A Revelation Invitation

(The “How to Read Revelation” series begins here.)

Principle #5: Biblical Context of Revelation

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show unto his servants, even the things which must shortly come to pass: and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John. (Revelation 1:1 American Standard Version)

The revelation from Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants the things that must soon take place. Christ expressed this revelation by means of symbols sent through his angel to his servant John. (Revelation 1:1 Evangelical Heritage Version)

This is the revelation of Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King: an account of visions and a heavenly journey. God granted this to Him so He would show His followers the realities that are already breaking into the world and soon will be fulfilled. Through His heavenly messenger, He revealed to His servant John signs and insight into these mysteries. (Revelation 1:1 The Voice)

Some translations of Revelation tip us off to what’s coming: signs and symbols. This is characteristic of apocalyptic literature. How, then, should we interpret these signs and symbols? John claims that these signs and symbols are intended to reveal the mysteries contained in the book. We, however, find the signs and symbols themselves to be mysteries. Revelation employs mysteries to reveal mysteries. How frustrating!

So, are we left to guessing what these symbols mean? Not at all. The Holy Spirit has given us the entire canon of scripture as an answer key! Nearly every symbol or image in Revelation is borrowed or adapted from other books of the Bible. With some digging we can confidently interpret this incredible vision. Let’s look at some examples.

Even from a casual reading of Revelation you will notice the use of numerology. The number seven may be the most pervasive example. Let’s look to the Bible for its meaning. “And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times” (Psalm 12:6 ESV, emphasis mine). Refining gold seven times, makes it flawless. David hints that seven implies perfection or completeness. Peter understood this concept (although a little inflexibly) when he asked Jesus, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22 ESV emphasis mine). Jesus doubled down on the symbolism to show that you must forgive completely.

Another example is the sounding of trumpets in chapters 8 and 9. Why trumpets? Well, trumpets announce divine actions just asa heavenly trumpet blast announced God’s arrival and meeting with Moses in Exodus 19:16-19. Trumpets warn of imminent danger just as the watchman was responsible for blowing a trumpet to warn Israel of danger in Ezekiel 33:1-6. If the people heeded the warning, they would save themselves. Trumpets were a prelude to victory just as the seven priests sounded trumpets as the Israelite army marched around Jericho in Joshua 6. On the seventh day when the trumpets sounded the army gave a war cry, the walls collapsed and the city was taken. All of these meanings are present in the sounding of the seven trumpets.

Sometimes John adapts Old Testament illustrations for his purposes. For example, God referred to his two witnesses as “the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth” (Revelation 11:4 ESV). John wanted his readers to recall Zechariah 11 where this imagery was employed in another setting and its significance explained.

The good news is that with a little effort the mystery of Revelation’s symbolism can be unraveled. And we don’t have to understand every single symbol to benefit from reading Revelation. When some image puzzles you and you feel like you simply must grasp its significance, the Holy Spirit has given us the tool to decipher its meaning. We’re not left to wonder what Revelation means. We can test what we are taught, we can discover for ourselves what all those wild images mean. I hope you find it a rewarding journey.

Spirit of God, guide me in my discovery of the mysteries you reveal in this great book. Reveal to me the meaning of its puzzling language. Clear my confusion. And give me patience. I know I’ll need patience. Help me understand and appreciate the power and authority of the one who sits on the throne, the majesty of my Savior and the hope of the glorious future promised to your people. Amen.

(Part 7 of “How to Read Revelation” is here.)