REVELATION (Apocalypse Now!) Class #2 Different Interpretations of Revelation

THEORY #1 Futurist/Premillenialism Left Behind Popular with Evangelicals Rev 4-19 = the “end times” 7 yr period at the end of time

Characteristics of Premillenialism Rapture – disciples taken away Great Tribulation for 7 years 10 horn beast = antichrist 2 horn beast = new false religion Prostitute = New City of Babylon Rev 19 = 2nd Coming of Jesus Armageddon = literal battle Literal 1,000 yr reign on earth

Theory #2 Historical/Amillennialism Accepted by Catholic, Orthodox and mainstream Protestant churches Rev 4-19 = persecution of the church by the Roman Empire Describes events which have already taken place in history in the years following the writing of Revelation

Characteristics of Amillennialism Struggle between Roman Empire & the church 10 horn beast = the Roman Empire 2 horn beast = the cult of emperor worship Prostitute = the city of ancient Rome Rev 19 is symbolic = church’s victory over Rome 1,000 years is symbolic = period we are in now 2nd Coming = Day of Judgment

Which view is correct? End times vs Roman times Rev 1:1 the things that must soon take place Rev 1:3 for the time is near Rev 22:6 what must soon take place Rev 22:10 for the time is near

What is the prostitute? Rev 17:18 great city that has dominion over kings of the earth Rev 17:6 drunk on blood of saints Rev 17:9 seated on 7 hills

What is the 10 horn beast? Rev 17:10-13 kings & royal authority Rev 13:1-2 throne & great authority Rev 13:7 makes war on the saints Rev 13:8 authority over every tribe & people & language & nation Dan 7:19-24 kingdom makes war on the saints Dan 7:26-27 kingdom will fall but God’s kingdom is eternal

Roman Empire

Beast with 2 horns - Rev 13:11-17

Reformation Amillennialism Older commentaries like Albert Barnes or Mathew Henry Rev 4-19 – all of history between 1st and 2nd coming 10 horn beast = Catholic Church 2 horn beast = the pope Prostitute = the Vatican Problem: Catholic Church is still here

Philosophical Theory Applies to any time in history 10 horn beast = any persecution 2 horn beast = any false religion Prostitute = allure of sexual immorality and wealth in any city in any age

Biblical Problems with Premillennialism Premillennialism = 2 resurrections John 5:28-29 teaches 1 resurrection Premillennailism = 2nd coming is 1,000 years before the Day of Judgment Mat 25:31-21 teaches 2nd coming is when Day of Judgment will occur Premillennailism = future kingdom Col 1:13 – kingdom is now

Our approach to Revelation Historical/Amillennialism persecution by the Roman Empire Accepted by Jacoby & Ferguson Accepted by Mainline Church of Christ Bold prophesy in the 1st Century: Church of Jesus Christ will outlast the mighty Roman Empire