A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

God. They do not refer to anything except the author’s imagination. ( Seems to contradict the plain language and intent of the author ).

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Therefore, we conclude that the correct method of interpreting the Revelation is a blending of the preterist and futurist methods. The beast is both Rome and the eschatological Antichrist – and, we might add, any demonic power which the Church must face in her entire history. The great tribulation is primarily an eschatological event, but it includes all tribulation which the Church may experience at the hands of the world, whether by first century Rome or by later evil powers.

~ George Eldon Ladd. A Commentary on the Revelation of John . Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1972. p. 14.

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D. Outline of the book itself (There is a prologue, a series of six sevenfold units, and an epilogue) (adapted from Ryken, Literature of the Bible , pp. 336-37).

1. Prologue (ch 1)

2. A vision of the risen and glorified Lord Jesus giving messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor, climaxing with a vision of God and the Lamb (chs. 2-4)

3. The seven seals

a. Prologue: the vision of heaven (5)

b. Warrior on a white horse (6.1-2)

c. Warrior on a red horse (6.3-4)