Subject: End times? |
Bible Note: I have to say I agree with iriandani on this issue. The book of Revelation is a very complex book, filled with a tremendous amount of figurative language which is very, very difficult to interpret. Personally, I think the first 3 chapters are relatively straight forward and are good for our reference and most certainly applicable to us today. For example it could be aurgued that all congregations of the Lord's church world-wide could see themselves in one or more of those seven epistles written in the first three chapters and could apply the instructions to improve accordingly. However, about the only absolutely positive conclusion or message I can get from the balance of Revelation is the fact that our Lord and Savior will indeed triumph over evil in the final day or Judgement Day which I believe will be the final day for this whole universe. Yes, I guess I'm saying I don't believe there's any scriptures to support the concept of the rapture or Premillennialism. Christ's meeting us in the sky is just the simple prelude to meeting God at His Judgement. As for "looking over the shoulders," that's just another way of saying looking/studying a book of the Bible "through the eyes of the original addressee" and is a perfectly valid concept as was mentioned before. Yes, indeed the main message of love and salvation for all of mankind is the theme throughout the Bible. But the nitty gritty details such as specific instructions from Paul to Timothy for him to bring Paul's coat and to bring Mark is obviously intended only for the actual recipient. These kind of details make the Bible come alive for you and me for it is also the grand history book for mankind and human beings did write all the information therein while keeping in their mind very important messages from God. Remember, the Bible, God's Word is an absolutely unique, one-of-a-kind. There's just nothing like it...that's one of the characteristics that convinces me that It truly is inspired. Although we see tremendous depth and some complex issues especially from the pen of the Apostle Paul, we are assured that most God's Word is to be clearly understood by the great majority of His creation because our God desparately wants us to come back home to Him. So I take advantage of the philosophy and approach the Bible with the advice that's been taught to me: Each book of the Bible should be interpreted as straight-forward as possible unless the figurative language in a particular book is obviously there without its own interpretation. Then we should use the balance of the Bible as its own best commentary. But in no way does our God want us to build up a whole new slant or an innovative concept such as the two mentioned above without clear and straight-forward directives from Him or one of His official Representatives, such as the Apostles. I really must shut up now as I may have already angered some of you in reading this but it is my prayer that some of you will continue studying and praying about this subject. Like as been said before on this Forum, our God is a God of peace and love and I do want to promote that aspect of His message. But we as human beings need to realize that God doesn't expect us to dig up tremendous controversies from His Word. As is made very plain by His Plan of Salvation. His words of Salvation are so simple, even a small child can read them and figure out how to be a christian. He may not know the cost nor be ready to understand what real repentance is all about but he can understand God loves us and how to get back home. I still wish God's richest blessings on all who read this message. |