Tag: Revelation
We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. It would not be surprising if people saw this as an indication that we are about to experience the end of the world. We get such predictions when everything is fine, so this time of pandemic is ripe for such claims. See Coronavirus is bringing a … Read More “Is COVID-19 a Sign of the End-Times?” »
For decades I have heard people claim that a time is coming when the government will insert microchips in our hands and this will be the mark of the beast. What is the mark of the beast? It is based on this passage from the Bible. It also forced all people, great and small, rich … Read More “Are Microchips the Mark of the Beast?” »
I spent much of my 20s in a Pentecostal church which stressed the rapture. What is the rapture? It is the belief that God will rescue his people from earth. I will get into the biblical evidence later in this post. The church I attended also emphasized the book of Revelation. But the problem I … Read More “Where is the Rapture in the Book of Revelation?” »
Even people who know little about the Bible have heard about the four horsemen of the apocalypse. But who are they? Or more precisely, what are they? It is common to hear them described as: War Pestilence Famine Death But that is not quite accurate. Here is what the actual passage says: I watched as … Read More “What Are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?” »
One of the most intriguing passages in Revelation is the war in heaven found in Revelation 12. Here is the passage: Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in … Read More “When Was the War in Heaven?” »
This is a continuation of my series on an apologetic reading of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. ‘Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis. “These are the words of the one who has the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars. I know what you have done. You … Read More “Apologetics and the Seven Churches: Sardis” »
This is a continuation of my series on an apologetics reading of the letters to the seven churches in Revelation. “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: “I know your works, … Read More “Apologetics and the Seven Churches: Thyatira” »
This is a continuation of an apologist’s reading of the letters to the seven churches from Revelation. “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know where you are living, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding fast to … Read More “Apologetics and the Seven Churches: Pergamum” »
This is a continuation of my series on the letters to the seven churches in Revelation and what they say to those involved in Christian apologetics. “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: ‘I know your tribulation … Read More “Apologetics and the Seven Churches: Smyrna” »
When many people read Revelation, they are looking for keys to the future and hints about the end times. However, we need to remember that Revelation was originally sent to seven real churches. Those letters to the seven churches are important and should be read carefully. I’m starting a seven part series looking at each … Read More “Apologetics and the Seven Churches: Ephesus” »
I came across an internet meme with the following message, “The Rapture in the Book of Revelation: Revelation 3:10,11.” Does this passage really teach the rapture? “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who … Read More “Does Revelation 3:10-11 Teach the Rapture?” »
Richard Swinburne, Revelation: From Metaphor to Analogy (New York: Oxford University Press, 2007), 373pp. Pbk. Richard Swinburne offers what may be his tour de force in Revelation: From Metaphor to Analogy. It is one of those rare books which forces one to think about and analyze every argument it contains. The work addresses claims of divine … Read More “Revelation: From Metaphor to Analogy” »
I came across an online article titled, Rick Warren Preaching Heresy at Hillsong 2015 Conference. I often take notice of the heresy accusations aimed at Rick Warren. My most popular post on this blog is Three Reasons Why Rick Warren is a Heretic. There is no lack when it comes to people accusing Warren of heresy. … Read More “What Does It Take to Be a Heretic?” »
A devotion based on Revelation 2:4. Although many people see Revelation as a collection of prophecies aimed at giving us clues to the end times, it is in fact a book with the purpose of encouraging Christians under persecution. We are given a list of the recipients, seven real churches, including one in Ephesus. The … Read More “Devotions: Revelation” »
Previously, I wrote on the key to interpreting the Book of Revelation. The point I was trying to make was that we need to interpret Revelation within its genre, which is apocalyptic literature. We should read other apocalyptic texts to help us understand the grammar of apocalyptic writing. Well, here is the other key to … Read More “The Other Key to Interpreting the Book of Revelation” »
Ever since I was a teenager and right until today, I have enjoyed stories set in a post-apocalyptic world. There is something fascinating about watching humanity rebuild after the apocalypse. One of my current favourites is the 100, a show that takes place almost one hundred years after a nuclear war. Another would be the … Read More “What is the Apocalypse?” »
Often when I am discussing Mormonism or other groups that add to Scripture, someone will being up Revelation 22:18-9. What does this passage say? “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if … Read More “What Does Revelation 22:18-19 Mean?” »
Revelation is the most misinterpreted book in the entire Bible. The reason for this is very simple. The problem is the starting point. Many people begin their interpretation of Revelation with their newspaper or television. They see what is happening in the world and then interpret Revelation through that lens. That is the wrong starting … Read More “The Key to Interpreting the Book of Revelation” »
One of the things that frustrates me is the emphasis on dividing over precise definitions of how we understand the Bible. As a result, I am thankful that I came across this quote from Klyne Snodgrass in his Ephesians commentary: “In urging that we value the treasure of revelation, I am not urging focus on … Read More “Valuing Revelation” »
I hate to do this on Christmas Eve, but since this is my 666th post on this blog, I decided that I needed to post on the Antichrist. What do we know about the Antichrist? When I returned to church in my early 20’s, I attended a church that had a very complex and detailed … Read More “Anti-Christmas” »
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found … Read More “What Does It Mean to Be Alive?” »
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was … Read More “The Cost of Faith” »
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a … Read More “Rich and Yet Poor” »
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim … Read More “Falling Out of Love” »
I was preparing for my message on Sunday and was going over this passage: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how … Read More “Words for Apologists” »
This is a controversial question. But here is something to keep in mind. Here are a couple of verses from Revelation. The verses are from the same book and so we cannot be accused of patching together two passages in a forced way. ““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who … Read More “Is Jesus God?” »