How to Study Biblical Prophecy Revelation 7:4-10

Can we really understand biblical prophecy? There are some things that we cannot know or be certain of There is a lot that God has revealed concerning the future There is lot that we CAN know and understand about prophecy A proper understanding REQUIRES a proper method of interpretation (what we call hermeneutics)

Hermeneutics = Foundation Poor Hermeneutics = Poor Theology

The method of interpretation is the “lens” through which biblical prophecy is understood One’s hermeneutical approach is critical to one’s eschatology The method of interpretation used will largely determine the conclusions that are drawn regarding the end times Evangelical Scholars and theologians from all prophetic viewpoints agree with this sentiment

The question is what lens are you using? The method of interpretation is the “lens” through which biblical prophecy is understood The question is what lens are you using?

II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views The Allegorical Method Assumes various levels of meaning but focuses on the spiritual sense as opposed to the literal sense Proponents claim a literal interpretation is impossible in some parts of Scripture - especially prophecy Allegorical approach is necessitated by the excessive use of figurative language

II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views The Allegorical Method Fails to actually interpret Scripture DANGER Milton S. Terry states, “…it will be noticed at once that its [the allegorical approach] habit is to disregard the common signification of words and give wing to all manner of fanciful speculation. It does not draw out the legitimate meaning of an author’s language, but foists into it whatever the whim or fancy of an interpreter may desire. As a system, therefore, it puts itself beyond all well-defined principles and laws.”

II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views The Allegorical Method Fails to actually interpret Scripture on its own merit DANGER The authority of interpretation rests with the interpreter His doctrinal position His ecclesiastical association His educational background Lacks a valid test for evaluating one’s conclusions

II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views The Allegorical Method Bernard Ramm states, “…to state that the principal meaning of the Bible is a second-sense meaning, and that the principal method of interpreting is “spiritualizing,” is to open the door to almost uncontrolled speculation and imagination. For this reason we have insisted that the control in interpretation is the literal method.”

Pentecost is very pointed, II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views The Allegorical Method Pentecost is very pointed, “Thus, the great dangers inherent in this system are that it takes away the authority of Scripture, leaves us without any basis on which interpretations may be tested, reduces Scripture to what seems reasonable to the interpreter, and, as a result, makes true interpretation of Scripture impossible.”

II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views 2. The Grammatical-Historical Method A Definition: A method of interpretation using the normal and natural sense of words, context, grammar, and authorial intent

II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views 2. The Grammatical-Historical Method A Defense: A philosophical argument - the purpose of language requires it A biblical argument - all fulfilled prophecy has been fulfilled literally A logical argument - it’s the only method to provide objectivity

Floyd E. Hamilton, an amillennialist, II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views 2. The Grammatical-Historical Method Floyd E. Hamilton, an amillennialist, “Now we must frankly admit that a literal interpretation of the Old Testament prophecies gives us just such a picture of an earthly reign of the Messiah as the premillennialist pictures.”

Loraine Boettner, a postmillennialist II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views 2. The Grammatical-Historical Method Loraine Boettner, a postmillennialist “It is generally agreed that if the prophecies are taken literally, they do foretell a restoration of the nation of Israel in the land of Palestine with the Jews having a prominent place in that kingdom and ruling over the other nations.”

II. There are TWO basic interpretive “lenses” which distinguish between the prophetic views 2. The Grammatical-Historical Method William Masselink: “If all prophecy must be interpreted in a literal way, the Chiliastic [Futuristic Premillennial] views are correct; but if it can be proved that these prophecies have a spiritual meaning, then Chiliasm must be rejected.”

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: Jesus is the focal point of prophecy and of God’s Kingdom Revelation 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:

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: Jesus is the rightful descendant of David and Abraham and is qualified to fulfill the Davidic and Abrahamic Conenants Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: All the prophecies and covenants of the bible are fulfilled in Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: The specific details of the Old Testament promises and prophecies matter and must be fulfilled as predicted Matthew 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: Jesus Himself expected a literal fulfillment of prophecies Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: Jesus Himself expected a literal fulfillment of prophecies Isaiah 13:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: Jesus Himself expected a literal fulfillment of prophecies Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: The New Testament writers understood Old Testament prophecies as having literal fulfillment 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. Romans 11:26-27 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: (27) For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid Our safest bet is to follow the biblical pattern: Using an allegorical approach to interpret biblical prophecy requires you to go against: The central purposes of God’s prophetic plan The specific, direct promises of God The Apostles interpretation and understanding Jesus own view of OT prophecy

III. Only ONE interpretive method can be true and valid What do we do with the figurative language? Three tests to use: Does it possess a degree of absurdity when taken literally? Does it possess a degree of clarity when taken symbolically? Does it fall into an established category of symbolic language? Consider: Isaiah 55:12 and Revelation 20:1-7

Which “lens” will you use? Grammatical-Historical Assumes a literal interpretation unless a figurative understanding suits the text Allegorical Assumes a figurative interpretation unless a literal understanding suits the interpreter