Difficulties with the Book of Revelation

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I’ve been reading the Book of Revelation, and I just can’t seem to wrap my brain around it. I know that it is about the end of times, and I know the circumstances under which it was written, and, chiefly, that is it written in a “code” that Early Christians would understand, but I can’t seem to gather the signifigance of the events in it if they aren’t to be taken literally.

What I’m trying to say is: What does it all mean!
 
It means “Jesus wins”. “Good beats evil”. “The devil loses”.

Or, if you prefer lengthier responses, “Hold tight to your faith, keep your eyes on the prize, because it all works out right in the end. It may get scary for a time, but that’s no reason to doubt God.”
 
I’ve been reading the Book of Revelation, and I just can’t seem to wrap my brain around it. I know that it is about the end of times, and I know the circumstances under which it was written, and, chiefly, that is it written in a “code” that Early Christians would understand, but I can’t seem to gather the signifigance of the events in it if they aren’t to be taken literally.

What I’m trying to say is: What does it all mean!
Here’s a couple of short, easy articles that might help you:

catholic.com/thisrock/1995/9510ntg.asp

catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0209fea5.asp

In short, only the last three chapters of the Book of Revelation are strictly about the “End Times.” The 19 chapters preceding that are a huge cosmic vision interpretable on a number of levels including as applying to:

**The destruction by the Romans of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the Old Testament sacrificial system in 70 AD

The persecution of Christians in the first century

The trials and persecutions the Church will undergo until Christ returns at the End of time.**

Revelation manages to be all these things at once, so there is no use looking for “the” interpretation." If you decide to really study this book, be prepared for a lifetime of discovery of meaning on top of additional meaning. And ignore the dopey “Left Behind” Pre-millenial/Dispensationalist hooey. It’s a 19th century invention of men that’s for adolescents and hucksters.

If you want to get some** good** “starter” material about the Book of Revelation from a solid Catholic perspective, I’d highly recommend the book below by Michael Barber:

**Coming Soon: Unlocking the Book of Revelation and Applying Its Lessons Today **
amazon.com/Coming-Soon-Unlocking-Revelation-Applying/dp/193101826X

I’m sure others will have more for you later (as I might, if you ask) but hopefully you won’t be overwhelmed.
 
it means that Jesus is victor over death. however if you really want to get into it ,get a good catholic interpretation, otherwise you will be trapped into the thousands of pentecostal versions where the catholic church is attacked time and time again. be strong and take your time.
 
Thanks very much, everyone. It really is amazing how many knowledgeable, orthodox, people are here on this forum.

I am glad to be on the right track in intrepreting John’s Revelation, and I find it refreshing to hear real intellectual discussion about this book rather than hearing about it as an instruction manual for the end of the world.

Mat.
 
Hi,
The book of Revelation was a book of mystery to me, but I feel that God has given me revelation of understanding.

This of course I say is not for everyone. Simply because it goes contrary to all that we have been thought.

This if rot them that want more of God’s revelation than is available in book form, and or church teachings.

To venture out of the norm, is to become alone, alone with your understanding because the world is not able to comprehend it.

For many, it is best to remain believers and continue to live the best way you know how, attend the church of your choice and do good unto your neighbor as Jesus requested.

Just a peek at what the Book of revelation reveals:
It is found in the very first verse: Rev 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:

Note: (I will always quote scripture in red out of respect for the word of God)

The very first verse details that it is the Revelation **“of” **Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the “Centre” of all that is spoken of God.

The day Jesus died is divided into 7 parts.

Clue is given to us in the 4 beats with six wings, the 2 witnesses and the 24 elders.

Is is as 3 separate pictures of the same picture.

The first picture is a day divided by 4 — 6 hour periods equal to the first four days of creation.
The second picture of the same day is divided by two 12 hour periods equal to the two witnesses, and being the 5th and 6th day of creation.
The third picture is the same day but as one whole day equal to the 24 hour period as in the 24 Elders.

All that together add up to the 7 day creation by which if Jesus is to save the world as promised, must take creation from its very first day, recreate it, but this time with mankind reconciled .

What you see then in the book of Revelation, is what all Jesus went through to become what we all are in order to pay the penalty for all of us, rather than us being lost forever.

There are scriptures throughout the bible which lend credence to what I am saying and witness to what Jesus went through.

That was just a peek, but again, it is only for the serious seeker, willing to venture out of its walled beliefs, into an arena that is open to Gods people only if they are willing to go there.

Just to show you how I was able to venture out with what my faith would hold.

I am one who adimately believes in the security of the believer.
Once we are given to Jesus to keep and to hold, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as the bible says against any wrath that may come our way.

I don’t fear speaking about any religious beliefs, because I know that Christ died for all of us.

What I do practice is love as instructed by Jesus for there in is the whole of what God is.

I don’t see a catholic from a protestant, a Mormon from a Jehovah’s witness, a Jew from a Muslim, but a soul that Christ died for.

The bottom line of the whole process of the religious experience is that we learn how to love each other. Practice what you will, but love as Christ loved us!

Note: I understand that what I said may not be in line with this forums constitution, and if I be reproved by anyone, then I will let it be and move on, but for some, it may spark a desire to get more intimate with Christ and learn more about Him.

If there are any words in this post that the Holy Spirit may use to excite any of you, then it was for good reason.

If you want to learn, study, ask God for wisdom and forge on.

Peace>>>AJ
 
I wouls recommend Scott Hahn’s Book “The Lambs Supper” I am just about done reading it and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the book of revelations. Also if you have the opportunity Jeff Cavins has a very good bible study on Revelations.
 
The book of Revelation is probably the most complex Book of the Bible. Be strong in faith and gentle in reading this, and about this Book.
 
I would also recomend “The Lamb’s Supper”. Also, a book by David B. Currie “Rapture” subtitle (the end-times error that leaves the bible behind). It’s a careful and thorough scriptural study of the book of Revelation. It also shows in detail how Revelation follows the same outline as the book of Daniel and Zechariah. These OT books explain most all of the book of Revelation which inturn finishes the prophecy of the previous two. It also scripturally debunks the “Left Behind” books. It’s about 470 pages
 
Hi Pious Mat,

I would recommend doing a first reading using a “simple English” version of the New Testament such as the Catholic edition of the Biblical Society version.

You should read it keeping in mind that Revelation is meaningful on several levels :

– historical : things that were happening at the time Revelation was written

– eschatological : end of times

– personal : the struggle between our passions and divine grace

The common link is the struggle between good and evil, between God and the devil, between saving grace and fallen human nature.

Revelation is a message of hope. God will win. Good will win. Grace will win.

Verbum
 
Revelations is not a difficult book.
It is a hidden book.
A mixture of parable,allegory,symbolism.With a touch of germatria,look at my past postings.
I wont repeat my self it will take to long.
I am working with other people at this time.
Read ,and see if you can pick out the SEVEN THUNDERS OF REVELATIONS.walt2000.
 
Revelations is not a difficult book.
It is a hidden book.
A mixture of parable,allegory,symbolism.With a touch of germatria,look at my past postings.
I wont repeat my self it will take to long.
I am working with other people at this time.
Read ,and see if you can pick out the SEVEN THUNDERS OF REVELATIONS.walt2000.
A couple of questions, why 7 and not 4 or 5? And, what are the thunders"

Peace>>>AJ
 
Take my advice: Don’t encourage this guy.:cool:
I don’t believe he has nothing new to add that I probably don’t already know.

I’ve done the gemetria, and the number 7 is very prominent and crucial to understanding the book of Revelation.
God uses many similitudes as pictures of Christ.

We may all learn something by our discussion if wall is not to busy.

Peace>>>AJ
 
I would also recomend “The Lamb’s Supper”. Also, a book by David B. Currie “Rapture” subtitle (the end-times error that leaves the bible behind). It’s a careful and thorough scriptural study of the book of Revelation. It also shows in detail how Revelation follows the same outline as the book of Daniel and Zechariah. These OT books explain most all of the book of Revelation which inturn finishes the prophecy of the previous two. It also scripturally debunks the “Left Behind” books. It’s about 470 pages
Both books sound great. If you had to choose ONE to recommend, which one would it be?
 
Both books sound great. If you had to choose ONE to recommend, which one would it be?
The Lamb’s supper is a shorter book that mainly deals with the wedding feast of the Lamb and the Eucharist. How heaven is here on earth during the Mass.
I liked Rapture alot better though. It’s not quite 500 pages and explains much of the imagery in Revelation. Without spoiling the book to much, it convincingly explains how Daniel, Zechariah, Jesus in the Olivet discourse, and Revelation predicted the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. and how it is a prophesy of a future final event. (Christ’s second coming) At the same time it debunks the “left behind” rapture idea, using the scripture rapturist use to support it.
It the best book I’ve read in some time. 👍
 
The Lamb’s supper is a shorter book that mainly deals with the wedding feast of the Lamb and the Eucharist. How heaven is here on earth during the Mass.
I liked Rapture alot better though. It’s not quite 500 pages and explains much of the imagery in Revelation. Without spoiling the book to much, it convincingly explains how Daniel, Zechariah, Jesus in the Olivet discourse, and Revelation predicted the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. and how it is a prophesy of a future final event. (Christ’s second coming) At the same time it debunks the “left behind” rapture idea, using the scripture rapturist use to support it.
It the best book I’ve read in some time. 👍
Well, that settles it for me…I’ll read Rapture. I love reading about our faith and there are so many books out there. It’s great to have recommendations from others…helps narrow the field a little. Thanks ryanoneil
 
There is also The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Book of Revelation. Being an idiot in some things, I found it helpful. It gives an overview and an explanation of the chronology of the events in the book, which can get a little complicated.
 
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