"Book of Revelation"
What I learned in Sunday School today=)
Today, Pastor Nelson talked about Revelations...For those that don't know, this book was written most likely by the apostle John, brother of James, author of the gospel of John and the three epistles. This is supported by the testimonies of Justin Martyr (165A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (220A.D.) and Hippolytus (236 A.D.) and Origen (254 A.D.)
The book of Revelations can be interpreted into four different categories: the preterist view, the historicist view, the futurist view and the idealist view.
"Preterist" View: Refers to events that were fulfilled in the 1st century A.D., or shortly thereafter. It was primarily written to encourage the original readers. In today's day and age, it would be more didactic "(teaching the value of faithfulness to God)."
"Historicist" View: In this view, the book provides a panoramic view of the future of the church as it goes through history. You will also find in the book events as teh rise of Catholicism, Islam, the Protestant reformation, world wars, etc..., ending w/ the return of Christ. Thereby encouraging Christians, no matter when they lived.
"Futurist" View: "Apart from the first few chapters, the book tends to depicts events which immediately precede the 2nd coming of Christ. Therefore, most of the book has yet to happen (or is in the process), and its value is primarily for Chirstians who will be living at the time Jesus returns."
"Idealist" View: From an "idealist" perspective, the book does not deal a particular historical situation, rather, it enforces the principle that good will ultimately triumph over evil. Therefore, the book would be applicable to any age group.
However, a proper interpretation of the book should incorporate all of these views. I personally seem to lean towards the "futurist" view...However, according to Coplan, the "preterist" view has the most merit for the following reasons:
1. The book was written specifically to 7 churches in Asia...aka...modern Turkey
2. The purpose was to uncover or reveal.."things which must shortly come to pass:
3. John was told" Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand."
(Rev 22:10)
The book of Revelation, at least the first 19 chapters, deal w/ what has already taken place. It is only in chapters 20-22 does it talk about what has yet to happen.
For me, my goal is to read the whole book of Revelation and actually understand it. I've read it in the past but not fully understanding it...so that is my project this month!
Today, Pastor Nelson talked about Revelations...For those that don't know, this book was written most likely by the apostle John, brother of James, author of the gospel of John and the three epistles. This is supported by the testimonies of Justin Martyr (165A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (220A.D.) and Hippolytus (236 A.D.) and Origen (254 A.D.)
The book of Revelations can be interpreted into four different categories: the preterist view, the historicist view, the futurist view and the idealist view.
"Preterist" View: Refers to events that were fulfilled in the 1st century A.D., or shortly thereafter. It was primarily written to encourage the original readers. In today's day and age, it would be more didactic "(teaching the value of faithfulness to God)."
"Historicist" View: In this view, the book provides a panoramic view of the future of the church as it goes through history. You will also find in the book events as teh rise of Catholicism, Islam, the Protestant reformation, world wars, etc..., ending w/ the return of Christ. Thereby encouraging Christians, no matter when they lived.
"Futurist" View: "Apart from the first few chapters, the book tends to depicts events which immediately precede the 2nd coming of Christ. Therefore, most of the book has yet to happen (or is in the process), and its value is primarily for Chirstians who will be living at the time Jesus returns."
"Idealist" View: From an "idealist" perspective, the book does not deal a particular historical situation, rather, it enforces the principle that good will ultimately triumph over evil. Therefore, the book would be applicable to any age group.
However, a proper interpretation of the book should incorporate all of these views. I personally seem to lean towards the "futurist" view...However, according to Coplan, the "preterist" view has the most merit for the following reasons:
1. The book was written specifically to 7 churches in Asia...aka...modern Turkey
2. The purpose was to uncover or reveal.."things which must shortly come to pass:
3. John was told" Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand."
(Rev 22:10)
The book of Revelation, at least the first 19 chapters, deal w/ what has already taken place. It is only in chapters 20-22 does it talk about what has yet to happen.
For me, my goal is to read the whole book of Revelation and actually understand it. I've read it in the past but not fully understanding it...so that is my project this month!
posted by Bonbon at 6:58 PM
2 Comments:
Revelations is a tough book to wrap ones mind around - very cryptic at times! It's definitely hard to decide what view to take!
How is your reading going?
The key to understanding Revelation is in verse 1 which starts with, "The revelation of Jesus Christ". The is the unvieling of Jesus Christ as the center of God's administration and His eternal economy.
..."which He made it known by signs"... The revelation of this book is composed mainly of signs, ie., symbols with spiritual significance, such as the seven lampstands, signifying the churches; the seven stars, signifying the messengers of the churches, etc.
It's interesting that John saw all this including the last few chapters which is the consumation of the ages with the New Heaven and New Earth and the New Jerusalem as it's center. Since he saw all this it has already taken place.
In Christ. Louie
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