Although, I have been raised a Catholic, I have recently, begun to attend an A.M.E. in my area. The church is so enormous that I have yet to get my bearings, therefore other than this forum, I do not know to whom I may ask this question.

I understand that the book of revelations is a parable of things to come and each prophesy has a tangible meaning in the world as we know it today. For example the seven seals, represent the seven most powerful nations, etc.

I would like to know if anyone is able to explain to me what the book of revelations mean or if they are able to direct me to reading material, where I may obtain a better understanding, not only pertaining to the book of revelations, but other parts of the bible as well.

Unfortunately, I am not well versed in scriptures and I do not know how to interpet the scriptures, not only from a religious perspective, but academically as well.

I realize my question is a bit out of the norm, but I hope someone will take the time to respond.

What most people do not understand is that understanding any religion, one must first understand the core of it's context. If people give me scriptures to read that does not help me to understand the concept.

I hope that I have explained my request clearly, so that I may receive the appropiate answers.

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2000

Answers

I have found the World Wide Study Bible to be helpful in understanding scripture. http://ccel.wheaton.edu/wwsb

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2000

Thank-you Victor for your prompt response. I will order the book today.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 2000

That is a very big question you have asked. I am persuaded in the spirit to do my best to answer it as breifly as I can (10 pages or less). Here is the problem, most people who seek to understand the book of revelation don't neccesarily want to put the time in that it takes to studing it. The Bible says "my people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge, so I will also reject you. The reason this question is so big is because at the beginnig of the book of revelations it says whoever reads this book will be blessed. That's a guarranty from the creator of heaven and earth that if you read it you will recieve a blessing. How many books in the bible offer you a blessing by just reading them.NONE. If this is a guarrantied way to get a blessing souldn't preachers, reverends,and ministers be encouraging their congregations to read it and study it.Instaeding of using it as a tool to scare people into giving more money to an already overblotted religious system. I stated all these facts to simply get your juices flowing to become unburdened from denominationalism and to allow the holy spirit an opportunity to continue to minister to your spirit. I must warn you however that if you persist in your present course of action, you will be engaging the forces of darkness in fiece spiritual battle which will demand for you to put on the whole armour of God. Brother this is not a joke I bear witness that the truths contained in the book of revelation has devastated families, devided chruches and caused great persecution throughout the earth and will again. If the Holy spirit impresses upon you to continue to seek for truth e-mail me at gs_enterprises00@yahoo.com include your addresses so I can send you literature and books. Shalom (peace)

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2000

Thank-you for your response Gregory. I sent an e-mail, but I have not since received a response. Perhaps the message board would be a better resource, in case others are seeking the same answers.

-- Anonymous, April 15, 2000

Magentamist, I agree with gregory's initial assessment: your question is indeed quite large. Let me answer first by giving you the end of the story: "In the end, the Creator wins!" Short of that, we could go several different ways, because the Bookof Revelation is one of the most interpreted books in Christendom. Again I agree with Gregory: study for yourself. Anything he or I or anyone else can tell you can be no better than what the Creator reveals to you through his Holy Spirit.

My own study has revealed that Revelation has several parts or themes, each of which is relevant to the believer wanting to draw nearer to the Creator. Part one is a salutation, with identification and linkages through symbols to other parts of the bible. Part two is a summary description of churches of the day, which I find reflective of churches of today as well. Part three is the evelation of the heavenlies. Part four is the revelation of the judgments through the seals, scrolls, and vials. Part Five is the conclusion of the great battle of the ages. Throughout are reflections of His mercy, for which every reader should be blessed.

Before concluding on any set of symbols or interpretation, please let the Holy Spirit guide your search. Your rewards will be much richer, greater, and more pleasing.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2000

Thank-you Jerryl Payne, for your response. I sent an e-mail and I am still listening. Victor, I have placed that book on order and I am still waiting.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Magentamist, I was referring to the web site of the World Wide Study Bible, not the book. Please note the address I gave in my previous answer.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2000

Victor, I feel like such a dope. (*s*) Now I understand why no one has been able to locate the book. Okay, I have found the site. Thank-you very much.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2000

A thorough study of Genesis led me to a better understanding of The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Also, if one follows the Scarlet Theard of Redemption through the Bible "The Revelation . . ."m becomes clearer. The title and beginnings seem to provde a major clue that is often ignored by interpreters, "THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST", or the revealing of Jesus Christ. Thank You and God Bless

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2000

Dear Magentamist: As has been stated already, your question IS quite broad but, ANSWERABLE. Your quest for biblical and spiritual knowledge of the bible is reminiscent of the Ethiopian eunuch's question to Phillip regarding his reading in the Old Testament text of Isaiah as he sought understanding of what he was reading. He desired "knowledgeable human guidance" that came in the person of Phillip, a man anointed with the Holy Spirit and sent specifically on his task by an angel of the Lord. Persons of faith in the Lord can give you guidance as previous answerers Owens, Stringer and Paris have done and as Phillip did for the Ethiopian eunuch, BUT ONLY THE HOLY SPIRIT who indwells your heart by a faith commitment, who was sent to guide us into ALL TRUTH (John 16:13) can open your understanding to the spiritual implications of the written word of Revelation as well as other biblical texts. I don't mean to sound "preachy" but, to interpret the scriptures spiritually one must first of all be REGENERATED IN HEART AND MIND, FOR THE SCRIPTURES REMIND US THAT ". . . THE natural man (ie the unregenerated person) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him(or her), NEITHER CAN HE KNOW THEM for they are APIRITUALLY DISCERNED. (2 cOR. 2:14 How you were raised religiously or where you go to church while good in and of itself, the devine imperative is that you first of all be indwelt by the Holy Spirit which Jesus described as being "born again." (see John 3:1-8) For such a novitiate as yourself let me recommend two books that I have found to be very helpful for the earnest layperson. They are HOW TO READ THE BIBLE FOR ALL ITS WORTH, 2nd Edition, by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; and WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT, Dr. Henrietta C. Mears, Regal Books, a division of Gospel Light, Ventura, California. God's peace and growth in your faith quest.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2000