Subject: Pre-Trib Rapture Assistance |
Bible Note: Hi Kathy, There are many who believe that these prophecies have already been fulfilled, but in order to believe that, you must also believe that the Revelation is mostly allegorical, without textual evidence that it is. While John wrote in the first verse that the revelation was "signified" (they will say encoded in symbols), the word used does not exclusively mean that. It can mean "expressed in a symbol", but it can also mean "to make a plain statement" (John 12:33, Acts 25:27), "to make an allusion" (John 21:19), basically, it means to "indicate something", using any number of methods from "encoding in symbols" to "plainly expressive language". Acts 25:27 is especially significant in that Festus needed to make a very plain statement of charges against Paul. When you look at the language of the Revelation, it tells you when something is a symbol, and what those symbols mean. There are also symbols used that are both identified and defined as apocalyptic symbols in the Old Testament, such as the "beast" in Rev. 11 is explained in Daniel 7. But I think it's a big mistake to claim something to be allegorical or symbolic that the Bible does not expressly state to be allegorical or symbolic. So this leaves us with a literal interpretation of Scripture, and now I have to ask, when did the abyss open? When was the time the people were unable to die? When did all sea life die? The sun scorch men? And all the other rather fantastic events outlined in the Revelation? When was there a time that the only servants of God numbered 144,000, and all were Jews? When did the sky part like a scroll being rolled up? When did every island and mountain change location? When did 2 prophets of God kill their enemies with fire coming out of their mouths? I just don't think these things have been fulfilled. The same word used in Rev. 1:1, "the things which much occur "tachei", commonly translated quickly, also translated suddenly, is also used in Rev. 22:6, in the same sort of context, "These Words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His slaves what must happen quickly." Except this is at the end of the book, after the prophecies of Jesus' return, the judgment of the dead, the re-creation of heaven and earth, Satan cast into the lake of fire... I just can't believe these things have been done. And to allegorize it all into "a symbol of the church" or some such thing is just without textual warrant. So apparently, when God says soon may be a little different than when we say soon. Or perhaps the scholars are right, and it can also mean "suddenly", "with speed"? And besides, who exactly did God address this book to? His servants. Are you His servant? All true believers are. Look up! Your redemption is getting close! Love in Christ, Mark |