When we consider the verses about “fire” in Revelation, Satan and the demonic are usually left out of the picture. This misses the complete story that Revelation attempts to describe. For example, the 6th trumpet opens with the four angels released “to kill a third of the human race.” (8:15). …
Revelation 14: The Three Angels’ Message
The three angels’ of Revelation 14 represent the final message to the world. In the context of the lamb-like imitative beasts of Revelation 13 that deceive the entire world, God’s people are given a powerful final message. Understanding the essential meaning of this passage is critically important if we are to meet the world with …
Revelation 13: “The mark of the beast”
There has been almost an infinite amount of speculation about the meaning of the mark of the beast. The book of Revelation is full of contrasting images that revolve around the distinction between the Lamb and the dragon. Followers of the Lamb are the 144,000 who receive the seal of …
Revelation 8-9: The Seven Trumpets
Most interpreters of Revelation see the 7 Trumpets as the judgments of God against rebellious sinners. This view believes that God’s justice requires him to retributively punish. But is God the only person who plays an active role in the book of Revelation? The third trumpet is an allusion to …
Revelation 6-8: The Seven Seals
There are many different interpretations of the seven seals. Who is the rider on the white horse? Does this individual represent a person or a period of church history? Is the rider good or bad? The next three riders are maliciously associated with images of war, famine and death. The seventh seal is …
Revelation 5: “The center of the throne”
The book of Revelation revolves around the Cosmic Conflict between Christ and Satan. All of the vivid illustrations are for the purpose of explaining the issues in this conflict as well as to define the role that we have to play. At the heart of the controversy is the character of God. …
Revelation: Guidelines of Interpretation
During medical school in 1988 or 1989, I attended a Daniel and Revelation seminar. Large posters and billboards of beasts, nuclear explosions, tanks and words like “Armageddon” advertised the conference. I don’t remember many details, but I do recall much discussion about the rise of Communism predicted in Revelation and a coming war …
The Ending of Endings: Silence in Heaven
Sixty-three is not a number worth remembering, but it will be the number that brings to completion our study of Revelation (63 times). Counting the breaks we have had, the journey has taken more than two years. I am happy that there seems to be an interest in doing a …
The Message of the Bible in one Word
We are now ready for the epilogue of the book. I would also like to give you an assignment, or take an opinion poll if you like: How do we take stock of the ending (sing.) and the endings (plural) of Revelation? Which is the most important ending in your …
Revelation 22: The Healing River
Revelation 22, the last chapter of Revelation (and of the Bible) is upon us. Two images will dominate our discussion of the first few verses of Revelation 22, the healing river and the notion of ‘the healing of the nations.’ These images harness the most hopeful and compelling images of …