Has Revelations...Already Happened?

Did you know there are many interpretations on the book of Revelations and the idea of a returning Savior? Today, we're going to delve into what those theories are, and maybe you can decide which one appears to be the most accurate. However, remember with prophecies, sometimes it's impossible to know until it happens. There were prophecies in the Old Testament which shielded the full truth in order to keep the Evil One from intruding on plans (i.e. for a divine Son who would die for our sins.)

The major three views are Historicism, Preterism, and Futurism.

Historicism was the reigning translation of Revelations throughout much of the Christian church's history. It assumes the book was a prophecy being fulfilled in the present time. According to my sources, it was actually the only translation, with the exception of some Catholic scholars in the 1800's. The various churches listed were symbols of the entirety of the church body as it changed throughout history, ending with a lukewarm state that needed to recommit to Christ. Many began to have problems with interpreting the symbols as time passed, Jesus failed to return, and rationalism changed how we interpreted things.

Preterism was one split from the above method. This is the theory that Revelations was based in the past, specifically the first century. Instead of using all the symbols to point to specific events or beings, it paints with a broad surreal picture describing the fall of Jerusalem. Many using this theory will point to the several instances the New Testament says these events will happen soon with haste. Some holding onto this theory will state not everything in the book is about the fall of Jerusalem but it's also about the beginnings of the church and some important historical events.

Then, of course, there's Futurism, which states that most of Revelations is about the future. Since there's major apocalyptic events, judgement of the world, and a second coming of Jesus, all of which appears to not have happened yet, these are the arguments of those holding onto this theory. Some will even believe that the first part of the book is about the past or present, and it culminates in a prediction of the future.

The best way to read Revelations, in my humble opinion, is with a healthy mix of all three views. I think it's obvious that all of the events are future to John, the writer, and some of the events listed really did happen close to his time. For example, one of the most horrific things to happen for Jews was the destruction of their temple in 70AD by Romans. Jesus foretold this event to his disciples, and it's pretty reasonable to think John would've have mentioned it if he'd written Revelations after 70AD. Some of what he prophesized in Revelations were the "beginning of the end."

Some things are for us to know for certain, and some things are for us to know in general, and yet other things are hidden to our eyes until the time comes. I think the purpose of Revelations was to be used as both a warning and a promise. We should always be prepared to give an account of what we believe, and we should always live out of God's love. There's nothing about these prophecies that would change your everyday life. However, it's always good to be aware that there's an ending to suffering and a plan God has for us all.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

We tend to focus on the negative, scary parts of Revelations, forgetting that it's only permanently bad for those who are evil. Revelations was intended to be inspirational to Children of God. It was a promise of the joys to come.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. - 21:3-4

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” - 3:20

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. - 22:20

Sources other than the Bible:
https://readingacts.com/2014/04/09/is-revelation-about-the-past-present-or-future/
https://www.crossway.org/articles/the-book-of-revelation-is-not-just-about-the-future/
http://www.historicism.net/
https://www.preteristarchive.com/CriticalArticles/baxter-irvin_ca.html
http://stevecha.net/ask-steve-futurism-historicism-preterism/
https://www.equip.org/bible_answers/was-revelation-written-before-or-after-the-destruction-of-the-temple-in-ad-70/

Blood & Water

I hope you get more out of this weekend than bunnies and chocolate eggs. I hope you take more than a moment to recognize that what you're celebrating is bittersweet.

As you may be aware, Jesus was in an exceptional amount of torment, physically and mentally, during his crucifixion. However, when the legionnaire lanced Him through the side (to ensure He died), blood and water came out. Medically, that means:

"- there was an escape of water fluid from the sac surrounding the heart, giving postmortem evidence that Our Lord died not the usual crucifixion death by suffocation, but of heart failure (a broken heart) due to shock and constriction of the heart by fluid in the pericardium." (CBN)

He died of a symbolically broken heart because of our sins.

Unlike Christmas's proximity to His possible birth, Easter Sunday is probably very close to when Jesus actually died on the cross. Jesus was crucified on the eve of Passover,which lasts seven days. He rose around Saturday night just as the weekly Sabbath ended. Let's see how the Passover was a sign of God's promise and yearly reminder of a savior He'd send to His people.

Long ago, in the Old Testament, Jews were enslaved by the Egyptians (much like God's children are enslaved by the evils of this world before they're saved). God sent a plague that ravaged Egypt, killing every first born except for those who smeared lamb's blood on their doorways (the lamb symbolizing Jesus, of course). Those same families would be gathering inside their safe homes and eating the very first Passover meal, which was rife with symbols of both bitter times, mourning, and finally hope and renewal. It was a way to remember the past, put it behind them, and move on to a brighter future.

The next day, the Jews left Egypt en masse. After three days, the Pharaoh realized that they weren't returning from their religious holiday and began to pursue them. It wasn't long after that the Hebrews passed onto the other side of the parted Red Sea, not allowing their pursuers to follow them.Many years later, Jesus rose from His grave and saved His people from their own spiritual pursuers.

Forty years after they fled Egypt, the Jews crossed the Jordan River to enter into God's Promised Land. This is the same river in which Jesus was baptized.

Please have a good weekend, but remember God's great love for you, how He'd die for you, and most importantly how He lives again for you.

Many blessings.



Sources other than Bible:
https://www1.cbn.com/medical-view-of-the-crucifixion-of-jesus-christ
https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/jesus-wasnt-crucified-on-friday-or-resurrected-on-sunday-how-long-was-jesus-in-the