We have surveyed five positions already: Revelation has no predictive elements; it is entirely a prediction of all of human history; it deals primarily with theological truth; it primarily contains spiritual principles; the founding of Israel in 1948 is a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy, forecasting the very end of history. The last is the most popular approach here in Texas, due to the influence of schools such as Dallas Theological Seminary, but it is by no means the consensus of all scholars.
It wasn't hard to predict the outcome of yesterday's PGA tournament, as Tiger Woods began the day tied for the lead. The golfer has never lost a major title from that position, and yesterday was no exception. Today's New York Times pictures Woods in his Sunday red shirt, fist pumping, another major championship in hand.
If only it were that easy to predict the rest of the news. When will the heat wave break? Is John McCain, reported in today's Times to be assembling an election team, a likely Republican candidate in 2008? What will happen in the Middle East? The last question is causing many to ask if these are the "end times" predicted by the Book of Revelation. The answer depends on who you ask.
We have surveyed five positions already: Revelation has no predictive elements; it is entirely a prediction of all of human history; it deals primarily with theological truth; it primarily contains spiritual principles; the founding of Israel in 1948 is a direct fulfillment of biblical prophecy, forecasting the very end of history. The last is the most popular approach here in Texas, due to the influence of schools such as Dallas Theological Seminary, but it is by no means the consensus of all scholars.
A sixth method is called Historic Premillennialism. These scholars do not believe that modern-day Israel is the fulfillment of prophecy, and do not expect the church to be "raptured" from the earth. But they do believe that a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth is coming one day.
A seventh approach is called Postmillennialism. These interpreters believe that Christ will return after a period of earthly progress known as the millennium. This method was very popular in America early in this century. George Truett, the long-time pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, held this view, as did the founders of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth. But two World Wars destroyed its optimistic view of history for most people.
And an eighth method is Amillennialism. These interpreters understand the prophecies of a future literal millennium to be highly symbolic and spiritual. They find in Revelation seven sections which move in parallel to one another.
Which approach should we follow in interpreting Revelation and understanding the "end times"? I'll tell you what I think, tomorrow. Then you can decide for yourself.
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