Revelation in order?

Abraxos

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.
There is a sequential order to the book of Revelation but it is also parenthetical, and this is seen throughout Revelation and is a common design to all the books of the Bible in regards to prophecy.
 
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DreamerOfTheHeart

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.

More or less, yes. It takes great pains to indicate this is so, with the ordering of the seals, the woes, the trumpets, the censers.

There is some historical context given with the beast and babylon, but both are understandably old and yet have immediate bearing for when they are introduced.

The worst thing which I have seen done is taking the Millennium out of order, as if it happens before these other things described as happening before it. This secretly destructive doctrine was introduced after Constatine converted, and became official doctrine within the next 200 years. It was used to justify the ruling state and the church becoming unified.

The idea was that Christ returned 'spiritually', through the then newly united church-state system.

But, those slim passages depicting this '1000 year reign' clearly paints 'the resurrection of the dead' happening, as well as ties into the survivors of the just destroyed 'beast'.

So, it is really dishonest reading, and clear enough for anyone to see.

Otherwise, only rarely does any major theory or theoretical system suggest anything happens out of the strict ordering in the text. And even with this aforementioned case, even the Catholic Church does not trust that reading enough to include it in their catechism.
 
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Jonaitis

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.

Yes, it is an epistle written to seven church of the first century.

The book of Revelation is filled many Old Testament references and uses the language of the Old Testament prophets, and a lack of understanding those references make the book difficult to comprehend for the honest reader. The epistle is actually easy to understand than most people make it out to be, but the confusion usually lies in the illustrations John uses. If you understand anything about foreshadow and typology (animal sacrifices prefigure Christ's sacrifice; Moses delivering the people of Israel out of Egypt prefigures Christ delivering the Church out of sin; they wandered in the wilderness, we wander as pilgrims in this life; they are headed toward the promise land, we are headed toward heaven), then you will understand better this book if you understand the references and what it typifies. It isn't that hard, why would it be? It is God's word, meant for your spiritual benefit.

Many Christians within these last several centuries have tried to interpret this book in more ways than the apostle John ever intended, if at all intended period. People have tried to make the book completely futuristic, and some completely outdated. In actuality, it was specifically written to the first century believers to encourage them through the persecutions and trials they would face in this life, but the message is needful for all generations until the second coming of Christ. To suggest that John wrote something in the distant future, let's say the 21st century, to a first century audience is a bit absurd to say the least, and all the generations between them and us! It is a book that they were able to understand and benefit from, no less than us. It was originally written to them in the first place.

Now, if anyone has already picked it up the many illustrations are actually the same things, just said differently. It is the gospel message, and encouragement to stay faithful, and the comforting truth that Christ will win in the end, that you are reading in several chapters. Some of it deals with the current events that happened in the first century as well (the temple being destroyed).

I recommend reading or hearing G.K. Beale on this topic.
 
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Sometimes I worry we are already marked (but that’s anxiety).

I've had such anxious thoughts before as well. But I think it is better to be too sensitive to this important subject matter than to be dull toward it.

To answer your question. Yes and no. I believe aspects of Revelation are in order (example) a big war has to happen (WWIII perhaps) before the mark of the beast becomes enforced globally.
 
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devin553344

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.

After reading it for a period of time I had to draw the conclusion that it skips around in time. But clearly some of the events are chronologically ordered. It's a difficult one to read, that's for sure.
 
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mark kennedy

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.
Yes, seals at the beginning, trumpets in the middle and vials of wrath at the end.
 
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Erik Nelson

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What most distinguishes judeo Christianity from the surrounding Pagan religions? Is it's linear conception of time? Earth time had a beginning and will have an end and everything happens linearly in between. So it stands to reason that revelation was written in linear chronological order also.
 
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ghtan

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.
Try dividing the book into two halves with the break at Ch 12. I used to have problems with Rev until I started reading it without referring to other prophetic passages esp in the OT. That way I did not let other material dictate my reading of Rev. It became so much easier to understand then. And it is about the future; I doubt John would have written 22 chapters worth of moral teachings that can be found in the rest of scripture.
 
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timewerx

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.

Even the books of the New Testament is not arranged chronologically.

In fact, the Epistles of Paul are one of the first ones written while the Synoptic Gospels and John + Epistles of John among the last.

Should it we be taking the context of New Testament teachings according to the teachings of John + epistles instead of the teachings of Paul, since the teachings of John came last. Since it is obvious, the Christian religion took the context strongly with Paul's teachings intead.
 
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Q-T

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.
After having read the the comments and suggestions. I would like to offer something here for you and all that do not understand the Book of Revelation. First, I would recommend downloading The Holy Bible from www.e-Sword.net ... the basic download is perfect! In addition, I would recommend also downloading the KJB 1611. The King James Bible that comes with the basic download is great. 2. I recommend only using the King James Bible, and what I am sharing here are pearls. I encourage patience, fervent prayer over every word of the Lord, asking Him to give you the understanding of what is written, along with knowledge, wisdom, and discernment. 3. I recommend reading through the New Testament first, all the way through Revelation. This will prove to be a solid foundation, learning from Jesus and His chosen Apostles. Then after reading through the New Testament, I recommend going back to Genesis, and read straight through the Old Testament. Proverbs is key to learning the Holy language of The KING of Kings and LORD of Lords, by which you can, by the blessing and gifts of the LORD, to understand ALL Books of The Holy Bible. There are no shortcuts. In writing this, I recommend the basic commentary that comes with the basic download which is simply scripture interpreting scripture. No other "Commentary", or "books about" Revelation or The Holy Bible are necessary. Trust The True and Living God alone for His blessing to teach, guide, and lead you into ALL TRUTH. I am speaking from experience here. End Times Prophecy begins at Genesis 1:1 as the LORD has told us the End from the Beginning. Trust the LORD, praying without ceasing, patiently reading (listening), believing, never doubting, and He will bless you! Obviously, and I'm speaking generally, if you have never read through The Holy Bible before, it can "seem" like a great task, and it is a great task, but look at all of the people in the world that have read book after book after book, about this and that, but don't have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. There are numbers of cults of the Occult, from the Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and Seventh Day Adventists, not excluding others, that keep their deceived adherants busy ever learning but never able to come to a full knowledge of the truth, by reading their "books" by which they claim to "teach the Bible", but do the opposite. By reading only The Holy Bible and trusting only God to teach you, He will indeed teach you, leading you into all truth, to the point that you can understand His words, including Revelation, and not be confused at all! I love reading The Holy Bible, and I testify that His words are true, and there are no errors in The Holy Bible! I have been blessed to understand the Proverbs/Parables, and that is only because of the Lord blessing me. To help alleviate any doubt ... think about it this way ... We call on the Lord in faith for salvation by and because of what only He did for us on the cross at Calvary ... that is, if a person has been blessed to have the true Gospel of Salvation preached to them, and they responded to the Lord's call and have been born again ... then why not trust the Lord to do what He said that He would do, by His gift of The Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth? All we need is faith the size of a mustard seed, as the Lord said, and mountains can be moved! I pray that He will bless you with this effort! And don't be surprised when you find yourself placing question marks next to many verses or passages, but continue ever patiently, confessing to the Lord that you don't understand, asking Him for understanding, again, believing and never doubting, and He will bless you just as He has blessed me!
 
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Radagast

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Even the books of the New Testament is not arranged chronologically.

In fact, the Epistles of Paul are one of the first ones written while the Synoptic Gospels and John + Epistles of John among the last.

Order of writing is not the same as order of events.

And the Gospel of Luke is part of a two-part book (with Acts as the second part). Luke was clearly written before Acts, and Acts was clearly written at the point at which the action stops (with Paul in Rome but still alive). Mark was clearly written before Luke, because Luke quotes it.
 
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Douggg

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After having read the the comments and suggestions. I would like to offer something here for you and all that do not understand the Book of Revelation. First, I would recommend downloading The Holy Bible from www.e-Sword.net ... the basic download is perfect! In addition, I would recommend also downloading the KJB 1611. The King James Bible that comes with the basic download is great. 2. I recommend only using the King James Bible, and what I am sharing here are pearls. I encourage patience, fervent prayer over every word of the Lord, asking Him to give you the understanding of what is written, along with knowledge, wisdom, and discernment. 3. I recommend reading through the New Testament first, all the way through Revelation. This will prove to be a solid foundation, learning from Jesus and His chosen Apostles. Then after reading through the New Testament, I recommend going back to Genesis, and read straight through the Old Testament. Proverbs is key to learning the Holy language of The KING of Kings and LORD of Lords, by which you can, by the blessing and gifts of the LORD, to understand ALL Books of The Holy Bible. There are no shortcuts. In writing this, I recommend the basic commentary that comes with the basic download which is simply scripture interpreting scripture. No other "Commentary", or "books about" Revelation or The Holy Bible are necessary. Trust The True and Living God alone for His blessing to teach, guide, and lead you into ALL TRUTH. I am speaking from experience here. End Times Prophecy begins at Genesis 1:1 as the LORD has told us the End from the Beginning. Trust the LORD, praying without ceasing, patiently reading (listening), believing, never doubting, and He will bless you! Obviously, and I'm speaking generally, if you have never read through The Holy Bible before, it can "seem" like a great task, and it is a great task, but look at all of the people in the world that have read book after book after book, about this and that, but don't have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. There are numbers of cults of the Occult, from the Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and Seventh Day Adventists, not excluding others, that keep their deceived adherants busy ever learning but never able to come to a full knowledge of the truth, by reading their "books" by which they claim to "teach the Bible", but do the opposite. By reading only The Holy Bible and trusting only God to teach you, He will indeed teach you, leading you into all truth, to the point that you can understand His words, including Revelation, and not be confused at all! I love reading The Holy Bible, and I testify that His words are true, and there are no errors in The Holy Bible! I have been blessed to understand the Proverbs/Parables, and that is only because of the Lord blessing me. To help alleviate any doubt ... think about it this way ... We call on the Lord in faith for salvation by and because of what only He did for us on the cross at Calvary ... that is, if a person has been blessed to have the true Gospel of Salvation preached to them, and they responded to the Lord's call and have been born again ... then why not trust the Lord to do what He said that He would do, by His gift of The Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth? All we need is faith the size of a mustard seed, as the Lord said, and mountains can be moved! I pray that He will bless you with this effort! And don't be surprised when you find yourself placing question marks next to many verses or passages, but continue ever patiently, confessing to the Lord that you don't understand, asking Him for understanding, again, believing and never doubting, and He will bless you just as He has blessed me!
No, that is a terrible approach. Reading the whole bible is too much. Start with a few prime chapters. Daniel 9:26-27 and Matthew 24:14-31, first. Then Ezekiel 38-39.

Then Daniel 7. Then Daniel 2. Then Revelation 13. Those are foundational and are plenty to get a person started. And can expand from there.
 
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Radagast

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No, that is a terrible approach. Reading the whole bible is too much. Start with a few prime chapters. Daniel 9:26-27 and Matthew 24:14-31, first. Then Ezekiel 38-39.

Then Daniel 7. Then Daniel 2. Then Revelation 13. Those are foundational and are plenty to get a person started. And can expand from there.

I'm amazed. Those are not foundational at all. The gospels and Pauline epistles are foundational.
 
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Douggg

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I'm amazed. Those are not foundational at all. The gospels and Pauline epistles are foundational.
Matthew 24:14-31 is in the gospel of Matthew.

The original post was about how to understand Revelation. In particular, the mark of the beast. It is an end times issue. Therefore, the person should read and focus on the passages that focus on the end times.

Your advice is like telling someone to go read the entire encyclopedia when they are looking for information on one particular topic.
 
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Douggg

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Matthew 24:14-31 is in the gospel of Matthew.

The original post was about how to understand Revelation. In particular, the mark of the beast. It is an end times issue. Therefore, the person should read and focus on the passages that focus on the end times.
End times are far from being the most important part of the Christian faith.
But that is not the subject of this thread.
 
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BABerean2

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do you think the book of revelation is written in order?
The book of revelation is confusing to me.

Many people try to interpret the Bible through their understanding of Revelation chapter 20.
That is a mistake. We should interpret Revelation chapter 20 through the rest of the New Testament.
A proper understanding of Revelation 20 is necessary to understand the rest of the Book of Revelation.
The video below is well worth the time it will take to watch, or you could play it while you are driving somewhere, and listen to it.



.
 
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Erik Nelson

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Even the books of the New Testament is not arranged chronologically.

In fact, the Epistles of Paul are one of the first ones written while the Synoptic Gospels and John + Epistles of John among the last.

Should it we be taking the context of New Testament teachings according to the teachings of John + epistles instead of the teachings of Paul, since the teachings of John came last. Since it is obvious, the Christian religion took the context strongly with Paul's teachings intead.
Yes, but revelation is just one book. Revelation is written in chronological order, linear chronological order. Just like the Gospel of Luke is written in linear chronological order.

Each of Paul's letters individually unfolds in chronological order also. Paul makes one case builds on it to make another closes up with an exhortation. To prayer and Christian Piety say

each individual book of the Bible taken on its individual own unfolds chronologically
 
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Revealing Times

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Yes, but revelation is just one book. Revelation is written in chronological order, linear chronological order. Just like the Gospel of Luke is written in linear chronological order.

Each of Paul's letters individually unfolds in chronological order also. Paul makes one case builds on it to make another closes up with an exhortation. To prayer and Christian Piety say

each individual book of the Bible taken on its individual own unfolds chronologically
The BoR is not written in Chronological Order sir. I will get back later on with the exact order it is written in, but I just don't get people who can't see the order is linear at times, then parenthetical at times.
 
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