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.

Table of Contents

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.

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