THE BEGINNING OF THE END
Dr. Stephen R. Phinney
Life Way
| Statistics state 97% of pastors are shifting their teachings to the book of Revelation.
Without question, our global current events are gaining the attention of Christians and non-Christians alike. As an example, our new online video series focusing on the book of Revelation has captured 487,000 viewers to date. So...what's the big draw? It's simple - even depraved minds are figuring out God is up to something.
Now the irony.
While the unsaved are attracted to a Biblical perspective regarding our global events, "Christians" are putting their heads in the sand. The irony begs a reason.
Systematic theology, and statistical reviews, prove that generalized "Christians" live in fear. A part of these statistics show us that the book of Revelation is the least read/studied book in the Bible. More importantly, it reveals that "Christians" tend to disengage due to the "doom & gloom" associated with this book. The Truth is, these self-proclaimed "Christians" are a poor example of trusting Jesus with the events that must occur during the end-times - so they hide in the cracks and crevices of culture.
As for you, our reader,
I appeal to you with the same words Jesus ended His address(s) to each of the Seven Churches - "
Those who have ears to hear, let them listen to what the Spirit has to say to the churches
."
The book of Revelation has an individualistic character. Therefore, the writing of John may be misunderstood by a reader who does not understand Hebrew history, culture, customs, and manners. God is consistent with revealing Himself in the very manner He did from the beginning of man's time. Confusion frequently sets in when Christians attempt to unlock the mysteries hidden within these pages by their human skills alone. The symbolism and dramatic representations are impossible to understand without the supernatural insight offered by the Holy Spirit. God is Hebrew, and it takes the Holy Spirit to interpret the Hebrew foundation of the book of Revelation, by bringing the Truth to the surface.
Throughout the centuries
, many different approaches and methodologies have been used to understand this book. There are four primary methods of interpretation. The first is the
futurist
method. This group views the events stated in the book as immediately preceding the end of the world. The Truth of the matter is the first four chapters are past and present events, while the remaining chapters are futuristic.
Next is the
preterist
(destructive) approach, which interprets the book in light of the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of the Roman Empire.
The third category is the
continuous-historical
method.
This approach is much like the
preterist
view but moves beyond the fall of Rome
.
It also considers a snapshot view of Revelation: the entire History of the body of Christ and the world, from the era of the writing of the book to the final closure of time itself, at least from man's timeline. This perspective aligns the church and History according to what is written regarding the most literal sense.
The last and certainly not the least
—the
symbolical
approach. This method is the most popular amongst theologians as a whole. Symbolical interpretation suggests that the eternal truths of the prophecies should be deduced and then applied to day-to-day living. An example would be personal sins. These interpreters read the book primarily to gain personal and Church-related spiritual encouragement, correction, and warnings. They carefully analyze the content to benefit themselves. These interpreters frequently have a struggle with the "prophetic" elements of John's writings. This is the primary reason why this group tends to put this book on the bottom of the list when it comes to studying the Word of God. This process is what theologians call
demythologizing
(to reveal and understand the true character, nature, or meaning of something by ridding it of all mythical or mysterious aspects).
My approach will be to integrate all four types
. In Revelation, we find God revealing the
future
, the destruction and fall of Jerusalem (
preterist
), His
continuous-history,
and His use of the
symbols
contained within the book--all to benefit the Bride of His Son. For whatever reason, people think they need to categorize fellow believers to secure their personal beliefs. I reject such labeling. God wants us to see, hear, and embrace His Truth. He doesn't want
Calvin, Luther,
or any other definite leader to "
pigeonhole
" His Revelation.