properly puts forth the purpose of this book as eschatological in nature, with an end to history and a final victory over evil clearly anticipated within its teaching. The idealist correctly understands that spiritual principles flow out of the figurative and symbolic use of language, and that these provide guidance and encouragement to those who seek to be obedient to Christ in every aspect of life, for every generation. If John was writing for both his contemporaries and the church in successive ages, so that they have comfort from these visions, the content of this prophetic, apocalyptic message must have application to the entire church from every age. One of the basic issues that must be settled is whether the message of revelation should be interpreted as a linear historic sequence (a continuum perspective), or as a series of parallel, recurrent messages that overlap in content and application. If the latter is the case, then the series sets forth a recapitulation of human history that encompasses with increasing intensity the salvation and judgment of God as He establishes His Kingdom. Perspective Points: 1) Revelation is the only NT book whose main focus is the consummation of history. 2) Revelation reveals what remained hidden in Daniel’s day (Dan.12:1-4,9 ; Rev 22:10). 3) Revelation intensely describes the glorious and eternal nature of the kingdom of God over against the more subtle introduction of it in the Old and New Testaments. 4) Revelation shows the final judgment and lasting glorious victory of good over evil. 5) Revelation clearly proclaims that Christ is divine as the notions of God and the Lamb are gradually interwoven throughout the fabric of its text. 6) Revelation reveals how God’s purifies and matures the church through persecution and suffering. Revelation concludes and completes what was consecrated in Genesis (the beginning) 7) and thus it provides a powerful synthesis of biblical truth. Discussion Questions: In the 5 major views of interpreting the book of Revelation, with which one are you most familiar or which one are you inclined to support? In considering the 7 perspective points of Revelation, what do you is the most vital idea of the seven, and why? How do you respond to people who mention that we are close to the big tribulation?
properly puts forth the purpose of this book as eschatological in nature, with an end to history and a final victory over evil clearly anticipated within its teaching. The idealist correctly understands that spiritual principles flow out of the figurative and symbolic use of language, and that these provide guidance and encouragement to those who seek to be obedient to Christ in every aspect of life, for every generation. If John was writing for both his contemporaries and the church in successive ages, so that they have comfort from these visions, the content of this prophetic, apocalyptic message must have application to the entire church from every age. One of the basic issues that must be settled is whether the message of revelation should be interpreted as a linear historic sequence (a continuum perspective), or as a series of parallel, recurrent messages that overlap in content and application. If the latter is the case, then the series sets forth a recapitulation of human history that encompasses with increasing intensity the salvation and judgment of God as He establishes His Kingdom. Perspective Points: 1) Revelation is the only NT book whose main focus is the consummation of history. 2) Revelation reveals what remained hidden in Daniel’s day (Dan.12:1-4,9 ; Rev 22:10). 3) Revelation intensely describes the glorious and eternal nature of the kingdom of God over against the more subtle introduction of it in the Old and New Testaments. 4) Revelation shows the final judgment and lasting glorious victory of good over evil. 5) Revelation clearly proclaims that Christ is divine as the notions of God and the Lamb are gradually interwoven throughout the fabric of its text. 6) Revelation reveals how God’s purifies and matures the church through persecution and suffering. 7) Revelation concludes and completes what was consecrated in Genesis (the beginning) and thus it provides a powerful synthesis of biblical truth. Discussion Questions: In the 5 major views of interpreting the book of Revelation, with which one are you most familiar or which one are you inclined to support? In considering the 7 perspective points of Revelation, what do you is the most vital idea of the seven, and why? How do you respond to people who mention that we are close to the big tribulation?
Revelation00_Handout-5Interpretations.docx