https://content.lessons.church/files/bundles/fP4ZUa9SYqM/Study Files.zip?dt=1660155637913

Study Files

Session 6

Symbols have power, but how do we interpret the symbols of Revelation? In this session, you will find practical tips to understanding symbolism using context.

The Imagery in the Book of Revelation (Symbols)

Free video resources for you and your church. Designed for use in these environments: Adult Studies, Student Ministry, Leadership Training, Personal Growth.


The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

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Lesson Guide

https://content.lessons.church/files/study/SOz6uTZJ5aS/bmbcXzeIE0Y/Revelation (Shane Wood) 2016.pdf?dt=1660155418849

In this series, Shane J. Wood, Ph.D. (New Testament faculty at Ozark Christian College) will help you think critically about the book of Revelation and read it for what the text says and not what you have always been told that it says. Shane hopes to simplify the book so that you can deliver a blessing to those who read it. 

Revelation

This series encourages critical thinking and simplified understanding of the Book of Revelation, challenging preconceived notions to unveil its true messages and blessings.

Classroom

Lesson

1. Literal vs. Figurative
    - The literal interpretation must be defined more than the “surface reading of a
text,” but instead it must be defined as “the author’s intended meaning.”

        - If the author intended to use a metaphor, then you would be interpreting
literally if you interpreted it as a metaphor.
    - We should read the book of Revelation, then, not literally or figuratively, but
**naturally**.

2. Does Revelation use symbols? (cf. Rev 1:20; 12:9; 19:8)
    - If not = CONTRADITION: Rev. 3:12 **Vs**. Rev. 21:22
    - CONCLUSION:

        - Does Revelation have symbols? ABSOLUTELY!

            - IN FACT: In the book of Revelation every number, color, animal,
and piece of furniture symbolizes something.
    - THIS SHOULD NOT SHOCK US!!!! 
God consistently reveals himself and his
truths through symbols in the Bible.
        - Symbols for God (Deut. 4:24; Psalm 5:2; 23:1; 80:1; Isa. 6:5; 8:21; 30:27;
Jer. 10:10; Matt. 25:32; Heb. 12:29)
        - Symbols for Christ (Matt. 2:6; 26:31; Mark 14:27; John 1:29, 36; 10:7, 9,
11, 14)
        - Symbols for God’s Church (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 12:27; Eph. 4:12; Rev. 19:7;
21:2, 9; 22:17)
    - Why Symbols?:

        - Because: Symbols have POWER!
3. How do we interpret the symbols of Revelation?
    - context – How is this symbol used in the immediate context or the verses around
this current verse? (cf. Acts 7:60)
    - Context – How is this symbol used in the larger context of the entire book of
Revelation? (Key – Rev 1:18; 3:7; 9:1; 20:1)
    - CONTEXT – How is this symbol used in the broader context of the Old
Testament?
4. CONCLUSION:
    - Without understanding John’s use of symbols we can and will miss the entire
point and message of Revelation. 

The Imagery in the Book of Revelation (Symbols)

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