Finding Truth in the Book of Revelation
Blog by Donald P. Shoemaker
Everyone yearns for a better tomorrow.
The Book of Revelation takes us through the turmoil and trials of life and leads us to a better tomorrow—an eternal city. Interpretations abound on how to understand this fascinating and yet bewildering book. Here are my guidelines:
- Always keep this fundamental principle of interpretation in mind: The Book of Revelation was written to seven existing churches in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). Read chapters 1-3 to see this fact. It had great significance to First Century Christians facing severe testings. Any interpretation of this book that does not see it through the eyes of these believers is suspect!
- Try reading this book doxologically – as a Book of Worship (which it certainly is). The book has many themes and poetry that have led to rich Christian music. For examples, check out these passages: 1:4-7; 4:6-11; 5:6-14; 11:15-18; 15:3-4; 19:1-8 and “The Holy City” by Frederic Weatherly (1892).
- The Book of Revelation has lots of symbolism and drama (like The Chronicles of Narnia)—don’t get too dogmatic over the details! The details add to the drama without each of them calling for interpretive significance.
- The Book of Revelation depicts heaven and earth as places of conflict between good and evil. Experience tells us that’s true on earth, but are we open to the possibility of such conflict happening in the unseen realm of spirits?
- The book’s basic message is this: The present times are tough—it may look like evil is winning. But God still rules. His plan is on schedule. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ” (11:15).
- The book’s challenge is: Stay strong, resist evil, keep the faith—Judgment Day is coming, with vindication and reward for the “overcomer.”
- Finally, the Book of Revelation extends this invitation to everyone: “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come. And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price” (22:17). This invitation to come to Jesus still stands.