Someone who knows the bible well?

Question

How exactly are you supposed to interpret Revelations? I have always pondered that. Is everything that is written supposed to be literally taken or is it all symbolic? For example, are Angels really going to come down from heaven and blow on their trumpets or is it supposed to be taken in another sense?
And all of you atheists. Please save your typing for another question. Please don't bore me with your ridiculous comments.

To piraterachel. I didn't mean to offend you. I was referring to the atheist who have nothing better to do than talk about how christianity is a waste of time. You handled this question in a very respectful manner. Thank you.

Answer 1

The part with the angels is very true. The ending will be as amazing as it says, but some parts such as the Beasts (The ones John saw come out of the water) represent different counties that are still here today. It is literal yet very symbolic. Pray to GOD for understanding and read it again sometime. It should then become very clear to you.

Answer 2

many things in revelations were written for the coming generations, and yes there is a lot of symbolism. at the time that Paul experienced this vision, the people of that time could not comprehend what it was about. now we are seeing the meanings of what Paul wrote because we are in the generations that he foretold. the bible says that every eye shall see. i personally believe that much of what is to come, and what is, will not be symbolic. the angels with the trumpets and the horses as well as the candle sticks are all symbols of what they represent, as are the different horns and creatures, the book of Revelation also has sections where it seems to repeat itself, i think it is more of a way for Paul to try to make clear what he saw. he probably had a very hard time trying to write what he saw and felt, because it was the future he was writing about, i know it would be hard for me to try to explain something i myself didn't understand{ like the future}. at any rate yes there are many things in revelations that are symbolic. my advice to you would be to get in a study group or listen to some teaching tapes that help to interpret what the vision is about.. i hope i was able to help!

Answer 3

No one realy knows the bible well as its by faith. But the prophesies in revelations seem to have something to do with exact time sequences. There is a period of 49 weeks of years that stopped centuries ago and then it will continue with the final week of years or 7 year period in the last days that revelation speaks of. In fact it will come down to a precise number of days that adds up to 3 and a half years. and then everything will be finished as of that stage of prophesies. The bible talks about cities made of diamond. I believe this is true.

Answer 4

Whenever you read Bible prophecy, it's best to follow this rule: interpret what you're reading literally, UNLESS God makes it clear that what you've read is a symbol.

For example, Rev. 17:18 tells us that the "whore" seen riding on the beast is a city, not a real woman.

If you're interested in studying Revelation, here's a good "beginner" site; I don't agree with all the author's conclusions, but you must start a journey before you get to where you're going!

http://www.gracethrufaith.com/revelation-times

I'd be happy to answer any questions on Revelation you may have. My Yahoo 360 blog may also be of interest to you.

Peace.

EDIT: "PirateRachel," the Revelation (singular) was written almost 25 years AFTER the Temple was destroyed in AD 70.

Answer 5

Not only in Revelations, but throughout the Bible. That's the way it reads...Jesus will come with an audible shout and the angels will blow their trumpets. All this is to happen within a blink of an eye.
I'm trying to prepare myself for the "Rapture", so I'll be taken up to be with Jesus and not have to endure the "Tribulation".
God speed and good learning to you.

Answer 6

Well, I'll try not to be offened by the negative remark, since I AM an atheist. But, just to help you out because I do know alot about the bible, I'll answer anyways. John wrote revelations at a point in history when the Romans were putting a statue of their current leader in the Jewish temple. So he, and most other christians and jews were angry over this. He was also rumored to be in poor health and halucinating. So, the book of revelations is a cross between hate mail to the Romans and the diary of an ill and halucinating ageing disciple. (Before I became an atheist I spent many years in church, as a preacher's daughter) Peace

Answer 7

Hello fellow Ga sister. It is meant to be taken literally and figuratively, depending on the chapter and verse. Yes they are literally supposed to come down and blow their trumpets. However there is an awful lot of imagery as well. Sorry I cannot be more specific but it would take a breakdown of each verse to really guide you through it.

Answer 8

Its 95% symbolic. The seven headed dragon is the deil and his work, The Harlet is False religion. The angels or the one doing his will will get everyones or true Christians attentions as if a Trumpet blast split the air.

Answer 9

You have made your first mistake when you think that you are to interpret any part of the bible. The scriptures are not to be intrepreted, but to be understood. And only God Himself, when you pray and ask Him to , will open up your ability to understand any book in the bible. Ask God for wisdom, for that is the foundation of understanding.

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Defination of rightly dividing-From a compound of G3717 and the base of G5114; to make a straight cut, that is, (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine message): - rightly divide.

Answer 10

Certain parts are literally(all the plagues will manifest themselves in reality during the tribulation) other parts are symbolic(such as the four horsemen)