On not getting bogged down.
Continuing a short study on the blessings, pitfalls and challenges of studying the Book of Revelation.
When studying Revelation, it is important not to get too bogged down by detail. When we consider the identity of the two witnesses of chapter 11, there are at least 13 recognised possibilities of who they might be. We could spend a couple of decades debating their identity and completely miss the thrust of this chapter and its powerful message.
Likewise, we could become immersed in trying to guess or fathom the message of the seven thunders of chapter ten, even though John was specifically told not to record their words.
The very best scholars are happy to admit that there are certain aspects of Revelation that we do not fully understand yet, especially when it comes to the chronology of Revelation.
Revelation teaches you to walk humbly!
There is no doubt that Revelation has it’s quandaries and many steer well clear of it for that reason. I would argue though that so does the rest of scripture. I was recently listening to a couple of Christians online, debating 2 Corinthians and the subject of election, predestination and the assurance of our salvation. My mind was turning to scrambled eggs after five minutes of listening to these two scholars and their oh so complicated arguments and I was glad to get back to the straight-forward simplicity of my beloved Revelation!
Revelation unfolds pounding truths that we are called to run with…
To read my short e-book on Revelation chapter one please push the blue button:
And my previous posts:
- Revelation 22:20 Our cherished hope
There will be a unity of heart when everyone calls out for his glorious return. There will be a spirit of grace upon God’s people that will bring us all together in unity and brotherhood. - Revelation 22:16 God’s Word
No-one has a monopoly on the truths of this magnificent book, and we will all have our struggles and misunderstandings on our journey, but God is demanding that we treat Revelation with the utmost respect that it deserves. The truths that were sealed in Daniel’s time will be opened up according to God’s direction. This will need purified and refined souls to understand and teach, in the midst of immense confusion and mistruths. Please pray for those who are called to understand and teach. - Revelation 22:11 In or Out…
Even at this late stage, a reference to the polarity of mankind, between the righteous and the unrighteous. One thinks of Noah’s Ark, and the obedient who were safe inside and those who chose to ignore Noah’s call for righteousness and stayed outside. - Revelation 22:7 The time is near indeed
Having taken us to the very highest of heights, surveying the Holy City that is beautiful beyond words, John brings us back to our ordinary lives, waiting with a cherished expectation for our Lord to return and keeping the words of this prophecy, with all its encouragements, admonishments and warnings. - Revelation 22:3 No longer any curse
Peter praised his contemporaries for their faith in Christ Jesus although they had never met him in real life and had only heard of him through Peter. Imagine though, what it will feel like, approaching the throne and gazing into the eyes of the Divine, to reach out and touch the very hem of his garment. It will be beyond belief…
Revelation 34 