The Book of Revelation: Prophetic Visions - or the Paranoid Ravings of a Mad Man?

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[jxb7076]

“Behold, I am coming soon, to repay everyone for what he has done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first, and the last, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 22:12)

These mesmerizing words of warning are more than two thousand years old but when read or heard, they still cause fear and trembling in the minds of 21st century man. They are the words found in the last, and for many - the most dangerous book of the Bible – the bloody, end-time Apocalypse known as “The Revelation”.

[jxb7076]

The Final Call

[Secret Agent Man]

Prophetic visions.

Next question.

[Ted Grant]

Metaphor.

[Secret Agent Man]

What exactly are you referring to as being a metaphor?

[Quix]

Are YOU in doubt?

[Star Traveler]

The basis for understanding the Book of Revelation (of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John)...

Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy with Exposition
http://www.bible-researcher.com/chicago1.html

[beginning paragraph of ststement...]

The “Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy” was produced at an international Summit Conference of evangelical leaders, held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago in the fall of 1978. This congress was sponsored by the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy. The Chicago Statement was signed by nearly 300 noted evangelical scholars, including James Boice, Norman L. Geisler, John Gerstner, Carl F. H. Henry, Kenneth Kantzer, Harold Lindsell, John Warwick Montgomery, Roger Nicole, J. I. Packer, Robert Preus, Earl Radmacher, Francis Schaeffer, R. C. Sproul, and John Wenham.

The ICBI disbanded in 1988 after producing three major statements: one on biblical inerrancy in 1978, one on biblical hermeneutics in 1982, and one on biblical application in 1986. The following text, containing the “Preface” by the ICBI draft committee, plus the “Short Statement,” “Articles of Affirmation and Denial,” and an accompanying “Exposition,” was published in toto by Carl F. H. Henry in God, Revelation And Authority, vol. 4 (Waco, Tx.: Word Books, 1979), on pp. 211-219. The nineteen Articles of Affirmation and Denial, with a brief introduction, also appear in A General Introduction to the Bible, by Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix (Chicago: Moody Press, rev. 1986), at pp. 181-185. An official commentary on these articles was written by R. C. Sproul in Explaining Inerrancy: A Commentary (Oakland, Calif.: ICBI, 1980), and Norman Geisler edited the major addresses from the 1978 conference, in Inerrancy (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1980).

Clarification of some of the language used in this Statement may be found in the 1982 Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics [http://www.bible-researcher.com/chicago2.html ]

[Quix]

Far more of Revelation will turn out to be literal than a lot of folks seem to expect.

The Blood WILL flow as high as the horses’ bridals.

The plagues will be real.

1/3 to 2/3 of the earth’s population will die.

The wars will be real.

The ‘mountain’ from space will crash into the earth.

Meteors or some such will fall from the sky resembling the stars falling from the Heavens.

Massive earthquakes will occur.

. . .

. . .

[Ted Grant]

You will either be right, or wrong.

[Ted Grant]

I believe the bible to be truth, and that it has literal and metaphorical truth in it. I think Revelation is most likely symbolic and not to be taken literally.

There is even analysis of the final book of the bible that suggests it metaphorically speaks of events that have already happened.

It’s either literally going to happen, or its not. Doesn’t seem to matter much to me either way - my soul will be judged fairly in either case.

[Migraine]

Great question; ridiculous column. Way too much credence given to offbeat theories of who wrote Revelation and when. Clearly, it was written by John the Beloved, Apostle of Jesus Christ, brother of James, son of Zebedee, mentor of Polycarp of Smyrna, who in turn was mentor of Iranaeus, both of whom wrote profusely of John's authorship of Revelation. End of Story.

This part of the article is right:
They linked the content of Revelation to the contents of the Book of Daniel which was written over two hundred years earlier and have concluded that Revelation may have been written by Daniel and handed down through time.

"Linked" to Daniel? I should say so. Daniel was told to "seal up the Book; it is for the time of the end."
Then, in Revelation, we find a sealed-up book which only Jesus Christ Himself, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, is worthy to unseal.
But "two hundred years earlier"? Hello! Daniel was clearly about six hundred years earlier, during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Neo-Babylonian/Assyrian tyrant and instrument of God.

But the "linkage" of Revelation to Daniel is beyond dispute. Revelation is the unveiling (apocalypsos)of what God showed Daniel some 600 years before.
Is it all clear? I wish. It is muddled as we peer through a glass, darkly. But it can truly be said that, things like "every eye shall see Him", and causing a "mark in the hand or on the forehead" without which no one can buy or sell, are suddenly conceivable in 2009, when throughout the history of the world since the Revelation, that has not been literally so.

Jesus said, "When you see these things happening, look up -- for your redemption draws nigh."

Good enough for me.

[Secret Agent Man]

Well there are many statements in the Book of Revelation.

Which ones do you believe are literal, and which are metaphorical?

For example, I believe that the plagues, the mark, the destructions, will occur. I believe that God will return. I believe with one word He will kill all the armies amassed in Har-Megiddo (Armageddon). I believe these things are not metaphorical. I believe the judgment throne and the separation of the sheep from the goats is real.

What parts are metaphorical?

[Ted Grant]

I think everything you cited is metaphorical, except the separation, but I don’t think there will be a wholesale event where that separation will occur. It will happen case by case.

[Ted Grant]

I think the Jonah story is a metaphor.

I think Jesus spoke in parables to convey lessons, and those stories he told did not describe real people. They just helped illustrate a moral truth.

[Chode]

11 Prophecies fulfilled this generation.
Mega site of Bible Studies ^ | current | unknown

Posted on Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:09:00 AM by kindred

FOR THE PROPHECY CAME NOT IN OLD TIME BY THE WILL OF MAN: BUT HOLY MEN OF GOD SPAKE AS THEY WERE MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST. O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN-Lk 24:25. However, believing there is a God and acknowledging the Bible is the Word of God does not save a person. A person needs to admit they are a sinner, repent, and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of being saved. This is done by faith (or trust).

Let's prove the Bible is true and we are nearing the end of the last generation before Christ returns.

1. The Jewish people would be scattered worldwide; yet Israel would become a nation again after a long time and at a time the Bible calls the "latter days"-ref Isa 66:8; Mic 5:3; Ezek 38:8. Against what appeared to be impossible odds, this prophecy has been fulfilled. It happened as predicted on May 14, 1948 after about 2500 years. That’s 1 out of 1. Note: Israel was destroyed in approximately 721 B.C. and Judah about 135 years later. Since that time, approximately fourteen different peoples have possessed the land of Israel. Yet as the Bible said, the nation of Israel would be reborn. The rebirth of Israel was a key sign, indicating we had entered a time period called the "latter days." It was the beginning of a countdown leading to the Tribulation and culminating with the Battle of Armageddon and the return of Jesus. Along with the fulfillment of this crucial event are over 360 prophecies that would all come together, so we might recognize that the Tribulation is very close at hand. Some of these are listed here. Yet the Bible foretells that most people would not believe these things, despite the overwhelming evidence of the signs from God’s Word being fulfilled exactly as predicted. As people refused to believe the flood was coming in Noah’s time, so people today willingly choose to disregard the signs of the times.

2. Israel shall be brought forth in one day, at once-ref Isa 66:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 2 out of 2. Note: On Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. On the morning of May 14, 1948 (the last day of the British mandate), a meeting of the People’s Council took place in Israel to decide on the name of the state and to finalize the declaration. At precisely 4 pm, the proclamation ceremony began at the Tel Aviv museum. The 979 Hebrew words of the Scroll of Independence were read. All stood, and the scroll was adopted. The notorious White Paper, issued by the British in 1930 restricting Jewish immigration, was declared null and void. Members of the People’s Council signed the proclamation. David Ben-Gurion rapped his gavel, declaring, "The State of Israel is established. This meeting is ended." Israel was brought forth as a nation in one day, at once, exactly as predicted. At midnight, the British soldiers and high commissioner would leave. President Truman was swift in announcing U.S. recognition of Israel. The following morning, on May 15, Israel was under attack by the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian, and Iraqi forces.

3. Israel would be brought forth (or reborn) "out of the nations"-Ezek 38:8. Prophecy fulfilled-May 14, 1948. That’s 3 out of 3. Note: As previously stated, on Nov. 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the "United Nations" approved a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled. Consider, for centuries the land of Israel had been occupied by many nations. Israel was "brought forth out of the nations"—the children of Israel from many nations have been returning to their ancient homeland.

4. Israel must regain the city of Jerusalem-Joel 2:32; Isa 28:14; Ezek 22:19. This happened just as predicted in 1967. That’s 4 out of 4. Note: The Bible gives us two methods so we would know the time we are in. One is by Israel’s rebirth. The other, by a precise line of events that would all come together at one time. Israel was reborn on May 14th, 1948. The Bible indicates that from Israel’s rebirth a generation would not pass till all be fulfilled. We are not setting any date; however, it seems clear from Israel’s rebirth and the signs of the times— that we are living in the generation in which the Rapture and Tribulation will come and catch most people by surprise. Are you ready?

5. The Christian church at the time of the end would be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot for Jesus. Prophecy fulfilled. That’s 5 out of 5. Note: God will spew them out. Many ministers and people that call themselves a Christian will not be going to heaven. The Bible tells us—you have acquired wealth, but your true condition is wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked and you don’t know it-Rev 3:14-22. This is today’s church. Most preachers use little Scripture, but lots of worldly stories. Many sing a great deal, but put little emphasis on repentance, obeying, serving, and fearing God, on the fruits of the Spirit, Bible prophecy, water baptism by immersion, and studying your Bible faithfully every day. Many are only entertainment centers that teach what their members want to hear. Many (so-called Christians) are so lukewarm or dead, they don’t even bring their Bibles with them to the house of God. Some famous ministers and Bible schools think this is the best church age ever, yet the Bible clearly shows it is the worst and most deceived.

6. The Bible gives us over 50 descriptions about the people at the time of the end. These fit the people of today perfectly, but did not fit the people of fifty years ago. Here are some:

A. Some would depart from the faith and go into devil worship-1 Tim 4:1. This is perfect.

B. People would mock about the last days and not believe-2 Pe 3:3; Jude 18.

C. People would become lovers of themselves-2 Tim 3:1,2. Remember the TV commercials—"I do it for me"?

D. People would be disobeying their parents-2 Tim 3:1,2.

E. People would be grateful for nothing-2 Tim 3:1,2.

F. Homosexuality would increase-Lk 17:28,30; ref Gen 19:5; Ro 1:24,26,27.

G. People would be without self-control in sex-2 Tim 3:1,2,6; Rev 9:21, Lk 17:28,30; Jude 7. Is this not the great sex generation?

H. People would love pleasures more than God-2 Tim 3:1,2,4. This is true. Shall we go on a picnic, watch football, or sleep. Church?—we can go another time. Our American motto "In God we trust" has become a joke. Remember, these were all predicted centuries ago as part of the signs that we are at the time of the end.

I. People would be taking drugs-Rev 9:21. The Greek word for sorceries, in Rev 9:21, means pharmaceuticals or drugs. God’s Word is 100% right on every one. That’s 6 out of 6. How could you have any doubts at this point? Note: Fifty years ago, many people seldom locked their doors at night. There was little or no profanity on television, radio, or in the movies. One of the biggest problems in public school was gum chewing. Those days are long gone.

7. There would be weapons that could destroy the world-Mk 13:20; Rev 6:8; Rev 9:18; Zech 14:8,12. Incredibly, this prophecy was written in the days of spears and arrows, yet today it is true. That’s 7 out of 7. Note: It is estimated that the combined nuclear arsenals of the USA and Russia (as of the year 2004) could kill every living thing on earth 6 times over.

8. The Gospel must be published in all the world-Mk 13:10. This seemingly impossible prophecy was written when there was no printing press, but today it is true. That's 8 out of 8. Note: In this last generation, to our knowledge, the Gospel is being published (or is about to be published) in the primary language of every nation of the world or "among all nations." In addition, the Gospel is available by short-wave radio nearly everywhere in the world.

9. In the "latter days" when Israel was once again a nation, there would be a great military power to the extreme north of Israel in the land of Magog (which is modern-day Russia)-Ezek 38:2-4,8,15,16. Incredible. That’s 9 out of 9. Note: How could the Bible have foretold the location of this nation, facts about its military, and even the time period it would come to pass? As was already said in Lk 24:25-O FOOLS, AND SLOW OF HEART TO BELIEVE ALL THAT THE PROPHETS HAVE SPOKEN.

10. There would be a nation to the far east of Israel, to the end of the earth. This nation would have an army of 200 million. This is astounding. How could the Bible have told the location of a nation and given such a huge figure regarding the size of its army nearly 2000 years ago? China has boasted that they could field an army of this exact figure. That’s 10 out of 10.

11. There would be an economic alliance of the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It would have a military capability. This is an exact description of the European Economic Community today (the EEC), which has already adopted the one-currency system for many of their member nations. It is written, IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS (these nations, which is now) SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM-Dan 2:44. That’s 11 out of 11. We have just reached the point that seemed impossible—11 perfect predictions made thousands of years ago—with God nothing is impossible. Certainly, at this point, even the biggest skeptic should see the Bible is true, there is a God, and we are nearing the time of the end.

About 22 prophecies in 11 sets have been given, all perfect and all written centuries ago. The chance that any person could do this 2000 years into the future is not possible. The Bible is the Word of God, and we have just proved it. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent and get baptized by full immersion. Read and obey the Gospel. God loves you. He is not willing that any should perish, yet many do. The Rapture is close. Most people are not ready and will not be taken. However, "YOU" cannot say you did not know. Know and understand, Mt 16:26-WHAT IS A MAN PROFITED, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT SHALL A MAN GIVE IN

[Secret Agent Man]

I believe that John actually saw the future events occuring. They were not just visions, he was actually taken into the future (since God is not bound by time this is possible) and John gave an eyewitness account of exactly what he saw happening in the future. Now he saw things that were happening and did not have the vocabulary we have today to dscribe things, and he did his best to describe events that we may have more specific terms for now. But the point gets across.

I believe that the Jonah story is real. It is possible to live that long inside a fish, it is possible for God to be in control of nature (after all Peter did catch a fish with a coin in its mouth to ‘render unto Caesar what was his’. He has the ability to make this happen.

If we say this is real, this is metaphor, when there is no real reason to do so, why cannot someone say the resurrection was metaphor? Why not Jesus coming back to life being not real? WHo comes back to life, ever? Water into wine? Metaphor. Adam and Eve created in God’s image by God? Nope, metaphor. Ten Commandments? That’s just something man put together.

Be careful about parables. Jesus did use many parables that were stories, but please note there is a critical thing to observe about His parables. The parables that Jesus uses that have no personal names in them are just stories, the metaphorical. The parables He uses where specific names of people are used, are real, with real people and they really happened. Like the rich man and Lazarus and Abraham. Real story. Like Jonah. Real story.

[Quix]

Have studied Biblical prophecy since Jr High about 1960. The same for UFO stuff. And I’ve studied globalism since 1965.

I’d guesstimate that I’ve been right in my extrapolations, inferences, expectations about the growth and sweep of such 70-90% of the time in the years since.

Most of my being wrong has been about timing. Subtract out the errors about timing, and I’ve probably been right 85-92% of the time.

I can live with that.

I can sure live with being wrong . . . a LOT better than those on the other side will be able to live with being wrong.

The consequences are orders of magnitude different.

[Quix]

WELL PUT.

THX.

[Quix]

EXCELLENT POST.

COPYING TO MY FILES. THANKS.

[Quix]

I believe you are right to exceedingly right.

[Just mythoughts]

Revelation was written by John who was taken in ‘spirit’ to the Lord's Day. Now I do know that many claim this was some Sunday that John started writing, but NOT so. As what John pens is from what he living nearly 2000 years ago in what he could relate with words he understood.

Now Peter says that a day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as a day... So the Lord's day would be a thousand years and He returns on the first day of that thousand years for a ‘harvest’. Christ said (Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

Now consider the words of Christ in comparison to what the majority of preachers teach about Christ...

You mentioned plagues, when was the last plagues sent? How many were there? Thing there is any correlation in plagues yet to come? Paul did say those things happened to ‘them’ as our warning as to what would be again at the end of this ‘age’.

We already have wars and rumors of wars.... Christ said fear ye NOT.... so if the wars and rumors of wars are not what is to cause fear then what is the opposite of war and rumors of wars...

Revelation does NOT really say ‘new’ things it expounds upon things already given... Christ Himself gave the seals/trumps in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21... Now there is a bit of church correction given, but the majority of people I know say it does not apply to Christians at the end time because they are not going to be here... well I can't find anything that John pens that says anyone is going anywhere, that is unless the flesh dies and the soul returns to the Maker that sent it.