Biblical View of Revelation: Dr Ashley Crane Kibbutz Einat American Bible College students. Declared Australia taken over by Antichrist / 666. Bankcard: Held in hand & pin in mind. Christ for the Nations Institute, Dallas, TX. Top Eschatology preachers came. All used same verses to prove THEIR point. All referred to Revelation; few read blocks of Text. What does the TEXT say?
What Revelation is NOT 2,000 years of identities, timelines, prediction of End. Not a chronological timeclock from John s Day to 2017+ Not Set clear Rapture or Tribulation dates. 7 historical church ages (Dispensationalists; [WASP?]). Not Plural: RevelationS (0nly ONE). Not a key to Daniel (John refers to many OT books). What Revelation does NOT say: Antichrist never mentioned (beast, dragon, false prophet, devil). Antichrist: 1John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2John1:7 = denying Jesus is the Christ No clear 7 year tribulation (get from groups of 7). No Spielberg epic battle. No clear meaning for 666. Studying Revelation should NEVER produce fear or anxiety!! Repentance, faith, worship to follow Jesus more passionately.
Revelation Misuse: Revelation Reclaimed, J.Newton Nostradamus Syndrome: interpret secret codes to predict what will happen, esp Middle East or Europe. Left Behind Threat: manipulating to accept Christ, fear left behind to face 7 yr Great Tribulation. Conspiracy Theories: UN, ECU; World Bank; World Rulers; Pope, Catholic Church; World Council Churches, Tri-lateral Commission; illuminati, etc
Four Views: Preterist Past Understand solely in terms of John s world & audience. Vital to consider original. But can t apply to events shortly No meaning for following generations or today. Four Views: Historicist Chronological predictions from 1 st C to End (West & Middle East) Focus on decoding secrets. Western Church & political history; Ignores rest of the world. Dispensationalist; Reformers. No relevance to Original.
Futurist: Ch.1-3 Church history & age to now. John s Rapture (ch 4) is Rapture of Church at end of the age (now!); chs.5-18 is coming 7r yr Gt Tribulation. Decoding secrets in everything = Left Behind Series. Nothing relevant for John s day or earlier Church history. Claim no mention Church after ch.3, but believers in: 6:9-10; 7:3-14; 9:4; 11:3-12;12:11,17; 13:7,10; 14:1-5,12; 15:2; 16:6; 17:14; 18:4,20,24; 19:2,8,10; 20:4 Idealist: Claim John just concerned about ideals & principles. Cosmic conflict God s Kingdom & satanic rule Focus heavily on symbols & types. No place for historical context or fulfillment. Eclectic: aspects of all history. 1 st for John s Churches; through to today. Must read with Global perspective, not just WASP. Each Generation since John said Our Day!! All ages face similar spiritual battles.
Revelation: Reason for Writing: Letter to 7 Churches Asia Minor. Strengthen, Exhort, Encourage Worship. Nero (54 68) OR Domitian (81-96). Asia Minor: Nero reincarnate as Domitian. Demand Worship. Rome / Roman Empire / Emperor Cult Roman Empire was invincible. Pax Romana: enabled vast economic trade & prosperity. Religious system: worship local, but all must worship Emperor (ca 90) Empire harmony; economy; by Emperor worship.
What is apocalypse / Revealed? Rev.1:1 The revelation of / from Jesus the Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-- that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Only ONE is Revealed: Jesus as God. At no point is Jesus / Trinity / not in full control of history! Revealed as Lamb (29x); Lion (1x). 2 Edged Sword: Rev.1:16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Sword not in hand (military) but mouth (Gen.1) Overcome by Word of God; Worshippers. Focus: battle is over worship. God vs Emperor & false religions.
Doctrines Taught; Revelation Reclaimed, J. Newton: pp.48-50 God s Uniqueness: (Rev.1:8; 4:8-11; 3:2; 4:2-3, 8-11; 7:10, 12; 10:6; 11:16-17; 14:7; 15:3-4; 16:5-11; 18:8, 20; 19:1-6, 10; 20:11; 21:2-7, 22, 23; 22:3, 5, 9). Creation: (Rev.3:14; 4:11; 10:6; 14:7; 21:5). Validity of Old Testament (10:7; 11:1-2, 19; 15:3, 5; 21:10, 12; 22:6). Messianic Office of Jesus (1:1-5; 5:5; 12:5; 14:1; 19:15-16; 22:16). Historical Crucifixion of Jesus (11:8). Redemption by Jesus Blood (1:5; 5:6-12; 7:14; 12:11; 13:8). Universal offer of Salvation (5:9; 7:14; 14:6; 22:14-17) Resurrection of Jesus (1:5, 18; 2:8) Kingdom of God (1:6; 5:10; 11:15, 17; 12:20; 20:4, 6). Glorify & Enthronement of Jesus (1:6, 13-18; 2:1, 18; 3:7, 14; 5:5-13; 7:10; 12:5; 14:14; 17:14; 19:11-16; 20:4:21:22; 22:3) 2 nd Coming of Jesus (Rev.1:7; 2:25; 3:3, 11; 16:15; 19:11-21; 22:7, 12, 20) General Resurrection (20:4-6, 13).
Doctrines Taught; Revelation Reclaimed, J. Newton: pp.48-50 Last Judgement (6:16-17; 11:18; 16:14; 20:11-15). Final Rewards & punishments (2:7, 10, 111, 17, 13, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21; 7:15-17; 11:18; 14:10-11; 20:10, 15; 21:3-8, 27; 22:3-5, 12-15, 19). Holy Spirit (1:10; 2:7; 4:2; 14:13; 22:17). Christian Church (1:11, 20; 2-3; 5:9; 7:9; 22:16) Priesthood of Believers (1:6; 5:10) Existence & doom of devil (12:3, 7, 9-17; 13:2, 4; 20:2-3, 7-10). Our Hope, Newton, p.53. Literal resurrection of believers at the end (20:4-6, 12, 13) God triumphs over forces of darkness in Christ (12:11; 17:14; 19:11-21) Events promised will happen (1:1; 4:1; 22:6) Those names in Lamb s Book of Life will be vindicated (14:13; 15:2; 20:4-6) Persecutors will be judged & punished (6:9-11; 16:5-6; 18:20; 19:2) Christians enjoy fellowship with God & Christ forever in New Jerusalem (21-22)
Common Errors Start prophetic timeclock from their reading, rather than John s Day. Not consider fulfillments in John s day, nor throughout history. Not realise symbols & analogies can shift / morph. Seek to find meaning in everything, rather than big picture. Go by good preaching, not by what the Text says (eg, Antichrist). Interpret by using Daniel; Instead of just Revelation. Atomise the text, rather than the whole story. Worship: Who will you worship? Emperor cult or Jesus? Today: other religions. Who do you trust / worship for economic existence? Can you hold on despite persecution for Lamb s Wedding Feast?
Big Picture, Newton, p.73 Jesus revealed as ruler of kings of earth (1:5) Coming on clouds [God / Creator] (1:7) Double Edged Sword in mouth (1:6; 2:12, 16; 19:15) Authority over nations (2:26, 27; 12:5; 19:15) Triumphant Lion tribe of Judah (5:5); Triumphant Lamb of God (29x) Purchased people from ALL peoples (5:9; 7:9) Battles and Wins on White Horse (6:2; 19:11) All Empire (leaders) are afraid of Jesus (6:15-17) Jesus is the final owner of all world s kingdoms (11:5; 12:10) Overcomes 10 Kings of the Beast (17:4) Overcomes Beast & False Prophet (19:19, 20) King of Kings; Lord of Lord (19:6) Reigns for 1,000 years (not devil) (20:4-6)
Big Picture: Revelation of Overcomers with Christ Saints become a Kingdom (1:6, 9: 5:10) Share in Christ s Triumph over Nations (2:26, 27) Have a seat on Christ s throne (3:21) Reign on earth (5:10) Victory over dragon (12:10, 11); and Beast (15:2; 19:14); and 10 Kings (17:14) Share in Christ s 1,000 year reign (20:4-6) Overcome devil by worship (passim), blood of Lamb, & word of Testimony (12:11).
Selected Readings from Revelation 1 Rev.1:11-20 = Ancient of Days echoes other OT Books; Includes all Trinity. Christ / Trinity are all totally in control of history. Sword for coming battle in mouth (spiritual battle). 1:19 ""Write what you have seen, what is now & what will take place later. Revelation 2-3 7 Churches churches in Asia Minor persecution under Domitian. God cares / concern for his churches; Reveals Jesus in control of what is & will happen. Each commended; warned; exhorted. Not clear 7 Church ages (Dispensationalists). All 7 styles found throughout Church history. If Church age, only relevant for End is Laodicea.
John 4 who is caught up / Raptured? Rev.4:1-2 (Read in your Bible). Greek is singular speaking to ONE person, John, not whole church Raptured. 4:4 11: 24 Elders: 12 Tribes; 12 Apostles; Yet not stated. 24 Elders are focused on Worship: 4 living creatures reflect Ezekiel 1. 4:8-9 Holy Holy Holy (Isa.6:3) Revelation 5 Only worthy open 7 seals is Lion of the Tribe of Judah, root of David (5:5) Revelation of Lamb as though slain with 7 horns, 7 eyes (7 Spirits of God). Revealed: worship in heaven because of the Lamb. Worship from 24 Elders, 4 Creatures, Angels: incense prayers of saints. Lamb redeemed by his Blood every nation; kings priests.
Revelation 6: 7 Seals 7 Seals, Trumpets (shofars), 7 Bowls concurrent (not state 7 years Tribulation). 7 is God s perfect number; Lamb opening seals; God in control. 4 Horsemen of Apocalypse echoes Zech.1:17-18 6:2: White Horse Jesus who conquers (19:11, 13, 16) 6:15-17 instead of repenting, people hid from Wrath (sin hides). 6:9-11 5th Seal: martyrs = cry for justice = white robes of purity. Revelation 7: 144,000 Debates if 144,000 is symbolic or actual; 12,000 from each tribe of Israel 7:9 uncountable from ALL nations, tribes, people, etc. in white robes (purity) These, with Angles, 24 Elders, 4 Creatures, all worship God & the Lamb. 7:14 These from Great Tribulation persecutions from then to now. O.O.O Tribulation : 1:9; 2:9, 10, 22; if chronological, Gt Tribulation was 6 seals 7:17 Lamb has restored, healed, comforted, all these worshippers.
Revelation 8: 7 Trumpets / Shofars 7 th Seal altar of Incense begins 7 Trumpets / Shofars blown by 7 [arch?]angels. 8:3 Prayers of ALL the saints intercession; prayer; worship begins 7 shofars. Key here: 3 rd of all things destroyed; first 4 focus on this world. Reflecting on earth what happened with satan s rebellion (1/3 rd angels fell)? Mass signs / destruction yet people refuse repent (9:20-21). Revelation 9: 5 th & 6 th Shofars God in Control: v.1 he was given ; v.5 they allowed ; v.14 release 4 angels. Intense suffering by warfare natural & spiritual battles raging then & now. 9:4 Seal of God on foreheads; protected / encourage repentance. 9:3-12 Locust Plague: echo Egypt; & Joel (as God s army to bring repentance). Reflects suffering when Jerusalem destroyed 70 CE; few repented. 9:13-19 4 angels at Euphrates: extent of Roman Empire; since 600 islam. God s purpose: repentance; but people refuse to repent / worship (9:20-21).
Revelation 11: Temple & 2 Witnesses 11:1 Temple measured is heavenly, not 3 rd earthly (which YOU are) cf. 11:19 Some: Temple refers to the Church as you, the Church, are the 3 rd Temple. 11:3-11 2 Witnesses no solution; likely Moses / Elijah style. 11:15-19 finishes in worship time to reward & punish. 11:18 nations angry; destroy the destroyers: God vs Nations (Egypt to now). Revelation 12: The Woman vs dragon Woman clothed with Sun; 12 star crown; give birth vs red dragon, 7 heads, 10 horns, 7 crowns. Woman births male child will rule all nations caught up to God & his Throne. Mary giving birth to Jesus; Israel in wilderness; Church into wilderness, (many interpretations). Dragon: Rome & Empire; all demonic forces against Israel; Christ; Church. Woman (Israel; Mary; Church) flees to wilderness to escape persecution. 12:7-12 devil cast from heaven; overcome by: blood of Lamb, word of their Testimony. Earth swallows dragon s flood of persecution; dragon makes war with woman s godly offspring.
Revelation 13: the dragon, the beast (s), the mark. 7 heads, 10 horns & crowns, blasphemous name: Roman Empire & all since who seek stop worship. 12:3 head mortally wounded, yet healed: Nero reincarnated as Domitian: both demanded worship. 12:8 not in Lamb s Book of Life worshipped beast (3:5; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27). Worship of dragon, beasts: Emperor Worship; false religions. Number of beast (not antichrist): 666 or 616; plethora of meanings. Not buy / sell unless worship Emperor; Christians under false religions today. Rev.14, 15, 16. 14:1-5 worship in heaven; call for all to worship God the Creator. 14:8 Babylon is fallen Rome; all who oppose worship of the Lamb. 14:9-10 who takes the beast s mark receives wrath of God time to reap the harvest: wrath or worship. 15:1-3 Those have victory sing Song of Moses, Song of Lamb (OT & NT saints). 16:1f the 7 Bowl of Wrath judgements against beast and followers (Emperor). Purpose: to bring repentance (as Shofars); but many refuse & blasphemed.
Revelation 17: Gt Harlot destroyed. Rome / Roma (or Jerusalem in 70 CE): Unholy alliance followed by holy marriage of Lamb & Bride (cf woman Rev.12) Prostitute flashy, repulsive; false religions / worship look great but repulsive. 17:2 Drunk, immoral; 17:6 blood of saints & martyrs. 17:14 Rome, war with Lamb Lamb overcomes: Lord of Lords, King of Kings. Choice: worship: Rome / false religions / economy OR God/Lamb worship? Revelation 18: Babylon Gt is Destroyed. NB: all declarations of what is happening are from Heaven / Angels / Throne? 18:2 Babylon the Gt is fallen: habitat for demons, foul spirits: false religions. 18:9-19 demand for luxuries / economy is over in 1 hour (financial collapse) 18:20-24 Rejoice over her oh heaven, holy apostles & prophets, God has avenged!!
Revelation 19: Marriage Supper of the Lamb Revelation: romance to love & worship overcome to Marriage Supper. Rev.19 praise of God s triumph & judgement over all systems opposed to him. 19:6: Lord God Omnipotent = total power reigns. 19:7-9 Lamb s Marriage Supper & bride. Rev.19:11 the White Horse Rider triumphant in victory over beast, false religions, kings of earth. 19:20 beast and false prophet / false worship thrown into lake of fire forever. Revelation 20: devil overcome & Judgement Devil bound for 1,000 years. Saints rule 1,000 years with Jesus. 20:10-15 Devil released, cast into lake of fire (beast & false prophet) forever. Gt White Throne Judgement: Book of Life opened, not written into lake of fire. If you worship the beast, devil, then you go to his place; Worship God and go to God s place.
Revelation 21-22 New Heaven, Earth; River of God New Heaven, Earth, Jerusalem God tabernacle with people Creation. 21:9 the Bride Lamb s wife (vs Prostitute) New Jerusalem. 21:22 no Temple Lord God Almighty & Lamb are Temple. 22:1-5 River of Life, proceeding from the Throne of God & Lamb: Ezek. 47. YOU are the River of Life, bringing healing to Nations. 22:12 coming quickly; Alpha & Omega; v.16 Jesus has Revealed himself. Revelation: Jesus God shakes civilisations to bring repentance; & judgement to those persecuting God s worshippers. At no point is there an epic battle where the outcome is uncertain. Revelation of Jesus as the Lamb who overcomes all false religions. Who will you trust & worship for your economy and life?