Reading the Book of Revelation Politically
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
THE APOCALYPTIC WAR AGAINST GOG of MAGOG. MARTIN BUBER VERSUS MEIR KAHANE Por: Rico Sneller
EL CONFLICTO PALESTINO-ISRAELI: SOLUCIONES Y DERIVAS Profesor David Noel Ramírez Padilla Rector del Tecnológico de Monterrey Lic. Héctor Núñez de Cáceres Rector de la Zona Occidente Ing. Salvador Coutiño Audiffred Dr. Ricardo Romero Gerbaud Director General del Campus Querétaro Dirección Dr. Ricardo Romero Gerbaud Mtro. José Manuel Velázquez Hurtado Director de Profesional y Graduados en María José Juárez Becerra Administración y Ciencias Sociales Edición Mtra. Angélica Camacho Aranda Natalia Fernández, Alicia Hernández, Rodrigo Directora del Departamento de Relaciones Pesce Internacionales y Formación Humanística Asistentes de Edición Mtro. Kacper Przyborowski Director de la Licenciatura en Relaciones Internacionales Dr. Tomás Pérez Vejo Dra. Marisol Reyes Soto Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia INAH University of Queens, Ireland Dra. Avital Bloch Dr. Tamir Bar-On Universidad de Colima Tecnológico de Monterrey Dra. Marie-Joelle Zahar Université de Montréal Dra. Claudia Barona Castañeda Universidad de Las Américas Puebla Dr. Thomas Wolfe University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities Dr. Janusz Mucha AGH, Cracovia GRUPO FORUM Retos Internacionales, ISSN: 2007-8390. Año 5, No. 11, Agosto-Diciembre 2014, publicación semestral. Editada por el Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro, a través de la División de Administración y Ciencias Sociales, bajo la dirección del Departamento deRelaciones Internacionales y Humanidades, domicilio Av. Eugenio Garza Sada No. 2501, Col. Tecnológico, C.P. 64849, Monterrey, N.L. Editor responsable: Dr. Ricardo Romero Gerbaud. Datos de contacto: [email protected], http://retosinternacionales.com, teléfono y fax: 52 (442) 238 32 34. Impresa por FORUM arte y comunicación S.A. de C.V., domicilio Av. del 57, número 12, Colonia Centro, C.P. -
End Time Chronology from Jesus in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) Shawn Nelson
November 5, 2017 End Time Chronology from Jesus in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) Shawn Nelson (1) How does Matthew 24 fit into our on-going study? The view we’ve been teaching (Premillennialism) says there will be a literal world leader (antichrist) who is able to establish peace treaty in the Middle East between Israel and her neighbors for 7 years (Dan. 9:24-27). In the middle of the 7 years he walks into the temple in Jerusalem, takes away the sacrifices (Dan. 12:11), and declares himself to be God (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess. 2:3-4). He forces everybody to worship him (2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:15) and requires them to have a mark in order to buy or sell anything anywhere in the world (Rev. 13:16). Matthew 24 helps us see that Jesus’ taught the above scenario too. Jesus mentions all of the following: the existence of the nation of Israel, the temple in Jerusalem, the antichrist, tribulation, the second coming (and possibly rapture). The Temple to Be Destroyed 24 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? [the Jerusalem temple] Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” The Disciples’ Two Questions 3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? [temple being destroyed] And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” The Tribulation 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. -
The City: the New Jerusalem
Chapter 1 The City: The New Jerusalem “I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2). These words from the final book of the Bible set out a vision of heaven that has captivated the Christian imagina- tion. To speak of heaven is to affirm that the human long- ing to see God will one day be fulfilled – that we shall finally be able to gaze upon the face of what Christianity affirms to be the most wondrous sight anyone can hope to behold. One of Israel’s greatest Psalms asks to be granted the privilege of being able to gaze upon “the beauty of the Lord” in the land of the living (Psalm 27:4) – to be able to catch a glimpse of the face of God in the midst of the ambiguities and sorrows of this life. We see God but dimly in this life; yet, as Paul argued in his first letter to the Corinthian Christians, we shall one day see God “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). To see God; to see heaven. From a Christian perspective, the horizons defined by the parameters of our human ex- istence merely limit what we can see; they do not define what there is to be seen. Imprisoned by its history and mortality, humanity has had to content itself with pressing its boundaries to their absolute limits, longing to know what lies beyond them. Can we break through the limits of time and space, and glimpse another realm – another dimension, hidden from us at present, yet which one day we shall encounter, and even enter? Images and the Christian Faith It has often been observed that humanity has the capacity to think. -
Premillennialism in the New Testament: Five Biblically Doctrinal Truths
MSJ 29/2 (Fall 2018) 177–205 PREMILLENNIALISM IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: FIVE BIBLICALLY DOCTRINAL TRUTHS Gregory H. Harris Professor of Bible Exposition The Master’s Seminary Many scholars hold that premillennial statements are found only in Revelation 20:1–10. Although these verses are extremely important in supporting the premillen- nial doctrine, many other verses throughout the New Testament also offer support for premillennialism. Our study limits itself to five biblically doctrinal premillennial truths from the New Testament that seamlessly blend throughout the Bible with the person and work—and reign—of Jesus the Messiah on earth after His Second Com- ing. * * * * * Introduction Whenever discussions between premillennialists and amillennialists occur, Revelation 19 and 20 is usually the section of Scripture on which many base their argumentation, especially Revelation 20:1–10. Before we examine these specific pas- sages, we know that God has already made several prophecies elsewhere. And how one interprets these passages has been determined long before by how those other related futuristic biblical texts have already been interpreted, before ever approaching certain crucial biblical passages such as Revelation 20:1–10. So, as we shall see, one should actually end the argumentation for this important component of eschatological theology in Revelation 19–20, not start there. In setting forth the New Testament case for premillennialism we will present the following: (1) a presentation of three of the five premillennial biblical truths -
Visions of the End? Revelation and Climate Change
Visions of the End? Revelation and Climate Change By The Revd Professor T.J. Gorringe; a chapter from Sebastian Kim and Jonathan Draper (eds.) Christianity and the Renewal of Nature, SPCK, 2011; reproduced with kind permission of the author and publisher. Rev 8: 1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. In chapter four of Revelation the author tells us that the song of praise before God ‘never ceases’ (4:8), but now there is silence. ‘Heaven seems to hold its breath because of what is about to happen on earth’. Perhaps the author is thinking of the passage in 2 Esdras where the world returns to its “original silence” as “at the beginning of creation” when nobody will be left alive (7:30 cf.6:39)i. It is an intensely dramatic image which has caught people’s imaginations all the way from the first century to Ingmar Bergman. It could speak about the fear we feel about the possible effects of climate change as represented by James Lovelock in The Revenge of Gaia, or Mark Lynas in Six Degrees. But the silence does not last. Seven trumpets are given to seven angels. These may be the seven archangels found in Jewish tradition and in this tradition trumpets are used to warn or to call. “All you inhabitants of the world, when a trumpet is blown, hear!” says Isaiah(Is.18:3) It is the task of prophets as watchmen to call the people to “give heed to the sound of the trumpet”, to hear the warning says Jeremiah (Jer 6:17 ). -
A Re-Examination of the Millennium in Rev 20:1–6: Consummation and Recapitulation
JETS 44/2 (June 2001) 237–51 A RE-EXAMINATION OF THE MILLENNIUM IN REV 20:1–6: CONSUMMATION AND RECAPITULATION dave mathewson* i. introduction The question of the so-called millennial kingdom in Rev 20:1–6 continues to be a source of fascination in evangelical discussion and dialogue.1 The purpose of this article is to re-examine the question of the millennial king- dom as articulated in Rev 20:1–6. More specifically, this article will consider the meaning and function of 20:1–6 within Revelation as it relates to the contemporary debate about whether this section is best understood within a premillennial or amillennial framework. Hermeneutically, most of the de- bate has centered around how literally the reference to the one thousand years in 20:1–6 should be taken and, more importantly, the relationship be- tween 20:1–6 and 19:11–21. Does the thousand year period in 20:1–6 re- fer to a more or less literal period of time?2 Or should it be understood more symbolically? Does 20:1–6 follow 19:11–21 chronologically, with the one thou- sand years featuring a Zwischenreich (premillennialism), or does the final battle in 20:7–10 recapitulate the battle in 19:11–21, with the reference to the one thousand years in 20:1–6 extending all the way back to the first coming of Christ (amillennialism)?3 * Dave Mathewson is instructor in New Testament at Oak Hills Christian College, 1600 Oak Hills Road SW, Bemidji, MN 56601. 1 Cf. R. -
Amillennialism Reconsidered Beatrices
Andrews University Seminary Studies, Vol. 43, No. 1,185-210. Copyright 0 2005 Andrews University Press. AMILLENNIALISM RECONSIDERED BEATRICES. NEALL Union College Lincoln, Nebraska Introduction G. K. Beale's latest commentary on Revelation and Kim Riddlebarger's new book A Casefor Ami~~ennialismhave renewed interest in the debate on the nature of the millennium.' Amillennialism has an illustrious history of support from Augustine, theologians of the Calvinistic and ~utheran confessions, and a long line of Reformed theologians such as Abraham Kuyper, Amin Vos, H. Ridderbos, A. A. Hoekema, and M. G. line? Amillennialists recognize that a straightforward reading of the text seems to show "the chronologicalp'ogression of Rev 19-20, the futurity of Satan's imprisonment,the physicality of 'the first resurrection' and the literalness of the one thousand years" (emphasis supplied).) However, they do not accept a chronologicalprogression of the events in these chapters, preferring instead to understand the events as recapitulatory. Their rejection of the natural reading of the text is driven by a hermeneutic of strong inaugurated eschatology4-the paradox that in the Apocalypse divine victory over the dragon and the reign of Christ and his church over this present evil world consist in participating with Christ in his sufferings and death? Inaugurated eschatology emphasizes Jesus' victory over the powers of evil at the cross. Since that monumental event, described so dramatically in Rev 12, Satan has been bound and the saints have been reigning (Rev 20). From the strong connection between the two chapters (see Table 1 below) they infer that Rev 20 recapitulates Rev 12. -
Islam in Apocalyptic Perspective the History of American Apocalyptic Thought Offers Much Reason for Discouragement
Islam in Apocalyptic Perspective The history of American apocalyptic thought offers much reason for discouragement. Christians have been too eager to gloss biblical prophecy with extra-biblical assertions and morbid scenarios of Islam’s demise. Christian Reflection Prayer A Series in Faith and Ethics Scripture Reading: Mark 13:28-37 Meditation† There is certainly a shadowy and sinister side to apocalyptic, or should we say pseudo-apocalyptic,…[that encourages] sectarian- ism and exclusivism…. Focus Article: Here we can appeal to the apocalyptic vision itself, which is Islam in Apocalyptic universal and cosmic. God’s redemptive act in Jesus Christ Perspective restores humanity and the entire created order, and we move (Apocalyptic Vision, toward the end of history not aimlessly, but with the renewing pp. 46-53) and transforming of divine energies within us…. What is God’s intent? The redemption of humanity and the cosmos. That should be our interpretive lens. There is nothing in apocalyptic theology that demands that our outlook be sectarian or exclusive. Scott M. Lewis, S.J. Reflection Many Christians want to know more about Islamic practices, the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an, and how Muslim societies are organized. They may be ministering to Muslim immigrants or meeting new coworkers, guiding missionary projects or organizing business activities around the world, traveling more widely or retreating in fear of jihadist violence. Unfortunately, looming over their newfound interest are the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Some are misconstruing Islam through events in Revelation. “The horrific collapse of the World Trade Center towers might well turn one’s thoughts to the apocalypse, but something more than horror is What do you think? at work,” Thomas Kidd writes. -
Charts on the Book of Revelation Is a Useful Supplement to Courses on the Book of Revelation in Both the Church and the Academy
“Charts on the Book of Revelation is a useful supplement to courses on the book of Revelation in both the church and the academy. Wilson’s charts cover a range of historical, literary, rhetorical, and interpretive issues that will guide the careful student in making more viable interpretations of this difficult yet enriching book. An excellent resource to use with today’s visual learners as they approach this highly visual book for study.” —ROBERT WALTER WALL The Paul T. Walls Professor of Biblical and Wesleyan Studies Chair, Department of Christian Scriptures Seattle Pacific University Author of Revelation in the New International Biblical Commentary series “This is an enormously helpful book, bringing together in visual form extensive comparative data both from and about Revelation. Not to be confused with prophecy charts of a bygone era, here we find charts on everything from various views of authorship and date to extensive lists of scriptural allusions and verbal parallels, from John’s use of symbols and numbers to all references to angels and demons—and much else—seventy-nine in all. Each is carefully annotated with the source of the information. While the parallels are not always convinc- ing, they always provide an interesting place to start and will save the reader much time in collecting data.” —DAVID L. BArr Brage Golding Distinguished Professor Wright State University Editor of Reading the Book of Revelation “Wilson’s Charts on the Book of Revelation synthesizes an enormous amount of material relevant to the study of the Revelation of John and makes it available in a clear, useful, and unusual format for students of the Bible.” —DAVID E. -
Millennialism, Rapture and “Left Behind” Literature. Analysing a Major Cultural Phenomenon in Recent Times
start page: 163 Stellenbosch Theological Journal 2019, Vol 5, No 1, 163–190 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17570/stj.2019.v5n1.a09 Online ISSN 2413-9467 | Print ISSN 2413-9459 2019 © Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust Millennialism, rapture and “Left Behind” literature. Analysing a major cultural phenomenon in recent times De Villers, Pieter GR University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa [email protected] Abstract This article represents a research overview of the nature, historical roots, social contexts and growth of millennialism as a remarkable religious and cultural phenomenon in modern times. It firstly investigates the notions of eschatology, millennialism and rapture that characterize millennialism. It then analyses how and why millennialism that seems to have been a marginal phenomenon, became prominent in the United States through the evangelistic activities of Darby, initially an unknown pastor of a minuscule faith community from England and later a household name in the global religious discourse. It analyses how millennialism grew to play a key role in the religious, social and political discourse of the twentieth century. It finally analyses how Darby’s ideas are illuminated when they are placed within the context of modern England in the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth century. In a conclusion some key challenges of the place and role of millennialism as a movement that reasserts itself continuously, are spelled out in the light of this history. Keywords Eschatology; millennialism; chiliasm; rapture; dispensationalism; J.N. Darby; Joseph Mede; Johann Heinrich Alsted; “Left Behind” literature. 1. Eschatology and millennialism Christianity is essentially an eschatological movement that proclaims the fulfilment of the divine promises in Hebrew Scriptures in the earthly ministry of Christ, but it also harbours the expectation of an ultimate fulfilment of Christ’s second coming with the new world of God that will replace the existing evil dispensation. -
Antichrist As (Anti)Charisma: Reflections on Weber and the ‘Son of Perdition’
Religions 2013, 4, 77–95; doi:10.3390/rel4010077 OPEN ACCESS religions ISSN 2077-1444 www.mdpi.com/journal/religions Article Antichrist as (Anti)Charisma: Reflections on Weber and the ‘Son of Perdition’ Brett Edward Whalen Department of History, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 3193, Chapel Hill, NC, 27707, USA; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-919-962-2383 Received: 20 December 2012; in revised form: 25 January 2013 / Accepted: 29 January 2013 / Published: 4 February 2013 Abstract: The figure of Antichrist, linked in recent US apocalyptic thought to President Barack Obama, forms a central component of Christian end-times scenarios, both medieval and modern. Envisioned as a false-messiah, deceptive miracle-worker, and prophet of evil, Antichrist inversely embodies many of the qualities and characteristics associated with Max Weber’s concept of charisma. This essay explores early Christian, medieval, and contemporary depictions of Antichrist and the imagined political circumstances of his reign as manifesting the notion of (anti)charisma, compelling but misleading charismatic political and religious leadership oriented toward damnation rather than redemption. Keywords: apocalypticism; charisma; Weber; antichrist; Bible; US presidency 1. Introduction: Obama, Antichrist, and Weber On 4 November 2012, just two days before the most recent US presidential election, Texas “Megachurch” pastor Robert Jeffress (1956– ) proclaimed that a vote for the incumbent candidate Barack Obama (1961– ) represented a vote for the coming of Antichrist. “President Obama is not the Antichrist,” Jeffress qualified to his listeners, “But what I am saying is this: the course he is choosing to lead our nation is paving the way for the future reign of Antichrist” [1]. -
Islam EXPOSED!
JACK VAN IMPE MINISTRIES JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 ISLAM EXPOSED! THE SHOCKING TRUTH now captured in the single strongest video Drs. Jack & Rexella Van Impe have ever produced! Don’t miss what’s insiDE: A REVELATION FROM DR. VAN IMPE, PAGE 3 FROM REXELLA’S HEART, PAGE 12 | LETTERS WE LOVE, PAGE 19 1. Can a democracy and 3. How has President Obama today for Christ’s return? ISLAM brings you answers Islam coexist? demonstrated anti-Israel and 6. What is “taqiyya” and how to these compelling 2. Does the Koran really tell pro-Muslim attitudes? does it contradict the Bible? questions: EXPOSED Muslims to kill those who 4. How is ISIS growing? 7. Who are the false prophets disagree with them? 5. How is the stage being set today, predicted in the Bible? And many more! How much danger The Shocking Truth are you and your family in because About Islam ... Finally of the advance of radical Islam in these latter days? EXPOSED! BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO REVEALS WHAT MAINSTREAM MEDIA WON’T TELL YOU! SEND A GIFT OF The single strongest $ 95 BY DR. JACK VAN IMPE and most important 24 uddenly, in studios and created video ever produced 100 major the single strongest by Drs. Jack & cities across video we have ever Islam Exposed America, the produced — not only Rexella Van Impe! DVD (DIEV) Running Time: billboards went the strongest, but also ISLAM EXPOSED 80 minutes CC up — proclaiming an the most important astonishing lie: that the ... and certainly the PROVES THAT Jesus of the Koran and most urgently needed THE JESUS OF the Jesus of the Holy by multitudes in these THE KORAN AND Bible are one in the same! latter days! What a falsehood! This critically important video, THE JESUS OF When I heard the news Islam Exposed, shines the blazing THE CHRISTIAN about this outrageous campaign spotlight of truth on the gross of deception, organized by a misrepresentations about Jesus in BIBLE ARE leading Muslim organization, the Koran.