INTERPRETING THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Four Major Views
This article will discuss and compare four major interpretive views of the book of Revelation. Portions of the article are still in progress as of November 28, 2020. We hope to finish within the next few weeks.
- Important Elements of Essential Agreement
- Brief Description of each View
- How each View Interprets Major Events in Revelation
- Related Articles
Important Elements of Essential Agreement
There are several essential truths the the Holy Scriptures teach about the End Times. Therefore, before we tackle the primary similarities and differences between the various views / interpretations, we’d like to mention a few essential truths upon which almost all Christian proponents of the varying views agree. Although orthodox Christians may differ on the exact timing of these events, almost all agree on the essential truth of the events themselves.
A Time of Turmoil / Tribulation between the First and Second Advent of Christ. Prior to the second coming of Christ, the Anti-Christ (“Man of Lawlessness”) will appear and assume power (2Th 2:3; 1Jn 2:18). In addition, the Bible speaks of coming earthquakes and other natural disasters, increased persecution of believers, wars, famines and other disasters (Mk 13:5-37; Lk 21:8-36).
The Visible, Bodily Return of Jesus Christ. While the apostles were watching Jesus’ Ascension, two angels appeared in the form of men and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Ac 1:11). See also Zech 14:4; Mt 24:30; 1Th 4:16-17; Rev 1:7.
Final Judgment of True Believers and Unbelievers. In the Parable of the Weeds and Wheat (Mt 13:24-30), Jesus taught that both the wheat (believers) and weeds (unbelievers) would exist on earth until the harvest (end times judgment) when the weeds would be burnt (cast into Hell) and the wheat would be gathered into His barn (Heaven). See also Dan 12:2; Ac 10:42, 17:31; 2Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12-13.
Brief Description of each View
This chapter is in progress as of 11/28/2020.
Preterist View
Historicist / Historical View
Idealist / Allegorical View
Futurist View
How each View Interprets Major Events in Revelation
This chapter is in progress as of 11/28/2020.
Related Articles
Interpretation of Daniel’s Visions and Prophecies
Views of the Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9