Articles
Interpreting the Book of Revelation
Interpreting the Book of Revelation
Robert Harkrider wrote a class book on Revelation and then enlarged it into a commentary. How one understands the book of Revelation largely depends upon how one approaches the book and the method of interpretation that is chosen. Robert gave this simple outline on the various methods and gives his conclusion about which one he prefers. I agree with him (if you didn't figure that out already).
V. INTERPRETATIONS OF THE BOOK
A. General Methods of Interpretation
1. Futurist ‑ This view is held by millennial and dispensational groups who consider that it is unfulfilled prophecies about the future history. They place chapters 4‑19 as just before the coming of Christ, then the millennial reign, 20:1‑10; judgment, 20:11‑15; then the final state. Most futurists are literalists in their interpretation.
2. Continuous‑Historical ‑ This view presents the book as a forecast, in symbols, of the history of the church. This system makes the book prophesy in detail the apostasy of the Roman Catholic Church, then the Reformation.
3. The Philosophy o f History ‑ This interpretation considers the events as not necessarily occurring but as symbolic of forces at work. It is a book setting forth the principles on the basis of which God deals with men in all ages.
4. The Preterist (Completed or Past) ‑ This view maintains that the book was written for the people of John's day, fulfilled then, and now has little or no value for us. There are two groups who hold this view: the "right wing" who consider Revelation as inspired and the "left wing" who do not respect it as inspired.
5. The Historical‑Background ‑ This method of interpretation seeks to find the meaning that the book had in the day of its origin. As it was written to the people of that day, it is fulfilled in the events of the first two centuries (some extend it longer), but in this background is seen a message for all time.
B. Reasons The Historical‑Background Method Seems Best
1. It met the needs of the people of that day.
a. The Futurist idea is inconsistent with the time element stated in the book; "the time is at hand" (Rev. 1:3; 22:10); "must shortly come to pass" (1:1; 22:6); "I come quickly" (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20).
b. The Futurist and Continuous‑Historical ideas leave Revelation altogether out of relation to the needs of the churches to which it was addressed. They needed spiritual encouragement, and these events were to come to pass shortly in order for God's oppressed people to see His arm revealed and His comfort given in a time of seeming disaster.
2. It continues to meet the needs of Christians in every age.
a. We should appeal to Revelation in the same manner as we would to the book of I Corinthians. Its primary lesson was to correct errors in the day it was penned, but its truths are valuable for all ages.
b. The book met a need at the time of its writing as it dealt with a historical situation, but its message is applicable to all time. Its message is that of the triumph of the Kingdom of God and of Truth. Satan is destined to complete destruction, and so falls his cause with him.
C. Rules For Study and Interpretation
1. Remember that Revelation was written by John primarily for the encouragement and edification of the Christians of his own time. ,.
2. Remember that Revelation is written largely in symbolic language, thus it cannot be taken literally. One can ill afford to be dogmatic in interpreting the symbols which are not so easily understood.
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 suit his own message. An understanding of the O.T. prophets, and their use of symbols would be helpful, for over 400 allusions are to the O.T.
4. For the true meaning of Revelation, one must seek to grasp the visions or series of visions as a whole without pressing the details of the symbolism.
5. Understand difficult passages in the light of clearer passages. Make all interpretations consistent with the teaching of the whole Bible
