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has led to more speculation, spawned more foolishness, and resulted in more spiritual imbalance than the Apocalypse, the Revelation of John the Beloved.
Robert Millet, BYU
Church News, 22 December 1995
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Apocalyptic literature
(apocalupsis / apocalypse) = uncovering, unveiling. Vision of heaven, angelic guide, Gods plan explained with symbols. Popular c. 350 B.C.A.D. 150.
Interpretative approaches
Preterist: Refers only to events at end of 1st century. Historicist: Presents all of history, 1st century to end of time. Futurist: All the visions yet to be fulfilled. Idealist: Book is purely symbolic.
Symbolic numbers
7 Fulfillment, completion 7 cities, 7 seals, 7 heads, 7 trumpets, 7 plagues, 7 bowls, etc. New Jerusalem: 12 gates, 12 foundations, tree with 12 fruits, is 12,000 cubic stades. Satan bound 1,000 years; 144,000 people sealed (12 12 1,000).
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12
Order
1,000
A great number
Codex
9
10
12
13
14
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Summary
Johns book of Revelation gives Christians hope for the future. Despite the difficulties we may face, individually and as a people, God is in control and evil will eventually be put down forever. Jesus Christ will return in power, all men will be judged according to their deeds, and those who have received the Fathers name will dwell with him and the Son forever in celestial glory.
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Next week:
PostPost-New Testament Christianity and the Great Apostasy