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500-15 Revelations: The Final Cosmic Battle

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Urban Leadership Foundation
Urban Leadership Foundation

An overview of the Book of Revelations and its description of the end-time conflicts between the Kingdom of God and the global development community. A video of parts of this PowerPoint may be found at https://vimeo.com/vivgrigg/revelations

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TUL500 Biblical Theology of Mission in an Urban Context Revelations: The Final Cosmic Battle Eschatology Viv Grigg & Kevin Young Dec 2014, 2017,8 Developed as a resource for the MATUL Training Commission and for APU-MATUL
The Nature of Revelation • Authored by John, son of Zebedee, toward the end of the first century (c. 95 AD). o A vision that came to John on the Island of Patmos (1:9). • John’s purpose appears to be to encourage the church by revealing the triumphant Christ in the midst of persecuted church. o It was written primarily under the harsh rule of Domitian (81-96). • John of Patmos icon simonjenkins' photos on flickr • Consists of three types of literature:
The Nature of Revelation 1. Apocalypse: a disclosure of knowledge or revelation. In religious and occult concepts it is usually a disclosure of something hidden, "a vision of heavenly secrets that can make sense of earthly realities" • Dozens of apocalypses were written between 200 BC to 200 A.D. • Emerged from the writings of Ezekiel, Daniel, Zachariah, and parts of Isaiah. • Concerned about the coming judgment and salvation of the people of God and are generally born out of persecution or oppression. • So, their concern was no longer with God's activity within history but they looked forward to a time when God will bring a violent, radical end to history. • They are generally written in symbolic language, so the oppressing classes cannot understand.
The Nature of Revelation 2. Prophecy: • John, being in the spirit spoke of the new age (1:10–11). • He describes this book as prophecy (1:3, 22:18-19). • He says that the testimony of Jesus, for which he and the churches are suffering (1:9, 20:4), is the spirit of prophecy (19:10).
The Nature of Revelation 3. Epistle: • All of the elements of a letter are present (1:4–7 and 22:21). • Written in first person. • Sent to the seven churches of Asia minor. • An occasional document.
The Setting of Revelation The Occasion? • Persecution was no longer spasmodic and local, but systematic and widespread. o No trace of fear or defeatism. • It begins with John's vision of the risen and glorified Christ. • It recalls the oracles of earlier prophets who lived and ministered in times of crisis. • It inspires the faithful to endure: Jesus risen, triumphant, glorious, invincible, holding the churches safely in his strong right hand. This is what a persecuted church needs.
The Setting of Revelation John shows familiarity with Israel’s history and knows that they had been slaves, nomads, vassals, exiles and martyrs. His visions held similarities with other divine appearances to the Prophets (it is full of over 360 allusions to the Old testament https://www.scribd.com/document/7240061/Allusions-in-Revelation): • Moses had seen God in the Burning bush and "hid his face for he was afraid to look upon God" (Exodus. 3:6). • Isaiah saw the Lord seated upon his throne high and lifted up, and the vision of his kingly majesty shaped his entire message (Isaiah 6). • Ezekiel saw his glory on "the likeness of the throne" (Ezk. 1). • Daniel saw him on the banks of the Tigris (Dan. 10:2–9).
The Setting of Revelation • John weaves the language and imagery of earlier oracles throughout his prophecies. • A triumphant refrain "the Lord reigns" to his audience with an unwavering confidence in Christ's victory. • He confidently maintains that his revelation from God to his church "God gave it to his servants" (Rev. 1:1).
Image of Christ John's purpose is practical not academic: What a persecuted church needs is a vision of Jesus. Jesus is depicted: • Among the lamp stands (1:22-2:1) • As the lion (5:5) • As the lamb (5:6) • Lord of the whole Earth (11:4, 8) • Man child (12:1–6) • Warrior riding a white horse (19:11–6) • Husband of the bride (21:1–9) These are not chronological images but varying perspectives of the same image.
The Kingdom of God Old Testament New Testament Future Reign
The Expansion of the Kingdom
Jaques Ellul: City of God, City of Man Urbanization Nimrod Babel Abraham sees a city Joseph rules Egypt Promised land David of Jerusalem Solomon Exile in Babylon Rebuilding Jerusalem Jesus & Jerusalem Death Resurrection Coming of the Spirit Urban Church Final Urban Conflict Heavenly City Rise of Global Babylo n From Kevin Young
Interpretations of Revelation (George Eldon Ladd) Interpretations: • Futurist has no message for the churches for which John writes except that which is written in chapters 1–3. They are events yet to occur made popular by the “Left Behind” series. • Preterists sees these events as a depiction of John's present, rejecting the idea that these are God’s words to the universal Church of all generations. • Historicists maintain that the revelation is a historical account of the church from John’s day to the end of time, detailing the events of the church and world events. • Idealists view revelation as a pictorial, symbolic unfolding of great principles and constant conflict. None of the events are actual, but merely illustrate the struggle between good and evil in allegorical style.
Four Views of the End Times Premillenialism • Historical • Society grows increasingly evil • The church has replaced Israel as the true Israel • Dispensational • Rapture • Society grows increasingly evil • God will give the land to Israel as a nation • Amillenialism • Spiritual reign of Jesus in the heart • References to Israel are symbolic references to the people of God on earth • Postmillenialism • Society gradually improves through preaching of the gospel
Revelations –Grand Showdown Between the Kingdom and the Powers The Kingdom • The Church Age (ch. 1-3) • The Throne Room (4) • The Scroll & the Lamb (5) • Tribulation 7 seals, 7 angels, 7 plagues, 144,000, multitudes, 7 trumpets (6-16) • The Two Witnesses (11) • Battle of Armeggadon (16:16) • Fall of Babylon (17-18) • Judgement on the Nations(19) • Millennium on Earth Final Judgement (20) • New Heavens & Earth (21-22) The Evil Powers • Rome, and other persecutors • Global Oppression expands through a one world government – political, economic, religious • Powers are bound then released for a season • Powers and their followers judged • Eternal Damnation
Interpretive Keys in Revelations Some symbols are defined by the author, others lead to much speculation • 7, 144, 1000 These are symbolic numbers of perfection and completion • The woman who gave birth to a son (12:4) – Mary or Israel? • The dragon – Satan, the devil (12:9) • (7:4) 144,000? Are they Jewish tribes or as some say believers • The beast? The Roman empire, or more broadly the deification of secular authority or the final anti- Christ, who exercises such authority, based on Daniel’s vision of four great beasts – he has elements of all four of Daniels beasts. Timings in Revelations linked to Daniel’s visions • 42 months= 1260 days = 3 ½ years =time, times and half a time (Rev 11:2; 12:14; 13:5) • Dan 9:27 splits up the final 7 years of Jerusalem. • cf Dan 7:25 the saints will be handed over to the fourth beast for the first 3 ½ • Dan 12:7, 11. 3 ½ years then then the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be complete. From the time that the abomination that causes desolation is set up is 1290 days. Blessed is the one who waits and reaches the end of 1335 days. There are many other “aspersions” to OT references and symbols.
The vision of 1000 years(forever) of Peace Ezekiel 37:20-28 • I will take them from the nations (also 38:25) • I will gather them • They will live in safety • They will be my people • I will be their God • They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob (this is quite specific to land, and puts at rest the argument that the church has supplanted the Jewish people, so the promises are spiritual). After the return • A people from the far north (many identify Russia as Gog) and many others will come to attack (Ezekiel 38,39). • He will pour out his Spirit on the Jewish people (39:29).
1st and 2nd Resurrection Daniel 12 At that time, Michael, the great prince who protects your people will arise, There will be a time of great distress. Your people – names written in the book – will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life,; some to shame and everlasting contempt Revelations 20 • 20:4 The martyrs resurrected and reign for 1000 years • 20:5 The second resurrection, after the 1000 years • This will be a judgement of all. Thrown into the lake of fire if their names were not found in the book of life.
A Fundamentalist Dispensational View of the Eschaton
500-15 Revelations: The Final Cosmic Battle
500-15 Revelations: The Final Cosmic Battle
Michael and Satan Guido Reni, c 1636 • This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or less.
The Garden in the City (Rev 21-22) We began with the Garden. Just as the opening word of Scripture speaks of God and creation, so the concluding word speaks of God and re-creation. The Garden is now in the City.
The Garden in the City A New Heaven and a New Earth 21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
The Garden in the City Eden Restored 22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Biblical Future: Looking Ahead • When is the next event? • Return of Israel 1948, and its survival miraculously • The amassing of the armies? o A pathway from Moscow and China for armies o Rise of Anti -Christ desecration of the temple o The Return of the Messiah • We go out to welcome him and return with him • His reign for 1000 years? • A New Heavens and a New Earth?
Implications for us among the poor • When the gospel has been preached to all nations, then the end will come. o This is for the sake of the conversion of the Jewish peoples o We are not mandated to pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but to preach the good news of his reign to the nations. • We oppose the Powers, including the high paid failed politicians and executives of the UN, the IMF, the WTO and their development goals, while good, hide other agendas.
Implications for us among the poor • We remain the only independent voice as the church against the integrated global oppression of the Capitalist class or the bureaucratic class of Marxism. • We have a future hope in the midst of the failures of international development o We work for a crown o Well done, good and faithful servant.
Implications for us among the poor • We have a future hope in the midst of the failures of international development o We work for a crown o Well done, good and faithful servant.
Source Readings • Dyrness, W. (1998). The end and goal of creation: The new heaven and the new earth. Let the Earth Rejoice! A Biblical Theology of Holistic Mission. Pasadena: Wipf and Stock. Chap 14. • Bellingham, G. R. (1987). The eschaton. A Biblical Approach to Social Transformation. Philadelphia, Eastern Baptist Seminary. Chap 20. • Glasser, Arthur F., and Charles Engen Edward Van. (2003). Announcing the Kingdom: The Story of God's Mission in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. • Ladd, George Eldon. (1974). A Theology of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI, Eerdmans. • Sider, Ronald J. (1982). Evangelicals and Development: Toward a Theology of Social Change. Philadelphia: Westminster.
Credits Chart No 7: The Church vs The Kingdom. Designed and Drawn by Clarence Larkin, FoxChase, Philadelphia, PA . Rose Publishing. 2016. Four Views of the End Times. Roses Book of Charts, Maps and Time Lines. 7th Edition. Rose Publishing. Pg. 167-168. Music, selections from Handel’s Messiah.

More Related Content

500-15 Revelations: The Final Cosmic Battle

  • 1. TUL500 Biblical Theology of Mission in an Urban Context Revelations: The Final Cosmic Battle Eschatology Viv Grigg & Kevin Young Dec 2014, 2017,8 Developed as a resource for the MATUL Training Commission and for APU-MATUL
  • 2. The Nature of Revelation • Authored by John, son of Zebedee, toward the end of the first century (c. 95 AD). o A vision that came to John on the Island of Patmos (1:9). • John’s purpose appears to be to encourage the church by revealing the triumphant Christ in the midst of persecuted church. o It was written primarily under the harsh rule of Domitian (81-96). • John of Patmos icon simonjenkins' photos on flickr • Consists of three types of literature:
  • 3. The Nature of Revelation 1. Apocalypse: a disclosure of knowledge or revelation. In religious and occult concepts it is usually a disclosure of something hidden, "a vision of heavenly secrets that can make sense of earthly realities" • Dozens of apocalypses were written between 200 BC to 200 A.D. • Emerged from the writings of Ezekiel, Daniel, Zachariah, and parts of Isaiah. • Concerned about the coming judgment and salvation of the people of God and are generally born out of persecution or oppression. • So, their concern was no longer with God's activity within history but they looked forward to a time when God will bring a violent, radical end to history. • They are generally written in symbolic language, so the oppressing classes cannot understand.
  • 4. The Nature of Revelation 2. Prophecy: • John, being in the spirit spoke of the new age (1:10–11). • He describes this book as prophecy (1:3, 22:18-19). • He says that the testimony of Jesus, for which he and the churches are suffering (1:9, 20:4), is the spirit of prophecy (19:10).
  • 5. The Nature of Revelation 3. Epistle: • All of the elements of a letter are present (1:4–7 and 22:21). • Written in first person. • Sent to the seven churches of Asia minor. • An occasional document.
  • 6. The Setting of Revelation The Occasion? • Persecution was no longer spasmodic and local, but systematic and widespread. o No trace of fear or defeatism. • It begins with John's vision of the risen and glorified Christ. • It recalls the oracles of earlier prophets who lived and ministered in times of crisis. • It inspires the faithful to endure: Jesus risen, triumphant, glorious, invincible, holding the churches safely in his strong right hand. This is what a persecuted church needs.
  • 7. The Setting of Revelation John shows familiarity with Israel’s history and knows that they had been slaves, nomads, vassals, exiles and martyrs. His visions held similarities with other divine appearances to the Prophets (it is full of over 360 allusions to the Old testament https://www.scribd.com/document/7240061/Allusions-in-Revelation): • Moses had seen God in the Burning bush and "hid his face for he was afraid to look upon God" (Exodus. 3:6). • Isaiah saw the Lord seated upon his throne high and lifted up, and the vision of his kingly majesty shaped his entire message (Isaiah 6). • Ezekiel saw his glory on "the likeness of the throne" (Ezk. 1). • Daniel saw him on the banks of the Tigris (Dan. 10:2–9).
  • 8. The Setting of Revelation • John weaves the language and imagery of earlier oracles throughout his prophecies. • A triumphant refrain "the Lord reigns" to his audience with an unwavering confidence in Christ's victory. • He confidently maintains that his revelation from God to his church "God gave it to his servants" (Rev. 1:1).
  • 9. Image of Christ John's purpose is practical not academic: What a persecuted church needs is a vision of Jesus. Jesus is depicted: • Among the lamp stands (1:22-2:1) • As the lion (5:5) • As the lamb (5:6) • Lord of the whole Earth (11:4, 8) • Man child (12:1–6) • Warrior riding a white horse (19:11–6) • Husband of the bride (21:1–9) These are not chronological images but varying perspectives of the same image.
  • 10. The Kingdom of God Old Testament New Testament Future Reign
  • 11. The Expansion of the Kingdom
  • 12. Jaques Ellul: City of God, City of Man Urbanization Nimrod Babel Abraham sees a city Joseph rules Egypt Promised land David of Jerusalem Solomon Exile in Babylon Rebuilding Jerusalem Jesus & Jerusalem Death Resurrection Coming of the Spirit Urban Church Final Urban Conflict Heavenly City Rise of Global Babylo n From Kevin Young
  • 13. Interpretations of Revelation (George Eldon Ladd) Interpretations: • Futurist has no message for the churches for which John writes except that which is written in chapters 1–3. They are events yet to occur made popular by the “Left Behind” series. • Preterists sees these events as a depiction of John's present, rejecting the idea that these are God’s words to the universal Church of all generations. • Historicists maintain that the revelation is a historical account of the church from John’s day to the end of time, detailing the events of the church and world events. • Idealists view revelation as a pictorial, symbolic unfolding of great principles and constant conflict. None of the events are actual, but merely illustrate the struggle between good and evil in allegorical style.
  • 14. Four Views of the End Times Premillenialism • Historical • Society grows increasingly evil • The church has replaced Israel as the true Israel • Dispensational • Rapture • Society grows increasingly evil • God will give the land to Israel as a nation • Amillenialism • Spiritual reign of Jesus in the heart • References to Israel are symbolic references to the people of God on earth • Postmillenialism • Society gradually improves through preaching of the gospel
  • 15. Revelations –Grand Showdown Between the Kingdom and the Powers The Kingdom • The Church Age (ch. 1-3) • The Throne Room (4) • The Scroll & the Lamb (5) • Tribulation 7 seals, 7 angels, 7 plagues, 144,000, multitudes, 7 trumpets (6-16) • The Two Witnesses (11) • Battle of Armeggadon (16:16) • Fall of Babylon (17-18) • Judgement on the Nations(19) • Millennium on Earth Final Judgement (20) • New Heavens & Earth (21-22) The Evil Powers • Rome, and other persecutors • Global Oppression expands through a one world government – political, economic, religious • Powers are bound then released for a season • Powers and their followers judged • Eternal Damnation
  • 16. Interpretive Keys in Revelations Some symbols are defined by the author, others lead to much speculation • 7, 144, 1000 These are symbolic numbers of perfection and completion • The woman who gave birth to a son (12:4) – Mary or Israel? • The dragon – Satan, the devil (12:9) • (7:4) 144,000? Are they Jewish tribes or as some say believers • The beast? The Roman empire, or more broadly the deification of secular authority or the final anti- Christ, who exercises such authority, based on Daniel’s vision of four great beasts – he has elements of all four of Daniels beasts. Timings in Revelations linked to Daniel’s visions • 42 months= 1260 days = 3 ½ years =time, times and half a time (Rev 11:2; 12:14; 13:5) • Dan 9:27 splits up the final 7 years of Jerusalem. • cf Dan 7:25 the saints will be handed over to the fourth beast for the first 3 ½ • Dan 12:7, 11. 3 ½ years then then the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be complete. From the time that the abomination that causes desolation is set up is 1290 days. Blessed is the one who waits and reaches the end of 1335 days. There are many other “aspersions” to OT references and symbols.
  • 17. The vision of 1000 years(forever) of Peace Ezekiel 37:20-28 • I will take them from the nations (also 38:25) • I will gather them • They will live in safety • They will be my people • I will be their God • They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob (this is quite specific to land, and puts at rest the argument that the church has supplanted the Jewish people, so the promises are spiritual). After the return • A people from the far north (many identify Russia as Gog) and many others will come to attack (Ezekiel 38,39). • He will pour out his Spirit on the Jewish people (39:29).
  • 18. 1st and 2nd Resurrection Daniel 12 At that time, Michael, the great prince who protects your people will arise, There will be a time of great distress. Your people – names written in the book – will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life,; some to shame and everlasting contempt Revelations 20 • 20:4 The martyrs resurrected and reign for 1000 years • 20:5 The second resurrection, after the 1000 years • This will be a judgement of all. Thrown into the lake of fire if their names were not found in the book of life.
  • 19. A Fundamentalist Dispensational View of the Eschaton
  • 22. Michael and Satan Guido Reni, c 1636 • This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or less.
  • 23. The Garden in the City (Rev 21-22) We began with the Garden. Just as the opening word of Scripture speaks of God and creation, so the concluding word speaks of God and re-creation. The Garden is now in the City.
  • 24. The Garden in the City A New Heaven and a New Earth 21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
  • 25. The Garden in the City Eden Restored 22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
  • 26. Biblical Future: Looking Ahead • When is the next event? • Return of Israel 1948, and its survival miraculously • The amassing of the armies? o A pathway from Moscow and China for armies o Rise of Anti -Christ desecration of the temple o The Return of the Messiah • We go out to welcome him and return with him • His reign for 1000 years? • A New Heavens and a New Earth?
  • 27. Implications for us among the poor • When the gospel has been preached to all nations, then the end will come. o This is for the sake of the conversion of the Jewish peoples o We are not mandated to pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but to preach the good news of his reign to the nations. • We oppose the Powers, including the high paid failed politicians and executives of the UN, the IMF, the WTO and their development goals, while good, hide other agendas.
  • 28. Implications for us among the poor • We remain the only independent voice as the church against the integrated global oppression of the Capitalist class or the bureaucratic class of Marxism. • We have a future hope in the midst of the failures of international development o We work for a crown o Well done, good and faithful servant.
  • 29. Implications for us among the poor • We have a future hope in the midst of the failures of international development o We work for a crown o Well done, good and faithful servant.
  • 30. Source Readings • Dyrness, W. (1998). The end and goal of creation: The new heaven and the new earth. Let the Earth Rejoice! A Biblical Theology of Holistic Mission. Pasadena: Wipf and Stock. Chap 14. • Bellingham, G. R. (1987). The eschaton. A Biblical Approach to Social Transformation. Philadelphia, Eastern Baptist Seminary. Chap 20. • Glasser, Arthur F., and Charles Engen Edward Van. (2003). Announcing the Kingdom: The Story of God's Mission in the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. • Ladd, George Eldon. (1974). A Theology of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI, Eerdmans. • Sider, Ronald J. (1982). Evangelicals and Development: Toward a Theology of Social Change. Philadelphia: Westminster.
  • 31. Credits Chart No 7: The Church vs The Kingdom. Designed and Drawn by Clarence Larkin, FoxChase, Philadelphia, PA . Rose Publishing. 2016. Four Views of the End Times. Roses Book of Charts, Maps and Time Lines. 7th Edition. Rose Publishing. Pg. 167-168. Music, selections from Handel’s Messiah.