[Colonel Kangaroo]

It helps to realize that the Bible is not written TO us but it's written FOR us. The book of Revelation was written to 1st century people for 1st century problems. If it does not concern those 1st Century Christians, then it is not in the book. All this rapture/end times nonsense that people read into the book of Revelation today would have no application to those 1st Century addressees of the book.

That does not mean that the book does not have necessary spiritual benefit for us today. But the book is a 1st Century letter written to 1st Century people about 1st Century problems.

It is a sign of modern egotism to believe that the book speaks of modern events that we can only see unfold today with the help of contemporary writers who will help us pierce the mystery of the ages if we'll only fork over some $$$ for their latest book.

[webstersII]

“It is a sign of modern egotism to believe that the book speaks of modern events that we can only see unfold today with the help of contemporary writers who will help us pierce the mystery of the ages if we’ll only fork over some $$$ for their latest book.”

I nominate your post for the Post Of The Day.

[TomSmedley]

It helps to realize that the Bible is not written TO us but it's written FOR us. The book of Revelation was written to 1st century people for 1st century problems. If it does not concern those 1st Century Christians, then it is not in the book. All this rapture/end times nonsense that people read into the book of Revelation today would have no application to those 1st Century addressees of the book.

That does not mean that the book does not have necessary spiritual benefit for us today. But the book is a 1st Century letter written to 1st Century people about 1st Century problems.

Yep. People who use God's Word as a crystal ball or ouija board miss the point thereof.

• Lovers and winners shape the future.
• Losers and whiners try to predict it.