Saturday, October 07, 2006
I should have my head examined!
Do you know how crazy it is to try and summarize the book of Revelation in a 5 week series? What was I thinking?! My problem is I kind of enjoy getting bogged down in the possible interpretation of each and every symbol...while at the same time encouraging others not to! I keep reminding myself that this series is about the main themes! But, I can't help but wonder ...could it be that Jacques Chirac's name is encoded numerically in the description of the beast from the sea? Hmmm.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I enjoyed your lesson this morning on the book of revelation.The book of Revelation is probably the least read and least understood book of the Bible and I readily admit that I need to read it and study it more to add to what little understanding I have.
I particulatly liked that you did not dogmatically hold to nor demand that others accept only one interpretation as the right one; that you recognized that there are perhaps good arguments in support of different interpretations.
I think it’s important to avoid being drawn to a particular style of interpretation simply because it excites your imagination; the kind of imagination that Hollywood depends on to sell movie tickets. We might be better served by seeking an interpretation that is consistent with the context of the times and of the book and of the Bible as a whole.
This morning I told you that I preferred the Historical/Preterist style of interpretation. I take it back. A little study revealed that there are just too many problems with this interpretation for me. Actually, Historical-Background style of interpretation is the one I personally favor or lean towards for what I believe are good reasons. This style is the only one of the four that follows the basic guidelines of Bible text analysis.
The Bible text analysis or exegesis guidelines are:
1. Keep in mind who wrote it and why it was written. John wrote Revelation primarily for the encouragement and the edification of the Christians of his day.
2. The style. Remember that Revelation was written largely in symbolic language, thus it cannot be taken literally throughout. The interpretation of symbols should be consistent with the context of the book and of the entire Bible.
3. Remember that Revelation uses Old Testament terminology with New Testament meaning. John has used much of the terminology of Ezekiel and Daniel, but has adapted them to his own message. An understanding of the Old Testament prophets and their use of symbols would be helpful because John uses over 400 Old Testament allusions in Revelation.
4. For the true meaning of Revelation, one must seek to grasp the visions as a whole without pressing for minute details of each and every symbol. Caution: Do not let your imagination run wild.
5. Understand difficult passages in light of clearer ones! Make all interpretations consistent with the whole Bible.
Advocates of the Historical Background style view Revelation as a book written for the people of the first century and fulfilled in the first two or three centuries. They see a real message for all Christians during all times; then and now and all time in between. While the secular/ political forces that were used as instruments of Satan during John’s day are long gone, the message of that defeat continues to instruct and encourage Christians today to remain faithful even in the face of difficult times. While the book makes no specific reference to future events such as the rise of the papacy, Mohammedanism, the Reformation and the like, it does deal with the forces of evil and of error and promises victory over these through righteousness and truth. Some of the prophecies are yet to be fulfilled; examples are the passing of the present order, the resurrection, the judgment, and the final reward and punishment of the righteous and the wicked. Consequently, some aspects of the Futurist style of interpretation should probably be recognized.
Post a Comment