Nrelevance of the book of revelation today

The relevance of revelation an overview from revelation 1. The book of revelation is the last book of the bible in our canon for good reason. Few today would contest the claim that the book of revelation stands as one of the most controversial, complicated, and esoteric books in the new testament canon. It is the final glimpse into the final judgment that will occur at the end times. The book of revelation is one of those books in the bible that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Yet most people believe that this final book of the bible cannot be understood at allthat its language and symbols are too confusing to make sense. Its title is derived from the first word of the koine greek text. Orley berg doesnt think the book of revelation is an incomprehensible mystery. If my understanding is correct, the events portrayed are not in chronological order. The revelation of christ revelation 15 the prologue the introduction the salutation we have noted the blessings of the book of revelation to the modern reader.

Revelation, the good news and the bad news word of god today. These are the socalled gnostic or apocryphal texts expunged by order of egyptian bishop athanasius in the 4th. The book of revelation conflict, comfort and conquest by john cripps. A commentary that many have found very helpful is the message of revelation. Author elaine pagels includes here discussion of not only john of patmoss book of revelations, so wellknown from the new testament, but also discussion of the numerous revelation texts found at nag hammadi in upper egypt in 1945. So many christians have a complete misunderstanding of the revelation of the apostle john born 6 a. The book is made up of symbols, figures and metaphoric description of events and visions. Today, if you will hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion in the. This paper seeks to define and present the problems or rationale behind. Many, not all, impute external ideas into passages to project a progressive applica. It is commonly read at the end of the liturgical year, for it bespeaks the end of, and passing qualities of all things of this world. It is a book that should be labored over to understand.

The book of revelation has its own contextual setting and historical setting, but it is relevant today. Introductory lesson in the book of revelation, looking at the salutation revelation. It is the knowledge of how the kingdom of god functions and how we can enter and, effectively and victoriously, live in it in this present world. We should study the book of revelation for theological reasons. Why the book of revelation matters relevant bible teaching. As mentioned before, the books very name means to reveal to unveil, to open to understanding what otherwise could not be comprehended. Immediately after john ate the scroll, he was commanded to regurgitate it, if you will. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st. Now lets look at the salutation, or word of greeting, because it too indicates the relevance of the book.

Ninth, revelation proves that hell is real and eternal. The book of revelation is not just about the future. The author of revelation does not claim to have known jesus during his earthly ministry. Yet it is a tough nut to crack, not only because of its intrinsic difficulty but because of the myriad interpretations that have grown up around the book. The relevancy of the book of revelation to todays christian. The bible speaks today describes three series of expositions, based on the books of the old and new. In future articles the letters to the seven churches as outlined in the first three chapters of the book will be examined. And the book of revelation unveils the events of the end dramatically. It here signifies an opening up of hidden knowledge to understanding. The book of revelation is not just about the future,dr. The antichrist and the false prophet are pictured as still suffering in hell even after the thousand year reign of christ is complete.

Although revelation is often described as the revelation of john meaning that it is a revelation to john, 1 it is actually a revelation of christ 1. Does the book of revelation have something to say to us today. The message of revelation the bible speaks today series. Others see the relevance of the book of revelation as virtually limited to. The book of revelation is a teachers delight, yet the preacher must tread softly here. We want to take a quick look at this work in terms of its bad news and its good news. Why the modern view of the book of revelation may be. The fourth and final major interpretation of the book of revelation is historicism. The book of revelation is important because it is gods word on when jesus christ will return. It requires careful attention to separate the prophecies of future events from revelation s symbolic passages. Currently in the liturgies of daily mass we have been reading the book of revelation.

The book of revelation is the book of hope in spite. A careful examination of the book of revelation explains its purpose and what it is about. A disconcerting writing, incomprehensible for many, the last book of the bible seems to be the antithesis of the gospel of a loving god and a messiah who is prince of peace. And so the whole of the prophecy of the book of revelation is transformed.

Even today, many around the world are killed and suffer because of their testimony. As part of scripture, the book of revelation was given by inspiration of god 2 timothy 3. The book of revelation starts with this is a revelation from jesus christ, which god gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. Does the book of revelation have something to say to. The greek name of the bible book of revelation, apoka. The book of revelation reveals that we can look forward to the coming kingdom of god. The versebyverse commentary on revelation introduction this commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it.

If you have been saved by grace through faith in jesus christ, then you are in the worldwide church of god. It requires careful attention to separate the prophecies of future events from revelations symbolic passages. Does the book of revelation have something to say to us. Visions, prophecy, and politics in the book of revelation by elaine h. The name of the book, revelation, is a translation of the title in the original new testament greek, apocalypsisthe origin of the other name by which the book is now known, the apocalypse. Relevant bible teaching why the book of revelation matters.

Approaches to interpreting the book of revelation devan c. This view point is expressed in various forms by many biblical scholars. The book of revelation is one of the most neglected and yet one of the most abused books of the new testament today and in times past. Oct, 2012 and the book of revelation unveils the events of the end dramatically. Paramhansa yogananda stated that it is a book of yogic wisdom, and he wrote a yet. Therefore, this book contains information god intends to disclose or reveal to humans, rather than conceal from us. According to some, and i am relieved that it has only been a few, covid19 is proof that the plagues of the book of revelation, in particular the seven seals of revelation 6. The book of revelation is not just about the future bible study. Soon after the thousand years of christs millennial rule on earth are completed, the new jerusalem will come to a renewed heaven and earth isaiah 65. Years ago i heard some preach this book of revelation as we do the gospel.

John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. It is also a book of glory, depicting the ultimate victory of our lord continue reading why the modern view of the book of revelation may be flawed. The book of revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the. Its meaning is positive, not fearful or terrifying to those who serve god. I t is most important to realize that the book of revelation is purely spiritual symbolism and not prophecy at all.

Revelation has significant relevance to the whole counsel of god, and that is. Saint augustine 354430 the relevance of dietrich bonhoeffer. Jul 17, 2012 paramhansa yogananda stated that it is a book of yogic wisdom, and he wrote a yet unpublished commentary of several hundred manuscript pages to expound that fact. Here is how wilcock outlines the flow of revelation.

Four times the author identifies himself as john 1. This summary of the book of revelation provides information about the title, authors, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of revelation. This premillennial tension is expressed in the titles of some of the books on offer at international airports. One of the symbolic pictures given in revelation is that of a throne in heaven around which twentyfour venerable persons known as presbyters are seated. Apr 28, 2015 a commentary that many have found very helpful is the message of revelation. This name indicates the meaning of revelation it uncovers matters that had been hidden and discloses events that would happen long after it was written. It is not to be taken literally, in many instances, as though it were a letter from one of the apostles. If youre looking for a quick roundup of the important things to know about this book, here are five you should know. The book of revelation had its origin in a time of crisis, but it remains valid and meaningful for christians of all time. Like the other commentaries in this series, the focus is on the message of the book. Kruger study from the bible and be encouraged to grow your faith. Historicism is the belief that revelation is always in the process of being fulfilled.

The book of revelation is an extremely important book. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. However, revelation tells us the good news is that there will soon be no more bad news, and that forever. Surely god intended to say something to us about it all. The book of revelation provides some of the keenest insights in scripture concerning the big picture of work. That is great news, because this book of revelation is meant for you revelation 1. Book of revelation understanding it, topics covered, jesus. The whole book of revelation was given to the son by the father to be shown to all believers in truth what was to come.

On the one hand it describes the terrifying tools of destruction our advanced technology will produce and a deceived humanity will useat the end of this age. Even john as he wrote revelation was sentenced to isolation on the island of patmos, and he said that he could relate to the tribulation of the church of jesus christ in his day revelation 1. These are the socalled gnostic or apocryphal texts expunged by order of egyptian bishop athanasius in the 4th century c. This idea has a strong tie to the book of revelation, as the gospel of jesus christ is the good news that he brought. The clear purpose of revelation love worth finding with. The opulence and the prominence of the city along with the mention of the seven hills on which it rests, its persecution of christians, and the use of euphemisms such as babylon are generally presented as evidence that rome is the. Perhaps it should come as no surprise, then, that its reception by the early church was equally complicated and controversial. Professor schussler fiorenza believes that revelation has particular relevance today as a liberating message to disadvantaged groups. The apocalypse, or revelation to john, the last book of the bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader. I believe the clear purpose of revelation is exactly what it says it is. It is the final expression of and complement to the prophecies of the jewish prophets. In the face of apparently insuperable evil, either from within or from without, all christians are called to trust in jesus promise, behold, i am with you always, until the end of the age mt 28. The book of revelation is the only book of prophecy of the new testament. Approaches to interpreting the book of revelation scholars have approached interpreting the book of revelation through four major methods.

It is only when we start to overallegorize it or to force its interpretation according to our preconceived ideas or doctrines about the end. A disconcerting writing, incomprehensible for many, the last book of the bible seems to. The comforting promise of revelation when you are certain of your future, then you can concentrate on your present. This book is gods open letter to us and contains critical information about our future. It is the revelation of jesus christ to show his servants revelation 1. War in heaven the book of revelation is war literature, pagels explained. This commentary on revelation will prove, contrary to what most people think, that the revelation, the last book of the bible, is not difficult to understand if we will take a simple, facevalue, commonsense approach to interpreting it. Unlocking the secrets of revelation tomorrows world. Seven reasons for studying the book of revelation ministry. The opulence and the prominence of the city along with the mention of the seven hills on which it rests, its persecution of christians, and the use of euphemisms such as babylon are generally presented as evidence that rome is the wicked city.

May 04, 2016 the book of revelation is not just about the future,dr. While many associate the word apocalypse with great disaster, the book of revelation begins and ends by saying that those who read, understand, and apply its message would be happy for doing so. Revelation reveals the events of the day of the lord revelation 1. The book of revelation contains messages to the ancient churches in which the messages equally apply to the churches of the past two thousand years and up to the churches of today. The message of revelation is as relevant today as ever before, as our world seems to be descending into chaos. Paul rainbow outlines some themes at work behind the scenes in revelation that can guide us today on how and when to use this book. In the first verse of the book, the apostle john recorded christs words, the revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. Farley andersons book, the book of revelation today, provides some very interesting insights and thoughts to consider as to what john the revelator was talking about, i. The book of revelation is not just about the future crossway. While there is much debate on all the prophecies of the book, the book of revelation is gods word on the end times and judgment. Rather, it is a book of mystical teaching, relating especially to the esoteric experiences of the evolving consciousness. Please explain the twentyfour elders standing around the throne of god. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. The relevance of the book of revelation scot mcknight patheos.

Are the seven seals of the book of revelation unfolding today. This revelation is the highest form of knowledge and wisdom revealed to humankind, and is just as pertinent today as it was in the past and will be in the future. Today the world says the bad news is that there is no good news. The book of revelation and work bible commentary theology. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant john.

The greek term denotes an unveiling or uncoveringthus, a revelation. The revelation of jesus christto show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. I saw heaven opened, by michael wilcock part of the bible speaks today series. There are those such as thiessen who understand the genitive to be objective referring to a revelation about christ, 2 but it is more probably a subjective genitive referring to a revelation by. It promises that god will institute universal peace, prosperity and cooperation over all the earth immediately after the return of jesus christ. The book of revelation, a prophecy of warning and hope. So, the divine author of revelation is jesus christ and the human author is the apostle john. The time for understanding the book of revelation is now at hand. The name of the book, revelation, is a translation of the title in the original new testament greek, apocalypsis the origin of the other name by which the book is now known, the apocalypse.