Because Revelation is so completely different than every other book of the Bible, and because it is frankly so bizarre, how do we know God really inspired it and that it actually belongs in the Canon of scripture? It seems almost like the ramblings of a mental patient or a very creative science fiction author. Is it possible it could have been canonized by mistake? Why is it written in such a way that leaves it open to a million interpretations?
First of all, it almost didn't make it into the canon of scripture for a couple of the reasons you cite. In fact, one of those reasons some wanted it kept out was because it could be abused (:cough: Harold Camping :cough:.)
It's not difficult to understand once you begin to apply certain interpretive principles to it:
Look to the OT to understand the imagery and symbolism in it.
If you don't have a good, online concordance, get one. Then look for key words in the OT that appear in Revelation. Here's an example:
{1} Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, Revelation 17:1 (NASB)
Now, with a concordance, search for the phrase "many waters." One particular reference stands out, giving us an important clue as to whom the phrase is referring:
{5} How fair are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel! {6} "Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside the river, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters. {7} "Water will flow from his buckets, And his seed will be by many waters, And his king shall be higher than Agag, And his kingdom shall be exalted. Numbers 24:5-7 (NASB)
Thus by identifying key features in the Old Testament we can begin to understand to whom, about whom, and for whom it was written.
We can even know when - without a shadow of a doubt - it was written (within a few months). You can find that
here.
Use Wikipedia.
It has lots of useful, documented information for tracking down historical leads. Here's an example:
Investigate other online resources.
Here are a few:
And there are many more. You have to use a systematic approach. Here's my system: start by assuming words like "soon" and "near" mean just what they mean. Take those words literally. Next, look at those words or verses that seem shrouded in mystery, and see if they have OT analogs. If you pursue a serious study of revelation, you're going to be spending a lot of time in the OT to understand 1st century Judaism.
But the bottom line is no one should walk away from Revelation confused or frustrated. It's meant to reveal truth not hide it. You just have to know where to start looking to understand it. Hopefully, some of the ideas I've just given you will help.
Peace. Out.
