Thursday, September 29, 2005

Revelation: Symbology

See also Introduction and Revelation: Chronology

3) To what extent should the descriptions of events, persons, and creatures be taken literally, symbolically, or figuratively? It's obvious the Persons of the Trinity are literal, with some occasional figurative images of the slain Lamb and later with the sword coming from His mouth. The image of the dragon is most likely Satan himself. The image of the beasts in Revelation 13 could be symbolic, similar to the images of the "horns" in Daniel 7 which represent kings. The image of Babylon in Revelation 17 and 18 seems to simultaneously represent a person, a city or two, and a country? And what of the four creatures with six wings and covered with eyes?

4) Is there any proof for the popular idea that current world powers are represented in Revelation? During the Cold War, I heard some say that Gog and Magog (which occur after the thousand years) mentioned in Revelation 20:7-9 were obviously the East/Communists and West/Capitalists, which now is probably not the case. ;) But I still hear some say that the King of the North (not in Revelation - in Daniel 11) must be referring to Moscow in Russia.

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