War in Heaven God, Evil and Spiritual Warfare

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that Revelation is primarily a portrayal of the war encompassing all humanity. The writer notes that inside the book is an especially poignant passage about the Great War between the kingdom of God and those held in opposition. The writer maintains that embraced by the poetic language of Revelation 12: 7-12 is hope for the Christian that victory has been secured. Although the devil may war and battle his end is near, and the accuser can no longer challenge those protected by the blood of the lamb. The writer discusses that Revelation 12:7-12 is both an encouragement and an exhortation for followers to stay on task despite persecution for the victory is won by Christ.

From the Paper:

"Scholars of Revelation have used three basic principles in order to discover meaning from Revelation. A common approach in the church since the Middle Ages has been to see Revelation as a predictor of different ages in church development. Using the seven churches in chapters 2-3 as a template they perceive the visions to be meant for specific great ages of the world. Unfortunately whether the interpreter is in the Middle Ages or in the 21st Century the assumption has always been that they have been in the last age. This method suffers from being irrelevant to the original readers and focusing too highly on church development in the Western world.
"Another method of interpretation of the apocalyptic events has been to use Revelation in order to predict what will take place before the end of the world. Once again this view loses credibility by not being relevant to the original audience."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Henry, Matthew. Commentary on the Whole Bible: Genesis to Revelation. Ed. Rev. Leslie R Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1961.
• Joustra, Rob. "Reformers Today Called to Cultural Engagement-and Personal Piety?" The Crown Archives. Vol. 22 Issue 2. Oct. 6 2004. Online. Accessed May 1, 2005. <http://thecrown.ca/issues/22-02/rjoustra.html>
• Lange, John Peter. Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Revelation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, No Date.
• Malina, Bruce J. On the Genre and Message of Revelation: Star Visions and Sky Journeys. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1995.
• Spilsbury, Paul. The Throne, the Lamb, and the Dragon. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002.

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