For the ancient world, the apocalyptic genre was not particularly difficult to understand. This is not the case today.

In this episode, Spencer and Jack discuss Revelation, the genre of Apocalyptic literature, and how to interpret signs and symbols in Scripture.

Music:
“Kid Kodi”
Blue Dot Sessions
http://www.sessions.blue

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Episode #64 – How to Interpret…

Revelation

Five Common Views of Revelation (Adapted from Unlocking Revelation by Dr. Stafford North)

1. The Fall of Rome
2. The Destruction of Jerusalem
3. Foretells World History
4. Principles 
5. Future Time 

Seven Keys to Unlocking Revelation
(Adapted from Unlocking Revelation by Dr. Stafford North)

1. “Revelation is Written in Symbols”
   1. Apocalyptic Literature
      1. Vision
      2. Symbols
      3. Heavenly realities
      4. Cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil 
2. “Revelation Will ‘Shortly Come to Pass’”
   1. See 1:1, 3; 3:11; 22:6, 7, 10, 12, 20 
3. “Revelation is Given to Comfort Persecuted Christians”
   1. “The blood of Christians is on every page”
   2. See 1:9; 6:9–11; 7:14
4. “Revelation Identifies the Dragon and Two Beasts”
   1. Dragon = Satan (12:9; 20:2)
   2. First Beast = Roman Empire
      1. Used by Satan to persecute the church (chapters 12–13)
      2. Ten horns, on seven heads, each with a crown. The body of a leopard, mouth of a lion, paws of a bear. (See connection with the 4 beasts of Daniel 7.)
      3. 13:6–7
         1. Blasphemes God
         2. Makes war on the saints
         3. Reigns over every tribe, people, language, and nation
         4. Inhabitants of the world worship
      4. 17:9–10
         1. The heads represent kings. Five have already reigned, one is currently reigning, and one is yet to come. 
   3. Second Beast = Cult of Emperor Worship
      1. Rises and falls with the first beast
      2. Exercises authority in the sight of the first beast
      3. Speaks like a dragon (i.e., tool of Satan)
      4. Sets up images of the heads of the beast and forces people to worship 
5. “Revelation Identifies the Harlot Who is Babylon”
   1. Harlot = City of Rome
      1. A “great city” (17:18)
      2. Commits fornication with kings (17:2)
      3. Rules the first beast (17:3, 7)
      4. Dressed luxuriously in purple and scarlet and wears precious jewels (17:4)
      5. Holds a cup filled with the blood of saints
6. “Revelation Identifies the 1260 Days”
   1. The period of time during which the Roman Empire will persecute the church. 
7. “Revelation Identifies the Kingdom”
   1. Spiritual vs Earthly kingdom???
      1. New Creation