The Book of Revelation
Genesis and Revelation -- the book of "Beginnings" and the book of "Unveilings" -- constitute the two "Book-Ends" of the Bible, so to speak. Genesis is the foundation and Revelation is the consummation of God's plans in creating and redeeming the world. In a distinctive sense, the two books fit together, and there are many references to Genesis in Revelation. Appendix 4 contains a summary of the structure and key events of Genesis. Here we note some of the key data of Revelation.
I. FOURFOLD PURPOSE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Revelation completes the canon of Scripture. Originally settled in heaven
(Psalm 119:89) and then conveyed through one prophet after another down
to man (Acts 3:21) in various ways and forms (Hebrews 1:1), God's written
Word is now finished and must not be altered by either addition or deletion
(Revelation 22:18,19).
All the books of the Bible provide blessing to their readers, but Revelation is
the only book which has that specific purpose stated -- not only to those who
read it, but to those who hear it read by others (Revelation 1:3; 22:7).
Revelation provides a succinct outline of the future events of history, from the
apostolic period on to the consummation of the present age, and the beginning
of the eternal ages in the New Jerusalem on the new Earth
(Revelation 1:1; 1:19; 4:1; 22:20).
This final book of the Bible assures the consummation of all of God's purposes
in creation (Revelation 1:8; 21:5).
II. BASIC DATA OF REVELATION
Author: John the Apostle (Revelation 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8). The vocabulary is very
similar to that in John's gospel and epistles (note, for example, his use of "bare
record," "word of God," "testimony" in Revelation 1:2).
Date: Probably A.D. 95100. All the other apostles had been martyred by this time,
but John had been preserved to pen this final section of God's revealed Word
(John 21:20-25; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5).
Place of writing: the Isle of Patmos, a small barren island in the Aegean Sea, just
opposite the city of Ephesus, whose church John had pastored until he was
imprisoned by the authorities on Patmos.
Title: The Greek for "Revelation" is Apokalupsis, meaning "Unveiling" -- that is, of
events previously hidden. The title is, properly, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ,
" not "The Revelation of St. John the Divine," as many Bibles list it (Revelation 1:1).
III. METHODS OF INTERPRETATION OF REVELATION
As Related to Literary Form
Non-literal (symbolism, allegory, typology, spiritualizing).
Literal (no interpretation; except as contextually warranted and explained).
As Related to Chronological Periods
1.) Mystical, or Idealist (no specific fulfillment, just expressing general
optimism during tribulation).
2.) Preterist ("past," fulfilled already during apostolic period primarily).
3.) Historical (mostly fulfilled during course of history between apostolic
period and return of Christ).
4.) Futurist (mostly to be fulfilled -- except for first three chapters --
in climactic future consummation period).
As Related to Order of Events in Revelation
1.) Cyclic (repetition of key events two or more times, using different terms and
symbols).
2.) Sequential (straightforward chronological account of future history).
As Related to Eschatology, Especially in Relation to Millennium
(the 1000-year period of Revelation 20)
1.) A-millennial: The Millennium represents the church age.
2.) Post-millennial: Christ is to return after the millennium, which had been
achieved by the church.
3.) Pre-millennial: Christ is to return before the millennium to set up His
kingdom on earth.
Interpretation Used in Defender's Bible
Since the purpose of Revelation is communication, comfort and guidance for future, it must be easily understood by anyone. Therefore, use literal interpretation.
The events described after Chapter 3 have not yet been fulfilled. Therefore, use futurist interpretation.
The description of events, if taken literally, have a clear, built-in chronological order. Therefore, use sequential interpretation.
A-millennialism requires a non-literal interpretation of the millennium, and post-millennialism requires a non-literal interpretation of first resurrection. Therefore, use pre-millennial interpretation.
Although Revelation should properly be taken literally, futuristically, sequentially and pre-millennially, other interpretations have often been advocated by good men and capable Bible expositors. These have supplied many good "applications," but Scripture has only one legitimate interpretation.
IV. RELATION TO BOOK OF GENESIS
Since Genesis is the foundation of God's written Word, and Revelation the capstone, unbelievers have directed their attacks especially at these two books. Without these two vital tie-points of God's Word in relation to the world, modern religion -- even evangelical Christianity -- tends largely to focus on only the existential present.
If true Biblical Christianity is to survive in these critical days, it is vital for Christians to understand, believe and defend these two key books.
Genesis and Revelation are clearly tied together in various ways. Note the following references to Genesis in the Book of Revelation.
Creation
Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7)
Creation of all things (Revelation 4:11)
Creation of heaven, earth, sea and things therein (Revelation 10:6)
Foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8; 17:8)
Maker of heaven and earth (Revelation 14:7)
Antediluvian Events
Eating of tree of life (Revelation 2:7; 22:2)
Cherubim (Revelation 4:6-8)
The Rainbow (Revelation 4:3; 10:1)
Two witnesses, probably Enoch and Elijah (Revelation 11:3-12)
Seed of the Woman (Revelation 12:5,17)
The Old Serpent (Revelation 12:9; 20:2)
Fountains of waters (Revelation 14:7)
Post-Diluvian Events
Lion of the Tribe of Juda (Revelation 5:5)
Twelve Tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4-8)
Blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14)
Sodom (Revelation 11:8)
Fire and brimstone (Revelation 14:10; 19:20; 20:10; 21:8)
Babylon (Revelation 17:5; 18:2,10)
Creation of New Heavens and New Earth
First heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1)
No more curse (Revelation 21:4; 22:3)
No need of sun and moon for light (Revelation 21:23)
River out of the throne (Revelation 22:1)
Beginning and End (Revelation 1:8,11,17; 22:13)
V. COMPARISONS BETWEEN CREATED WORLD AND RENEWED WORLD
| Probationary World |
Genesis
|
Eternal World |
Revelation |
| Division of light & darkness............................. |
1:4 |
No night....................................................... |
21:25 |
| Division of land & sea...................................... |
1:10 |
No more sea................................................. |
21:1 |
| Rule of sun & moon......................................... |
1:16 |
No need of sun or moon................................ |
21:23 |
| Man in a prepared garden................................. |
2:8, 9 |
Man in a prepared city.................................. |
21:2 |
| River flowing out of Eden................................. |
2:10 |
River flowing from God's throne.................. |
22:1 |
| Gold in the land................................................ |
2:12 |
Gold in the city............................................ |
21:21 |
| Tree of life in the midst of the garden.............. |
2:9 |
Tree of life throughout the city.................... |
22:2 |
| Bdellum & the onyx stone................................ |
2:12 |
All manner of precious stones..................... |
21:19 |
| God walking in the garden............................... |
3:8 |
God dwelling with His people....................... |
21:3 |
| First heavens & earth finished........................ |
2:1-3 |
New heavens & earth forever...................... |
21:1 |
| The Spirit energizing....................................... |
1:2 |
The Spirit inviting....................................... |
22:17 |
| Bride formed from her husband...................... |
2:21-23 |
Bride adorned for her husband.................... |
21:2 |
| Command to multiply..................................... |
1:28 |
Nations of the saved.................................... |
21:24 |
| Garden accessible to the Liar.......................... |
3:1-5 |
City closed to all liars................................. |
21:27 |
| Man in God's image........................................ |
1:27 |
Man in God's presence............................... |
21:3 |
| Man the probationer....................................... |
2:17 |
Man the heir.............................................. |
21:7 |
VI. COMPARISONS BETWEEN CURSED WORLD AND REDEEMED WORLD
| Cursed World |
Genesis
|
Redeemed World |
Revelation |
| Cursed ground................................................... |
3:17 |
No more curse ............................................. |
22:3 |
| Daily sorrow...................................................... |
3:17 |
No more sorrow............................................ |
21:4 |
| Sweat on the face.............................................. |
3:19 |
No more tears.............................................. |
21:4 |
| Thorns and thistles............................................ |
3:18 |
No more pain............................................... |
21:4 |
| Eating herbs of the field.................................... |
3:18 |
Twelve manner of fruits............................... |
22:2 |
| Returning to the dust........................................ |
3:19 |
No more death ............................................ |
21:4 |
| Coats of skins................................................... |
3:21 |
Fine linen, white & clean............................. |
19:14 |
| Satan opposing.................................................. |
3:15 |
Satan banished............................................ |
20:10 |
| Kept from the tree of life.................................. |
3:24 |
Access to tree of life.................................... |
22:14 |
| Banished from the garden................................. |
2:23 |
Free entry to the city................................... |
22:14 |
| Redeemer promised.......................................... |
3:15 |
Redemption accomplished............................ |
5:9, 10 |
| Evil continually................................................. |
6:6 |
Nothing that defileth ................................... |
21:27 |
| Seed of the woman............................................ |
3:15 |
Root and offspring of David.......................... |
22:16 |
| Cherubim guarding........................................... |
3:24 |
Angels inviting ............................................ |
21:9 |
VII. CHRONOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK OF REVELATION
| Chapters |
Age
|
Duration |
| Chapters 1-3 |
Church Age |
Unknown Duration |
| Chapters 4-19 |
Judgment Age |
Seven Years |
| Chapter 20 |
Kingdom Age |
Thousand Years |
| Chapters 21-22 |
Eternal Age |
Endless Years |
Basis for Arriving at Above Framework
Destruction of millennial earth prior to renewed earth (Revelation 20:11; 21:1).
Judgment of Beast prior to millennium (Revelation 19:20; 20:2).
Threeyear reign of Beast (Revelation 13:5).
Death of two witnesses prior to reign of Beast (Revelation 11:7).
Threeyear testimony and judgmental power of two witnesses (Revelation 11:3,6,10).
Assembly of all saved in heaven prior to judgments on earth (Revelation 4:1,4; 5:9).
Persistence of churches to coming of Christ (Revelation 2:25; 3:3; 3:11; 3:20).
VIII. THE "SEVEN-NESS" OF REVELATION
More occurrences of "seven" occur in Revelation than in entire New Testament, and more occurrences of "seven" than in any book of Old Testament. Significance of "seven," as signifying completion, comes from completion of creation (Genesis 2:1-3).
Emphasis on Completion of God's Word of Redemption in Book of Revelation
Examples of "Sevens" in Revelation (54 occurrences)
Seven churches (1:4,11,20,20).
Seven Spirits (1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6).
Seven candlesticks (1:12,13,20,20; 2:1).
Seven stars (1:16,20,20; 2:1; 3:1).
Seven lamps (4:5).
Seven seals (5:1,5).
Seven horns (5:6).
Seven eyes (5:6).
Seven angels (8:2,6).
Seven trumpets (8:2,6).
Seven thunders (10:3,4).
Seven thousand (11:13).
Seven heads (12:3; 13:1; 17:3,7,9).
Seven crowns (12:3).
Seven angels (15:1,6,7,8; 16:1; 17:1; 21:9).
Seven plagues (15:1, 6, 8; 21:9).
Seven vials (15:7; 17:1; 21:9).
Seven mountains (17:9).
Seven kings (17:10, 11).
Examples of Groups of Seven not Specifically Mentioned as Such.
Seven years of tribulation (Revelation 7:14; 11:3; 12:6, 14; 13:5).
Seven divisions in each church letter (Revelation 2 and 3).
Seven beatitudes (Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7,14).
Seven "I am's" of Christ (Revelation 1:8,11,17,18; 21:6; 22:13,16).
Seven doxologies in heaven (Revelation 4:9-11; 5:8-13; 7:9-12; 11:16-18; 14:2-3; 15:2-4; 19:1-6).
IX. OUTLINE OF BOOK OF REVELATION
(NOTE REVELATION 1:19)
"The Things Which Thou Hast Seen:" The Patmos Vision (Revelation 1)
"The Things Which Are:" The Seven Churches (Revelation 2 and 3)
"The Things Which Shall Be Hereafter" (Revelation 1:19)
The throne-room set in the heavens (Revelation 4).
The Lamb and the scroll (Revelation 5).
The seal judgments on earth (Revelation 6).
The saved in the great tribulation (Revelation 7).
The trumpet judgments on earth (Revelation 8-10).
The two witnesses (Revelation 11).
The conflict of the two seeds (Revelation 12).
The kingdom of the beast (Revelation 13).
The everlasting gospel (Revelation 14).
The bowl judgments on earth (Revelation 15-16).
Babylon the great (Revelation 17-18).
The glorious appearing of Christ (Revelation 19).
The millennium and the last judgment (Revelation 20).
The new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21-22).
|