What does the book of Revelation mean?

[ps139]

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:
Rev 1:2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.


This was written to people a couple thousand years ago. And it said the time is at hand. How can you guys say "contradict the word" that its for our future? Two or three thousand years after it was written?

I believe Revelation describes something past, present AND future.
Because we do not fully understand it does not mean we can say it is only about the future.

And I don't mean to pick on anyone's beliefs but the whole Rapture and Millenial Kingdom ideas are products of the 1800s. It does not make sense to me that NOBODY in Christian history would figure out the Rapture/Millenial Kingdom until 1830. I believe it is a false interpretation.

 

[HomeBound]

I believe Revelation describes something past, present AND future.
Because we do not fully understand it does not mean we can say it is only about the future.

I agree, Some of revelations I believe pertain to Jesus' life on earth and the assension.

 

[Serapha]

Hello,

I am a newly registered here, and newly registered in my adoption of Christianity as well, so to speak!

I have been reading the book of revelation, and I don't completely understand what it is trying to say. Forgive me if this has been discussed loads of times...
Is it saying what WILL happen in the future?

When it refers to a new heaven and a new earth, does this refer to the destruction of our planet, do you think?



Sorry if my questions are a bit vague. Please tell me what you thinkm it means!



edit: hhhhmmm.. I just read the forum rules, and perhaps this thread belongs in the 'general apologetics' forum? If so, I'm sorry!

Hi there!



Welcome to the forums... and keep posting your questions. That is how we ALL learn.


I have been reading the book of revelation, and I don't completely understand what it is trying to say. Forgive me if this has been discussed loads of times...



Well, depending upon your denomination, the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" can be interpreted in different manners. Just remember... they are revelations... not dreams... therefore, I take them to be literal and not figurative, though there are times when it cannot be taken literally, and must be taken figuratively.

Nearly every book of the Bible references the end times some where, and the Book of Revelation is the final chapter in God plan for us and this world.


Everyone's recommending books to you... I would just recommend some authors.... anything by David Jeremiah, Dwight Pentecost or John Walvoord... they are "deep"... but they don't give you lip service.


You might pick up a good dictionary on end times theology... I recommend one by Mal Couch... I recommend his book because it is a compiled dictionary from the best of the best teachers and scholars on Revelation and Daniel.


When it refers to a new heaven and a new earth, does this refer to the destruction of our planet, do you think?



The earth as we know it will be destroyed and there will be a new Heaven and a new Earth. We will have no need for the elements of this planet. The new, glorified body doesn't have blood, but just flesh and bones, therefore, there is no need for the water cycle we have on this planet... and the water cycle is removed according to the Book of Revelation also.


Whatever we need in the new, glorified body, the new Heaven and the new Earth will supply.


Questions?