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Dave Slayer
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How do we determine which parts of the Bible to be literal? Many say that the book of Revelations isn't to be taken literally because it is a symbolic book. But the Gospels are said to be literal.
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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
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handy
Member
- Jun 21, 2007
- 10,028
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The best thing to do is to just read the texts in context. Most of the time this will clear the issue of whether to take what is written literally or not. Straight documentation, a text where someone is speaking about something that happened, should be taken literally.
When the text begins to take a poetic turn or starts using a lot of metaphor or imagery, then one needs to seek what is behind any symbolism.
As far as Revelations is concerned, I really think the first 3 Chapters are to be taken quite literally. I do believe that John wrote letters to real churches that really did say exactly what Christ wanted them to say.
The rest of it though, when John begins to relate visions of future or past events, and it becomes filled with imagery and metaphors, well then, we can seek what might be. For instance, I believe that Revelations 6:12 is speaking metaphorically.
This isn't going to answer all questions or criticisms, Dave. Folks are still going to argue. But, it makes sense to me to look at it this way.
When the text begins to take a poetic turn or starts using a lot of metaphor or imagery, then one needs to seek what is behind any symbolism.
As far as Revelations is concerned, I really think the first 3 Chapters are to be taken quite literally. I do believe that John wrote letters to real churches that really did say exactly what Christ wanted them to say.
The rest of it though, when John begins to relate visions of future or past events, and it becomes filled with imagery and metaphors, well then, we can seek what might be. For instance, I believe that Revelations 6:12 is speaking metaphorically.
This isn't going to answer all questions or criticisms, Dave. Folks are still going to argue. But, it makes sense to me to look at it this way.
I see the whole Book of Revelation as literal and symbolic and I have posted why in other threads; to include the seven churches as well as the first three chapters.
So much of the NT is not literal and it is more then just poetry that might be a key, much of the NT is spiritual. Look at Hebrews; what is the Tabernacle of David, the Parable of Lazarus to just mention a few.
So much of the NT is not literal and it is more then just poetry that might be a key, much of the NT is spiritual. Look at Hebrews; what is the Tabernacle of David, the Parable of Lazarus to just mention a few.
Lewis
Member
- Aug 5, 2005
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About ten years ago, I bought a book called Revelation,God's Word For The Biblically-Inept, just a great, great book for the study of the book of Revelations. Jack Van Impe, Hal Lindsey, John Hagee, and Grant R. Jeffrey, break it down for you through out the book. Let me put it this way they break down what can be broken down. You can get this book dirt cheap now, like a few bucks.
F
follower of Christ
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study...Dave Slayer said:
The problem with study is how are you studying? Are you hearing what God's spirit is saying or are you following the religion you believe in. Most ignore God, ir the Christ with in you. They are anti Christ.
The God of the present is dead to people like this; they believe in a God of the future, and one in the past; but the spirit of God with them has no impact on what God's Word declares. This is why we have literalist; it is always nice to stand on solid earth. they have only experernce truth "knee deep".
Ezekiel 47: 4Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.
5Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
The God of the present is dead to people like this; they believe in a God of the future, and one in the past; but the spirit of God with them has no impact on what God's Word declares. This is why we have literalist; it is always nice to stand on solid earth. they have only experernce truth "knee deep".
Ezekiel 47: 4Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.
5Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
study...[/quote:1ntpflb9]follower of Christ said:
There are many types of the kingdom of God in the Old Testament. The broadest and most all-inclusive type is the land of Canaan. The land is frequently referred to as the good land. The Lord called it “a good land†and “an exceeding good land.†What a beautiful description that is of the spiritual territory of the kingdom of God!
The land is good in its unsearchable abundance. First of all it is rich in water. “For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills†(Deut. 8:7).
These waters are types/examples of various kinds of supply of the Christ-life out of the inner sanctum of our spirit. Jesus said that He would give us water to drink that we never thirst again, and that this water would be in us an artesian well of water springing up unto eternal life. On another occasion the Lord tells us that this living water would flow out of our innermost being as the rushing of mighty rivers. This is the supply of the Christ-life, the spirit within as living water! Early in our experience we realize we are thirsty, not thirsty in our body for natural water, but thirsty in our soul for the water of life! When we are thirsty it means that our soul is dry, there is a lack of quality of life. But when we come athirst to the spirit and contact the spiritual life of God in the spirit, we are refreshed and quickened  we are watered! The deep and terrible thirst in our soul is quenched! We are refreshed by the life of the spirit more than by any cold water or beverage on earth!
1 Corin 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world (age) are come. example
Example: NT:5178 a : Strong’s: tupikos (toop-ee-kos'); an adverb related to NT:5179; found only in 1 Cor 10:11: as a warning, by way of example, typologically (i.e. figuratively, as a prophetic type, a typological interpretation of Scripture)
The land is good in its unsearchable abundance. First of all it is rich in water. “For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills†(Deut. 8:7).
These waters are types/examples of various kinds of supply of the Christ-life out of the inner sanctum of our spirit. Jesus said that He would give us water to drink that we never thirst again, and that this water would be in us an artesian well of water springing up unto eternal life. On another occasion the Lord tells us that this living water would flow out of our innermost being as the rushing of mighty rivers. This is the supply of the Christ-life, the spirit within as living water! Early in our experience we realize we are thirsty, not thirsty in our body for natural water, but thirsty in our soul for the water of life! When we are thirsty it means that our soul is dry, there is a lack of quality of life. But when we come athirst to the spirit and contact the spiritual life of God in the spirit, we are refreshed and quickened  we are watered! The deep and terrible thirst in our soul is quenched! We are refreshed by the life of the spirit more than by any cold water or beverage on earth!
1 Corin 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world (age) are come. example
Example: NT:5178 a : Strong’s: tupikos (toop-ee-kos'); an adverb related to NT:5179; found only in 1 Cor 10:11: as a warning, by way of example, typologically (i.e. figuratively, as a prophetic type, a typological interpretation of Scripture)
F
follower of Christ
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...from FoCs signature:Benoni said:
Those who hear and heed Gods word hear God Himself for He gave His word to His people.
ChevyRodeo
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- Jan 14, 2009
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Why would a book as serious as Revelation be metaphorical or symbolic. I can understand Psalms/song of songs being metaphorical, you can only say I love you God so many times before its redundant and you come up with different and artful ways to say it, but Revelation, the end of our days, why not make it black and white dry cut LITERAL. Its seems like all the other Prophecies are literal
Born of a virgin,
Born in Bethlehem
The rejection of the Messiah by the people
on and on and on and its VERY SUPER clear. So why not make Revelation clear too?
Born of a virgin,
Born in Bethlehem
The rejection of the Messiah by the people
on and on and on and its VERY SUPER clear. So why not make Revelation clear too?
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NIGHTMARE
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- #15
ChevyRodeo said:Why would a book as serious as Revelation be metaphorical or symbolic. I can understand Psalms/song of songs being metaphorical, you can only say I love you God so many times before its redundant and you come up with different and artful ways to say it, but Revelation, the end of our days, why not make it black and white dry cut LITERAL. Its seems like all the other Prophecies are literal
Born of a virgin,
Born in Bethlehem
The rejection of the Messiah by the people
on and on and on and its VERY SUPER clear. So why not make Revelation clear too?
No ,,,,its full of symbolic meaning and its easy to follow.....