Revelation, like all biblical books, are considered “divinely inspired” and not literal truth.
Revelation was written in prophetical style, not because it was a prophesy of distant future events, but commentary on the present.
At the time of the writing, Christians were being sorely persecuted by Nero.
Like in all dictatorial regimes, you cannot criticize the tyrant w/o getting executed.
Hence, Revelation is merely an inspirational text to provide hope to those Nero-era Christians.
In terms of “recognizing the false prophet”, Revelation doesn’t indicate anything other than (if I recollect correctly) “you will have no doubt” or something.
In the Gospels, Jesus indicates that you recognize the false prophet by seeing the result of their works - i.e., not what they say.
I always liked that bit as it’s a lot like democrats. They sing a good song, but the result of their programs only increases the problems they claim they want to solve.
[Revelation, like all biblical books, are considered “divinely inspired” and not literal truth.]
The devil is a liar and the father of it. Revelation is literal truth written in symbolic language and those who read the Word know that Revalation was given to John for us to know what will happen during and after the 7 year tribulation of God’s wrath on the earth preceding the 1000 year rule of God the Fathers only begotten Son Jesus Christ on the earth. Let God be true and every man a liar.
They still defend slavery. A few of them have been saved from Darkness, but not enough.
“Revelation was written in prophetical style, not because it was a prophesy of distant future events, but commentary on the present.
At the time of the writing, Christians were being sorely persecuted by Nero.
Like in all dictatorial regimes, you cannot criticize the tyrant w/o getting executed.”
Sorry, but that doesn’t make any sense. Prophesy is prophesy, and it comes from God. In order for what you suggest to be true, either John forged a prophecy, in which case he would have been denounced as a false prophet, or God decided to change the rules of His book mid-stream just to confuse people, which is ludicrous.
Also, you’re operating under the false assumption that the early Christians had some great fear of being executed by Nero. Being executed would make them a martyr, and the early Christians seems quite willing to make that sacrifice for God. I don’t know of any other examples where the Apostles and early Christian leaders refused to speak the plain truth for fear of execution, do you?
Preterism before a hearty lunch is not recommended.