Studying the book of Revelation is part of what we refer to in Bible study as Eschatological studies. Eschatological is from the Greek was Eschatos which means Final or ending. Which means study focused on the ending. However, Revelation also focuses on the events that were taking place during John's time which means Revelation is focused on revealing the events from that time, and others that were soon to come. In studying the book of Revelations, I personally make use of the dispensational style of interpretation. There are 4 recognized styles of interpreting the book of Revelation; contemporary-historical, continuous-historical, futurist and dispensational interpretation. As such, I acknowledge that using the other styles of interpretation, others might sees things a bit differently, which is fine. Each of us is free to interpret as the Lord grants us wisdom and inspiration, but be careful to be sure we are lining up with the word of God. With all said, the dispensational style of interpretation makes the most sense to me both for understanding and application. Also, as the book of Revelations is a book of prophecy, I use the rule of thumb for interpretation that says; "when the words of the Bible cannot be understood literally, it is speaking figuratively." At such times, it is our duty to understand and interpret the figurative as if it is to be understood literally. A good example; "It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast.
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Revelation 1:10 NLT. We simply take the verse literally until the literal does not make sense. In this verse, everything is fine and clear until John says the voice was like a trumpet blast. Obviously, this is figurative language. It is not saying Jesus is blowing a trumpet, but that his voice was as loud as a trumpet. Lastly, in studying the book of Revelations, we will divide the book into 7 parts. Part 1 covers Jesus Christ appearance to John (Revelation 1). Part 2 covers the letter to the 7 churches of; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea (Revelation 2-3). Part 3 is the tribulation broken into 2 parts; the tribulation and the Great tribulation. This period also herald the blowing of the 7 trumpets, breaking of the 7 seals and the pouring of 7 vials or bowls of judgements on the earth (Revelation 4-18). Part 4 cover the battle of Armageddon and the imprisonment of Satan (Revelation 19). Part 5 is the Thousand years reign or the Millennium kingdom of Christ (Revelation 20). Part 6 is the judgement where the White throne judgement will occur (Revelation 20). Part 7 covers the new heaven and earth, the only other period apart from Genesis chapters 1 and 2 where Sin is no more (Revelation 21-22). My encouragement, be open to learn and let's see where the Spirit takes us with this study.
