Bible the Book of Revelations

Bible

The Book of Revelations has become one of the most influential Biblical text, changing readers' lives and outlooks on the world. In attempting to interpret the Book of Revelation, I believe it is important to keep an open mind first and foremost. Many readers might find it helpful to approach the book as symbolism or metaphor, whereas others might find more strength taking a literal approach. However the reader chooses to absorb the teachings in the Book of Revelation, the text is a powerful reminder of our place in history and God's will for the human race.

The tone of the text is feverish, which inspires a similar emotional response in the reader. I would begin attempting an interpretation with this in mind: that the Book of Revelation is a highly energized work that is the Word of God communicated to human beings. What readers get out of the Book depends on their willingness to open their hearts as well as their eyes. To feel what the words say is as important as to understand, for it is in the spirit that we are changed by the Book: "Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be!" (Revelations 1:7).

On a symbolic level, the text becomes even more meaningful to a patient reader. Like poetry, the Book of Revelations contains metaphors and imagery that is emotionally evocative. These images have the power to transform our thoughts and keep our minds and hearts on God. In the first chapter, for example, we encounter the mystery of the number seven and the Christian symbolism surrounding it. We hear about the "seven golden lampstands" among which was a man "dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest," with "eyes were like blazing fire" (Revelations 1:12-14). The meaning of the number seven becomes more complex: "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches," (Revelations 1:20). Later we learn that the seven seals (Revelations 6) and the seven trumpets announcing the coming of Christ (Revelations 8) are also related, and this encourages us to see God anywhere we encounter the number seven. The number is repeated further with the seven-headed beast. In Revelation chapter 4, imagery becomes more captivating yet, with throne flanked by four symbolic creatures: the lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle. I draw inspiration from the imagery even when I do not comprehend the absolute meaning because the purpose of the Book is to promote our faith in Jesus and prepare for Judgement Day.