Keys to Revelation. Centres on Second coming of Jesus. “Revelation” means uncovering. Book based on “continuous historic” principle. In the past God had dealings with Israel. Through Patriarchs, Moses, Kings, prophets and His

Son, God revealed His purpose in many and diverse ways.

Spread of Gospel.

Jesus of Nazareth, born, taught the people. His words recorded -.was hung upon a tree, but rose on third day - went to heaven.

Subsequent to Pentecost Gospel went into whole Roman world carried by Paul and Apostles.

Scriptures were written down & finalised. In AD 96 The Revelation came direct from Jesus in

heaven to John.

Symbolic Time Periods.

Time periods - general Bible principle - ‘day for a year.’

Context often indicates symbolic meaning e.g.1260 days sometimes as 42 months both indicate period of 1260 years.

1000 years as prophetic time period is fulfilled literally.

Outline Structure.

Cycles of ‘sevens’ form a framework of scenes - culminate in the Kingdom of God on earth.

First section up to AD 312 concerns affairs of Ecclesias some of which started by Paul.

After AD 312 concerned with “Christianity” becoming State religion of Roman Empire.

Seals, Trumpets & Vials.

Seals - God’s judgments on Roman Empire weakening it. AD 96 - AD 312.

Trumpets - Western and Eastern Empires begin

to decline and fall. AD 395 – 1453. Vials - last stages of judgments on Rome. Political power of Papacy lost. AD 1870 -1929. Leading to the ‘times of the Gentiles.’ Lk 21:24. Heralded by Jewish return to the land. AD 1947.

Symbols in Revelation. Symbols used are not loose and free but

based on what scripture says elsewhere. Revelation claims to be book of signs and

symbols : “... sent and signified it” (ch.1:5) “Like unto...”(ch.1:13) (figure of speech - simile.)

“...a wonder” (margin ‘sign.’) John’s Gospel contains 7 ‘signs.’

Symbols in Revelation – 2. Scripture usually interprets its own symbols. Revelation contains some 600 quotations

from OT. “Seas” are wicked nations. (Isa 57:20). “Heaven”and “stars” stand for political

authorities and ruling bodies.(Isa.13:10, 14:13).

Origins of “beasts” in Revelation, clearly found in Daniel.

Truth v Apostacy. Revelation shows stark contrasts and opposites. Wild Roman beast v living creatures - Saints. A whore, the apostacy v the bride, Redeemed

Saints. Babylon, false religion v New Jerusalem -Saints

ruling in Kingdom of God. Heaven, political authorities v New heavens -

political authorities of the Kingdom of God.

Shoreline of Galilee