How do you view the book of Revelation?

Yet future, won't be understood until the Tribulation or shortly before. Written for Messianic Israelis.

 

I view it as one of many other works in the same genre of apocalyptic (though inspired) and interpret it in light of that. Only Christians in the last 200 or so years have mistakenly taken apocalyptic as forecasting the future history.

 

I view it as Christians have always viewed it as in the future assuring a literal, physical return of Christ.

 

A mixture of literal and symbolic passages that are mostly prophetic. I guess that means I'm a futurist.

 

I view it as a mixture...some literal, a whole lot of symbolism. Depending on the leadership of the Spirit, during your study, the Lord can show you several applications to your own life. (But I also believe the scripture is not necessarily limited to a single interpretation.)

 

I have attempted to study Revelation on at least two occasions. Sadly, I have concluded I can find that it says whatever I want it to say because of ascribing this or that meaning to this or that symbolism. I would be leery of any view that is dogmatic. But, on the other hand, we can easily find many instructions applicable to our lives, and thus study is very rewarding, once we put our crystal ball aside.

 

Is that your way of saying that you deny a futuristic aspect to it?

 

As most futurist understands Rev., yes. But as I said, I'm an eclectic. I see the picture in Rev. 21-22 as a description of new creation. So that is its future element. And that is the part of apocalyptic that most have in common... new creation.

 

Revelation was written in a code that first century Christians would understand. No one alive today understands the code, and thus no one really has a deep understanding of this book. There are many interpretations and a number of them are quite logical, but contradict each other. Far too much time is spent in useless argument concerning Revelation.

 

Yeah... perspicuity of Scripture... who needs that doctrine anyhow.

 

Unfortunately this is entirely wrong.

It's a nice sentiment, but wrong. Bruce Metzger tried to get around to this but his argument fails (which is unusual for him.)

Ultimately the book has application to the first century and ever since. If it were not so those who assembled the various books of the Bible wouldn't have included it. We can understand and be edified by the contents of the book. Its message has specific characteristics similar to much Jewish apocalyptic literature though with unique Christian aspects.

We can understand the book through the role of the Holy Spirit. It is complicated and takes time to understand. Yet we can understand it.