The Book of Revelation is often excluded from preaching and study for many reasons. Most Christians, Bible college students, and seminary graduates regurgitate a doctrine they were spoon-fed from a denominational position of the end times. Through this series, I aim to have each of you know why you believe a position is more accurate than another and to understand the end times from a biblical foundation. Many Christians view Revelation as a mixed bag of inferred doctrine, Bible Study, and popular Christian culture.
This blog aims to clearly define the four prominent positions of the Book of Revelation. This will augment our small group study as we search the Bible to refute or agree with these positions.
The four views of Revelation are as follows:
1. Idealist/Allegorical
2. Unfolding History (Historical)
3. Already Happened (Preterist)
4. Going to Happen (Futurists)
1. The Idealist or allegorical view does not attempt to separate the events within Revelation. Revelation is seen as a great cosmic play between Satan and God. The fulfillment of prophecy is seen as "representing the eternal conflict of good and evil in every age."[1] The historical argument for this position is that Revelation is “written as a Greek drama, divisible into seven acts, each divided into seven scenes.”[2] The idealists and the historical approach seek to use all of history; however, the significant difference is that the idealist does not bridge symbols with specific events; it's an allegory. Think spiritual not historical.
2. The Unfolding History (historical) approach suggests that "Revelation is the symbolic prophecy of the entire history of the church down to the return of Christ and the end of the age. Numerous symbols of the book designate various historical movements and events."[3] This position does not hold to timelines as literal. It is similar to the idealist position but bridges the gap between allegory/spiritual reality and history. This view sees Revelation unfolding now; there is no "church gap/age ."In this view, cataclysmic events and wars are part of the tribulation, the pope is the antichrist, etc...
3. Many Christians believe the events in Revelation have already happened; this is the preterist view. This view suggests that Revelation was written pre-AD70. The writings of Josephus (Jewish Historian) detailed the fall of Jerusalem with "horses in the clouds" and other events listed in Revelation. This view was prominent in church history as a "temple" is needed for some events in Revelation to unfold. It seemed illogical that Jews would return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. "Some Preterists believe that the final chapters of Revelation look forward to the second coming of Christ. Others think that everything in the book has reached its culmination in the past."[4]
4. The final view of Revelation suggests that it has yet to happen; this is called the futurists position. This view usually sees everything after chapter 4 of Revelation as yet to take place. The reformers, especially Martin Luther, found little merit in Revelation; Luther suggests Christ is not seen in Revelation, as it's all allegory.[5] The futurists view was held by some in the early church and has recently gained traction over the last hundred years. This view seemed impossible a hundred years ago because of the events in Revelation, like the world watching a single event, the rebuilding of the temple, one world government, etc…. These events are not as far-fetched as they were during the time of Luther and over the last hundred years the futurists view has become popular again.
This week's aim in the groups will be to look at the Bible and see if these positions apply to the text.
BIO
Revelation: An Exegetical Commentary, Robert L. Thomas.
Revelation: Four Views, Revised and Updated. Steve Gregg
A Commentary on the Revelation of John, George Eldon Ladd.
You Can Understand the Book of Revelation: Skip Heitzig.
[1] Revelation: An Exegetical Commentary, Robert L. Thomas.
[2] Revelation: Four Views, Revised and Updated. Steve Gregg
[3] A Commentary on the Revelation of John, George Eldon Ladd.
[4] Gregg, 13.
[5] You Can Understand the Book of Revelation: Skip Heitzig.
