Approach

Description

Preterist

John is writing to encour-

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age Christians in his own

day who are experiencing

persecution from the

Roman empire.

Challenge

Caution

To gain the same kind

Do not forget that most

of encouragement

biblical prophecy has

John's first readers

both an immediate and

gained from the vivid

a future application.

images of God's sover-

eignty

Futurist

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Except for the first three

To see in contempo-

Do not assume that we

chapters, John is describing

rary events many of

have "figured out" the

events that will occur at the

the characteristics

future, since Jesus said

end of history.

John describes and

that no one will know the

realize that the end

day of his return before

could come at any time it happens.

Historicist The book of Revelation

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is a presentation of history

from John's day until the

second coming of Christ

and beyond.

To note the consis-

Be careful before identi-

tency of human evil

fying current events

throughout history and

or leaders as fulfilling

recognize that names

aspects of the book

may change but the

of Revelation.

rebellion against God

has not

Idealist

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The book of Revelation is

To gain insight into

a symbolic representation the past, to prepare

of the continual struggle

for the future, and

of good and evil. It does not

to live obediently

refer to any particular histor-

and confidently in

Do not avoid the book

because it is difficult. Try

to understand Revelation

within its broader literary

context.

ical events. It is applicable

the present

at any point in history.

Over the centuries, four main approaches to interpreting the book of Revelation have devel-

oped. Each approach has had capable supporters, but none has proved itself the only way

to read this book. However, the most basic application question for each approach can be

summarized by asking yourself, Will this help me become a better follower of Jesus Christ

today?