Interpreting The Book of Revelation

[Bold Believer]

The simplest way to understand Revelation is to understand that Scripture interprets Scripture. Everything in Revelation can be found in the Old Testament or in some parts of the New. You CAN'T interpret Revelation from the morning paper or the evening news. All too many ministers, writers and well-meaning ordinary Believers try to do just that. It won't work. Like poor Edgar Weisenant (sp?) back in the late 80's you will wind up looking like a complete bozo. His book 88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Return in 1988 was bought by many a Believer. 1988 came and went. In typical lemming fashion, Believers also flocked to the sequel 89 Reasons Why Jesus Will Come in 1989. Were it not so bloody sad, it would be laughable.

[sdktlk]

The simplest way to understand Revelation is to understand that Scripture interprets Scripture. Everything in Revelation can be found in the Old Testament or in some parts of the New. You CAN'T interpret Revelation from the morning paper or the evening news. All too many ministers, writers and well-meaning ordinary Believers try to do just that. It won't work. Like poor Edgar Weisenant (sp?) back in the late 80's you will wind up looking like a complete bozo. His book 88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Return in 1988 was bought by many a Believer. 1988 came and went. In typical lemming fashion, Believers also flocked to the sequel 89 Reasons Why Jesus Will Come in 1989. Were it not so bloody sad, it would be laughable.

If I understand correctly your saying the "keys" to the meaning of prophecy are found in the Bible, not in current affairs? As Scripture interprets Scripture, yes?

Maybe something like this: Revelation 9:17, "And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone." (Rev 9:17)

“...I saw the horses in the vision...” By Scripture we know that horses are not the proper vehicle for the things of God, as they speak of earthly or natural strength, unless they are declared a righteous mode of transport by the Lord with their color being "white."

“...and them that sat on them...” John saw not only the horses but also those that reside on these improper modes of transportation.

“...having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone...” The Greek word, purinos, here interpreted fire, means, literally, fire colored: the Greek word, pur, means, literally, fire. They do not have on breastplates of fire (righteousness,) it simply appears that they do. Jacinth, the stone, is deep blue, and points to a high priestly attire. (Ref: Exo 28:4-8) Brimstone speaks of judgment, so these riders seem to be able to make sound judgment. The breastplates, at first glance, seem to have a proper presentation. But, as we see by the context of the Scripture, their mode of transportation, and their false appearance these are unclean spirits. We see these unclean spirits, who abide upon natural means of conveyance, appearing to be those who could lead us in the, “...paths of righteousness for His Name's sake...” (Psa 23:3) But they are, “...false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading (as) the apostles of Christ...” (2Cor 11:13)

“...and the heads of the horses as the heads of lions...” A lion, as we know, is the king of beasts. The Lord Jesus is, “...the Lion of the tribe of Juda..,” and He certainly is the King of all: beasts included. These one's are not really kings though, they have heads similar to, in the manner of a lion, a king. They take on this appearance so as to deceive, for believers are, “...kings and priests unto God...” (Rev 1:6) Therefore, these one's must have the proper appearance.

“...and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone...” The fire here is literally fire. Fire, in its purest form, is the very Word of God for, “...Is not My Word like as a fire says the LORD...” (Jer 23:29) The problem that presents itself here though is this fire is mixed with smoke, which obscures, and brimstone, which speaks of judgment. Their mouths issue the Word of God, but it is mixed with natural judgment and thereby becomes obscure, smokey. For, it is written, “...Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter time some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron...” (1Tim 4:1, 2)

Revelation 9:19, "For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt."

“...For their power, authority, capacity is in their mouth...” This which issues out of the mouth, the head, of these is spiritual death, as it is written, “...The ancient and honorable, he is the head...” (Isa 9:15a) These are the elders, the overseers, the leaders of the flock.

“...and power, authority, capacity in their tails: for their tails are similar to a snake, and had heads, and with them they do hurt...” As it is written, “...The serpent, the snake was more subtle, more cunning, more crafty than any beast of the field...” (Gen 3:1) These resemble the snake, and with, “...cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait (like the snake) to deceive...” (Eph 4:14) These tails have heads also with which to speak, and we read, “...the prophet, the teacher that teaches lies, he is the tail...” (Isa 9:15b)

As it is written, “...Your prophets have visioned for you falsehood and folly: and they have not disclosed about your iniquity (your transgression of, “...the perfect law of liberty...” [Jas 1:25],) to turn back your captivity; but have seen for you beacons of falsehood and seductions...” (Lam 2:14; literal)

These are unlike the Apostle Paul, who said, “...Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God...” (2Cor 4:2)

Edited January 14, 2011 by sdktlk

[j102]

The simplest way to understand Revelation is to understand that Scripture interprets Scripture. Everything in Revelation can be found in the Old Testament or in some parts of the New. You CAN'T interpret Revelation from the morning paper or the evening news. All too many ministers, writers and well-meaning ordinary Believers try to do just that. It won't work. Like poor Edgar Weisenant (sp?) back in the late 80's you will wind up looking like a complete bozo. His book 88 Reasons Why Jesus Will Return in 1988 was bought by many a Believer. 1988 came and went. In typical lemming fashion, Believers also flocked to the sequel 89 Reasons Why Jesus Will Come in 1989. Were it not so bloody sad, it would be laughable.

If I understand correctly your saying the "keys" to the meaning of prophecy are found in the Bible, not in current affairs? As Scripture interprets Scripture, yes?

Maybe something like this: Revelation 9:17, "And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone." (Rev 9:17)

[Guest shiloh357]

The simplest way to understand Revelation is to understand that Scripture interprets Scripture. Everything in Revelation can be found in the Old Testament or in some parts of the New

That is true to a point. Even so, it is easy to force parts of the Bible to fit with other parts and create the illusion of fulfillment when it is not really the case.

Not everything in Revelation has happened yet, so there is a lot of light we don't have on what it telling us about the future, so it is presumptuous to assume we can identify everything in Revelation as something from the OT. It may or may not be true. The wisest approach is to allow it to unfold naturally, simply walk in the light we have rather than trying to interpret the details, which is at best, speculation, no matter which view you take.

[deut31:12]

The Book of Revelation is, from start to finish, the unveiling of the Lord Jesus and His body, the Church. It has absolutely nothing to do with "the world." All the keys to interpreting the symbols are contained in the Bible itself. Not in current world events.

In all actuality, the book of Revelation is a "history" of the church of Christ past, present, and future -

Revelation 1: 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

It was revealed unto John what was to be of the church in the future to come. 100 years after Jesus left the earth the church was already going into apostasy with the description of the seven churches of Asia. After describing what was in heaven and the seven seals, many churches did fall and eventually the church fled into the wilderness where it was in hiding during the dark ages because of all of the persecutions of man and false religion. A good chunk of Revelation from chapter 8-18 is speaking of what was going on during the "dark ages". Going onto chapter 20 we read about judgment day. Chapters 21 and 22 speak of being in heaven itself.

It was said correctly that there is no "code" to the understanding of the book. Just keep in mind that it is a revelation of the church and what happened to it after Jesus left the earth.

[Guest shiloh357]

The Book of Revelation is, from start to finish, the unveiling of the Lord Jesus and His body, the Church. It has absolutely nothing to do with "the world." All the keys to interpreting the symbols are contained in the Bible itself. Not in current world events.

In all actuality, the book of Revelation is a "history" of the church of Christ past, present, and future -

Revelation 1: 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

It was revealed unto John what was to be of the church in the future to come. 100 years after Jesus left the earth the church was already going into apostasy with the description of the seven churches of Asia. After describing what was in heaven and the seven seals, many churches did fall and eventually the church fled into the wilderness where it was in hiding during the dark ages because of all of the persecutions of man and false religion. A good chunk of Revelation from chapter 8-18 is speaking of what was going on during the "dark ages". Going onto chapter 20 we read about judgment day. Chapters 21 and 22 speak of being in heaven itself.

It was said correctly that there is no "code" to the understanding of the book. Just keep in mind that it is a revelation of the church and what happened to it after Jesus left the earth.

The book of Revelation is not about the Church at all.

[deut31:12]

The Book of Revelation is, from start to finish, the unveiling of the Lord Jesus and His body, the Church. It has absolutely nothing to do with "the world." All the keys to interpreting the symbols are contained in the Bible itself. Not in current world events.

In all actuality, the book of Revelation is a "history" of the church of Christ past, present, and future -

Revelation 1: 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

It was revealed unto John what was to be of the church in the future to come. 100 years after Jesus left the earth the church was already going into apostasy with the description of the seven churches of Asia. After describing what was in heaven and the seven seals, many churches did fall and eventually the church fled into the wilderness where it was in hiding during the dark ages because of all of the persecutions of man and false religion. A good chunk of Revelation from chapter 8-18 is speaking of what was going on during the "dark ages". Going onto chapter 20 we read about judgment day. Chapters 21 and 22 speak of being in heaven itself.

It was said correctly that there is no "code" to the understanding of the book. Just keep in mind that it is a revelation of the church and what happened to it after Jesus left the earth.

The book of Revelation is not about the Church at all.

Revelation starts out by addressing seven churches in Asia Minor. It was a revelation of what was to occur from that time down the centuries to the end of the world. There are other churches mentioned in Revelation.

Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

This star was a church and it was believed to the the church at Smyrna where the Bishop Edmond was.

During that time the forgiveness of sins was taken from God as false religion was charging man for it. People were beaten, whipped, and killed if they did not conform. The bible was taken from the public and forced to believe in "church doctrine" as gospel. The French Revolution in April 1793 shut down every church for 3.5 years because they were tired of how corrupt the religion in their country was.

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

During the "dark ages" the church was in hiding for almost 1,300 years because of these things.

There is a lot more detail, but I tried to give the short of it.

Revelation 19:7-9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Revelation IS about the history of Jesus and the church from the the time of the last Apostle till the end of time.

[Guest shiloh357]

The Book of Revelation is, from start to finish, the unveiling of the Lord Jesus and His body, the Church. It has absolutely nothing to do with "the world." All the keys to interpreting the symbols are contained in the Bible itself. Not in current world events.

In all actuality, the book of Revelation is a "history" of the church of Christ past, present, and future -

Revelation 1: 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

It was revealed unto John what was to be of the church in the future to come. 100 years after Jesus left the earth the church was already going into apostasy with the description of the seven churches of Asia. After describing what was in heaven and the seven seals, many churches did fall and eventually the church fled into the wilderness where it was in hiding during the dark ages because of all of the persecutions of man and false religion. A good chunk of Revelation from chapter 8-18 is speaking of what was going on during the "dark ages". Going onto chapter 20 we read about judgment day. Chapters 21 and 22 speak of being in heaven itself.

It was said correctly that there is no "code" to the understanding of the book. Just keep in mind that it is a revelation of the church and what happened to it after Jesus left the earth.

The book of Revelation is not about the Church at all.

Revelation starts out by addressing seven churches in Asia Minor. It was a revelation of what was to occur from that time down the centuries to the end of the world. There are other churches mentioned in Revelation.

Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

This star was a church and it was believed to the the church at Smyrna where the Bishop Edmond was.

During that time the forgiveness of sins was taken from God as false religion was charging man for it. People were beaten, whipped, and killed if they did not conform. The bible was taken from the public and forced to believe in "church doctrine" as gospel. The French Revolution in April 1793 shut down every church for 3.5 years because they were tired of how corrupt the religion in their country was.

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

During the "dark ages" the church was in hiding for almost 1,300 years because of these things.

There is a lot more detail, but I tried to give the short of it.

Revelation 19:7-9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Revelation IS about the history of Jesus and the church from the the time of the last Apostle till the end of time.

The book of Revelation was written to seven churches in Asia Minor. Your use of symbolism is dubious. Revelation is written to them about the Kingom of God. The church is not the subject matter of Revelation. ALL of end time prophecy is about the Kingdom of God, not the Church.

[sdktlk]

The Book of Revelation is, from start to finish, the unveiling of the Lord Jesus and His body, the Church. It has absolutely nothing to do with "the world." All the keys to interpreting the symbols are contained in the Bible itself. Not in current world events.

In all actuality, the book of Revelation is a "history" of the church of Christ past, present, and future -

Revelation 1: 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

It was revealed unto John what was to be of the church in the future to come. 100 years after Jesus left the earth the church was already going into apostasy with the description of the seven churches of Asia. After describing what was in heaven and the seven seals, many churches did fall and eventually the church fled into the wilderness where it was in hiding during the dark ages because of all of the persecutions of man and false religion. A good chunk of Revelation from chapter 8-18 is speaking of what was going on during the "dark ages". Going onto chapter 20 we read about judgment day. Chapters 21 and 22 speak of being in heaven itself.

It was said correctly that there is no "code" to the understanding of the book. Just keep in mind that it is a revelation of the church and what happened to it after Jesus left the earth.

The book of Revelation is not about the Church at all.

Revelation starts out by addressing seven churches in Asia Minor. It was a revelation of what was to occur from that time down the centuries to the end of the world. There are other churches mentioned in Revelation.

Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

This star was a church and it was believed to the the church at Smyrna where the Bishop Edmond was.

During that time the forgiveness of sins was taken from God as false religion was charging man for it. People were beaten, whipped, and killed if they did not conform. The bible was taken from the public and forced to believe in "church doctrine" as gospel. The French Revolution in April 1793 shut down every church for 3.5 years because they were tired of how corrupt the religion in their country was.

Revelation 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

During the "dark ages" the church was in hiding for almost 1,300 years because of these things.

There is a lot more detail, but I tried to give the short of it.

Revelation 19:7-9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Revelation IS about the history of Jesus and the church from the the time of the last Apostle till the end of time.

The book of Revelation was written to seven churches in Asia Minor. Your use of symbolism is dubious. Revelation is written to them about the Kingom of God. The church is not the subject matter of Revelation. ALL of end time prophecy is about the Kingdom of God, not the Church.

Didn't the Lord Jesus say, "The kingdom of God comes not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luk 17:20b-21) How then could the Book of Revelation be with respect to the Kingdom of God?

[nebula]

Revelation starts out by addressing seven churches in Asia Minor.

No, it starts by describing Jesus.