Two-Edged Sword Ministries
We should not be surprised that the final book in the New Testament is prophetic. In fact, it is not just prophetic, but what bible scholars call "Apocalyptic". What this basically means is that the future was explained in terms and terminology that was easy for the readers to understand in the early part of the first century, through the use of visions. John, the author, had seen multiple visions, many of them relating to or expanding on similar visions in the older books of the bible.
All these visions describe not only the details of what is to unfold before Jesus returns, but also concludes all the prophecies in both the old and new testaments. As there are a number of keys and knowledge required to understand this prophetic book, there are various interpretations of this book.
Over the years there have been a number of different interpretations to the book of Revelation; not limited to:
All these visions describe not only the details of what is to unfold before Jesus returns, but also concludes all the prophecies in both the old and new testaments. As there are a number of keys and knowledge required to understand this prophetic book, there are various interpretations of this book.
Over the years there have been a number of different interpretations to the book of Revelation; not limited to:
1.
Those that believe that most of the prophetic elements of the book was already completed during the 1st century under Nero or Domitian's rule of the Roman Empire. This school of interpretation is referred to as "Preterists".
2.
Those that regard the book of Revelation; as historical in nature an is an overview of all events that occur time and again until Jesus returns to the earth. They also believe that Jesus returns once the world has become a better place. These are generally referred to as "Historicists".
3.
The Idealist, were those that interpreted the book of Revelation as being subjective and see the book as a mere message of how good overcomes evil.
4.
The futurists who believes that the book of Revelation is an account of all events to occur from the time they were written; until the day Jesus finally returns to the earth.
But those are just some of the ways the book is interpreted. And of course; there have also been many debates whether the person who wrote the book was John the Apostle, or simply another "John". Speaking of John, without getting into a theological debate, there is sufficient evidence that John the Apostle was indeed the author of this book. However, we are reminded in 2 Peter 1 : 21 ;
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets themselves or because they wanted to prophecy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to speak from God."
The various schools of interpretation become mute when you carefully study the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation is rich in imagery, symbols and a story-line that is a mass of all the Old Testament prophecies. It provides the detail of events to be experienced by the church, the world, Israel, the details of ages still to come; given by Jesus in the form of visions. Truly, those that avoid the book because of its difficulty in understanding; are missing out on a treasure and journey of a lifetime.
As this book is written with symbols and visions, its interpretations are subject to a wider understanding of the various symbols in the bible. In fact, one cannot understand the book of Revelation, without understanding the prophecies and visions of at least Daniel, Isaiah and Ezekiel. This is what the various theological schools of interpretation miss out on - The book is merely a continuation of all the old testament prophecies and visions in many respects; of which we shortly demonstrate.
It is often easier to understand a book; when a global summary is given that allows the reader to stand back and obtain an eagles viewpoint. This enables us to remain focused on the main prophecies rather than various interpretations of the minor prophetic details, that perhaps are unimportant. In order to get such a picture; we list the main chapters as themes below:
As this book is written with symbols and visions, its interpretations are subject to a wider understanding of the various symbols in the bible. In fact, one cannot understand the book of Revelation, without understanding the prophecies and visions of at least Daniel, Isaiah and Ezekiel. This is what the various theological schools of interpretation miss out on - The book is merely a continuation of all the old testament prophecies and visions in many respects; of which we shortly demonstrate.
It is often easier to understand a book; when a global summary is given that allows the reader to stand back and obtain an eagles viewpoint. This enables us to remain focused on the main prophecies rather than various interpretations of the minor prophetic details, that perhaps are unimportant. In order to get such a picture; we list the main chapters as themes below:
Why do we believe the book of Revelation is futuristic?
We believe that this site proves beyond any doubt that the book of Revelation is futuristic in nature; for the following important reasons ... Many of the visions portrayed in the book of Revelation are extensions of visions that occurred by the Old testament prophets, some more than 1 000 years before the book of Revelation was written.
This site, itself, will prove beyond any doubt that the book of Revelation is futuristic in nature; for the following important reasons ... Many of the visions portrayed in the book of Revelation are extensions of visions that occurred by the Old testament prophets, some more than 1 000 years before the book of Revelation was written.
For instance, the beast of Revelation 13 is directly linked to the beasts of Daniel two and Seven; which is explained in detail by the Prophet Daniel.
The early church fathers, i.e., those alive during the first century themselves believed that the book of Revelation detailed the events to occur in the future. As they were living in and around the periods of the Apostles; there interpretation should add significant weight.
The book itself contains names of Empires and numerical timeframes that cannot be seen as spiritual or subjective.
The book contains many people clearly identified; such as the rulers of the East, Israel, the Holy city - Jerusalem, etc.
For instance, the beast of Revelation 13 is directly linked to the beasts of Daniel two and Seven; which is explained in detail by the Prophet Daniel.
The early church fathers, i.e., those alive during the first century themselves believed that the book of Revelation detailed the events to occur in the future. As they were living in and around the periods of the Apostles; there interpretation should add significant weight.
The book itself contains names of Empires and numerical timeframes that cannot be seen as spiritual or subjective.
The book contains many people clearly identified; such as the rulers of the East, Israel, the Holy city - Jerusalem, etc.
Many people have been taught that as a result of Israel persecuting and crucifying Jesus, Israel's place in the scriptures was replaced with the Church. The mere fact that Israel was gathered back into there homelands as prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah, should ring alarm bells for those that interpret Gods word as spiritual or subjective.
The truth is, if you are willing to study the scriptures, the book of Revelation
becomes literally, a great blessing!
becomes literally, a great blessing!
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
Scripture quotations marked " NIV " are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by Permission of Zondervan Publishing house [1]
Bible prophecy - Revelation revealed