Interpreting Revelation: The Main Message

The Main Message of Revelation 

When reading the book of Revelation, the modern reader is bombarded with visual images that at first may seem surprising or even terrifying. Beasts emerge from the sea, locusts swarm with the tails of scorpions, the moon turns to blood, and four horsemen are unleashed over all of creation. IS THIS THE APOCALYPSE?!?!!

How could this be holy scripture? 

The modern church often has a “love/hate” relationship with the book of Revelation. On one hand, many people obsess over the book, seeking to understand its many symbols. They may want to interpret the visions as correlating to modern-day events. Reading Revelation in this way would be best accomplished with modern news stations and websites in view so that one can watch for signs of Jesus’ second coming. On the other hand, others are tempted to simply ignore the book entirely, perhaps believing the book is not relevant to our lives today. The reality is both groups are missing out on a very important message God has for his people.

The Central Message of Revelation 

In the 4th chapter, John (the disciple of Jesus, Apostle to the first-century church, and prophet) is given a vision where he is transported into the heavenly throne room of God. In this marvelous vision, we see that all of the created world is worshiping God on his throne. However,  there is also a problem that is introduced. 

In chapter 5, Johns sees God holding a scroll with 7 seals. This scroll likely represents God's redemption plan for human history. It is declared that no one “In heaven, or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll”. This is bad news. NO ONE is worthy to enact and bring about God's redemption plan. The people of God would be without hope. John is overcome with dread. Yet, it is in that very moment that he is given hope as he hears the words “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll.” 

John turns, thinking he will see this victorious lion. Instead, he sees “A lamb standing as though it had been slain.” Jesus, as this slain lamb, is then able to take his seat on the throne and open the scroll. He reveals God's plan for redemption and salvation for his people. 

the central image of the book is the Lamb

For the original readers, all of the images that may catch us by surprise (horseman, locust, blood moons etc.) were normal to the genre of literature being utilized. (learn more about the apocalyptic genre here). The image that would have stood out to them the most was the victorious slain lamb as Jesus, the conquering King. 

The whole book can be summarized in one verse: Revelation 17:14 “They will make war on the lamb, and the lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called chosen and faithful”. Revelation invites Christians into the victory of the Lamb. In reading this verse, one can be assured of two things: Jesus currently stands in victory and he will return in victory at the end of time. 

Looking to learn more about Revelation? Check out our class here.

Interpreting Revelation: Understanding Genre

Interpreting Revelation Rightly

One of the reasons many struggle to understand the book of Revelation is simply a lack of understanding regarding how to approach the genre of the book. God has inspired his word to work within the human genres of literature which it was written. This means we must read Revelation not on our terms, but on the terms of the genres of literature utilized. What makes Revelation unique is a combination of three genres of literature:

 Genres of Revelation: Epistle, Prophecy, and Apocalypse. 

Revelation is a Letter. 

This may come as a big surprise to many, but, Revelation was written and meant to be read as a letter. In a casual reading, one notices that it has the familiar characteristics of a letter: (Verses 1:4-6, 9-11; 22:8-9). All of the New Testament Epistles were written to specific communities of faith, enduring specific problems, and looking for specific answers and outcomes. Revelation is no different. The apostle John wrote his letter to the 7 churches of Asia Minor. If we are going to understand the rest of the book, we need to understand the historical and cultural setting of the recipients of this letter. 

Revelation is a Prophecy

John states in 1:3 “3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”. This is important, Revelation is meant to be a blessing to the church.  It is also important to notice that the church is supposed to “keep” what is written. When we think of the word “Prophecy” we often think of forecasting future events. While that is indeed a part of prophecy, it's not the full understanding of its scope. Prophecy is speaking from God's perspective about the past, present, or future. Much of prophecy is actually God speaking to his people about their past and present realities. Revelation is a divine disclosure of God's perspective to his people. 

Revelation as an Apocalypse 

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The Greek word for “revelation” is apocalypse. For modern hearers, this word may summon thoughts of waste lands, zombies, or cataclysmic, world-ending events. However, this concept would have been foreign to the original readers. understanding of the word apocalypse. In Greek, apocalypse means “to unveil or reveal what is hidden”. An apocalypse is when someone experiences a revealing of truth that was once hidden. Commonly, apocalyptic writings in the first century were highly symbolic works written with the intention to reveal God’s activity within history to save his oppressed people. Revelation seeks to reveal Jesus as the victor of human history.

Looking for more on understanding apocalyptic literature? Check out this Bible project video. 

Bringing it all together: 

When we come to Revelation we should seek to understand the original context into which it was written. We should ask the question “How would the original readers have engaged with this text? How would they have understood it?” Only then, can we then ask what it might mean to us.

If you are looking to learn more about Revelation, join us for our Discovery class. Learn more here.

The Chorus We All Should Know - [The Phaneuf Phamily Blog]

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The Book of Revelation is a song of praise meant to inspire awestruck worship, eternal hope and a call to action for believers everywhere.

-Impressions of a first time Revelation reader