I do not think that is entirely correct. John was a witness to actual events. You have a 1st century human, watching things happen in 2020. How would you describe modern life to send to 7 churches in the 1st century? There are literally events, and then chapters in between to further describe the events in more detail. John used symbolism and sermon alliteration. 7 spirits 7 churches, 7 seals, 7 Trumpets, etc. God worked it all out, John witnesses it. Then John uses many forms of writing to create 7 letters to seven 1st century churches. They were intended to address churches throughout the last 1900 years.
The INTERPRETATION of The SEVEN VISIONS in SEVEN SECTIONS of The Book of REVELATION
Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Alan Gross, Jun 22, 2020.
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Rev. 1:19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
John did not see angels and churches, but rather stars and lampstands with represented angels and churches. John described for us what he saw and in many cases offered direct interpretations. Other times we infer meanings from context.
This is the case with all prophetic visions in Scripture. Josephs dreams depicted future events.
Certainly what John saw depicted actual events that would come to pass in the future. We are blessed when we believe and act on what he revealed. -
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Covenanter Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
My understanding is that the book of Revelation was written before AD 70 & concerned the prophesied destruction.
The prophecy of Revelation – with songs.
1. Introduction
I pray that my outline & the songs will help your understanding of this mysterious book.
Where do we begin? Most commentators start with a date in the nineties. Many make it a book of future prophecy for “end times” yet future to us, with a dramatic scenario such as the “Left Behind” books & films.
Others see it as non-specific prophecy to be applied to the present Gospel age. They apply the various prophecies to historical situations such as the Roman persecution & the fall of the Roman Empire; the rise of the RC Church & the Papacy; the rise of Islam; the medieval plagues; modern plagues like AIDS & Covid; world wars, etc.
Let's begin at the beginning! The opening verses make it clear that the book is written for John's immediate readers, suffering persecution for their witness to Jesus Christ. John writes of himself as “your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus.”
I understand Revelation as being written before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and specifically relating to that dreadful event that Jesus prophesied so clearly. There is much study needed, & I can only offer an outline.
Jesus warned his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Chapters 2 & 3 are letters to the seven churches of Asia. These letters are written for every reader – including us - to take warning & encouragement to their own situation, & their church's. At the end of his prophecy of the destruction of the temple & Jerusalem, Jesus addresses all of us telling us to live in faithful service, & to watch & pray. (Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21)
John 16, Revelation 1-3
In the world we've tribulation,
Christ has overcome the world.
He has words for all the churches,
We have ears to hear his words.
Love him first and love each other,
Trust and witness, watch and pray.
Christ is King and Lord and Saviour,
He'll be with us all the way.
Songs are (C) Ian Day
Suitable tunes are 8787D such as Converse & Ode to Joy
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Alan Gross Well-Known Member
Along with 'signified', John's first 'post' indicts that God is writing this Revelation, to 'His servants'. -
Alan Gross Well-Known Member
Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21, John 16, & Revelation 1, each contains the word, 'tribulation'.
One word being present could establish the context for an interpretation.
However, maybe not, also.
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I see references to A.D.70, in Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21.
I also see The End of The World.
The End of The World did not take place, in A.D. 70.
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The End of The World is also mentioned in Revelation 1:7 "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."
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I say they all deserve another look. -
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Alan Gross Well-Known Member
9.0.0 > NT Intro iv: SIXTY-SIX NEW TESTAMENT Verses Teach The SECOND COMING of JESUS CHRIST & THE END of TIME. -
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Alan Gross Well-Known Member
Over The Church Age, Day of The Lord, "25% of humanity is killed by plague, famine, war, and wild animals", during The Inner-Advent Period, from the Time of Jesus' Ascension, until He Comes, Again. -
God does not shorten the last 1000 years. God is doing the Revelation in that last few years of the church age. It is not extended onto the next age. It is the last of the actual church age. But it all happens in the harvest. Not spread out. How would any one understand the actual signs unless they lived them? No one can live 1000 years looking at one sign.
There is no "inner advent". It is called the church age. The church was in charge of 2000 years. Israel was in charge for 1400 years. The Nations were in charge for 2600 years. No one really did it right. Just filthy rags. God still worked though, and many obeyed and trusted God despite sinful Nations, Israel, or the church. -
Alan Gross Well-Known Member
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Alan Gross Well-Known Member
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Covenanter Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
2. John's vision of heaven
In Revelation 4, John is caught up in the spirit to heaven, & sees the glory of God in impenetrable light. He sees extraordinary living creatures & elders surrounding the throne.
He records the songs of praise they sing, as living creatures & elders alternate in their praises of the glorious creator God.
In chapter 5 he sees a sealed scroll in the hand of God. A scroll that no-one can open – except the Lion of Judah, the slain Lamb of God, the ascended Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Revelation 4-5In chapter 6 the seals are opened by the Lamb, and John sees him on a white horse. The Lion and the Lamb are victorious. The Greek word for victory – Nike - is used for both Lion & Lamb.
Holy, holy, holy Lord God,
Praise the Lord of heaven and earth.
Jesus, Lion, stands in triumph,
Jesus, Lamb, the sacrifice.
Blessing, honour, glory, power
To the Father and the Son;
Now sealed scrolls will all be opened;
Now God's plans will be made known.
The prophet Zechariah sees horsemen & chariots as God's agents going through the world. Now John sees them with the order to take peace from the land. God graciously helps unbelievers to work together for peace & cooperation. Many live in a society where we have no fear of violence.
But when man's hatred casts off God's restraining power, violence & war follow. The Jews who rejected & crucified their Messiah, Jesus, rejected the Gospel of forgiveness preached by his Apostles.
When the fifth seal is opened, he sees the martyrs who have suffered at the hands of those who rejected the Gospel of salvation. They are waiting patiently for God to avenge them.
God is in no hurry for vengeance – he waits forty years, keeping the Gospel open for the rebel sinners to repent. Acts records that many thousands did repent & turn to Christ. But, judgement was coming. -
Alan Gross Well-Known Member
You might not believe this, but you just showed Jesus' Ascension to The Throne, after His First Advent Ministry, on Earth.
Revelation 4 begins The Second Vision with The First Advent of Jesus.
The Second Advent and Jesus' ONE & ONLY RETURN in Judgment is also Recorded in THIS SECOND VISION,
...as it was in The First Vision.
Jesus Washing His Children in His Own Blood is a description of The First Advent of Jesus, in The First Vision John had, in Revelation 1 thru 3.
The Second Coming of Jesus in FINAL JUDGMENT is Recording in Revelation 1:7.
Right? -
That is all well and good applying a spiritual application. The problem is we are living in the end, and the actual seals are being opened. Are we ready to leave, with a full harvest, or just our sin?
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