Is revelations scary??

[newbride02]

I have read revelations a couple of times, It is both an intreging mystery, and yet at the same time, very scary. I really feel like it paints a scary image of heaven, creatures with 10 eyes and 3 heads for example. The part about the various seals. Does anyone feel this way??

 

[Ginny]

The thing about the creatures you are reading...they represent different things...like you might read 10 heads, but it is referring to 10 kings...not literal....unless Satan is referred to and there is not telling what he truly looks like. I am sure he can transform into whatever he wants, but I am sure his true identity is hideous.


The thing about the seals...yes all that is very true...plagues and signs that God will allow to happen to people that do not know Jesus, but unfortunately many people will have such hard hearts that they will still not turn to God after all these obvious prophetic events have come to pass. The faith of Christians will truly be tested at that time, I believe. There are so many different interpretations about whether Christians will be raptured before the Tribulation, during, etc. Sometimes I wonder if we are truly not supposed to know...b/c whether Joe Blow decides that he does not believe one way or other does not make any difference whether God will come and get us in the beginning or middle of this time period. Some things just remain a mystery and are supposed to be that way. I hvae seen both arguments. I pray no one puts off their salvation b/c of this...we never know when we are going to die so it is important to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour asap....no second chances.

I know it sounds scary, and I have often wondered if even I will be able to stand up to the tests of evil and my own faith. I have questioned whether I would be able to go to the guillotine for the name of Jesus and pray I would have strength to do so if that ever came to pass... It's very scary, youare 100% correct. Let's just pray God will provide us the strength we need for the present and the future......

 

[Telrunya]

The thing about the creatures you are reading...they represent different things...like you might read 10 heads, but it is referring to 10 kings...not literal....unless Satan is referred to and there is not telling what he truly looks like. I am sure he can transform into whatever he wants, but I am sure his true identity is hideous.


The thing about the seals...yes all that is very true...plagues and signs that God will allow to happen to people that do not know Jesus, but unfortunately many people will have such hard hearts that they will still not turn to God after all these obvious prophetic events have come to pass. The faith of Christians will truly be tested at that time, I believe. There are so many different interpretations about whether Christians will be raptured before the Tribulation, during, etc. Sometimes I wonder if we are truly not supposed to know...b/c whether Joe Blow decides that he does not believe one way or other does not make any difference whether God will come and get us in the beginning or middle of this time period. Some things just remain a mystery and are supposed to be that way. I hvae seen both arguments. I pray no one puts off their salvation b/c of this...we never know when we are going to die so it is important to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour asap....no second chances.

I know it sounds scary, and I have often wondered if even I will be able to stand up to the tests of evil and my own faith. I have questioned whether I would be able to go to the guillotine for the name of Jesus and pray I would have strength to do so if that ever came to pass... It's very scary, youare 100% correct. Let's just pray God will provide us the strength we need for the present and the future......

First to the OP I would ask that you call the book Revelation. One Revelation not many. Sorry this is just a pet peeve of mine and no insult is intended.

Ginny I think it very important that we study prophecy and do our best to understand it. I agree it is not for us to KNOW but we should at least suspect or hope. It is very important what Joe Blow believes, because we teach and impact each other as believers. If Joe Blow believes that he is going to be raptured away before the tribulation starts and it doesn't turn out that way then what will happen to his faith? How will he try to influence and impact those of faith around him? Jesus gives us clear warning of this:

Matthew 24:9-13 "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

There are many scriptures about the end times and twice as many theories about what will actually happen. The best you can do is your own research. Listen to what everyone is saying and check it against scripture in context. Don't disreguard other scripture or try to rationalize their meaning to fit a theory. I believe face value hermeneutics is the only way to read the prophecies. Study to show yourself a workman approved by God and test everything and hold on to the good (2Tim 2:15 & 1Thes 5:21)

Yes, the thought of standing next to the guillotine is somewhat intimidating but I think the knowladge and assurance we have in Christ Jesus that this life is only temporary and that if we "endure to the end" we will have our place with him in eternity will make many bold rather than timid. I have served in the military during war and in peace. I have been through many hardships in my short life and do think of myself as somewhat a warrior. I relish the coming conflict because I know my general has already won the war. I know that even should I die in that conflict it is not my end and that I will have joy in the victory. I also believe that by the end mine will be but a pale tale compared to many others.

 

[newbride02]

I'd like to thank you both for your input..keep the oppinions comming, they are very intresting!!

 

[LynnMcG]

As a child I was terrified of The book of Revelation I think because I was raised as a Catholic. But as an adult, saved Christian, I find it excited! I mean, read it to the end - we win!!

 

[Angeldove97]

Yeah I've been studying Revelations ever since I got into the Left Behind series. There's no need to be scared of it...its a huge event in humanity, God, and Satan, but basically all that matters is that I believe believers won't suffer through any of the horrible events (as long as they're Saved for the Rapture and before the Tribulation begins). Even if you become Saved after the Rapture, you'll be blessed with God's protection... long story but yeah the Book just continues to justify God's love for us! And it's the story of the downfall of Satan.

 

[repoland2]

I will be completely honest with you. As much as I ask questions about the end times of the Lord, and the more and more He shows me, the scarier it gets.

Every time I read the book of Revelation, I end up getting chills down my spine. It never changes either. Each time I read it, I get goosebumps and start to freak out a little bit.

So I can fully understand how you feel. It's all in how you respond to that panic that determines your character and maturity. I've found this out the hard way.

 

[Telrunya]

Yeah I've been studying Revelations ever since I got into the Left Behind series. There's no need to be scared of it...its a huge event in humanity, God, and Satan, but basically all that matters is that I believe believers won't suffer through any of the horrible events (as long as they're Saved for the Rapture and before the Tribulation begins). Even if you become Saved after the Rapture, you'll be blessed with God's protection... long story but yeah the Book just continues to justify God's love for us! And it's the story of the downfall of Satan.

I have to ask what your scriptural basis is for this? As I have stated elsewhere the only ones God instructs the angels not to afflict with the judgements are the ones with God's seal on their forehead and the only ones scripture clearly indicates will have that seal are the 144000 of Israel. It doesn't say that there wont be others but then again it doesn't say there will be. I'm always very very very cautious of reading things into scripture that it doesn't say for certain. The Left Behind series while very entertaining isn't exactly accurate according to scripture. There are many things they wrote that are taken for granted that are not in scripture.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (NASB)

1 Thessalonians 5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; (NASB)

 

[Highland Watchman]

*shrugs* I guess it can be pretty scary reading the Revelation of John by looking at it as pure end-times foretelling, and not looking at the other layers that are also represented in the book itself.

I actually find Revelation to be a superb piece of literature, and a doxology of worship that has some of the most glorious scenes of worship found throughout the entire Bible. I mean, to visualise everything that happens, and to see the book in the context of worship, I would say it rivals the psalms for the majesty of God as represented in the book. I mean, there are the victory hymns and the worship before the throne, and even in the heavenly city coming down out of heaven as the new regime once th regime of Babylon has been finally defeated at last.

Also, if you look at the many Old Testament passages and prophecies that Revelation alludes to, you can tell definitely that there is so much there (especially from Isaiah and Ezekial, but the other Prophets are represented as well). I think even with this alone, and looking at the different things said in their original source would be enough to keep the avid Bible student busy for a very long time.

Also, being Apocalyptic literature as its genre, its imagery is rich with the symbolism as the people would understand it. There is so much there for the sake of interpretation that I fear, unfortunately, that we in our time can not understand with the same clarity that the original audience would have been able to read it in, as we are not an audience in our day who is used to the rich imagery and intense symbolism of apocalypse as a genre (which was common between the Babylonian captivity and the first few centuries of the church). One thing that we can say, though... is that there is a lot of imagery that reminds me a lot of the first Exodus out of Egypt, which would almost make this like a second exodus out of our slavery to sin and wickedness.

And then we have the layer of prophecy (as a direct message/encouragement from God)... And I think this is where it can potentially get scary, depending on which side of the fence you are actually on. See, if you'd look at Revelation as a whole, you'd see the seven letters to the churches of Asia (which did include Christians, because it was written to the church...), and these letters are continually alluded to as the document continues. And really, there are two sides, and two messages. For the loyal to God (but who are poor and facing persecution), we find the exhortation that God is with them, that HE sees their suffering, and that the Good guys (us) will win a great victory in the end. However, it also says that for the brief period of time before the victory, things are going to get worse than they already are, but the church is instructed to not give up hope, but to keep strong, even in the midst of great persecution.

On the other side, we find the rich, "successful" churches that Jesus himself says that he despises, and the message to them is that you are either for HIM or you are against HIM... and by courting the gods of the world, you are really forsaking the true God of the universe... so it is a call to repentance, and to Come out of Babylon (which is traditionally considered the city of sin, or the city of the worldly ways)... And considering that a lot of the Western church would fall into this second category, THAT I find scary, especially when considering the other passages of Judgment, like the sheep and the goats, and even of the account in the Old Testament of God's dealing with Israel (who are an example of those who call themselves God's chosen people, which they are), which is a sobering thought if you think about that... Consider, God calls us to more than just wearing cross pendants and church attendance, and more than even one highly emotional experience at which time you say a prayer... Revelation shows that God is looking for a life of obedience and loyalty to HIM...

 

[thewordcoza]

Rev 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Since the 1800's people became obsessed with endtimes using this dogma to instill fear into people. Suddenly the Revelation of Jesus Christ became the revelation of the Beast or the Antichrist.

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

The novels (it says so on the cover) that people write for money (according to their own testimony) are regarded as revelation by millions.

1Ti 1:4 KJV Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Ti 4:7 KJV But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
*** 1:14 KJV Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
2 Peter 1:16 KJV For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

The battle in Rev 16:16 happened at the cross. The marriage happened at the cross Rev 19:7. The bride exists already, Rev 21: 10 & 11.

The greatest strength the enymy has is to twist the Word of God. he did it in the garden and he used God's Word, twisting it to tempt Jesus. Today he is using Revelation to divert the church from putting him under it's feet by looking away from our obligation here on earth to being raptured away from our responsibilities to a mansion!. We are the mansion!

I want to be left behind. Jesus will return to earth!

 

[greyfeather]

newbride02,

Revelation is a hard one , but for being scary no I don't think so. As long as you are a child of Christ you have nothing to fear. Just think of it as a something that must happen and when its done we will be with the Lord.

 

[Psalms34]

I have read revelations a couple of times, It is both an intreging mystery, and yet at the same time, very scary. I really feel like it paints a scary image of heaven, creatures with 10 eyes and 3 heads for example. The part about the various seals. Does anyone feel this way??

Well you gotta understand as you begin from chapter one and work your way through, this is Johns description of what he had seen. It's not that he understood the things he saw well enough to describe them to us in this day. Look, if you had seen something that you never saw before, how would you describe it? For instance:

Revelation 9:7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. 8Their hair was like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. 9They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10They had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. 11They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.

Wow this sounds far out! It sounds really scarry! Yet remember this was a description given by a man 2000 years ago. If he was seeing something from the future, even 2000 years in the future, how could he describe it? Well John could only compare it to something that existed in his time. Crowns? Hair? Breastplates? Teeth? Thundering? Tail? stings? Faces (through window)? Modern day translation:

Now if this correct, which really fits well, how descriptive of other things do you think John was concerning Heaven, things he had never seen before, things that we even today have no understood perception for describing having no experiance with it as of yet. I think John had fascinating descriptions; very creative, yet accurate once you realize the true nature of what he saw. I actually love to fly, so I'm not so afraid of Rev 9:7-9 as for the rest... I plan on having a balcony seat to watch this show any way.

 

[Saruman]

It can be scary, or surprising, seeing that many of these things fit in (the helicopter, etc.). Revelations though, is more confusing to me now.

 

[daverain]

Sorry...

A locust is SLIGHTLY smaller than a hellicopter, and is NOT a machine.

hellicopters DON'T come from the abyss, or sting people with their tails, like -scorpians- do.

(Just to let you know)




Peace in Christ.


.

 

[daverain]

.

Yeah I've been studying Revelations ever since I got into the Left Behind series. There's no need to be scared of it...its a huge event in humanity, God, and Satan, but basically all that matters is that I believe believers won't suffer through any of the horrible events...

Christians will be MURDERED WORLDWIDE (THERE'S YOUR PRE-TRIB RAPTURE).

The teaching of many Christians that says there's no need to be scared, reminds me of non-Christians who say: There is NO hell, so there's 'no need to be scared of it'.

When The man-of-lawlessness is revealed, MANY non-saved, wil point at the pre-trib rapture -false prophecy, and LAUGH, at Christians.


Peace in Christ.



.

 

[Angeldove97]

.

Christians will be MURDERED WORLDWIDE (THERE'S YOUR PRE-TRIB RAPTURE).

The teaching of many Christians that says there's no need to be scared, reminds me of non-Christians who say: There is NO hell, so there's 'no need to be scared of it'.

When The man-of-lawlessness is revealed, MANY non-saved, wil point at the pre-trib rapture -false prophecy, and LAUGH, at Christians.


Peace in Christ.

Christians have always been murdered for their beliefs...we have millions of martyrs in the name of the Lord. The Rapture is a different kind of a thing...completely different than a Brother or Sister begin killed for the faith, so I'm not sure how you think they're the same thing what so ever.

And don't forget also, that when this AntiChrist is revealed it will be already far into the Tribulation...by then the Rapture would have happened and any new Saved Believered would have to deal with what's happening in the Tribulation.... most people I would think would realize something is going on if they saw all the signs God was giving them (if you read Revelations you can see what signs He sends to the earth). It's each of our choices to decide if we're for or against God. And unbelievers will also deny the fact that the true God rules the heavens and earth.

God bless.

 

[Angeldove97]

One other thing.... Believers, whether they're Saved before or after the Rapture, will NOT go to hell. When you have your faith in God, He will always protect you.... so why should believers be afraid of dieing?? Thats the lesson from the day Jesus Christ was rasised to heaven until He comes again. We have our faith in Him and death is NOT the end of us.

 

[daverain]

.

Dear Angeldove97,

In my opinion (only because it's true),

Christ returns, -THEN- 'rapture' happens.
Matthew CLEARLY illustrates this.


-People -fall away-, and -betray- Christians to their death.
Also called The Great Tribulation.

This happens worldwide with HIGH INTENSITY "When you see the abomination that..." (again, in Matthew 24)



(Please believe the words of Christ, and -NOT- "Left Behind.")

 

[daverain]

When The Bible says "He who endures to the end will be saved", it's NOT speaking about HELL. It's speaking about being saved from The Tribulation. The Bible DOES speak of being saved, WITHOUT reference to sin. Here you go:

Hebrews 9:28:
-------------

28

so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation -WITHOUT REFERENCE TO SIN-, to those who eagerly await Him. )



(Christians are -ALREADY- saved from hell.)



Peace in Christ.


.

 

[repoland2]

I find it interesting how many people butt heads with you daverain, perhaps a change in approach to people would help with the sharing of your beliefs...