Learning to Read Prophecy
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Submitted by JStaller on Thu, 2008-09-18 02:43.
The Book of Revelation stands at the end of a very long line of prophetic books. To understand the Revelator's message, it is very handy to understand the patterns and styles he is deliberately following.
These are some brief lessons that will help you orientate yourself in the world of apocalyptic prophecy. These lessons barely touch directly on the actual content of Revelation, but I highly recommend taking a look at the listed scriptures, just to get an idea of some ways the Spirit of God inspires prophecy.
Not everyone will want or need to read these posts, but if you take even just a few moments to skim the brief lessons, you will be well-prepared when we start in with the direct study.
Alternative for consideration
I wont be able to keep pace with the group as I mentioned to Justin privately, but will join in where I can.
Speaking from the perspective of a futurist (pre-millenialist), I would like to offer that human weakness is not the same as a drawback to a method of studying scripture, a weakness in a given hermeneutic method or a minus to a given understanding of eschatology. The driving force behind a pre-millenial view of scripture lies in the committment to a hermeneutic of interpreting scripture literal where possible. In Rev 1, we are told what the symbols of the 7 candlesticks are the 7 churches to which John is to write, so the context informs us that this passage is not to be taken literally. Yet, even symbols can point to a literal reality. The 7 candlesticks were 7 literal local churches.
Just a thought.
Love in Christ,
Dan
Eph 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast