Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
A few questions that I have come across. (I may or may not be back soon to review further, but still worthy of consideration.)
1. Is Revelation clearly provided as some kind of roadmap to a dispensational end-of-times?
2. Are we supposed to figure it out so that we know the actual end is upon us? Is it more important to figure out what the horses, bowls, beasts, faces, etc., are, or to see that the imagery is valid today, whenever "today" is.
3. Is the purpose of the letter to provide keys to surviving the end time?
4. Is the letter alternately to keep us vigilant in our faith no matter how good or bad the times seem and no matter how near or far the end times may be from where we currently are (in time). (Don't forget that each of us has a shelf-life of much less than the time that has transpired between the writing of the letter and the return of Christ (i.e., most will face the end times as the result of a "normal" death).)
Looking back at the first post of the thread, and going where my questions hint at going, no matter who says it, I tend toward the understanding that the four horses are always ongoing. Just as there have been earthquakes, famines, pestilence, war, etc., from the beginning of recorded time, and nothing has stopped any of these no matter how much some like to think that we have "improved."
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1.
Yes, sure. Jesus Himself left us instruction there. In first chapters He directed instruction and encouragement to 7 churches. This is full of meaning.
He said 7 times ( seven- nr of God's perfection) "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
Everyone is reading willingly letters to churches, but horses are more difficult?
2.
Rev 13:18
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Rev 17:9
And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
Col 1:9
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
3. This little piece... So just consider rest. Is it not about preparation?
Rev 3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4. Yes! Off course!
Rev 3:5
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 22:6
And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angels to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass.
22:7
And behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the words of the prophecy of this book.