The Revelation - session 2
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This revelation to John was a vivid presentation to him through the use of symbolic expression. Commentaries tell us that the use of symbolism was of utmost importance. Names and places were guarded by "code words", such as the use of the city Babylon to secretly mean the city of Rome. Although in the beginning Christianity had been relatively ignored in the Roman Empire, at this writing the leadership in Rome was out to annihilate this "upstart" of a religion. It is thought by some that John wrote this before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 A.D. Yet, others are certain this writing was as much later as late as 95 A.D.
There was much persecution of Christians in Asia Minor, where Christians refused to worship Domitian, the Emperor of Rome at that time. He had been the one to send John into exile on the Isle of Patmos. It has been thought that when Domitian died, John was released and could have spent his remaining years with loved ones.
There was always a danger that less devoted Christians might fall away from the Faith when persecution intensified. It was thought that this might weaken Christianity. God provided a "rallying point". This revelation from God has long served it's purpose for generations!
There was much persecution of Christians in Asia Minor, where Christians refused to worship Domitian, the Emperor of Rome at that time. He had been the one to send John into exile on the Isle of Patmos. It has been thought that when Domitian died, John was released and could have spent his remaining years with loved ones.
There was always a danger that less devoted Christians might fall away from the Faith when persecution intensified. It was thought that this might weaken Christianity. God provided a "rallying point". This revelation from God has long served it's purpose for generations!
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What did this dream expose? One example was the realization of what would happen at the end of the age. There had been, in those days, much speculation about the "tribulation" just as there is in our day. It is impossible to read The Revelation to John without imagining the full brunt of the disastrous struggle to take place, as in watching a movie with the horror of it all. This was a CALL to face up to what would happen to all who were ill prepared for the end of the world--even the end of the world as we know it today. It was then, and still is, a warning of a vicious incursion of a destructive force that without the Spirit of God in us, even "the elect" (members of the church) are powerless to resist.
A good commentary will help you to distinguish the extent of much of the symbolism, such as the seven seals, seven angels, the beast, the dragon and his angels. It seems as if much of the "mystery of God" is a mystery and will be revealed in it's own time. (chapter 10:4-7) Christian scholars have reviewed and discussed so much of this for centuries. If you are the studious type I encourage you to read and investigate. I have always preferred a course of at least of six weeks or more to clarify some of it.
A student once asked my opinion on the "Tribulation" and "the second coming of Christ" that I might have gleaned from attempting to teach this. My reply? "The more I have studied the more I realize I HAVE NO OPINION!" My contention is that we should at all times be prepared--as Christians--reading, learning, studying, praying and letting the Holy Spirit teach us how to live as Christ wants us to--as His follower, His friend, His servant, His hands in the world.
One of the most appealing verses of Scripture can be found in Revelation 3:19-22. God sent Jesus for all mankind, and this is revealed in these words from Him,
A good commentary will help you to distinguish the extent of much of the symbolism, such as the seven seals, seven angels, the beast, the dragon and his angels. It seems as if much of the "mystery of God" is a mystery and will be revealed in it's own time. (chapter 10:4-7) Christian scholars have reviewed and discussed so much of this for centuries. If you are the studious type I encourage you to read and investigate. I have always preferred a course of at least of six weeks or more to clarify some of it.
A student once asked my opinion on the "Tribulation" and "the second coming of Christ" that I might have gleaned from attempting to teach this. My reply? "The more I have studied the more I realize I HAVE NO OPINION!" My contention is that we should at all times be prepared--as Christians--reading, learning, studying, praying and letting the Holy Spirit teach us how to live as Christ wants us to--as His follower, His friend, His servant, His hands in the world.
One of the most appealing verses of Scripture can be found in Revelation 3:19-22. God sent Jesus for all mankind, and this is revealed in these words from Him,
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me . . . to him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Of course there is much to overcome: the pull of the world, and the deceiving enticement of evil, as well as our own willful nature. Jesus calls us to overcome this through the power of the Holy Spirit of God, His Father and become one with Him.
May God continue to bless you and watch over you!
May God continue to bless you and watch over you!