Jonathan C. Brentner
The Clear Prophetic Intent Of The Book Of Revelation
The book of Revelation begins with these words: “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” From beginning to end, the book contains Jesus’ revelation to us, His church. Unfortunately, many today treat the book as an allegory from which they can pick and choose what is symbolic and what is not and then decide how they will interpret it.
John’s choice of words negates the allegorical approach to the book of Revelation. The apostle uses the word “saw” 44 times by itself and 12 times with the word “looked.” He uses the word “heard” 30 times to indicate he was writing down words he heard. The apostle purposely used the words of someone communicating God’s message based on what he both saw and heard. Those writing allegory do not write as eyewitnesses to events; the apostle confirmed over and over again that he was recording future events as he saw them writing down what he heard at a future time.
Yes, he employs symbolism and imagery in relating Jesus’ message about the future. His overriding intent, however, was to tell us specifically what he saw and heard concerning the future, especially during a time of tribulation that will come upon the world. Jesus Himself confirmed that the words of the book as prophecy (Rev. 22:6).
Only premillennialism interprets the book of Revelation as future prophecy, which assures us of God’s coming judgment of the wickedness in our world.
The Dismissal Of Biblical Prophecy Redirects The Focus Of Believers To The Temporal
Those who deny what the Bible teaches about the millennium and tribulation believe the next prophetic event is Jesus’ return at the end of this age to wrap things up, judge humanity, and initiate the eternal state. They give lip service to the imminency of Jesus’ return, but neither they nor those listening to them really believe this could happen in their lifetime or during that of their grandchildren or great grandchildren.
As a result, they tend to focus on the things of this world rather than on eternity. “Why watch for Jesus’ return if it’s still centuries away? Why adopt an eternal outlook on life if I expect to live a lengthy life and then go to be with the Lord after I die? I have plenty of time to think of eternity when I am old.”
In stark contrast to such a mindset, the biblical perspective conveys a message of imminency regarding Jesus’ appearing. New Testament saints waited for Jesus’ appearing with great eagerness (1 Cor. 1:7; Phil. 3:20-21). They watched for Him to come (1 Thess. 1:9-10) just as the Lord told his followers to do (Matt. 24:44, 25:13). The Apostle Paul believed Jesus could return for him in his lifetime (1 Thess. 4:17).
I know some amillennialists maintain the Apostle Paul’s two-world perspective of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, but they are the exception rather than the norm.
Only premillennialism naturally leads to a biblical two-world perspective.
The words of Alva J. McClain in his wonderful work, The Greatness of the Kingdom, sum up the importance of a premillennial outlook on our world:
The premillennial philosophy of history makes sense. It lays a biblical and rational basis for a truly optimistic view of human history…It says that life here and now, in spite of the tragedy of sin, is nevertheless worth-while; and therefore all efforts to make it better are also worth-while. All the true values of human life will be preserved and carried over into the coming kingdom; nothing worth-while will be lost. Furthermore, we are encouraged in the midst of opposition and reverses by the assurance that help is on the way.
Only premillennialism offers hope for us in a world defined by violence and deception.
Although the Bible reveals the future formation of a totalitarian one-world government, it also tells us that Jesus will destroy it. The book of Revelation assures us that the Lord will severely judge the violence and evil of our day. As for us, we will be with Jesus before the Lord pours out His wrath on this Christ-hating world.
Maranatha!!
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