Did you know that the book of Revelation uses symbolism?

Question

Yes, everything mentioned in the book of Revelation is a symbol - the answer key is the rest of the bible. Revelation ties together all the themes of the bible into one cohesive whole - trying to understand Revelation without understanding the references from the Old Testament is a waste of time and will only lead you down a rabbit trail.

For example - I have seen people on this board complain about the verse which says that in heaven there will no longer be any sea (some people like the sea very much , I am one of them!) But the sea symbolically represents chaos, disorder, evil, and "unfinishedness" in the bible - See for example the first chapter of Genesis where the Spirit of God is hovering over the waters of the abyss before the creation of the world.

http://www.teachinghearts.org/dre00symbols.html

Vorio - For the same reason Jesus spoke in parables...

So that those who's hearts are calloused will not understand, but those who's hearts are open will.

Jesus speaking:
"This is why I speak to them in parables:
"Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them."
Matthew 13:10-16

Answer 1

Actually considering that Revelation was written in the 90's CE it is impossible that it is written to tie together the themes of the Bible, as the bible writings, )even the Old Testament aside from the Pentateuch and the Septuagent) was not compiled or even well well known at the time.

It has to do with the literary forms of the day (from the late BC to early CE) apocolyptic literature was the most popular form of writing.

Also important to note that the apocolyptic symbolism used at the time was not a prediction but used in general to describe current situations (like exile to Patmos and persecution under Domitian )

Also no historical view ever holds to use any scripture as interpretation for another.

Revelation was argued and argued about and no one wanted to include it in the Bible except they thought it was written by John the Apostle. They were wrong and should have gone with their original gut feeling to leave out because it is so misunderstood.

Answer 2

Yes, and Revelation is a symbolic account of a spiritual awakening, an initiation into the Christian mysteries, the Kingdom of God within.

The seven seals are the seven chakras on the human spine, and the last trumpet is the death of the old self and the birth of the new self in Jesus Christ, enlightenment of our true selves. 666, the sign of a "man", is nothing other than good ole Satan, the "old", animalistic, dark self and side of the animal side of man, leftover from before we came down from the trees to dwell on two feet, which again dies when Jesus Christ lives within you.

Answer 3

Did you know that symbolism is vague, and can be interpreted in several different ways? Why would an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God use symbolism when He knows how to say what God would want to say in a clear, concise way?

I see, let's not forget that even BELIEVERS in Christianity can't seem to determine exactly what the "symbolic" passages in the Bible mean. It seems that God IS the author of confusion after all.

Let's not forget the fundamentalist maniacs who think that all this nonsense SHOULD be taken literally.

Answer 4

saying revelation uses symbolism is like saying machines use electricity.

in other words-DUH

unfortunately some people DO take it literally. Which is a bit odd, considering it states a half-killed lamb will destroy evil.

Answer 5

Good for you! Do some research into Aramaic idioms. Another good source of such research is Asimov's Guide to the Bible.

Have fun! Let us know where it leads you. Let me know if I can help (goes for anyone, regardless of their path).

Answer 6

yes, i knew. i am a PK, my dad is a pastor for assemblies of god, in whittier, ca.

Answer 7

Not gone through .