|
Greetings Lee,fellow brother in Christ, << We should take this book literally, unless it indicates otherwise >>. You have undertaken no small task in your study of the book of Revelation, in this I heartily commend you. May we all come to the knowledge that this Book is a Revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ and not directly about His second coming. I agee with your statement that this book should be taken literally with respect to its author, the message to the seven churches and so forth, however Rev. 1:1 states that He sent and signified it( the message) by His angel to his bond-servant John. This word " signified" ( original word in KJames) is " semaino " which translated means to express an idea using signs, symbols and tokens. This word is used elsewhere in the New Testament to give a clearer understanding to its meaning as to express an idea or fact by the use of signs , symbols or tokens . We can readily see, starting in Chapter 4 and onward, that John is expressing what is taking place and communicating this idea or picture to us by using signs, symbols and tokens. Should we fail to heed this word " signify " in our attempt to understand this book, our work is done in futility and will of course cause many various beliefs to flourish about this simple book. I realize that this view that I have stated will conflict greatly with the "popular teaching" that is held by many of my Brethren. Should some be offended , please know for sure that is not my intent and one should search out what the scriptures are really saying to the one who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it : for the time is near. Grace and peace be unto you Lee and the Israel of God ( His Bride ) Robert |
