REVELATION ... some THoughTS
from as far back as I can remember in my Christian experience - the book of Revelation has been at the center of controversy.
I was raised in a very staunch conservative stream of the church which embraced a hard core “pre-millenial” view eschatologically, and in fact many of the local churches in this denomination required that church members sign on the dotted line that they believed in “pre-trib, pre-millenial” or membership was forfeit. Later, as I stumbled into more of the charismatic church expressions, Revelation again was very much in the forefront - largely because of the roots of the Jesus People movement coming out of the 70’s which placed a heavy emphasis on the end times.
again ... there is definitely a resurgence of teaching and thought surrounding this NT book.
I find it all quite intriguing. As someone who embraces a pretty orthodox view in regards to Scripture, I certainly don’t want to loose any of the import of this book and it’s relevance to unpacking what the Christian faith is to look like - both practically and theologically.
Here’s a few thoughts of mine that “guide” me as I wrestle with the place and impact of the book of Revelation:
1. we need not fear a sense of mystery
so much of our faith has a mystique about it ... that does not frighten me in the slightest. I think it is important to retain this posture when we approach books like Revelation. In fact ... mystery seems to be part of the point. I am all for figuring out as much as we can - but want to embrace the “wonder” of it all as well.
2. the book must be seen within the larger context of kingdom theology
this book - as is all the writings of the NT - is written within a larger framework of understanding. For me, so much of the book takes shape as I embrace it within the larger understanding of the theology of the Kingdom of God. It just makes more sense to me as part of the larger kingdom narrative - and the story is much larger than just the last bit. It is not a door way into something bizarre and disconnected from the rest of my faith, nor is it disengaged from the rest of the church’s (historical) journey reserved for some elite group of end time Christians ... it is the natural conclusion to an incredible kingdom story of which I am a part.
3. spiritual warfare is REAL and does bleed into the natural time line, international affairs and events of human history
where ever my hermeneutic and/or theology takes me into the crazy maze of images, creatures and intrigue of Revelation ... one thing is clear - we are caught in a cosmic struggle which impacts all of us in an ever increasing way until the full consummation of the Kingdom of Heaven. This battle is real and I will know it’s impact at all levels of my life.
4. the call to the simplicity of faithfulness and obedience to Christ is the safest way to live - in all times
the more complicated we make things, the farther away we will find ourselves from the heart of our faith. Of course, I am not advocating a Christianity that is devoid of intellect or theological wrestling ... but to loose the “simplicity” of what it means to be a follower of Jesus is a dangerous thing that opens us to aspects of gnositcism and elitism in the church - that quite frankly frightens me. As Wimber used to say, “the way in is the way on” rings truer and truer to me, especially as the end of times is upon us.
5. any interaction with the prophetic elements of the faith requires a posture of humility and meekness
enough said
come Lord Jesus
- Allan Clare for Cross Rhythms
“I am pleased to give “When Justice Shines” our Editor’s Choice award. I strongly encourage you to consider getting this project- it will inspire and encourage you with its prophetic call, its amazing live musicianship and its unashamed message of abandon to Christ as we look for justice to the broken here on earth.”
- Kim Gentes for worshipmusic.com
Comments
I stumbled into more of the charismatic church expressions, Revelation again was very much in the forefront - largely because of the roots of the Jesus People movement coming out of the 70’s which placed a heavy emphasis on the end times.I embrace it within the larger understanding of the theology of the Kingdom of God. It just makes more sense to me as part of the larger kingdom narrative - and the story is much larger than just the last bit.I find it all quite intriguing. As someone who embraces a pretty orthodox view in regards to Scripture.
I find it all quite intriguing. As someone who embraces a pretty orthodox view in regards to Scripture, I certainly don’t want to loose any of the import of this book and it’s relevance to unpacking what the Christian faith is to look like - both practically and theologically.
I was raised in a very staunch conservative stream of the church which embraced a hard core “pre-millenial” view eschatologically, and in fact many of the local churches in this denomination required that church members sign on the dotted line that they believed in “pre-trib, pre-millenial” or membership was forfeit.
I’ve learned in my experiences, that the one who fools you, is often the last one you expect!
The nature of a pre-tribulation rapture in someways says “no worries, we’ll just escape all the trouble” which doesn’t line up with biblical history, old or new testament. If I sense the urgency (due to knowing I’m going to need to endure and not be deceived) of drawing close to the Lord, knowing Him through His word, and through relationship with Him and His people to prepare for the difficulties ahead, and the pre-trib happens, I am no worse off for pressing in closer to Him. However, if I have no sense of urgency to press in more to Him, if I must endure the tribulation, my spirit, my soul is quite possibly in a very dangerous place, because I’ve not prepared, submitted, died to myself and lived for Him as I would need to in order to overcome the tribulation.
Humans like the easy way, but I believe the Lord insists on the complete way. My prayer is that all those who call themselves christian will seek, surrender, and live for the Lord as He has called each of us to do. Thereby we will, by His grace, overcome all.
David,
I met you and Anita in Kelowna, BC, at a worship school the Vineyard was doing with Brian D. and Kevin Prosch in 1995. You and Kevin did a night of worship that I remember clearly to this day. Do you remember that night? You were about to head to Europe for the WOW recording there.
My wife and I are planting a Vineyard in the mountains of North Carolina. About to launch and teach through the book of Revelation. Your blog inspired me to tackle preaching through this intense text.
Please keep us informed about your new community in LA. We have the same sense for our community. Blessings.
I with you agree. In it something is. Now all became clear, I thank for the help and I hope to see more such articles.
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David, Love your worship music….blesses the church..I met you once at a Vineyard conference in LA. Seems like a few of your songs are pre-trib, including ‘We Will Dance..’ Unfortunately, I quit attending a few Vineyards over this and other issues as one pastor disagreed strongly with my dispensationalism (the only other option really is covenant theology which is full of problems & leads to post-millennialism or oil/water mixtures of the two) & another Vineyard pastor gave a sermon on John 14 without even mentioning that some believe this to be a rapture verse. I hold to the pre-trib rapture because Scripture seems to support it best, but also because I had a burning-bush-like prophetic experience with a I rescued/delivered and was hoping to marry 17 years ago (disbelieving & materialistic pastors & pastor’s wives were key breaking us up & squelching our ministries & testimony - I"m still heartbroken as she married someone else) that the pre-trib version is correct, although Christians will be persecuted & forced to go undeground in the Western world first (happening now under Obama), where most of the earth’s population will be deceived the rapture was caused by UFOs, Gaia Mother Earth, Ascended Masters, etc. Thousands or millions of occult channelers are already saying the negative lower vibrational darkworkers—the literal Christians—will vanish off the planet for re-education or other reasons. I’m writing a book about this & may speak in Hong Kong it to a secular UFO club about my book. The Kingdom of God is a complicated theological matter for even the best theologians like George Ladd, a post-tribber guy that Vineyard leaders like. Some problems with dispensationalism is that many of its leaders are cessationist and frown on spiritual warfare & deliverance, which is unfortunate because charismatic gifts and deliverance/exorcism really can go hand in glove with dispensationalism regardless of an already/not-yet or even a future view of Jesus’ Kingdom. Maranatha
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I would think,in the bible,when God instructs Noah about the coming flood and building the ark would be considered divine revelation
David,
You of not so many others are allowed to bring something to the table that only YHWH provides. It is something that cannot be manufactured by man.
Yeshua sheds tears for HIS bride which is in such disarray by division.
Ruach moves freely only if we let HIM.
This passage doesn’t mean a literal new heavens, since there’s nothing wrong with the original one, it’s perfect in every way. It is however speaking of a new form of government that will rule over the “new earth” which will be rid of wickedness, thereby making the earth new! All old inhabitants who refuse to accept Jesus Christ’s sacrifice will have been done away with, and the righteous will then inherited the earth.
Revelation again was very much in the forefront largely because of the roots of the Jesus People movement coming out of the 70’s which placed a heavy emphasis on the end times.
Interesting topic,at the same time,you do a nice blog.
When i read the bible scripture i always try to focus on its teachings so i could understand God’s will in a better way. I too think that faithfulness and obedience to Christ is the safest way to follow his path.
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Revelation seems to become the case when something enters the realm of logical order and we can speak it, think it, consider it, imagine it, and so on