Snorkeling in Hawaii put me in awe of God’s great hidden world – of swarms of brilliantly colored fish that I hadn’t even known existed. Together, we are about to plunge into Revelation, a world that has been hidden to many of us because it seemed just too unfathomable. This week we’re going to get our bearings and next week we will do all of Revelation 1. This week has a lengthy introduction, but it will not always be that way. So, hold on!
Revelation peels back the corner of heaven to help God’s children live victoriously — not just for the end times, but for now!
So, here we go!
Photo by Pia on PexelsIf you don’t have this book, get it now. The author is in Canada, so we need to get the book from Amazon. If you belong to Amazon’s Kindle program, you can get it for free. If you want the kindle version, look for this:
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The man God gave the visions of Revelation to is the Apostle John, the same writer of the gospel of John and the letters of John. He was the only one who did not flee when Jesus was crucified, but was there, in the shadow of the cross. He was the first of the apostles at the empty tomb (beating Peter in the race)!
My favorite gospel is John, and the only whole book I have memorized is John’s 1st letter. So why did I shy away from John’s Revelation? I’d heard so many various & confusing views on the end times that I put Revelation on the back burner. Then I read an article with a convincing Scriptural argument that Revelation primarily concerns us NOW. That drew me in. So I pulled Revelation to the front burner and began to study in earnest. Then, as I shared last week, God brought Dr. David Campbell into my life, a theologian and author of two clear commentaries on Revelation, who offered his help to us. That sealed the deal for me. So here we go!
Yet last week it hit me hard to realize anew how various views of this book can cause division, and some are opting out for this study, not wanting to contribute to that. I respect that, though I want everyone here to feel free to share their hearts and thoughts. When Jesus prayed we would be one, I don’t think He meant we can’t disagree, but that when we disagree, we do so in love, grace, and humility, asking Him to guide us. I loved the verse that our own Bing brought last week concerning this:
All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (Philippians 3:15)
This will be challenging, and on this blog, we will have a smaller active group. I am open to being corrected, for I am a sojourner too. For example, last week I e-mailed Dr. Campbell and mentioned that I was beginning to wonder about something I’d said when we did our “overview” study on Revelation. I had quoted this from another good commentary, but now was beginning to have second thoughts. The author said, on Revelation:
I said, “As I study, I wonder if it might be more accurate to say “the pictures are a puzzle.” Dr. Campbell wrote back this so helpful explanation:
I have great
respect for Prof. Poythress, but you have this exactly right. The visions are not meant to be
self-explanatory. They are like the parables of Jesus and the prophetic actions of Ezekiel or
Isaiah and are ultimately based on the plagues of Egypt – they are signs from God that either
draw people into deeper inquiry and seeking of truth OR cause people to depart even further
from God and have their hearts hardened. I really like the “pictures that are a puzzle” and I will
use it from now on!
We have the Spirit, the Body, and a mentor to help us in this journey, and let us continually pray for His Word to be a light to our path.
Now, as to “the pictures are a puzzle!” Let’s think of them as symbols, for symbols represent several truths. Think of a wedding ring, flags of countries, or the cross. They tell us more than one thing. There are many symbols in Revelation that are mysterious: the trumpets, the seals, the horsemen, the Lamb who was slain, the number 666! I can already hear our own dear “Laura-Dancer” saying, “Why doesn’t God just say what He means?” That’s the first question we will answer this week, but first, I must tell you of my continuing spiritual conversations with my young stylist, for last time she asked me that exact same question: “Why doesn’t God just say what He means?”
I will call her Lydia, and I’ve been going to her and praying for her for years. I came on too strong years ago and had to sincerely apologize for I sensed her deep offense. Along with my apology, I brought her a gift of her favorite gourmet cheese and promised I’d follow her lead in talking about God in the future.
In time, she told me that she had been put off by a Christian relative who preached at her but never listened. He said, “Lydia — What are you going to do about hell?” Then he walked away. Because he neither listened to her nor clearly explained the gospel, what she heard was: “Lydia — you better be a nicer person or you are going to hell.”
Tim Keller says we must diffuse the mistaken idea that Christianity equals morality when we share the gospel, or we will offend and build a wall instead of a bridge. Lydia put up her hackles when I first started talking about God. It took years before she opened up. I had to simply wait and pray.
And then Covid happened.
Lydia is young, beautiful, with a great husband, two darling children, and a new home in the country. She had, she told me, “Everything I ever wanted.”
Then, a year ago, she got a severe case of Covid and still has not fully recovered. She shut down her shop for seven months. She has trouble breathing. And her four-year-old asks, “Mommy — why are you always so tired?”
Near the end of 2020, we had the first conversation when I sensed the door opening a crack.
“What are you learning from this hard trial, Lydia?”
With emotion in her voice: “That I’m not in control.”
I nodded. Tears sprung up in my eyes. Lydia is so young to feel like an old woman.
“Have you ever read John’s Gospel? I think you could do it in an hour and it would really help you.”
She shook her head. That’s all I said. Then, a few days later I got this text:
What is that book by John somebody that you said would really help me?
I texted back. Oh, Lydia, that’s a book in the Bible. Would you be offended if I sent you a Bible as an early Christmas gift?
Not offended at all. I would read it and ponder it in my heart.
If indeed, as I believe you will see in the study, that the trials and the suffering prophesied are not just about the very end times but about the whole time of the age of the Church, then we should not, therefore, be surprised by suffering or to assume it means Christ is at the door, though He certainly could be! God is sovereign and He brings good out of our suffering, not wasting our sorrow if we have tender hearts. (I was moved by our own Sharon’s story of how her baby’s death to SIDS made her realize she was not in control, but God was.)
He also uses suffering to bring unbelievers to Him. That is what I am hoping is happening with my stylist as a result of her suffering, for she seems much more open. I also see God is surrounding her with believers. Last December she had to close her shop again because of her exhaustion and the continuing Covid pandemic. She opened up again in late March and I saw her for the first time since sending her a Bible. I prayed she would bring the conversation up, and she did.
“I tried to read John’s book but it’s so hard. It’s like poetry. What is ‘the Word’?'”
“That’s Jesus. It’s another name for Jesus. We know that because in the 14th verse it says “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus left heaven to come and rescue us.”
“Well, why didn’t John just say that?”
“I think it is because pictures can say a thousand words, and a title like “the Word,” tells us so many things — like Jesus is the way God communicates with us, He is the One who, with the Father, spoke the world into being. And so much more. One good source says the Bible has 198 names or titles for Jesus.” He’s so magnificent and beyond us, that He needs that many names.”
Her scissors stopped mid-air. “Wow,” she whispered. We’re talking now, and God gave me a chance to explain the gospel to her, so she could explain what Easter means to her children.
Will Lydia press in or not? The choice she makes will not only reveal her heart but also, will either soften or harden her heart. (I’m considering telling her that — pray for wisdom for me.) As David Campbell writes in the preface to his revised edition:
“God designed Revelation in one sense to be a mystery, just like the parables of Jesus. Confronting this mystery in sincere faith causes genuine believers to seek out its true meaning, while unbelievers who reject it will have their hearts further hardened to God.”
Again and again in Revelation Jesus says: “He who has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says…”
Watch this 4 minute video on what it means to have “Ears to hear”
Oh Lord, may this be true of us.
2 PLUNGING INTO REVELATION QUESTIONS TO PRINT OFF
Sunday: Getting Started
There is more homework than usual in this lesson, so please start right away. I will keep homework later in the week lighter so people who get behind can catch up.
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?”
Monday: Not a Handbook for Last-Days Event
3. In your book or kindle, read in the Introduction up to “Authorship” and answer:
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture?
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what?
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each?
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in?
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced?
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?”
Tuesday: The First Three Ways of Interpreting Revelation
Campbell lists four ways of interpreting Revelation. All four have some truths in them and this isn’t a core issue that deals with salvation. This study holds primarily to the Idealistic view, though not exclusively. There are people who love the Lord in all four views. The “Futuristic” view is very popular, in part because of books like Left Behind, and because people find predictions about the future fascinating, but it can also cause us to miss the relevance of Revelation to us now. G. K. Beales (with whom David Campbell wrote a longer commentary on Revelation) said:
One of the great tragedies in the church in our day is how Revelation has been so narrowly and incorrectly interpreted with an obsessive focus on the future end time, with the result that we have missed the fact that it contains many profound truths and encouragements concerning Christian life and discipleship.
7. Briefly summarize the first two views and what you learned about them.
A. Preterist
B. Historicist
8. Read Campbell’s section on the Futurist View and share his main points.
9. The Futuristic view began with the rise of “dispensationalism.” What did you learn about that?
10. Have you been impacted by any of these views? If so, either positively or negatively, share how.
Wednesday: The Idealist View
The Idealistic view interprets Revelation on the basis of symbols used in the Old Testament, instead of on the basis of current events. I know many people have wondered if this global pandemic and the division in our world is a signpost to Jesus’ imminent return — and of course, we do not know — but it is interesting to think that believers thought the same thing during the reign of various immoral Popes or political figures such as Hitler or Saddam Hussein. Current events cannot be a reliable interpreter of Scripture. Scripture is the most reliable interpreter of Scripture.
It puts me in awe to see the continuity of truth from Genesis to Revelation, despite being written over my centuries, cultures, and continents by men, who for the most part, had no contact with one another. God is the author and in the prophetic books especially, He uses symbols to hide the truth from some and reveal it to others. It should not, therefore, surprise us that the symbols God revealed to Old Testament prophets centuries before would be repeated in the vision to the New Testament prophet John. There are serpents (or dragons) locusts, the harlot Babylon, and much more. One thing that is exciting to me, is that as we grasp Revelation, we also grasp much from the Old Testament prophets.
11. Read Campbell’s section on the Idealist view and summarize it.
12. (Optional but recommended) Read Campbell’s section from “The Symbolic Nature of Revelation” to “The Latter Days are Now” and share what stands out to you.
Thursday: When Do the Events in Revelation Take Place?
Revelation begins with: “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show (semaino) his servants what must soon take place.”
Once, impacted by the futuristic view, thinking that Revelation was primarily about the very end times, I thought: Well, that’s soon in God’s eyes, not ours, because it has been 2,000 years since John wrote this. But now, with the help of Reformed scholars (as in the rest of Dr. Campbell’s introduction), I realize Jesus was not talking about the very end of history, but now! He meant soon literally! This time began when Jesus ascended (so was already happening) and will end when He returns. Let’s see how Scripture reveals this.
Most of you are familiar with the beginning of Daniel, when Nebuchadnezzar had a very troubling dream and only Daniel could interpret it. If you are not, read Daniel 2:1-33.
With the help of the Septuagint, (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) we know that God uses the same word (semaino) which is translated “show” in Revelation 1:1 (and in six other places in Revelation) as He uses in Daniel 2:28-30 to “show” Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of the statue in his dream. “Semaino” means to show symbolically. The various materials in the statue symbolized various kingdoms, beginning with the “gold” of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian kingdom. This was followed by the “silver” of Persia, the “bronze” of the Greeks, and the mixed iron and clay of Roman — the kingdom that ruled when Jesus lived.
13. Read Daniel 2:34-35 and describe what happened to all of those kingdoms and by what they were smashed?
14. The “Kingdom” that tramples all others, beginning small, and mushrooming into a huge mountain that fills the earth, is what, do you think? (For help, see Campbell or Matthew 21:42-43.
15. Jesus uses a similar phrase to the “soon” that John uses in Mark 1:15. Find it — for this is important!
16. Now, when did that Kingdom begin? (For help, see Acts 1!) And when, according to Revelation 1:7, will this time end?
17. Read the section “The Latter Days Are Now” and share your comments.
18. How does understanding the time that the events prophesied in Revelation is now impact your thinking?
Friday: The Main Themes of Revelation
19. Read the page and a half that closes Cambell’s introduction and list the three main themes of Revelation.
Saturday:
20. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
Though the kindle version and the revised paperback version are basically the same, Dr. Cambell added this in a short preface to the revised version:
197 comments
I love this from Sharon:
I was taught the futuristic view and have studied Revelation and taught that view. The negative from it is getting caught up in current events and figuring out where we are…I have learned to just put it in His hands knowing that He is in control of it all!
What is sad to me is that this book divides Christians and that should not be the case. No matter what view you have I think it’s wrong to be dogmatic but I also think it’s important to not let “your views” keep you from seeing other views…share in love, grace and kindness. It doesn’t affect our salvation, we’re all still brothers and sisters in Christ.
My prayer:
Oh Lord, may we have wisdom, humility, and grace! Help us not to be divided but to be open and teachable and loving.
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
oh Dee! I have a feeling I will be very frustrated in the next few weeks! I love, love, love the Lydia story! I have my own challenging story about someone who has gone through a lot of sadness in the the last 5 years and is not a believer. I would love to say the right thing, but alas, God didn’t weave my being with the most sensitive mouth! This person is a close family member who lost both her husband (60) and her son (34), 5 years ago and just a couple of months ago. I decided I will pray for the right words. I am visiting with her until Wed this week.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?”
As a teacher, I realize we all have different learning styles. I am visual and hands on (kinesthetic). I’ve always said that dancing in church brings the scripture alive, especially dancing scripture. It helps those learning styles that are not auditory to understand better. So, I get all that. I guess my frustration is that I don’t know enough of the background (OT) to appreciate the foreground (the parables). I have resigned myself that I need more study, and I’m good with that. My question is what if I don’t learn it all before it’s “my time?”
I’ve heard that Jesus spoke in parables to help the masses understand, kind of like code. It was specific and with the basic people in mind vs the Pharisees and teachers. That is why I need the background of the (OT) to break the code!
Also, pictures say a thousand words. It gets engrained in your head.
3. In your book or kindle, read in the Introduction up to “Authorship” and answer:
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture?
“scriptura scripturae interpres, a Latin phrase which means “Scripture interprets itself.”
Well, if you find other scripture that confirms the scripture your are reading then it becomes clearer to you. And, it comes from the source itself, not an outside source.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what?
The purpose is to be a guidebook for us, today.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each?
The first is from Exodus. It is the story of the people coming out of bondage, crossing through evil, and into the protection of the Lord Himself.
The second is that of the garden of Eden. It’s the story of God restoring the garden to an even better one, where evil is banished forever.
Both of these OT stories are replicated in Revelation.
Look at you — you are already doing well. You will be just fine when your time comes — He will greet you with open arms, you will clothed in white.
Dee, you know me…. there are two #15’s….
I appreciate it. I do not have “copy editor eyes.”
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
I loved your story of your hair dresser. Tears sprang to my eyes when I read her confession “I am not in control”. That is step one toward Jesus for many people. I will be praying for you as you witness to her, Dee. I have someone in my life who does not want to hear about Jesus, who think they know better and are “in control”. I am here with you in this Bible study, Dee, though, for most of the time I will be following silently. I can understand many not wanting to do this study because I too have been stung by fellow Christians who looked down on others who do not believe the same things about the end times as they do.
May we all have ears to hear what Jesus through the Spirit has to say to us through this study.
We all need grace, don’t we, Diane. I am so excited about this that I fear coming off negatively toward other views.
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
Lydia’s story is a powerful example of waiting on the Lord “to awaken love” in the hearts of those who don’t know Him yet. We have seen and heard about the devastation wrought by the pandemic and in Lydia’s story, we hear of the omnipotent, omniscient God using this type of suffering to draw one person to Himself. And Dee gets to be a part of His work!
I was struck by several things from the video:
Darrell Johnson: The church needs the discipline to listen to the voice of God. In the OT, God laments that His people did not listen to Him.
Ken S. Continue to love those who cannot repay you…Be in the city but not of the city. Be purified by the Word.
Barton Do not water down the truth; it should have functional authority in your life. The truth must impact every single aspect of your life.
J.I. Packer The church must learn to listen AGAIN to the Word of God.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?”
Laura, you and I! I am also a visual and kinesthetic learner. I need to see and pictures always make sense to me. I like looking at pie graphs, graphic organizers, drawings, etc. Revelation is going to be a fun, sobering study for me. I do not want to miss the blessing of reading His Word.
I have used word pictures in the classroom. I hope you all do not mind my explicit illustrations here.
Examples: the uterus is shaped like a pear; The bladder is shaped like a flat balloon; The urinary system is like the plumbing in your house; The nervous system is like the conductor of a symphony.
The students who get the pictures are the ones whose minds are open to learning. Those who are not attentive do not get it and they are more the poorer of the rich knowledge that can help them be better caregivers in the future.
So I pray I will be a good student rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 3:15) with a mind open to the Holy Spirit for illumination.
Your word pictures are great — made me smile! I like the nervous system picture.
Bing, I like your medical word pictures!
I don’t have the book yet but have ears to hear and listening to hear the voice of Jesus.
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…) – It is all so good. I love Dee how you picked up on Lydia’s feelings when you first started talking about the Word to her. Your sensitivity to her feelings brings great insight to me. I was just talking about witnessing with my husband today and that we can’t beat people over the head with it but need to go lightly so they will be willing to listen. And in regards to listening my husband and I have been having to do a lot of that since we started searching for a home in Tennessee. We needed to definitely keep out the thoughts of the enemy so we could hear the Lord. That is not an easy thing to do since we both feel very strongly about this journey we are on. Defeat set in, more for my husband than me, when offers were not accepted. But we had to trust and believe the Lord’s hand was upon our search. For me it is hard to know if the Lord is telling me know, wait, stop, or if it’s just a small delay because he has something better. Looking forward to this study and praying for energy to stay with it with my long hours at work.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?” – For me, pictures help me understand things better. They are like a diagram so I know I’m in the right spot. I remember more when a picture has been planted in my head then when someone just says something to me. So when I can see a picture or a symbol within the Word, I really think it solidifies it for me.
Julie! I will pray for your home search. My husband and I will be retiring in about 3 years and are thinking of buying an RV and a little piece of land in Missouri. We like the central-ness of it, and every time I turn around I hear something else I like about it! I think we have a couple of people here on the blog, who live there too. I need to pick their brains a bit! Travel will be good for the babies, as we will be homeschooling as well.
We finally had an offer accepted, and the inspection is Wednesday. Things are moving fast and we are excited. Now we pRay all goes well with the inspection. Thanks from praying Laura.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
A few things…
I enjoyed your heart in the desire to share the gospel with Lydia. I always fear rejection but my father told me, “they aren’t rejecting you but Christ”, which hurt even more. Your patience and prayer reminded me of what Gregory Koukl says in his book, Tactics…”before there can be any harvest, there always has to be a season of gardening.” He shares that he sees himself as more of a gardener when sharing the gospel, but he also lets the Holy Spirit lead in how far the conversation may go. I will be praying for Lydia’s heart to be opened and softened.
I also liked what you quoted by Tim Keller…“we must diffuse the mistaken idea that Christianity equals morality when we share the gospel, or we will offend and build a wall instead of a bridge.” I know this is what has happened with my sister and so I pray that within her mind that idea may be diffused and may the gospel be presented otherwise.
I pray from what I watched in the video that I will have ears to hear the voice of Jesus, that my life will be impacted and that I have a teachable spirit.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?
He uses pictures and symbols to conceal truth. The truth will be revealed to those who have ears to listen to Jesus and a desire to seek and know Him.
Julie, Praying for your home search — that the Lord will give you a likemindedness!
Sharon — you were blessed with both godly parents in godly in-laws, weren’t you!
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…) what stands out to me is your point about not mixing up morality with the gospel. Do you mind expounding on that a bit? Also it brings up a bit of a sore point, I am praying about. In my community a past fellow church member fell down his basement stairs and in his late 50’s is completely paralyzed, to the point where he has to be on a ventilator, they are trying to wean him off so he can get a talking valve but since this happened a couple of months ago, it’s been one physical issue after another. My heart is so broken, for him being locked in his body but also with Covid often so far from his family, it’s so hard to see how his suffering will bring good. So I have been wrestling with what faith looks like with so much suffering. I think one key, is that I can’t see the whole picture, since he is a believer perhaps others have heard the gospel because of his injury, but it’s hard to see it.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?” I can’t say I fully understand the how and why God uses things like parables. I understand how a mystery can pull someone in to further draw someone to God, or harden someone further if they have no desire for God.
Love your compassion, Tammy.
On expanding on diffusing morality. Most secular people assume becoming a Christian means becoming a nice (or nicer) person. So they are offended when you assume they are not a Christian. It would be different for each person, but I think something like,
Once I thought becoming a Christian meant becoming a nice or nicer person, because I didn’t understand Christianity at all. It does mean that you have to wake up to the fact that you have fallen short of the holiness of God and need His forgiveness. That’s why Jesus came. To pay the price for our sin on the cross. Becoming a Christian means accepting that you need that forgiveness, and asking Him to forgive you and to be the Lord of your life. He actually comes in, through His Spirit, to live in you. He immediately forgives you — and then He does start to change you — it’s a relationship rather than following rules to try to be a nice person.
I’d love to hear from others how they would do it!
Well, it is difficult, isn’t it?
I guess I would bait the person by saying the Bible is a love story from beginning to end. The best love story you could ever read….
Great, Laura. Love story from beginning to end.
My book is coming from Barnes and Noble but not until May 3. The shipping date was changed after I placed my order.
Glad to have you, Tara!
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
I can identify with Lydia in that there is a poetry to the book of John. I can understand why there are so many translations of the Bible to try to demystify scripture but I believe that there is meaning in the symbolism that is revealed to each of us by the Holy Spirit as we proceed on our faith journeys. We do need to pray beforehand so that we can gain understanding and direction on application of what we are reading. As each of those that spoke on the video had different responses, each of us will get something different from the same verse. I also have found different meanings in the same verses based on where I am in my faith journey, what season I am in, as well as circumstances in my life
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?”
The Word of God is so full of meaning that mere words would not be able to completely convey the meaning and significance of each verse. Each verse can mean different things to each of us as well as it can mean different things to us based on season. Also, I think there is a purposeful usage of symbolism in that it draws us closer to Him so that intent, meaning and purpose of the Word can be revealed to us by the Holy Spirit.
So glad to see you Kimberly — you always bring treasures.
What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
Those whole intro was compelling, I read it through 3 times.
I am praying for you and your stylist Dee, I hope that she will be like Lydia in Acts, seeking and open
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?”
I am thinking about children and stories, I bought a book called The Moon is Always Round, written to help children understand that God is always good even when he allows very hard things to happen.
Our ability to understand is limited, maybe like children we need to digest big concepts in pieces and the symbols are Gods way of simplifying these truths for us? I don’t know but that’s what I am pondering.
The Moon is Always Round. Will look into that! Thanks for your encouragement.
1. What stands out to you from the above?
I like what Dr. Campbel explained in his response to Dee’s pictures are a puzzle, andLydia’s story..and I am praying for her!
they are signs from God that either draw people into deeper inquiry and seeking of truth OR cause people to depart even furtherfrom God and have their hearts hardened.
I can’t wait to learn more about what he said here-I had no idea! ….ultimately based on the plagues of Egypt
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?” This is a GREAT question. I like what Dee said, that pictures can say a thousand words and that He is so beyond us and so magnificent. I don’t think it is possible to just say it though God could. I think His pictures are a gift!
I too loved what Dr. Campbell wrote me!
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in?
The Christians were being pressured to believe in the “imperial emperor worship.”
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced?
We are expected to accept homosexuality, gender authenticity, abortion, racism, etc. This pressure is playing out in our laws, in colleges, and to the youngest of our children. It is very sad to say the least. Our children ages 24-33 have been hijacked by the universities and told that the beliefs their parents have are wrong and they should sever ties if they can’t convince them that they are wrong. I have experienced this in my own family and I know of another family who has had the same discussions. We, the parents, will not budge, and the kids are saying we are crazy and need “help.” Or, the relationship is just very strained (in my case). I choose to not discuss the these subjects with our youngest son. It causes conflict. I would rather show him, through my actions, how I feel. He knows that I do not and will not change how I feel; the Bible is my guide and I am standing firm.
We are interviewing a couple of candidates for a teaching position in our team next year. We already have one young lady (25) who has tried bringing BLM into our classes (not acceptable), and we have a candidate who I believe will try to do the same thing. We are here to teach science, not lead children to political ideologies. It is scary! She is one of these who puts her “pronouns” after her name. The candidate did the same thing. This scares me! God made us who we are whether we like it or not. Interestingly enough, the candidate I like the most has been teaching at a Catholic school. He was charming! We asked him what he has read lately that would help him in the classroom and he said all about the saints! Haha. He listed a few attributes that they had that he could use in the classroom. I wonder if God put him in our candidate list to protect us?
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?”
The reward is that He will keep us spiritually safe. The reward of our spiritual eternity will “far outweigh” any suffering experienced now if we don’t compromise our values.
1. What stands out to you from the above?
The entire opening is very good! One statement, that we often equate Christianity with morality when telling others about the gospel, is true – but not only in instances when the gospel is presented to an unbeliever, but it also happens within the Christian setting. Often, it happens in instruction to adults and children in both church settings and Christian education for our children. Therefore, as parents we can be “asleep”, thinking that because our kids memorize their Bible verses every week, are educated with a “Christian worldview”, told to avoid alcohol, drugs, and sex, and our daughters wear a “promise ring”, that means they understand the gospel.
I liked hearing about your hair stylist, Lydia. Do you see that what she said about reading John and that she would “ponder it in her heart” is just like what the Bible says about Mary, the mother of Jesus, who pondered the mysteries of her son in her heart? I think that’s amazing.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so”?
First, as to Jesus’ parables, in which He used metaphors and pictures from all sorts of real life examples, like farming and nature, I think pictures and symbols often get into the heart in a different way than a cold, lifeless “definition”. For example, when someone asked Him, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus didn’t define it; He told the story of the Good Samaritan. In a book I am reading about a pilgrimage in the Holy Land, the author talks about seeing the rocky soil along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and wondered if when Jesus was talking about the “soils of the heart”, He might have pointed to that rocky soil, as in “See that rocky soil over there?” Of course, the symbols in Revelation are a bit more “spectacular” – beasts and dragons. (Were there ever such creatures, really, as dragons? Maybe!)
A book I am reading for my book discussion group, You Are What You Love, had an interesting mention of Revelation. In talking about “liturgy” and the “rival liturgies” of our culture, the author said that we often need a “wake up call” to jolt us out of our comfort and familiarity with these institutions to see them for what they are. Then he says,
Scripture has a way of doing this: it’s called “apocalyptic literature”….the sort you find in Daniel and Revelation. It’s a genre of Scripture that tries to get us to see, or see through, the empires that constitute our environment, in order to see them for what they really are. Unfortunately, we associate apocalyptic literature with “end times”, as if its goal was a matter of prediction. But this is a misunderstanding of the biblical genre. The point of apocalyptic literature is not prediction but unmasking – unveiling the realities around us for what they really are. While the Roman Empire pretends to be a gift to civilization and the zenith of human accomplishment, John’s apocalyptic perspective from a heavenly angle shows us the reality: Rome is a monster.
I find this makes sense to me. If all of Scripture can be used to help us know how to live, then the book of Revelation should fall into that same category.
Susan — I nearly e-mailed you cause I so wanted you to be here. But I also wanted you to have freedom. But so glad to see you.
Dee, I was hesitant to commit to this study, mainly because I feel like I have so many “irons in the fire” right now! But, I miss everyone when I’m not here! I took a break for a couple of weeks to focus on other books I am reading. And, I’m just in a hard place right now….emotionally and spiritually. And I think I am suffering a bit from depression, too. But I want to be here, too.
Susan — do as you feel led, truly. We love you and will pray for you. I will pray for wisdom and for God to lift you up too.
Susan, I am sorry you are feeling down. Remember, we all have these times, and the hopeful thought is when the wave will crash (hopefully not too painfully) and how we will be back on top again, feeling like our old selves. As Christians we can count on the ups and downs of the waves for sure. I will pray for your health.
Oh Susan, I’m so sorry for the struggles you are facing. I will be praying your burdens are lifted.
Oh Susan. So many many times I’ve wished you were next door. Usually I just want it for me but this time I wish I could be there for you. Praying friend
Susan, I am pondering this quote: “The point of apocalyptic literature is not prediction but unmasking – unveiling the realities around us for what they really are. While the Roman Empire pretends to be a gift to civilization and the zenith of human accomplishment, John’s apocalyptic perspective from a heavenly angle shows us the reality: Rome is a monster.”
I am reading a very challenging book about progressive Christianity called “Another Gospel?” by Alisa Childers that basically explains that those who have embraced Progressive Christianity believe that early Christian thoughts was infantile and incorrect and we have progressed beyond their thinking and now have the “truth”. We are “progressing” and have more truth than the early Christians did. Truth to the Progressives is that it doesn’t matter if Scripture is “inspired” in the way we traditionally understand “God-breathed” special inspiration. It does not matter if Jesus really died and rose again. We only need to love each other and do the best we can to live moral lives. This is a book that I believe every Christian today should read. (I know Dee recommends it.)
Your quote shows that just as the Roman Empire presumed they were the zenith of human accomplishment, today many believe they have a higher knowledge and are the best that civilization has to offer, a “gift” to civilization.
Diane, I remember the video clip Dee had us watch with Alisa Childers. That’s a disturbing thought, that some believe that we have progressed past what the early Christians believed to be the truth….especially, I think, because the earliest believers had many among them who would have been eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus.
I bought this book on my kindle and have heard many things. Anxious to read it.
Glad that you’re here, Susan!!
Thank you, Dawn! I’m always glad to “see” you here, too!
3. In your book or kindle, read in the introduction up to “Authorship” and answer:
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used to as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture?
Scriptura scripturae interpres is the Latin phrase that means that Scripture interprets itself. This was a different idea than the idea that only the Church could rightly interpret Scripture. My understanding is that with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, a believer can rightly read and understand the Bible.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what?
It is to be used as a guide book to help us to live today. I looked up the definition of biblical prophecy, and it basically means “a message from God”. In that sense, “prophecy” is a noun. It doesn’t necessarily mean, then, a “prediction” or a “foretelling”.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace – and what do you learn from each?
The Exodus out of Egypt, in which God rescued His people out of slavery and brought them in to the Promised Land (which mirrors our own “exodus” in salvation).
The Garden of Eden. The first Garden we read of in Genesis was all messed-up by human sin, but one day, both creation and humanity will be restored to what God originally intended for both. Revelation contains both of these storylines.
Susan (and Diane) You’ll be interested in this e-mail dialogue with Dr. Campbell — he is in red:
One of our bloggers shared this quote – and I liked it a lot, but wanted to see if you thought it right.
You Are What You Love, James K. A. Smith:
In talking about “liturgy” and the “rival liturgies” of our culture, the author said that we often need a “wake up call” to jolt us out of our comfort and familiarity with these institutions to see them for what they are. Then he says,
Scripture has a way of doing this: it’s called “apocalyptic literature”….the sort you find in Daniel and Revelation. It’s a genre of Scripture that tries to get us to see, or see through, the empires that constitute our environment, in order to see them for what they really are. Unfortunately, we associate apocalyptic literature with “end times”, as if its goal was a matter of prediction. But this is a misunderstanding of the biblical genre. The point of apocalyptic literature is not prediction but unmasking – unveiling the realities around us for what they really are. While the Roman Empire pretends to be a gift to civilization and the zenith of human accomplishment, John’s apocalyptic perspective from a heavenly angle shows us the reality: Rome is a monster. Yes this writer has got it! The only proviso I would add is that the beast of chapter 13 is unmasked as the demonic power behind every wicked human government, not just Rome. Rome was the manifestation of the beast the seven churches were facing. Civil government was established by God to restrain wickedness (Romans 13:1-7) but the enemy is also at work continually trying to pervert its God-ordained function. The believer is caught in the middle of the battle and this calls for a nuanced approach to civil obedience and disobedience. Nero was on the throne when Paul wrote Romans 13. Christians are called to resist any government’s attempt to displace the role of God, but this doesn’t give us the excuse to be disrespectful every time a government is in place with which we do not agree politically. …. sorry that’s probably way more of an answer than you wanted?
I agree with his thought on “nuanced” civil obedience/disobedience. We are fighting for unborn children in NH (and around this country) as we speak. It is awful that states are passing laws that allow abortions up to birth. We are trying to pass a law that won’t allow abortions past 24 weeks (still despicable). I have gotten involved in local and state policy since this last election, trying to get the details and be an informed voter. It is definitely eye opening what our leaders are trying to pass without us (We the People) knowing or understanding. We are not living in the country of our parents, where you can trust the leaders to know how you want them to vote. Please find it in your hearts to speak for those who cannot.
Very interesting thoughts on “the beast” of chapter 13 being unmasked demonic power behind every wicked human government. I think that Laura is correct in saying that we cannot trust our governments to have our best interests at heart or a Christian perspective (US, Canada, and others). There is much that is evil going on behind the scenes. Still, we need great discernment about how to act and react toward governments (whether civil obedience or disobedience).
Thanks for running that quote by Dr. Campbell, Dee! I like his “take” on it.
Monday
3. In your book or kindle, read in the Introduction up to “Authorship” and answer:
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture?
Scriptura scripturae interpres. It’s like a plum line which “doesn’t change or move with the whims of the carpenter. It remains true, and all work must line up with it, or risk being crooked” (Got questions.org). In other words it keeps the interpretation of scripture lined up with truth.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what?
Call us to repentance and obedience in light of God’s purposes in history.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each?
The Exodus. Christians are portrayed as leaving the bondage of spiritual Egypt or Babylon, crossing the fearful sea where evil resides, and entering the place of God’s protection in the wilderness as they fix their eyes on the eventual goal of the eternal Promised Land. The plagues of Exodus are replicated in the plagues on the various civilizations of human history. In the process, God hardens the hearts of unbelievers while seeking to shock those destined for salvation into repentance.
The Garden of Eden. Demonstrates that God’s goal in that history is to restore the garden but in an even better form, one in which the very presence of evil is forever banished outside its confines.
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…) Lydia’s story the idea that you realized that you came on too strong and apologized for it is wonderful. So many non-Christians have stories of Christians who have said offensive things to them, are rude and judgemental, and are just a turn off to them never even considering or caring about how they come across. The apology probably spoke volumes to her.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?” Maybe because we humans have a tendency to take words, statements, laws, etc. and make them into something so rigid that we miss the meaning or the spirit of the words. Just like people still want to set a date for Jesus’ return even though we’ve been told clearly that no one knows (or is able to figure out) when it will be.
Word pictures are powerful as well.
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Scriptura scripturae interpres,, scripture interprets itself.
Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture? If you are trying to find the meaning of some scriptures, you compare it with other scriptures not just take everything in a literal fashion.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what? Call us to repentance and encourage us to persevere in our Christian walk.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each? Exodus and the Garden of Eden. Our earthly walk here and now is an Exodus and the Garden will be will be restored to what it was meant to be for eternity.
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in? The imperial cult of emperor worship.
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? That if we don’t accept the homosexual lifestyle, abortion, gender fluidity, or people living together then we are bigots and guilty of hate crimes. How is this pressure evidenced? Pastors rarely preach on these topics. The hospital that I work for is a Catholic organization and while they don’t provide things such as birth control pills, sterilization, etc. in our insurance they have to pay for it if we want it through some other supplemental means (I’m not really sure what it’s called, I just throw the paper away). At my work we have to take yearly courses on all of these issues and pretty much told to keep our opinions to ourselves.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?” We are spiritually (and eternally) safe.
Love your hospital story!
What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture?
Scriptura scriptura interpres, Scripture interpets itself.If the Bible is God’s word, it makes sense that it would have authority and order- and that it would often feel a bit beyond my grasp 🙂
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what?
To call us to obedience and to give us such a hope, a hope that sustains us in our sufferings.
3. In your book or kindle, read in the Introduction up to “Authorship” and answer:
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture?
scriptura scripturae interpres which means scripture interprets itself. Who better to interpret scripture than God? We look to His infallible Word to interpret it instead of fallible men looking at events in our world to interpret it.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what?
Call men to repentance and obedience in light of God’s purposes in history. It calls us to obedience to God’s commands and offers us Grace toward that end and tells us of rich rewards if we persevere.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each?
The Exodus: Spiritually, it portrays us as leaving the bondage of Egypt, crossing the evil sea, and entering the place of God’s protection in the wilderness where we fix our eyes on the eventual promised land. The plagues of Exodus are replicated in human history-in the process God hardens hearts of unbelievers while shocking those destined to salvation into repentance. This stopped me in my tracks though I am familiar that the Exodus mirrors us there is so much more here I haven’t seen! Like God’s protection in the wilderness. The events in the wilderness where the Israelites were tested to fix their eyes on God came flashing in my mind, like when those who were bitten by a snake and gazed on the bronze snake scepter would live and those who didn’t died. Whoa..the plagues?! I had no idea how they mirror throughout human history.
The Garden of Eden: God’s goal is to restore the garden but in a better form-no evil at all. The very presence is banished. This blew me away too. I didn’t think about a better form of the Garden of Eden-no tree of the knowlege of good and evil will exist? No satan to tempt.
7. Briefly summarize the first two views and what you learned about them.
A. Preterist
This is the past view. It is believed that everything happened prior to AD 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. It is believed that Revelation is a warning of that one event. After AD 70 Babylon was the reference to Rome. The Preterists believe that all pagan nations rose up against the Jews, not just Rome. The book would be irrelevant for those living after the destruction of Jerusalem, why would God have it in the Bible?
B. Historicist
This is the historic view. Each of the seven churches represents a time in history. How are these periods defined? It is limited to the western church (European), and doesn’t include the original people to whom it was written.
Monday
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in?
The imperial cult of emperor worship
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced
We are being pressured to accept sexual immorality. It’s evidenced in court cases all over this country with cake makers, florists, Christian colleges and young women athletes.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?”
That God will keep us spiritually safe.
Sharon — so good to realize the promise is spiritual and not necessarily physical. A bit frightening, but good to know!
1. What stood out in the introduction and why?
How the Bible needs to be our functional authority. If all I do is read and then walk away, I am worse off than had I never read. The Bible preaches to us, and we need to listen and act on it.
2. What is the purpose of symbols? Why does God use them instead of just telling us?
When I was a child, I pestered my dad to tell me where we came from, meaning our ethnic heritage. He kept saying I wouldn’t understand. Now, granted, he didn’t explain it well when he gave in, but I took what he said, and he was right. I didn’t understand. So eventually I told people I was Greek. Truth is I am German and Welsh. But Welsh didn’t make sense to me. The closest thing I knew was Welch’s grape jelly. I couldn’t possibly be grape, so I concluded that I was Greek. Had he given me information that linked to things I already knew, maybe I would have gotten it.
God has less to work with than my dad did. What do we know of spiritual and heavenly things?? How do we explain an experience to someone who has never done that thing, or color to someone blind, or music to someone deaf? We would be reduced to saying, ‘it is like…’, well aware that our symbols are inadequate. But God is way more skilled than my dad was, and so we have a whole book of symbols to explore the meanings of.
Welches grape jelly. 🙂
3. A. It is reliable to interpret scripture by scripture because God is reliable. He wrote and preserved the scriptures. Jesus said all of scripture would be fulfilled; none of it would be lost.
B. The purpose of prophecy.
I was taught that prophecy was only partly to tell about the future; fore telling. Mainly, it was for forth telling, or telling out God’s truth. Calling people back to what they either once knew and drifted from, or coming to see the truth of God in all His revealed word.
C. The two story lines.
Exodus: leaving the bondage of sin and slavery, either as the people of Israel from Egypt, or as believers redeemed by Jesus. We enter the wilderness of either Sinai or our lives in this world, with the goal of the Promised Land. For them, it was Canaan, and for us, heaven.
The garden: the initial perfect place that we lost but the new one promised to us in heaven.
There are so many parallels as we go through our journey! There are lessons to heed and examples to avoid. It is like a treasure map, full of symbols, clues, mystery, questions, and the stakes are very high.
4. What were the seven churches being pressured to do at the time Revelation was written?
Worship the emperor.
5. What are we today being pressured to do? How is this pressure evidenced?
Laura listed them so well, along with others. Those who hold traditional, conservative values are being called names, bullied, while the far left liberals say that we don’t deserve a say in anything. There are lawsuits to either force people to act contrary to belief, or to be crushed financially. We are often shunned by people in our circles who think we should be more ‘progressive’.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to those who are faithful despite suffering, in the human sense?
God promises spiritual safety. Sharon put it well; we are not promised any other kind of safety.
Tuesday
7. Briefly summarize the first two views and what you learned about them.
A. Preterist
The whole book is a prophetic warning of what happened prior to A.D 70 – the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.
Problem: If this is true than the book is irrelevant for those who lived after the first church.
B. Historicist
Revelation divides history into 7 sections, each typified by one of the 7 churches. The seals, trumpets and bowls unfold one after the other in alignment with the 7 ages. This takes place in the history of the western (European) church. Some take place during the incline of Rome, the rise of the papacy and the reformation.
Problem: No evidence that each church represents a period of history. How do you identify these historical eras? An interpreter understands them differently and making sure to include the period in which he lives before Christ’s return, which leads to many different interpretations. This view has no relevance for Christians outside the western church and to those who originally wrote it.
I hate to be starting so late, but excited to jump in!
1. What stands out to you from the above (Lydia story, purpose of symbols, short video about “Ears to Hear”…)
Loved Lydia’s story. Love her honest heart, the tenderness, the questions…Lord please restore her health completely and open her eyes to You, Your love for her.
2. How would you explain why God uses pictures and symbols instead of just “saying so?”
This is me thinking quickly out-loud here, but I wonder if it’s like with the parables. I think we need the Spirit to help us understand. There’s a lot I don’t understand but the Spirit nudges me to dig, ponder, go deeper and then He ultimately shows us truth, sometimes only a small facet, there is always mystery…but maybe we treasure the truth more when it takes a bit of mediating to get it.
And always, I just love Dee’s model of such a teachable heart that always wants to learn and grow more, deeper, closer to Him. Your heart and mind are so “alive” Dee, there is no passivity, just a desire to always get closer to Him. I love that. It inspires me.
So looking forward to learning from and with all of you!
Thanks for your prayers for Lydia! And you do dig deep and bring us treasures from your hunts!
Monday: Not a Handbook for Last-Days Event
3. In your book or kindle, read in the Introduction up to “Authorship” and answer:
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture? – the principle is scriptura scripturae interpres and it means “Scripture interprets itself” I think that if we dig deep enough and ask God to give us wisdom as we read, we have everything we need in the scriptures. The Word is our guide book, we don’t need the outside world to tell us what is going to happen, or how we should live. The Word tells us all of that and it never changes as the days change.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what? – it deals with calling people to repentance and obedience.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each? – it retraces Exodus, where Christians are leaving the bondage of spiritual Egypt or Babylon traveling where evil exists on their way to God’s protection and the eventual goal of the Promised Land. The second story goes back to the garden of Eden, the the beginning of human history. It’s to show us God wants to restore the garden to a place where evil will never be. Both of these stories is showing me that evil was and will be wiped away. That God is with us along the way and will protect us from the evil one. Both of these stories show the path that we as humans have been on from the beginning and each stop along the way is bringing us to the Greater One of all.
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in? – they were pressured to engage in the imperial cult of emperor worship.
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced?
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?” – if we remain faithful through the pressures of this world, God promises believers that we will be spiritually safe and in the eternal world we will see that what’s to come will outweigh any suffering here on earth.
Tuesday: The First Three Ways of Interpreting Revelation
7. Briefly summarize the first two views and what you learned about them.
A. Preterist – this view is that every thing in Revelation happened before AD 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. They think of the book as a prophetic warning and that Babylon represented the Jewish people, but Babylon never referred to Israel in the ancient Jewish of Christian literature. This would be irrelevant to those that lived after those days of the church.
B. Historicist – this view divides Revelation in to seven sections which is to represent the seven churches. The problem with this is that there is no internal evidence saying that each church represents a period of time. Each historicist interpreter understands and describes the time he was in. Which then made the interpretation all different.
8. Read Campbell’s section on the Futurist View and share his main points. – I’m thinking this is the second paragraph in this section. Revelation doesn’t mention or assumes any restoration of national Israel. It also doesn’t describe a rapture of the church and it doesn’t refer to multiple returns of Christ or even any secret return, because Christ’s return is visible to us all.
9. The Futuristic view began with the rise of “dispensationalism.” What did you learn about that? – it took the whole book except for the letters in chapters 2 & 3 and interprets the visions literally and chronologically
10. Have you been impacted by any of these views? If so, either positively or negatively, share how. – I have to dwell on all of these, but I definitely don’t think of Christ’s return as anything but truth. I don’t think it is anything at all near science fiction. I do believe you need to ready for his return, or your life will not have any eternal spiritual safety.
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in? The imperial cult of emperor worship
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced?
1. Increased self centeredness (self first, and even when giving of yourself to others is encouraged the motive is to make yourself feel better. ) This fleshes out in so many ways.
2. Embrace marriage as between like sexes and eventually I am sure, anything and anyone. Sex before marriage is embraced as a must do before marriage. Gender identity and pronouns-you will be offensive unless you address someone by their preferred pronoun. (This is actually HUGE and is spreading fast right now.) Some of the solid Christian musicians and leaders we know are starting to embrace all of this.
3. NEVER talk of your faith, or proselytize IF you are a Christian, but if of another faith you can talk about it, even embrace it publicly. We are also pressured to be involved in political movements which can be good and where God wants us to serve to be lights, but where it goes wrong is when we place these movements above the gospel where they can easily become gods. Our God given passions for what is right socially or politically can become a god. It has been a slow and deceptive scheme of satan.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?” God will keep us spiritually safe. (I LOVE this. )
Good examples, Rebecca. And yes, isn’t that a wonderful promise about being kept spiritually safe?
8. Read Campbell’s section on the Futurist View and share his main points.
The futuristic view makes the book about the last days of the world. Visions are interpreted literally and chronologically and relate to historical events of this world. A key event is the establishment of the nation of Israel in 1948. Supposedly, after this Christ secretly returns to earth and the church is raptured into heaven. A seven year tribulation begins on earth where the anti-christ reigns. Christ returns and defeats the nations. He reigns for 1000 years where all dead believers are raised. Again, the unbelievers rise up against Christ and the believers and are defeated a second time by Christ.
Problems…Revelations doesn’t mention a state of Israel. Over and over it is mentioned that Jews and Gentiles will live together as the new church. There is no rapture of the church mentioned. There is no mention of brief returning multiple times to earth, nor is there a “secret” return. Revelation is interpreted with the main events of the current times. It is continuously revised as the events come and go with no Christ returning, etc. it has made the world laugh at Christianity.
9. The Futuristic view began with the rise of “dispensationalism.” What did you learn about that?
I had to look this word up. I gathered, with its many meanings, that it means, “a divinely ordained order prevailing at a particular period of history.” But it also means to be given exemption from something. Campbell claims “…it has become a powerful force in North America.” Weird, because I have never heard of it? Sometimes my pastors have preached on Revelation, but I haven’t heard of this interpretation in those sermons. As I mentioned above, in this view, visions are interpreted literally and chronologically and relate to historical events of this world but from a different perspective. What does this mean (from a different perspective)?
10. Have you been impacted by any of these views? If so, either positively or negatively, share how.
Not really. I don’t think pastors want to tackle the strangeness of the book. I have listened to a couple of series from Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth (Revive Our Hearts) however, who unpacks scripture beautifully! As I recall, she emphasized the 7 churches mostly; it’s been many years ago. I appreciated her picking apart the scriptures to understand. She always purports Gods Word as being breathed by Him. It seems that she related the scripture to the time of when these churches were thriving (or not)…the times after Christ is crucified and the disciples are guiding the people and churches in their journey. Im not sure if this would fit into any of the three “camps” so far explained in the text. Maybe the historical one?
Laura — in his longer commentary he elaborates on a “different perspective.” Because current events keep changing, so does the interpretation when viewed chronologically — the anti-Christ might have been identified as Nero, or Hitler, or Saddam Hussein…
BTW, I do know that it is Revelation, not Revelations! Stupid auto-correct, and I missed it in the edit! Hahaha….no judging 😉
11. Read Campbell’s section on the Idealist view and summarize it.
The Idealist view explains the book with the OT in mind, with the symbols and allusions of the prophets. He references the “millennium,” which I don’t understand, but says (I think) it is between the resurrection and the coming of Christ. There are plagues (like Egypt) and encouragement for the church to remain in this world but not of it. There is only one return of Christ and one end to the world. It is applicable to all generations.
I’m thinking this is how Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth interprets the book now that I am reading about this view.
I imagine that is her interpretation as she is Reformed and would use Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Laura, the “millenium” refers to the “thousand years” prophecy in the book of Revelation. There different interpretations of when this thousand years will occur and whether it is a literal thousand years or symbolic of the entire “church age” from the resurrection of Christ to the return of Christ.
Tuesday
8. Read Campbell’s section on the Futurist View and share his main points.
The restoration of Israel takes place before the events starting in 4:1, which took place in 1948. There is rapture of all believers, 7 years of tribulation during which the Antichrist comes and all the seals, trumpets and bowls take place. At the end of the 7 years. Christ returns on a white horse and the kings of the world and their armies and the beast gather together to fight against Him. The entire army was killed, the beast and false prophet were thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Then Satan was bound for 1000 years so he couldn’t deceive the nations any longer. Those who were killed durning the tribulation were resurrected and reigned with Christ for 1000 years. At the end of the 1000 years Satan is released, will go out and deceive the nations and will gather them to Gog and Magog and make war against Jerusalem, but fire comes down and consumes them. Satan is then thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur with the beast and false prophet. Then the final judgement takes place.
Problem: Revelation doesn’t speak or assume that Israel was restored. No passage in the Bible describes a rapture. Interprets Revelation by current events which can keep changing it. Only has relevance to those living during the 7 year tribulation.
9. The Futuristic view began with the rise of “dispensationalism.” What did you learn about that?
Dispensation means exempt from a rule or unusual requirement. Apart for chapters 2-3 they take the book to refer to the very end of history. Not sure what I learn from this or understand it?
10. Have you been impacted by any of these views? If so, either positively or negatively, share how. I was taught the futuristic view and have studied Revelation and taught that view. The negative from it is getting caught up in current events and figuring out where we are…I have learned to just put it in His hands knowing that He is in control of it all!
What is sad to me is that this book divides Christians and that should not be the case. No matter what view you have I think it’s wrong to be dogmatic but I also think it’s important to not let “your views” keep you from seeing other views…share in love, grace and kindness. It doesn’t affect our salvation, we’re all still brothers and sisters in Christ.
Should all keep this in our hearts from Sharon:
What is sad to me is that this book divides Christians and that should not be the case. No matter what view you have I think it’s wrong to be dogmatic but I also think it’s important to not let “your views” keep you from seeing other views…share in love, grace and kindness. It doesn’t affect our salvation, we’re all still brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sharon, isn’t this the ultimate irony, that the very Word of God can be the thing that may divide believers, and often leads to heated, and worse, disagreements. The breaking of relationships between friends and family.
Yes it is Susan. There are definitely things in His Word that we cannot compromise on but there other things that we can agree to disagree on. This is an area that God really worked on in my heart when we moved to NC and Dee doing this study is stretching me…which I love!
Wednesday
11. Read Campbell’s section on the Idealist view and summarize it.
Interprets Revelation symbolically and in the light of Old Testament references which form so much of its substance. Every church of every nation is portrayed as the fulfillment of National Israel and taking its place in God’s plan. The seals, bowls and trumpets are cyclical events which recur throughout the church’s history. The millennium depicts the church during its sojourn on earth between Christ’s resurrection and His return. It’s the time when God’s church enters history. Applicable to all Christians of every generation.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each?1) The Exodus- Rescue, Wilderness, flooded by the hope of the Promised Land The hardships either shock into repentance or offer reasons to harden ones heart.
2) Eden, the temple, the new Temple & Holy City where evil will have no access. This points us forward, It makes me think of how committed God is to healing us relationally.
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in? Emperor worship, they were being pressured to compromise their true beliefs to avoid being persecuted.
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced?
It is hard to be winsome when the things we believe are seen as hateful and intolerant by many in our culture today, it is sadder still, and makes our walk harder that many how claim Christ really have been hateful. Sometimes speaking truth, but totally lacking in love.For me, the pressure is evidenced by a reluctance to push back, both against those who are opposed to the Bible and those who misuse it.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?”An eternal reward, I liked the D-Day comparison, victory is sure, we need to finish well.
Impressed you are here with all your birthday celebration going on, Chris. Happy Birthday!
I feel lame for staying away so long- you are the one who is impressive dear Dee ❤️My Birthday was actually a couple of weeks ago, the baseball game tickets were a birthday gift which I loved, even though we lost terribly that day 🙂
7. The past view. That everything in Revelation happened by the destruction of Jerusalem. The question here that makes the most sense to me, is that everything already took place, and there is nothing to learn for ourselves now, why have it be in scripture? As I write that, I think, well, all of the Old Testament was in the past, even for the apostles. Yet it still told of things to come. But, this is how the author is explaining it, so I’ll keep reading.
The history view. The churches were seven ages, and everything else was a literal going through the rest of the book chronologically. But the people who took that view all had different ideas of when in history to move from one church to another, as well as how to explain the symbolism. Pretty much that view has been abandoned.
8. The future view. This is the one that we in the west have been most exposed to. After you get past the churches, which was for when John wrote, everything else is at the very end of history. Like the history view, it sees things literally and chronologically, but that it doesn’t start ticking until the establishment of modern day Israel in 1948. Then at some point, Christ returns for believers, called the rapture. Views differ on how that fits into the seven years of tribulation. Regardless, at the end of the seven years, Christ comes and reigns physically on earth for 1000 years while the devil is bound. When he is released, there is again evil on earth until Christ does a final defeat and judgment and begins His heavenly reign.
I will have to come back to finish this. When I’ve tried to pause, I lose everything I’ve already written. Sigh.
7. Briefly summarize the first two views and what you learned about them.
A. Preterist- everything in Revelation has already happened
B. Historicist- Revelation describes literal historical events with 7 ages reflected the 7 churches
8. Read Campbell’s section on the Futurist View and share his main points.- this view interprets most of Revelation as taking place in the future, the ‘end times’Much about this view doesn’t make sense, it keeps changing as current events do, it isn’t supported by scripture on many of its key points.
9. The Futuristic view began with the rise of “dispensationalism.” What did you learn about that?That this view also believes in distinct chronological separations in Revelation that hinge on the restoration of the Jewish people as a national state to Israel.
10. Have you been impacted by any of these views? If so, either positively or negatively, share how.
The futurist view is the one I have been most exposed to, it has impacted me negatively, some family members have done kooky things based on the belief that current events showed that the end of time was imminent, they were inclined to act like everyone else was crazy for not getting on board with their way of thinking and living. It made me reluctant to think much about “end times”
1. What stands out from Lydia’s story? I love this! It is wonderful that Lydia’s has opened her heart and desires to seek God. It is such a fine line, knowing how to open a conversation about the gospel. I think building a bridge of trust is so important and you have done that Dee. So often, it is the very difficult times that draw us closer to God. ( I know this has been true in my life.) It is so true that if we seek, we will find. I have found that sending a note that I don’t have an answer, but I certainly understand and will pray for a friend, sometimes opens the door. I have had my neighbors come to me and cry when there is a tragedy, because they know that we are believers and we will cry with them and pray for them. I check on them, bring a book or a plate of cookies; they know that our door is always open. God is huge and His ways are hard for us to understand, but I agree that hard times can soften (or harden) a heart. I think just listening and letting a friend vent their sorrow is helpful. Some many people will listen for a minute, but move on. Just being there for someone consistently can build trust.
2. I live in a world of Art and Drama (some of it my own drama..) 🙂 I love the imagery. I love what you wrote Laura! (I am visual and kinesthetic too!) I agree that the pictures stay in our heads! Some of the imagery in Revelation is pretty scary and hard to interpret. Bing, I love your ideas in teaching with pictures! I would have loved a teacher like you!!
I want to do this study, because all points of view are worth looking at. I remember Hal Lindsey’s book, and The Left Behind series. One thing I have always kept in mind is that no one on this planet knows when Jesus will return. Our job is to be ready. No matter how we view the book of Revelation, we know that we are to be prepared to meet Jesus….now or later. I do feel that so many of the books coming out about this being the end times, are putting people in a panic. People have always tried to attached the pieces of the puzzle with the times in which they lived. We do know that we are getting closer, just because we always are…. I think David Campbell’s book will give us many things to think about. I underlined half of the Introduction. I liked what he wrote in section 4. He stated that Revelation is interpreted by current events, not the Bible itself. I think that is often very true.
I find Revelation and its pictures to be a mystery. In the OT, the people expected the Messiah to arrive in a totally different fashion than He did. Scripture and life are always easier to interpret looking back. Corey Ten Boom said of our lives: it is like a weaving and we only see the back side (with all the tangled yarn and no real clear pattern; when we meet Jesus, He will reveal the front side of the weaving and it will be a golden crown. (I am paraphrasing) This is how I look at Revelation. I only see the back side of the Revelation weaving for now.
I love this verse: Cor. 13:12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully even as I am fully known. This verse is not about Revelation, but it keeps things in perspective.
I am behind in the questions, as you can see.
I’m not surprised that neighbors come to you, dear Patti.
When I moved to Seattle and was so lonely, you were the first to reach out to me. So long ago. And here we are.
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture? Studying the word of God by allowing the Word of God to interpret the Word of God seems like wisdom.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what? To warn people, and call them to repentance and to obey.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each? 1. Retraces the journey of Exodus and 2. From the garden of Eden to the eternal river of the New Jerusalem. The two points are that through the plagues, unbelievers hearts will be hardened and destined for salvation will be shocked into repentance. The other is pointing to the wonderful day of the Lamb’s rule.
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in? They were being pressured to engage in the ‘imperial cult of emperor worship’.
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced? Obvious ones are sexual and gender issues. Others less obvious are political surely you must support ‘what’s his/her name’ you’re a Christian, material things or conveniences, and lastly I feel like there is a certain big idea or catch phrase pressure, in other words you must be ‘blank’ or believe ‘big idea’ or you are a ‘bad name’. There is little nuance these days in either spiritual/religious circles or political ones. For example I am prochoice when it comes to vaccines, but some of my Christian friends are so anti, that it is the loudest message coming from their lives right now on social media.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?” Eternity with Christ.
9. The Futurist view began with the rise of ‘dispensationalism’. What did you learn?
What Campbell had to say about this view thinking the church was plan B for God was something I’d never heard before. He also said that prior to a specific woman’s vision in 1830, no one ever interpreted Revelation in this way. He said the Bible does not teach a seven year tribulation; that Daniel 9:24-27 was twisted to get that idea. He sees the tribulation as occurring throughout the church age. He also feels that that Revelation does not recognize a new national Israel, and that it is believers who inherit the promises. He does not see a rapture in Revelation, and sees a different interpretation of Paul’s writings. This view sees Jesus’s return as visible, happening only once, and the purpose is to root out evil, rather than removing believers to safety. The idea that we need to compare current events to Revelation, he sees as backwards. The fact that various signs claimed were false but never acknowledged is a failure of the view. He also questions why the book would be included if it’s relevance is only to those at the very end.
10. Share how you’ve been impacted by any of these views, positively or negatively.
First off, I have to admit that the finer points of doctrine and theology have always frustrated me. They sound to me like man’s striving to put into man’s words something that is beyond our ability to explain. And in that sense, they are like religion rather than relationship. So please forgive me if my frustration shows.
The first two views pretty much escaped my notice, and any serious agreement with them. The futurist I’ve had plenty of teaching in, so to have it so severely criticized is a little hard for me. I haven’t had time to really dig into scripture and seek out what Campbell is saying for myself. That doesn’t mean I am automatically discounting his claims, just that I need both time to research and more information from him as we go to decide what I think.
Mary, may I ask which version of the book you have? I have the kindle version and there is nothing in there that says “prior to a specific woman’s vision in 1830, no one ever interpreted Revelation in this way.”
Sharon, I have the paperback. On page xiv of the introduction, the direct quote reads: Dispensationalism originated in a charismatic vision a young woman called Margaret MacDonald experienced in Scotland in 1830, in which she saw a secret return of Christ.
Whoops. You need more than that. It goes on: This was taken up by John Nelson Darby, a gifted Bible teacher who was obsessed with the restoration of the state of Israel. Darby then incorporated it as the basis of his theology, as it enabled him to show how God could have two covenant peoples and deal with each separately. Darby developed his ideas in a series of prophetic conferences in England and Canada in the years following. It must be said that such an interpretation of the Bible never previously existed in the entire history of the church.
Thank you so much for sharing this Mary…I find that very interesting and quite eye opening as I had never heard that before.
Dr. Campbell did say there was a longer intro in the paperback and a bit more about dispensationalism in the opening of Chapter 20. Other than the books are the same — but that was so interesting about the woman and about Darby.
Dee, do you have the paperback or kindle for Campbell’s book? I too am on kindle and was wondering where Mary got this information on the origins of dispensationalism. I find it disturbing that even though we are reading the same book there is something as major as this that is missing from the kindle version. I wonder what else is missing.
I appreciate your honesty, Mary. I realize I have moved into a territory that can cause division and hurt feelings, so I appreciate your openness. I know we all want the truth, the blessing promised, and to love one another well! Prayers are needed more than ever with this study.
Wednesday: The Idealist View
11. Read Campbell’s section on the Idealist view and summarize it. – this view seems to be the most accurate by interpreting Revelation symbolically and in regards to the Old Testament. It goes on to give explanation of each symbol and what it represents. It gives Christians a reminder to stay faithful to Christ even through our sufferings.
11. Summarize the idealist view.
This view sees the whole book as symbolic. That doesn’t mean there aren’t real events, but they are described using past events, like the plagues. The church is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. The judgements are cyclical events throughout the church age. The terrible things that happen, like the plagues, either harden unbelievers or shock others into repentance. The book exhorts Christians to remain faithful in sufferings and not compromising with the world. All numbers are symbolic with a clear meaning from their Old Testament background and reference. This view says Revelation refers to very literal events, but without the proper Biblical interpretation they aren’t identifiable. The millennium is seen as the whole time from Jesus’s resurrection to His one return.
12. Share what stood out about the symbolic nature of Revelation.
Campbell says Revelation is primarily a pastoral letter, portraying the present day realities of the church and relevant to every generation. He gives a kind of translation guide:
seven… the number of completion or perfection, as the seven fold Spirit of God
four… something having worldwide impact, as the four corners of the earth
twelve… ties to government, as the twelve tribes or apostles
thousand… an indefinitely large period of time
144k… the entire people of God throughout the ages, as the disciples times the tribes times a large amount of time
Christ appears seven times, Jesus and the Spirit 14 times, and the Lamb 28 times. Babylon appears 6 times. The number 666 stands for the demonic trinity.
God speaks through symbols to make it harder for unbelievers, who consequently get harder. (Maybe like not casting pearls before swine?) But for those with a tender heart, it drives a desire to understand and draw closer. The focus of the book is on the church. The various visions together build a picture of events just as the Gospels build a picture of Jesus. John relates the visions as he saw them, but that doesn’t mean they are chronological.
Mary, this thought occurred to me too:”God speaks through symbols to make it harder for unbelievers, who consequently get harder. (Maybe like not casting pearls before swine?)”
11. Read Campbell’s section on the Idealist view and summarize it. The book is interpreted in light of the OT. The church is Israel. The judgements are cyclical plagues thought history. Christians are exhorted to remain faithful. The numbers are symbolic but meaningful. The millennium is the age between Christs resurrection and his return. Christ will return once, visible to everyone.
12. (Optional but recommended) Read Campbell’s section from “The Symbolic Nature of Revelation” to “The Latter Days are Now” and share what stands out to you.
Well, I suppose the last sentence stating that Revelation is easy to understand read in light of the Old Testament. I will be pleased but surprised if I agree at the end of this study.There is a part of me, reading this intro that feels like backing off, like why muddy the waters more with a another viewpoint that is most likely errant too. I am feeling a bit confused and defeated overall right now, that probably plays into my attitude this morning.
Awww Chris — I will pray! I am simultaneously reading three commentaries — one is Campbell’s longer one that goes into more detail, but I felt the shorter one was better for our purposes. IVP has an excellent one with John Stott as the editor and Michael Wilcox as the author that is similar. While I think Sharon is right that we should be wary of being dogmatic, I do think we should strive to know what God is really telling us, because parables are intended to reveal if our hearts are hard or tender, and when we get it, it takes us so much deeper. For me, it has been so helpful to realize we are in the tribulation now, and that’s why life is so hard and the world is so crazy, but to know God will keep us spiritually safe and walk through this with us, and that in His eyes, this is so short compared to eternity. I love you and am praying for you.
Chris I too will pray and I agree with Dee, that we should strive to know what God is really telling us – that’s why I’m here. I would encourage you to keep pushing through as we have an enemy that doesn’t want us to and I am always so encouraged by what you have to say.
Hahaha Chris! I also thought his last statement was odd, about Revelation being easy in light of the OT. You made me laugh! Thanks 😉
Thank you all for your encouragement and kindness and especially for your prayers – this place is always feel like such a safe harbor to me.
12. (Optional but recommended) Read Campbell’s section from “The Symbolic Nature of Revelation” to “The Latter Days are Now” and share what stands out to you.
Interesting, but raised at least one question for me.
First, a couple of comments….I suppose I am lucky that I don’t have an prior, preconceived view of Revelation going into this study. It helps to take it in without knowing much. Secondly, haven’t we all had dreams that linked weird things that seemingly had nothing to do with each other? I remember my husband telling me of a dream he had recently where childhood memories were mixed with current times and work related events and people. It was crazy! We were laughing as he told it.
The question…. why would John use a pagan word to describe the symbols that are used in the book? Another question (sorry!) How does he (Campbell) know that John is alluding to Daniel by this one verse; how does he come to that conclusion?
Finally, I am in Lydia’s “camp” even though I have studied the Bible a lot longer than she has! Why would God give us a book that is so misunderstood, that you need commentaries and translations from another source to even begin to understand? You also need a healthy background in OT, it seems. Doesn’t He want us all to comprehend it? Some of us aren’t as gifted in breaking the code as others. It doesn’t make sense to me. Maybe He wants us to fight for the knowledge so it is more meaningful? That’s how it has been for me in science. I don’t know. Frustrated already!
If i’m in the same place as you, Laura, he was saying that the Green word semeion was used in Greek pagan religion to refer to the mysterious sings coming from the oracle at Delphi. Not sure I’m following you, but trying!
I don’t think there is any passage God doesn’t want his earnest children to understand, but he is hiding it from those who will misuse it.
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and answer, what were the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in?
The Christians of the seven churches were being pressured to engage in emperor worship during the reign of Domitian.
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced?
I still am not sure that I believe that Christians in North America are persecuted to the degree of other believers in other parts of the world. Believers who are imprisoned for giving Bibles or having one in their possession; are beaten, imprisoned, or even killed for talking about Jesus, for their faith. However, what I have and am observing currently is that in some Christian circles, a believer is perhaps expected to go along with the marriage of faith and political views, that to be a “real Christian” means that one must only support said candidate, and I have seen, for example, the book of Revelation being used by certain prophecies being taken out of context and applied to the current happenings in our world. One may lose his or her popularity or the approval of other believers when you dare to question or have a different opinion. An attack on our very lives? One only has to watch the horrifying videos that have been released of the attack on our capitol to see just how far some are willing to go, with intent to harm, injure, threaten, and even murder.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer in a “human sense”?
That God will keep believers safe in a spiritual sense; not necessarily from physical suffering, but the eternal reward will far outweigh their suffering.
7. Briefly summarize the first two views and what you learned about them.
A. Preterist
“Preterist” meaning past, this view states that everything in Revelation happened prior to AD 70. The book can be seen as a warning of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem. It is about the Jewish people who have rebelled against God, and a warning to Christians to flee. If this view is correct, then the book has no relevance to us today.
B. Historicist
Each of the seven churches in Revelation represents seven sections of history. Revelation describes literal historical events that take place in the history of the western European church, events such as the rise of the papacy and the Reformation. This view would mean that Revelation is irrelevant to those outside the western church.
8. Read Campbell’s section on the Futurist view and share his main points.
The futurist view interprets the entire book, minus chapters 2-3, as events happening at the very end of history.
This view was the idea behind books like the Left Behind series.
This view holds to a rapture of believers into heaven prior to a seven-year tribulation, a reign of the anti-christ, battles between Jesus and these evil forces, and a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth.
This view is an outgrowth of dispensationalist theology which originated from a vision a young woman in Scotland had in 1830 in which she saw a secret return of Christ.
9. The Futuristic view began with the rise of “Dispensationalism”. What did you learn about that?
That it can be traced back to a vision a woman in Scotland had in 1830 about a secret return of Christ. This idea was then taken up by John Nelson Darby, a Bible teacher obsessed with the restoration of the state of Israel. In this view, God has two covenant peoples: Jews and Christians, and deals with them separately, until the end of time when they will be united. Problems with this view include nowhere in the Bible does it mention a seven-year tribulation, a restoration of national Israel, or any reference (in Revelation) of a rapture. Holding to this view turns Revelation into a sort of sci-fi novel.
10. Have you been impacted by any of these views? If so, either positively or negatively, share how.
I remember reading one of the Left Behind books. It was really terrifying how the book imagined the rapture taking place, with it causing mass disasters, like planes crashing. It was years later that I learned that there is Christian teaching out there that does not support a rapture, and I concluded that I was okay with that….if, say, I had to survive and suffer on earth for a while when things were very bad, God would be with me anyway, and my eternal future would be secure. Also, some have derided efforts to protect our earth, environment, natural resources, and animals, saying things like “We’re going to be raptured out of here anyway, and God’s going to destroy the earth, so what does it matter?” But that goes against God’s Creation. He created the earth, and placed it into our hands to steward and care for it, and He called His creation “very good”. I have also had people give me reasons, say, for not getting a Covid vaccine based on wild futuristic ideas, taken from Revelation, that to do so would be receiving “the mark of the beast”. It disheartens me that some prominent voices take things from this book, twist them for their own gain or movements. It’s a very bad and dangerous handling of the Scriptures.
Susan, I look forward to reading your posts and thoughts as they get me thinking. I agree that here in America we aren’t persecuted like those in China, N. Korea, Iran, etc… I remember making a comment when Dee did the study of the overview of Revelation that here in America we’re blessed not to have such persecution but as Anna pointed out maybe it’s more of a curse than a blessing…she was right. Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Oh, how we need to remember to put our trust in the Lord and not our government.
We have friends who will not take the COVID vaccine because they have been told it puts a chip in them and I just look at them in disbelief, their response, “it could be the mark of the beast.” To which I respond…”really read Revelation and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom because that’s just plain stupid! (I tend to be blunt to a fault sometimes).
I like this statement you made…
It disheartens me that some prominent voices take things from this book, twist them for their own gain or movements. It’s a very bad and dangerous handling of the Scriptures. So very true!!
Susan and Sharon, I hear you. I have a very good friend who has a group of followers who believed Covid vaccine is the mark of the beast. They follow quite a number of prominent people advocating futuristic ideas that are very dangerous and as Sharon says, here, “stupid”. Some of my family members in the Philippines have been asking me if they should get the vaccine because of some of this reasoning. Ugh.
David Campbell has a blog in which he urged Christians to check facts (alluding to Covid, I know) or they will not be believed when they preach the gospel!
Sharon, with respect to your friends who don’t want to take the vaccine….Americans don’t like to be told what to do by the government, we have choices. Many do not trust the government after what happened last fall with the election. Also, who are we to presume we know (as humans) what the “mark of the beast” is? I don’t know enough on the subject to to even comment (you do I know that). I do know that my research shows me that this new mRNA technology is sketchy to say the least. I do know doctors who are questioning what we are doing as a country with respect to the virus. Goodness knows, I don’t even take Tylenol or Advil, why would I take some experimental vaccine? That doesn’t mean I don’t believe in vaccines. All our children and the grandkids are vaccinated. I just am not afraid of this virus. God is in control. Each of us has to do what is best for ourselves. No judging here as to whether you get it or don’t get it. It is your body and your choice.
You make good points about persecution, Sharon. Also got me thinking that sometimes, our persecutions are not the kind that cost us our lives, or to be beaten, but they can be “small persecutions”, as in being made fun of for your faith by friends and/or family (which I’ve experienced in the past), or being made to feel that you are odd or different.
Ohh such a good point Susan! About “mini” persecutions…many in our family (although polite) think we are crazy with our Christian views; that we go to church or because we question the ritualistic nature of the Catholic faith (I have a problem with not being able to take communion if I attend a Catholic service (say a funeral mass) just because I didn’t go through their catechism/religious classes. I don’t think Jesus would deny me communion because of that!)
Wednesday
12. (Optional but recommended) Read Campbell’s section from “The Symbolic Nature of Revelation” to “The Latter Days are Now” and share what stands out to you.
I would really encourage y’all to read this section even though you don’t comment on it…helpfully informative.
I love doing word studies and he starts with the word “show” in 1:1a which in Greek is “deiknumi” which is a verb that is used elsewhere in Revelation and each time it’s used it refers to the showing of a pictorial vision, which God then interprets symbolically. This is confirmed in 1:b where he says “made it known”which translate the Greek verb “semaino” which derives from the word “semeion” or “sign.” This is important because it brings into question, is it justified to interpret Revelation literally? With these definitions…no. He compares this to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream which Daniel interpreted about the statue which is full of symbolism. I never really thought about this but John must of read the prophecy of Daniel…so cool.
The author gives you snippets of different characters and places that line up with the Old Testament. There are many numbers mentioned in Revelation which he gives you a taste of their meanings.
“One important theme is how John takes Old Testament references to Israel and sees them as fulfilled in the church.” He goes on to give a few examples of this and the references. “It needs to be read with the rest of the Bible open in front of us.”He gives an outline of the book which is so good and informative.
One thing I did when I studied Revelation is I drew the pictures described, not because I’m an artist by any means but because it imprinted on my mind what I was learning. I’m a visual learner and it really helped…it was also fun!
That’s a great idea for visual learners!
Dee, I don’t want to lead anyone astray in saying John possibly read the book of Daniel…it struck me because of how often Isaiah was quoted. Don’t want to take anything away from the Holy Spirit!
Whether he read them and quoted them or whether the Spirit gave to him, still we know it all Spirit inspired — right? I do appreciate your sensitivity!
Thanks, Sharon, for encouraging us to read the optional section. It does have some good stuff in it. I think Dee is trying not to overwhelm us. 🙂
Love the drawing idea Sharon! I do this regularly when I am studying anything.
Whoa! Lots to think and reflect on!
Monday: Not a Handbook for Last-Days Event
3. In your book or kindle, read in the Introduction up to “Authorship” and answer:
A. What is the Latin phrase the Reformers used as a principle to interpret Scripture? Why would this be a reliable way to understand Scripture?
Scriptura scripturae interpres meaning Scripture interprets itself.
There should be a unity of Scripture from beginning to end or else its contradiction will lose its authority.
B. Revelation is a prophetic book, but the purpose of prophecy is not so much to predict the future, but to do what?
Calling people to repentance and obedience in light of God’s purposes in history.
C. What 2 storylines from the Old Testament does Revelation trace — and what do you learn from each?
Storyline in Exodus, from the bondage of spiritual Egypt to the sea where evil resides, God’s protection in the wilderness and entrance into the promised land.
I have learned that I was once in bondage to sin and now living in the wilderness of life but will enter the promised land of Heaven.
The storyline of the garden of Eden to a restored garden where the presence of evil is no more. From the temple of the garden to the tabernacle of Moses, temple of Solomon to the temple of Christ, and to the eternal temple of God and the Lamb.
Evil will not be present anymore someday when Jesus comes again to rule.
4. Now read up to “The Four Ways To Interpret Revelation” and the answer, what was the Christians of the seven churches John wrote to being pressured to engage in?
They were pressured to engage in the imperial cult of emperor worship.
5. What beliefs and practices are we, as believers today, being pressured to accept at the cost of popularity or even possibly a career or our very lives? How is this pressure evidenced?
Issues like abortion, homosexuality, racial justice have divided the country. The Bible is no longer considered the authority that guides one’s life. Nowadays is reflective of the following verses and when one stands up for what is biblical, one is considered narrow-minded or “religious”:
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21: 25
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! Isaiah 5:21
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do[e] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
6. What reward does Revelation promise to believers who are faithful even when they suffer “in a human sense?”
We will be kept spiritually safe! Hallelujah!
Am home today after a bout of food poisoning. Taking some time to catch up. My mind is reeling with the reading I have done on the book so far. But I will plug along. so much to process and translate in my mind!
Tuesday: The First Three Ways of Interpreting Revelation
7. Briefly summarize the first two views and what you learned about them.
A. Preterist
Everything in Revelation happened prior to AD 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. The timeline does not sync with history especially in line with the eschatological teachings of Jesus in the Gospels.
B. Historicist
This view has been largely abandoned: history divided into 7 sections typified by one of the seven churches. I have never heard of this before.
8. Read Campbell’s section on the Futurist View and share his main points.
It interprets the visions literally and chronologically
Israel would be restored to its ancient land.
Christ secretly returns to earth and the church is raptured into heaven.
There is a seven-year tribulation with the reign of the antichrist where Israel is persecuted.
Nations gather against Israel and Christ returns a second time and defeats them.
A literal thousand years of the reign of Christ where Jews converted during the tribulation and a small group of Gentiles lives.
There is the presence of immortal bodies in heaven, some visit the earth and mingle with those in still mortal bodies. Unbelievers somehow reappear and rise in rebellion against Christ, gathered by Satan and defeated by Christ and He begins his eternal l heavenly reign.
9. The Futuristic view began with the rise of “dispensationalism.” What did you learn about that?
God has 2 covenant people, the Jews, and Christians.
D originated from a charismatic vision of a young woman in Scotland in 1830 where she saw a secret return of Christ. This was taken up by a gifted Bible teacher who was obsessed with the restoration of the nation of Israel…It was a novelty based on a vision. I have never heard of these 2 before.
10. Have you been impacted by any of these views? If so, either positively or negatively, share how.
The Left Behind series was very popular and probably was the view that I heard of among the three. But I never read the series, just heard tidbits of it from friends who were engrossed in it.
I do believe that Israel would be restored to its ancient land. I find this changing as I read more and ask God to reveal His truth to me. Point #2 on page xvi is a starter.
Oh Bing. Food poisoning. The worst!
Oh Bing, I will be praying and hope you feel better soon.
Bing, I hope you are feeling better today. Food poisoning is AWFUL!