The Book of Revelation - Other Interpretations.

1. The Book of Revelation - Other Interpretations. • Throughout this Presentation approach so far – the approach has been “Continuous Historic.” • “Preterist” and “Futurist” interpretations indicated here to yield overall understanding. • Some other views also published – space precludes consideration here. • No attempt made to systematically compare and contrast the three approaches – see “The Revelation – Which Interpretation?” Graham Pearce, Christadelphian Scripture Study Service, South Australia. 5031.

2. “Continuous Historic” Interpretation. • 2000 years covered from AD 96 as book unfolds. • Letters form integral part show apostate trend. • To ecclesias not Israel in captivity. • Error starts early - takes major steps. • Apostate oppressive system emerges. • Ultimately this system makes war against Jesus on his reappearance and is destroyed.

3. “Preterist” Interpretation • Events are in AD 70 and/or at return of Christ. • Date of writing crucial claimed AD 64-68. • Seals & Trumpets apply - Israel AD 65-70. • Earthquake 6th Seal - end Jewish constitution.

4. Preterist Interpretation. • Interpretation - words in Revelation linked & applied to OT context- to Israel. • Notes impressive correspondence between “Continuous Historic” view and actual events in history. • ‘in general the way in which the one answers to the other is impressive.’

5. Preterist Interpretation • Criticism of Continuous Historic - it is unBiblical. • Claims no Biblical warrant for linking prophecy given, to certain historical epochs. • Contrasts with e.g. Nebuchadnezzar’s image context identifies, “thou art this head of gold..” and leads into a Biblical based interpretation. • Postulates ‘Beast’ is nothing related to Rome but to Russia and Arabs at time of end.

6. Futurist Interpretation • Interpretation is sequential - chaps 6 to 20 all still in future. • Chapters 4 & 5 considered together- Chap 4 vision of heaven with Almighty on throne Chap 5 - arrival of Jesus in heaven. • Seals 1-4 general description of past 18 centuries until return of the Lord. • 6th Seal about activities of God himself, directed to ending existing order of things.

7. Futurist Interpretation. • Trumpets - open manifestation of God’s power - to bring repentance to earth. • Rainbowed angel - messenger from Christ commissioning true believers to preach after the terrifying events of Trumpets. • Two Witnesses identified with faithful followers of God with His power. • The woman - Israel, giving birth to Jesus the man-child caught up to God - ascension.

8. Futurist Interpretation. • Woman in wilderness is Nation of Israel scattered among the nations. • Beast of Sea is dreadful anti-christian power yet to arise, supported by new religion, the god of the earth later as the false prophet. • Lamb on Mount Zion is picture of the preaching of the Gospel, Christ not yet having returned.

9. Futurist Interpretation. • Vials are another series of terrific judgments carried out by angels. • Harlot riding the beast is Israel emerging from wilderness or it may be apostate Christianity or may represent union between apostate Israel and apostate Christianity. • Beast is a political system derived from Rome, but not in any way to be identified with apostate Christianity or Judaism.

10. Futurist Interpretation. • Author, having stated derivation from Rome and 7 hills of this political system, questions if any physical location indicated. • Identity of Babylon chap 18 may be Rome or Jerusalem; it may represent wealth and power of the nation of Israel or the Catholic system. • Chapter 19 rejoicing is by angels because Christ has now come - believers probably being taken to judgment seat.