Midterm Flashcards
5 Views of Revelation
Preterism
Historicism
Idealism
Futurism
Redemptive-Historical
Authorship of Revelation
(i) The Apostle John
Irenaeus (c.180 AD) testifies that John the Apostle wrote the book of Revelation
Justin Martyr also testifies to John’s authorship
Revelation 1:4 - If this was not John the Apostle, John would have likely specified who he was specifically
John the Apostle would have wielded sufficient authority to publish this letter to the churches, as well as to be exiled to the island of Patmos
Many metaphors and figures of speech from the Gospel of John can be found throughout Revelation
The Book of Revelation was widely preserved and circulated; the Western Church accepted this letter immediately. No other writer would have commanded such authority and popularity, save an apostle
(ii) Pseudonym
Some say that Revelation is a pseudonymous work where John’s name is used only to bolster its authority
If it was John the Apostle that the writer was using as a pseudonym, we would expect them to say “John, the Apostle” and not just “John” in 1:4
(ii. a) John the Elder
Espoused by some who want to discount its canonicity (Dionysius of Alexandria, Eusebius, Papius (?))
There is a question of whether this John ever truly existed; John the Elder could simply be another title for John the Apostle because he was an elder of the Church
(ii. b) John the Prophet
There is scant evidence to uphold this argument
What motivates most of the alternative authorship arguments is “Well, it can’t be John the Apostle, so it has to be somebody else”
Some claim that there are differences between Revelation and the other works traditionally attributed to John; Dudreck attributes that to the difference in genre—a letter is different than a narrative, and a narrative is different than an apocalypse
Revelation Dating
(i) Pre-70 AD
Written before the Fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the hand of Nero (54-68 AD)
Some would argue that the way that the Temple or Jerusalem are mentioned in the book signals that it has not yet fallen (chapter 11, for example)
However, the angelic measuring of the temple is clearly symbolic, as the wider context is clearly engaging in symbolic metaphor, so it is not necessarily the Herodian temple
Further, the angelic measuring of the temple is a callback to Ezekiel and refers to the symbolic, eschatological temple, the end-time temple of God’s presence
OBJECTION: The 7 kings/hills mentioned in Revelation 17:9-10
The numbers are clearly meant to be symbolic of the seven hills of Rome; they are not literal, and we cannot cite this passage as evidence of a pre-70 AD date
OBJECTION: the number of the Beast (666) being a reference to Nero
You would have to take a certain spelling of Nero’s name, convert it from Greek to Hebrew, and then use Hebrew to determine the numbers
John is revealing his revelation to a predominantly Gentile audience… why would he rely so heavily on the Hebrew language to conceal the identity of the Beast?
OBJECTION: Revelation 1:7 is connected with Gospel texts such as the Olivet Discourse where Jesus comes to judge Jerusalem
This is actually a reference to Zecheriah 12:10-13:1
Zecheriah 12:10-13:1 is describing an act of deliverance, not judgement
John, here, takes an oracle of Jerusalem’s deliverance and applies it to all tribes and peoples; this is a common occurrence throughout the book of Revelation
(ii) Post-70 AD (c.80-100)
The persecution that we see in Revelation does not seem to be “white hot” imperial persecution sanctioned by the Roman Empire, but rather it seems to be a social persecution from the Synagogue of Satan; this seems to fit better with Domitian’s reign (AD 81-96)
The Church in Ephesus seems to be established around 52 AD
Christ’s rebuke to the Church in Ephesus is that they have left their first Love; this would likely have to take some time
The Church in Laodicea is called rich by Christ; yet, they experienced a devastating earthquake around AD 60-61
A lot of time had to expire in order for the city to recover
AD 66 and the 80s saw reports of the return of Nero
How would you best explain to your non-RBC friend from church how to best read and understand the book of Revelation based primarily on the text of the first chapter, and why this is important?
- Genre (apocalyptic/prophetic/epistle)
- Strong symbolism (tied to genre)
- Occasion (vision of Christ, fidelity of the churches, persecution)
The book of Revelation is an apocalyptic work, which is defined as a work of literature that is prophetic in nature and uses symbolism to disclose to the reader the spiritual realities behind earthly events. This is seen in how John opens up his letter by identifying its divine origins, and that he deems this letter as a prophecy (1:1-3).
Immediately after his salutations, John opens up the book with a heavenly vision of Christ who commands him to write to the seven churches in Asia (vs. 9-16). We soon discover that these churches are experiencing intense trials both from without and from within. All of these are common elements of apocalyptic literature that unveil the purpose of the book. John is writing to churches that are enduring immense hardships with divine encouragement. While the visions in Revelation have historical significance, the focus is on the heavenly realities behind the historical events.
How would you best explain to your non-RBC friend from church the basic 1st-century nature of the false teaching John was addressing in the letters to the churches? Also, how would you connect this in a relevant way to the challenges the church faces today?
The letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2–3 address false teachings and internal struggles that threatened early Christian communities.
Some churches, such as Pergamum and Thyatira, tolerated false teachers like Balaam and Jezebel, who promoted compromise with pagan idolatry and immorality.
Others, like Ephesus, were doctrinally sound but had lost their first love, while Laodicea was spiritually complacent, trusting in wealth rather than Christ.
These warnings show that the main threat to the churches was not just external persecution but also internal corruption through false teaching, worldliness, and spiritual apathy.
The letters repeatedly call for repentance, perseverance, and faithfulness to Christ in the face of cultural pressures.
These same challenges exist in the church today. Many churches face the temptation to compromise biblical truth for cultural acceptance, tolerating false doctrines that distort the gospel. Just as the first-century churches were pressured to accommodate pagan influences, modern Christians encounter ideologies that challenge biblical teachings on morality, identity, and worship. Laodicea’s lukewarmness mirrors churches that prioritize comfort and material success over true devotion to Christ. The repeated exhortation to “hear what the Spirit says to the churches” is a call for believers today to remain vigilant, holding fast to the truth in an age of deception and complacency.
How would you best explain to your non-RBC friend from church the function and significance of the vision of the throne room of God and the Lamb for the rest of the book, and what the practical takeaway is for a Christian in understanding this?
The vision of God’s throne in Revelation 4–5 is foundational for the rest of the book, establishing God’s absolute sovereignty over history.
John is transported into the heavenly throne room, where he sees God seated in glory, surrounded by worshiping creatures and elders. This imagery, drawing from Daniel and Ezekiel, reminds readers that behind earthly chaos, there is a divine order, and God reigns supreme.
The Lamb, who appears as one slain yet victorious, is the only one worthy to open the scroll, signifying that Christ alone can bring God’s purposes to fulfillment. This vision sets the framework for the judgments, conflicts, and victories that follow, assuring believers that Christ’s reign is central to history.
Practically, this vision calls Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty amidst suffering and uncertainty. The churches to whom Revelation was written faced persecution, and this vision reassures them that Christ, not Rome or any earthly power, holds true authority.
Worship is central in the throne room, emphasizing that true security comes from acknowledging Christ as Lord rather than placing hope in worldly structures. The Lamb’s worthiness is rooted in His sacrificial victory, reminding believers that their triumph comes through faithfulness and endurance, even in suffering.
How would you best explain to your non-RBC friend from church the significance of the seven seals cycle in Revelation in distinction from the trumpets and bowls, and how does it apply to living the Christian life today?
The opening of the seven seals in Revelation 6–8 reveals God’s control over history, emphasizing that suffering and trials are part of His sovereign plan.
The first four seals unleash the four horsemen, representing conquest, war, famine, and death—forces that have been at work throughout human history.
The fifth seal shifts to the martyrs under the altar, who cry out for justice, revealing that God’s people suffer but are ultimately vindicated.
The sixth seal brings cosmic upheaval, demonstrating that God’s judgment will shake the very foundations of the world.
Before the seventh seal, an interlude shows that God’s people are sealed, meaning they are spiritually protected from ultimate harm despite enduring trials.
For Christians today, the seals remind us that suffering and persecution are not outside of God’s control. The church experiences tribulation, but it is not abandoned—God has sealed His people, which offers a security which is eternal.
The martyrs’ cry teaches believers to trust in God’s justice rather than seeking immediate retribution. The unfolding judgments warn against trusting in earthly security, as all things will ultimately be shaken. Yet, the sealing of believers provides assurance that while the world experiences turmoil, those in Christ are preserved for eternal glory.
How would you best explain to your non-RBC friend from church the significance of the seven trumpets cycle in Revelation in distinction from the seals and bowls, and how does it apply to living the Christian life today?
The seven trumpets in Revelation 8–11 intensify the judgments of the seals, but serve as warnings meant to lead people to repentance.
The first four trumpets bring ecological devastation, disrupting creation, while the last three introduce direct affliction upon humanity, including demonic torment and warfare.
Unlike the finality of the bowl judgments, the trumpets only impact a third of the earth, showing that their purpose is not total destruction but a call to repentance. However, Revelation 9:20–21 reveals that despite these warnings, many refuse to turn to God.
The seventh trumpet announces the final victory of God’s kingdom, signalling the ultimate defeat of evil.
For Christians, the trumpets demonstrate God’s patience and desire for repentance, even as judgment unfolds. They show that suffering and calamity are not arbitrary, but serve as divine warnings to turn back to God. The refusal of many to repent highlights the hardness of the human heart, reminding believers of the urgency of the gospel.
The final trumpet’s proclamation that “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord” reassures Christians that no matter how dire circumstances appear, Christ’s reign is certain.
How would you best explain to your non-RBC friend from church the significance of the visions of deep conflict cycle in Revelation in distinction from the numbered cycles of the seals, trumpets and bowls, and how does it apply to living the Christian life today?
In Summary: Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls are escalating cycles of divine judgement, whereas the Visions of Deep Conflict reveal spiritual realities through the use of symbols.
The visions of deep conflict in Revelation 12–14 reveal the cosmic battle behind earthly events, showing the church’s struggle against Satanic forces.
Revelation 12 depicts a woman (God’s people) giving birth to the Messiah, whom the dragon (Satan) seeks to destroy. Cast down to earth, Satan wages war against the church, leading to the rise of the beast (political power) and the false prophet (religious deception) in Revelation 13. These forces demand allegiance and persecute believers, yet Revelation 14 contrasts them with the Lamb and the faithful who follow Him. This cycle highlights that behind political and religious opposition lies a spiritual war in which Satan seeks to deceive and destroy.
For Christians today, these visions remind us that opposition to the gospel is not merely cultural or political, but spiritual. The world’s ideologies, governments, and false religions often align against Christ, demanding loyalty that belongs to God alone. The mark of the beast represents allegiance to worldly systems, contrasting with the seal of God on His people. These visions encourage believers to remain faithful, recognizing that suffering is part of spiritual warfare, but that ultimate victory belongs to Christ.
The seven bowls in Revelation 15–16 represent the final and complete outpouring of God’s wrath upon the unrepentant.
Unlike the trumpets, which were partial judgments meant to warn, the bowls are total and irreversible. They parallel the plagues of Egypt, bringing sores, blood-filled waters, scorching heat, darkness, and destruction, culminating in the fall of Babylon. These judgments show that those who persist in rebellion against God will ultimately face His full wrath.
The final bowl declares, “It is done,” signaling the completion of God’s righteous judgment.
For believers, the bowls serve as a reminder that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, even if it seems delayed. While the seals and trumpets show God’s patience, the bowls emphasize that there is an appointed time when evil will be fully judged. This calls Christians to remain steadfast, knowing that God’s final victory is assured. It also reinforces the urgency of gospel proclamation, as these judgments reveal the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ
How would you best explain to your non-RBC friend from church the significance of the seven bowls cycle in Revelation in distinction from the seals and trumpets, and how does it apply to living the Christian life today?
(i) It is the last cycle of judgement and is full and final (leads up to the Final Judgement)
(ii) It is the beginning of the judgement of the Antichrist and those who belong to him (Revelation 16 onwards focuses on the downfall and judgement of the enemies of the Lamb)
(iii) Application: although we experience things like persecution and all kinds of trials in the world, we will be vindicated in the end
Revelation 1
John introduces his vision as a revelation from Jesus Christ, given through an angel to encourage the persecuted churches of Asia Minor.
He greets the churches with a doxology, affirming Christ as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of kings, who has made His people a kingdom of priests.
John describes seeing the exalted Christ in glory, with imagery recalling Daniel 7 and the Ancient of Days, signifying His divine authority.
Christ, who holds the keys to death and Hades, commands John to write what he has seen, what is, and what is to come, framing the book’s structure.
The vision emphasizes Christ’s sovereign rule and His presence among the churches, calling them to faithfulness.
Revelation 2
Christ addresses four churches, rebuking or commending them based on their faithfulness:
Ephesus is rebuked for losing its first love despite its doctrinal vigilance.
Smyrna is encouraged to remain faithful amid persecution.
Pergamum is warned against tolerating false teaching, including idolatry and immorality.
Thyatira is rebuked for allowing the prophetess Jezebel to lead many into sin.
Each message includes promises of eschatological reward for those who overcome, reinforcing perseverance.
The letters reveal Christ’s intimate knowledge of His church, His call to holiness, and the need for endurance.
Revelation 3
Christ addresses the remaining three churches, emphasizing faithfulness and repentance:
Sardis is spiritually dead, despite outward appearances, and is called to wake up and strengthen what remains before judgment comes.
Philadelphia is commended for keeping Christ’s word and is promised protection and a secure place in God’s kingdom.
Laodicea is rebuked for its lukewarm faith, believing itself rich but being spiritually wretched, blind, and naked, urged to repent and seek true riches in Christ.
This chapter highlights the necessity of vigilance, perseverance, and wholehearted devotion to Christ.
Revelation 4
John is taken into the heavenly throne room, where he witnesses God’s sovereign rule over creation.
The imagery of the throne, surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures, evokes Daniel 7 and Ezekiel 1, reinforcing God’s majesty and holiness.
The heavenly beings ceaselessly worship God, declaring His holiness, eternity, and worthiness as Creator.
This chapter sets the stage for God’s unfolding judgments by revealing that all things are under His sovereign decree.
This vision establishes the foundational reality of Revelation: history is guided by God’s purposes, leading to His final victory.
Revelation 5
John sees a scroll in God’s hand, sealed with seven seals, representing God’s plan for history and judgment.
A mighty angel asks who is worthy to open the scroll, and John weeps because no one is found—until the Lion of Judah, who is also the slain Lamb, appears.
The Lamb’s sacrificial death qualifies Him to open the seals and execute God’s purposes.
The heavenly host erupts in praise, declaring that the Lamb has ransomed people from every nation and made them a kingdom of priests.
This vision underscores Christ’s redemptive work as the foundation of His authority to bring judgement and salvation.
Revelation 6
The Lamb begins opening the Seals:
The first four Seals unleashes judgements symbolized by four horsemen: conquest, war, economic hardship, and death, showing the chaos of a fallen world.
The Fifth Seal reveals the cries of Christian martyrs, seeking divine justice against their persecutors.
The Sixth Seal unleashes cosmic upheaval, signalling the terror of God’s coming wrath, as the wicked seek to hide from His judgement.
This chapter presents the unfolding of divine justice, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to evil. It also warns that worldly security will ultimately collapse before God’s sovereign judgement.
Revelation 7
Before further judgements, John sees 144,000 sealed, representing God’s protection of His people.
This vision is followed by a countless multitude from every nation standing before God and the Lamb, clothed in white, symbolizing their purity through Christ’s blood.
The scene echoes the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises, showing the redeemed worshiping before His throne.
The tribulation they endure is not a mere historical event, but the ongoing reality of the church’s suffering and ultimate victory.
This chapter provides assurance that God preserves His people through trials and leads them to eternal joy.
Revelation 8
The Seventh Seal is opened, leading to silence in heaven before judgement intensifies.
Seven angels prepare to sound trumpets, signaling escalating divine wrath, while another angel offers incense with the prayers of the saints, showing their role in God’s judgement.
The first four Trumpets bring ecological devastation, affecting land, sea, rivers, and celestial bodies, drawing from the plagues of Egypt.
These judgments reveal that the created order is shaken due to human sin, calling people to repentance.
This chapter highlights the increasing severity of God’s warnings before final judgement.
Revelation 9
The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets unleash demonic torment upon those who do not bear God’s seal.
The abyss is opened, releasing a swarm of demonic locusts that torment the wicked, symbolizing spiritual darkness and deception.
The Sixth trumpet brings a vast army bringing widespread death, yet the survivors refuse to repent.
This chapter portrays the hardening of the unrepentant and the intensification of divine judgement.
The refusal to turn to God despite suffering emphasizes the depth of human rebellion and the necessity of God’s final intervention.
Revelation 10
John sees a mighty angel holding a small scroll, symbolizing divine revelation.
The angel declares that there will be no further delay, as God’s mystery will soon be completed.
John is commanded to eat the scroll, finding it sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach, signifying the joy of God’s truth but the sorrow of impending judgement.
This echoes the prophetic commissioning of Ezekiel, emphasizing John’s role in proclaiming God’s word.
This chapter highlights the dual nature of prophecy—both hope and judgement—as God’s plan nears fulfillment.
Revelation 11
John measures the temple, signifying God’s protection of His people, while the outer court is trampled, symbolizing persecution.
Two witnesses prophesy, calling for repentance, but they are killed by the beast and mocked, only to be resurrected and ascend to heaven, proving God’s vindication.
This mirrors the suffering and victory of Christ and the church, illustrating the pattern of death and resurrection.
The Seventh Trumpet sounds, declaring God’s reign and the final judgement.
This chapter emphasizes the church’s role in witness, suffering, and ultimate triumph under God’s sovereignty.
Revelation 12
A cosmic conflict is depicted as a woman (God’s people) gives birth to a male child (Christ), who is caught up to God’s throne while a great dragon (Satan) seeks to destroy Him.
Satan is cast out of heaven, enraged because his time is short, and he wages war against the woman’s offspring (the church).
The church is divinely protected, though suffering remains, highlighting God’s preservation amidst persecution.
This vision presents redemptive history from Christ’s birth to the church’s ongoing struggle.
It assures believers of victory despite present trials, as Satan’s defeat is already secured.
Revelation 13
John sees two beasts: one from the sea, representing political power opposing God, and one from the earth, representing false religious and economic systems.
The first beast mimics Christ’s death and resurrection, deceiving the world into worshiping it.
The second beast enforces allegiance to the first through economic control, marked by the infamous number 666, symbolizing human imperfection and rebellion.
This chapter warns against compromising with worldly powers that demand ultimate loyalty. It urges discernment, recognizing false authority structures that oppose God’s kingdom.
Revelation 14
The Lamb stands with the 144,000, representing the redeemed who remain faithful.
Three angels proclaim judgment upon Babylon (the world system), warning against worshipping the Beast and affirming the blessedness of those who die in the Lord.
Two harvests occur: one for the righteous, gathered to Christ, and another for the wicked, thrown into God’s winepress of wrath.
This chapter contrasts the destiny of believers and unbelievers, reinforcing the certainty of final judgement. It exhorts perseverance, as faithfulness to Christ leads to eternal reward, while allegiance to the beast brings destruction.
Revelation 15 AND 16
The preparation (15) and pouring out of (16) the Seven Bowls.
Armageddon (16)
Revelation 17
John is shown a vision of the great prostitute, Babylon, who sits on a scarlet beast, representing the corrupt and oppressive world system opposed to God.
She is adorned in wealth and luxury, yet she is drunk with the blood of the saints, indicating her persecution of the faithful.
The beast she rides is full of blasphemous names, recalling the oppressive empires from Daniel’s visions, pointing to Rome but extending beyond it to all anti-God world powers.
The angel explains that the seven heads of the beast represent kings and empires, culminating in one final rebellion before destruction.
This chapter emphasizes the seductive power of worldly idolatry and warns against aligning with its fleeting dominion, as it is destined for judgement.
Revelation 18
A mighty angel announces the fall of Babylon, declaring that she has become a dwelling place for demons and a prison for unclean spirits.
The nations and merchants mourn her destruction, lamenting the loss of her wealth and trade, revealing that her allure was based on materialism and exploitation.
God’s people are warned to come out of her, lest they share in her sins and receive her plagues, reinforcing the theme of spiritual separation from worldly corruption.
This chapter echoes the prophetic judgements against historical Babylon in the Old Testament, affirming that all who trust in worldly power rather than God will be brought to ruin.
The final lament over Babylon’s fall reinforces that her wealth, influence, and seeming permanence are illusions before God’s sovereign judgement.
Revelation 19
Heaven erupts in praise at the judgement of Babylon, celebrating God’s justice and the vindication of His people.
The marriage supper of the Lamb is introduced, signifying the final union of Christ and His redeemed people, clothed in fine linen, which represents their righteous deeds.
John sees Christ returning as the conquering King, riding a white horse with a sword proceeding from His mouth, a clear reference to divine judgement through His word.
The Beast and false prophet, who led the nations in rebellion, are captured and thrown into the lake of fire, demonstrating the finality of Christ’s victory.
This chapter affirms that Christ alone is the true King, and all earthly powers that oppose Him will be decisively defeated.
Revelation 20
Satan is bound for a thousand years, symbolizing a period during which his ability to deceive the nations is limited, and the souls of deceased believers reign with Christ in heaven.
This millennium is not a literal timeframe but represents the church age in which Christ rules spiritually, and His people share in His victory. At the end of this period, Satan is released briefly to deceive the nations again, leading to a final rebellion, but he is swiftly defeated and cast into the lake of fire.
The Final Judgement follows, where all the dead are raised and judged according to their deeds, with those whose names are not in the Book of Life consigned to eternal punishment.
This chapter emphasizes the certainty of God’s final judgement, the ultimate triumph of Christ, and the assurance of eternal life for the faithful.
Revelation 21
John sees a New Heaven and a New Earth, as the first creation has passed away, and God dwells with His people in the New Jerusalem.
The city, adorned as a bride, represents the perfected church, where there is no more pain, death, or sorrow, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan. Its dimensions and imagery draw from Old Testament temple symbolism, showing that God’s presence now fills all creation, making it His temple. The gates are always open, signifying the eternal security of God’s people, while nothing impure or sinful can enter, ensuring its holiness.
This chapter presents the final restoration, where God’s people experience unbroken fellowship with Him in a renewed creation.
Revelation 22
John is shown the river of life flowing from God’s throne, with the tree of life bearing fruit for the healing of the nations, restoring what was lost in Eden.
The vision concludes with the assurance that Christ is coming soon, calling His people to remain faithful and warning against distorting the message of the book.
The righteous will reign with Christ forever, while the wicked remain outside, reinforcing the eternal divide between those who belong to God and those who reject Him.
The final words of Revelation echo an urgent invitation: “Come, Lord Jesus,” expressing the church’s longing for His return.
This chapter affirms that history is moving toward its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, and His people are called to endure with hope, awaiting His coming kingdom.
What is Preterism?
Preterism: everything in Revelation has been fulfilled in the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, as well as the fall of Rome (?). This view came about during the Reformation in order to disprove the assertion that the Pope was the Antichrist. Partial Preterism asserts that some of Revelation has already been fulfilled, but other things have not
What is Historicism?
Historicism: All the content of Revelation will happen throughout history. Things like the Millennium will be a golden age of the church.
The contents of the book are the historical map of the church
What is Idealism?
Idealism: All the content of Revelation is not talking about history, but is purely spiritual. Jerome holds to this spiritual interpretation of Revelation.
This spiritual interpretation of Revelation has no bearing on or regard for history
What is Futurism?
Futurism: The contents of Revelation will happen in the future.
Literal understanding like the rise of the Israelites as a nation, or 1000 years of reigning in the Millennium
What is the Redemptive Historical Approach?
Redemptive-Historical: Augustine holds to this view. Finds significance in repeating themes (seven seals, trumpets, bowls, etc.).
Refers to redemptive history, not about real world events
