pages of the next? Certainly. Will there be a literal end times Antichrist? Perhaps. Is John foretelling of a one-world economic system? Maybe, but I do not think that Revelation is about John looking into a crystal ball and trying to explain in his terms what he saw. Again, the Book of Revelation, in my opinion, is about “uniting all things in him, things in heaven, and things on earth.”
What do you think?
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7 comments
Comment by Bob on March 28, 2009 at 5:13 PM
I think for a dead on, deeper understanding of what John was conveying you should check out the Left Behind series by Tim LaHae and Jerry Jenkins, these two brilliant bible scholars have made the study of end times something anyone can comprehend. I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me!
Comment by Tom 1st on March 28, 2009 at 8:09 PM
I couldn't disagree with Bob more. But that's okay, this is a subject brothers in the Lord can disagree on while still being in Christian unity.
I think the book is subversive to the Roman Empires claims to be savior, peace brings, and the even 'god'. And in as much as we, today, see the American empire making similar (but maybe more veiled) claims, we can see that that text is completely relevant for our day.
Comment by Tom 1st on March 28, 2009 at 8:18 PM
eh...sorry for the typos. my bad :)
Comment by Mike Leake on March 28, 2009 at 8:41 PM
Brian,
I agree completely!!! Can I borrow your copies. I'm taking a gamble here and saying that Bob is not actually Bob but is someone I know....hmmmm....who could it be....
Tom,
I think we are saying much the same thing. It's amazing how many "jabs" there are in the book towards the Roman empire's claims. And you are forgiven for the typo's...that too is something we can still have Christian unity in :-)
Comment by Tom 1st on March 29, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Ha! It actually crossed my mind Bob was joking...but you never can tell!
Comment by Bob on March 29, 2009 at 1:50 PM
me make fun of Tim LaHae??? That would be like poking fun of John Hagee.... so did i miss anything w/ the missions trip meeting today? I had lunch w/ Kevin and Mary on Thursday and we talked about some stuff but nothing was mentioned of a meeting so I'm assuming I'm ok? I'll try to stop by your office and take up your valuable time tomorrow or tuesday, lol,, love ya brother
Comment by Mr. Hyde on March 31, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I think that Revelation had a very specific meaning for the people to whom John wrote it. However, I also think it very clearly speaks to things that will occur at the end of this age. That is the problem with interpreting biblical prophecy, it often times speaks to the very near future (our past) and to the very distant future all in the same sentence.
Ultimately, though, I think we will completely understand when we find ourselves in eternity.