So, dear friends of mine, here was my reply. I thought you might like to read it.
"You ask if I have any thoughts on the book of Revelation? In general (being a confirmed and long-time optimist) I find it a book full of singular foretellings--dark and shadow-filled as they are--that are chained about with triumphant, blood-red promises of eternity. Revelation is a warring book; a sword book, but a hopeful one.
Perhaps I somewhat belong to that group of Christians who skim through it because we do not understand, but really, I skim through the book with the eye of a determined reader. I know the happily ever after and I love to read it so, I pay little heed to the Apollyons by the wayside.
I cannot pretend to understand most of the book--there are so many conclusions one could draw. I often think that the Lord doesn't mean for us to know and understand all till we do reach the Beginning of forever. but I do see--through all the devils and brimstone, through all the plagues and pestilence--my same Lord Jesus. Only now He is seated on a white horse with His secret name written on His breast and He is a King again--triumphant, powerful, majestic.
I am not one who worries about the end times. Why should I fear when it is certain that the same Lord who keeps me now shall keep me then?
I am not a great theologian. I am not a woman gifted in logic. Perhaps I make a hash of both in my simplicity. But too often I believe we Christians make the same error as the French patriots in the Revolution. We exalt the Goddess, Reason, and shamble out our logic and "theology," tangling things that Jesus meant to be simple and childlike.
To quote a great man of the faith: "One thing I know: I am a great sinner and He is a great Savior."
So what good would circular discussions of pre, post, and mid-tribulation rapture be? His word prevails all through and He has promised me that He will not allow my foot to be moved.
That is all, and that is enough for me.
So sorry for my rambling. Doubtless I gave you far more than you asked for. And do know that I think Bible-study and theologic discussion very worthwhile and important things, so long as we do not forget with Whom our allegiance lays, and all He has promised us."
So, what are your thoughts? Any comments? Ideas? Additives? ;)
What a proper and adequate response you gave to such a controversial question. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://hopefulforhomemaking.blogspot.com
~Stephanie
That is theology as it should be: admiting that you don't know everything and focusing on what matters instead of making weird theories and far-flung speculations. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI think that we can know what Revelation means. Why would it be called a "revelation" otherwise?
ReplyDeleteI think Revelation should be alot more heeded then a simple reading of it. It is one of the books that says: "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near." (Revelation 1:3) This book is about Christ's second coming- isn't this the event we (as Christians) are supposed to be looking for?
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to study.
My thoughts :)
Very true, Hannah! Thanks for pointing that verse out. I didn't mean that one shouldn't *try* to understand the book of Revelation, just that we shouldn't get side-tracked on endless debates on whether we are in the end-times or approaching them very soon or whether they are a long way off. Our job as Christians is to live so that at any moment we may be ready for Christ's return. :) Too often we get knotted up in the whys and wherefores thereof and forget the joy of the fact that he *is* coming.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Rachel :) You have a great knack for putting things very in a very puttish sort of way and sharing from your heart. :)
ReplyDelete