Systems of Interpretation - Part 1

The symbolic nature of Revelation presents a significant problem to modern interpreters. The book was written using apocalyptic imagery and symbolic language to convey the events that transpire. As we have seen, these symbols were intended to conceal the meaning from outsiders, particularly the Roman authorities. So how can a modern student interpret their meaning, their relation to the church and whether they have any bearing on historical events?

Several different systems of interpretation have been devised throughout the course of church history. Scholars generally recognize four principal systems of interpretation for the book of Revelation (although there are variants and some scholars will add additional systems). These systems are customarily named according to their philosophies concerning the time frame of the events portrayed in the visions. These four principal viewpoints commonly are referred to as the idealist, preterist, historicist, and futurist system of interpretation. Each viewpoint tries to present a relatively unified approach/system to understand the overall meaning and obscure meanings of the symbolic events of the book.

In general, the idealist view holds that Revelation symbolically describes the battle between good against evil (or more specifically between God and Satan) throughout the entire existence of the church without any specific historical references. The preterist system teaches that the events presented symbolically in the book of Revelation were largely fulfilled with the fall of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD. The historicist view maintains that the book of Revelation is a symbolic presentation of church history beginning in the first century AD through the end of age. In the historicist interpretation the prophecies of Revelation unfold in various historic events such as the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of Catholicism, the Protestant Reformation, and the rise of secular humanism as observed in events such as the French Revolution. The futurist view maintains that all of Revelation (except the first three chapters) represents prophecies specific to events that will take place in our own future. These events generally include the "rapture" of the church, a period of seven years of tribulation, and a literal millennial reign of Christ upon the earth.

General Considerations

When considering the merits of any system of interpretation, the following points must be kept in mind:

1.     Revelation was written during a time of severe persecution.

2.     Christianity was still a relatively young religion and the Roman Empire was attempting to destroy it using both the full extent of its civil and military power.

3.     Christians were also facing attacks from internal enemies, such as Gnostics and Nicolaitans, apostate Christians, and the waning but still powerful Judaizers.

4.     The faith of Christians in many places was being severely tested.

One of the principal purposes for writing Revelation was to meet the needs and confront problems being faced by Christians from the late first century to the early second century. Therefore any interpretative system must reflect that context. If an interpretive system fails to address the concerns of that era, it confers little meaning (and hence limited blessings) for Christians in that era. This would obviate the promise at the beginning of the book and render it of little value to its initial audience.

Additionally, we must keep in mind that the significance of Revelation for Christians in all eras of the church is just as important a consideration as its meaning for the early church. It is the view of this author that the book is intended as a comfort and encouragement for Christians of all ages because of the promise in the opening of the book.

The primary reason for its writing is to provide comfort, hope and assurance for Christians in all ages, beginning in the earliest time and continuing to the return of Christ. This principle must be considered and properly addressed by any system of interpretation.

Most of the systems have been supported by devout and learned students of the book. However, not all systems are equally Scriptural or valid. Some systems have theological implications or direct statements and viewpoints that may conflict with other portions of Scripture. We will examine these potential problems in more detail as we look at each system. Suffice it to say that any school of interpretation must be in harmony with Scripture to be valid. However, a diligent student of Revelation should study and review all of the major systems to determine both the merits and problematic areas or difficulties of that system. If we do not understand the tenets of a system, we cannot determine if it is a valid viewpoint.

The Idealist/Philosophy of History Interpretive System

Normally this system is called the idealist school, but in some references it may be termed as the "Philosophy of History" interpretive system. Another name for the system is the "spiritual" interpretive system. This interpretive scheme maintains that the symbols in Revelation are allegories or metaphors. In this system, the symbols are not necessarily representative of any events that occur in reality. Instead, events that occur in reality should be seen in terms of the overall concept that God will triumph in any conflict that arises either internal or external to the church.

The allegorical approach to Revelation may trace its roots back to the writings of Origen (ca. 184-254 AD). It also may have been adopted initially by Augustine (November, 13 354 - August 28, 430) although he later became more of an amillennialist (some might say a postmillennialist).

The imagery of Revelation presents the struggle of God against Satan throughout the ages symbolically. The symbolic events in Revelation are not tied to specific events but instead are associated with the struggles of the church throughout its history. During the course of the struggle, the saints may be persecuted or even martyred by the forces of evil but ultimately they will receive their vindication. In the end, God will always be victorious and His sovereignty will endure despite any efforts by Satan to overthrow the church.

Similarly, the battles in Revelation are symbolic of spiritual warfare that resulted in the persecution of Christians throughout the history of the church. The sea beast in chapter 13 may represent secular or political opposition to the church through the influence of Satan in any epoch. The land beast of chapter 13 could characterize either the effects of pagan religion (external spiritual opposition) or a corruption of Christianity (internal religious opposition). The harlot image could represent either a church compromised by corruption, or it may represent the seductive effects of the world on the church. Each seal, trumpet, or bowl represents non-specific natural disasters, wars, or famines which occur as side effects as God works out His plan. Overall the imagery represents God’s displeasure with sinful man. Humanity endures these consequences but continually refuses to repent and turn back to God. The main theme is that God ultimately achieves total victory.

Strengths

1.     The idealist system maintains that the purpose of the book is to inspire persecuted Christians in all ages to endure and be faithful even unto death because final victory is assured.

2.     The system accepts that the principal thrust of Revelation was focused on assisting early Christians facing persecution.

3.     It maintains that the warnings, triumphs and solutions of the first century church (as they are presented in the first three chapters) are typical of the confrontation between the truth and error and should be inspirational in facing persecution in all ages.

4.     It avoids the problem of harmonizing passages with events in history, thereby making Revelation generally applicable and relevant for all periods of church history.

Weaknesses

1.     The system is really a very weak method of interpretation. Rather than deal with difficult symbols which are meant to be understood and interpreted, this contradicts and even denies the clear thrust of Revelation 1:1-3 which states that all the visions show his servants what must soon take place. This passage is specific enough to indicate that John believed he was prophesying future historical events.

2.     This system denies that the symbols have any meaning at all in a literal sense. This goes contrary to the usage of prophecy and apocalyptic imagery in the rest of Scripture.

3.     Despite the acceptance of a principal meaning for first century Christians, it is difficult to see how early Christians facing death could have been comforted by poetic allusions to God's victory and judgment.

4.     Portions of Revelation are quite literal and meant to be interpreted literally. This system generally denies the literalness of any part of Revelation - even the letters to the seven churches are seen as poetic symbolism. However, not all interpreters are this extreme in their view.

5.     The system ignores the prophetic traditions of the Old Testament and the Old Testament apocalypses such as Daniel which ascribe specific meanings to specific symbols (Dan. 7:1-7, interpreted in verses Dan. 7:15-18 where there are four kings which are world empires to come and which were Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome (note descriptive nature of each, especially the fourth beast).

6.     The symbols in Revelation can be twisted with arbitrary interpretations to fit any situation since they have no actual meaning and are merely poetic imagery. Interpreters using this approach often allow the cultural, societal or political dynamics of their own era to affect their understanding rather than trying to ascertain the intended meaning.

7.     It denies the book of Revelation any specific historical fulfillment. The symbols portray the conflict but no do not result in an specific consummation of the historical processes.