Symbolism and Visions
Probably the most putting factor in regards to the ebook of Revelation is that the theology of the ebook is offered in an apocalyptic kind, in order that the ebook is characterised by symbolism and dazzling—and typically complicated—visions which may make the ebook obscure. A number of themes stand out within the ebook. First, John paints for us a chilling description of evil. The church is opposed by an unholy trinity: the dragon, who’s the satan; the beast, which is the Roman Empire; and the second beast, which helps and fosters the needs of the primary beast. We are able to add to those the good harlot, Babylon, which factors to town of Rome and to town of man generally. The unholy trinity wishes full management over the lives of all folks, wanting worship and adoration and complete dedication. It’s really totalitarian.
Second, and in response to the good battle by which believers are engaged, John calls upon his readers to withstand, to endure till the tip, to refuse to compromise with the evil powers demanding absolute submission. The decision to beat and overcome isn’t optionally available; solely those that persevere till the tip will obtain the crown of everlasting life.
Third, on the identical, John comforts believers with the reality that God is totally sovereign, that he reigns and guidelines over all issues, and that nothing occurs exterior of God’s management and sovereignty. God reigns on his heavenly throne. He’s described because the One who’s, the One who was, and the One who’s to return (Rev. 1:4). Sure, evil is actual, and John doesn’t clarify the thriller of evil within the ebook. However he does educate us that the world isn’t spinning exterior of God’s management. The unholy trinity is not going to lastly triumph.
On this installment within the New Testomony Theology sequence, trusted scholar Thomas Schreiner walks readers step-by-step by the ebook of Revelation, contemplating its themes, symbolic imagery, and historic context.
Fourth, saints are reminded of the cross, of the redemption that’s theirs in Christ Jesus. The rationale believers aren’t a part of the evil empire shouldn’t be as a result of they’re intrinsically good, however as a result of they’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. What units believers aside from the world is that they’ve turned to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. They’ve washed their robes and made them white within the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14). Believers solely conquer as a result of Christ has conquered because the Lion of the tribe of Judah, because the Lamb who was slain to redeem his folks.
Fifth, we also needs to discover that the ebook of Revelation has one of many highest Christologies in all the New Testomony. Jesus, because the Lamb of God who was slain, can be offered as equal in each id and nature with God himself. For those who take a look at the ebook fastidiously, you can see that God and the Lamb are placed on the identical degree, or the identical airplane, 9 totally different occasions. Simply as God is the primary and the final, so additionally the Lamb is the primary and the final. Simply as God is worshiped on his throne, so Christ is worshiped.
Believers solely conquer as a result of Christ has conquered because the Lion of the tribe of Judah, because the Lamb who was slain to redeem his folks.
Sixth, Revelation notably stresses the ultimate judgment of the depraved. So long as life lasts, we’re to wish and lengthy for the salvation of all, telling them the excellent news about Jesus crucified and risen, inviting them to be saved and to consider and repent. However John additionally appears to the long run, to the day when life is over, and right here he reminds the saints that God will choose the depraved, that he’s a righteous God, that he at all times does what is true because the choose of all of the earth (Gen. 18:25).
The very last thing lets say is John reminds us that Jesus is coming once more, {that a} new creation is coming. Thus, he encourages the saints with the reality that they are going to be rewarded for his or her faithfulness, that their perseverance will make an everlasting distinction. A world is coming by which there are not any extra tears and no extra sorrows and no extra ache. At the moment, believers will fulfill God’s goal for them, reigning as kings and monks with Jesus Christ, and we can have thrilling duties to hold out within the new creation. However most essential of all, we are going to see God’s face, and we are going to get pleasure from fellowship with him ceaselessly. Come, Lord Jesus!
Thomas R. Schreiner is the writer of The Joy of Hearing: A Theology of the Book of Revelation.
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