Today we’ll try to figure out what the Apocalypse is: is it a prophecy that will come true or is it just a way to scare people? Why are people afraid of him? Or maybe this is a good sign for those who remain pure in heart and thoughts? The message, which has come down from the depths of centuries, has a hidden meaning. And unravel it, alas, so far not a single person living on our planet is able. Or maybe it should be so?
Meaning and Author
Let us first find out what this complex word means . Apocalypse is the work of John the Theologian, containing a prophecy about the future world, its ending. The word in Greek means "revelation" because it contains secret information. The book itself is rather difficult to understand, and many options for interpretation only more fuel the interest of mankind in it.
Church teachers believe that the apocalypse is something that will undoubtedly happen sooner or later. Believers are waiting for the end of the world, followed by the resurrection of the righteous. The author of the prophecy is considered the apostle John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, who also wrote three letters and the gospel. For his loyalty to the teacher and the preaching of Christianity, he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos.
Why was the prophecy written?
The reader already knows the meaning of the word "apocalypse." Now let's try to understand what the author created the work for and where he wrote it. Revelation is written in Greek on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea around the end of the first century. Already at that time, Christianity was divided into currents, and false preachers bred like flies. John himself pointed out the purpose of writing such a complex book as follows: to tell what the world awaits and predict the fate of the church, attract more people to the true faith, strengthen their spirit, as strong persecutions began. The apostle depicted the struggle of the church with the devil, good and evil, as well as the methods that the unclean used to win. This was supposed to help resist temptations in order to bring Jesus' triumph closer.
Content and Symbols
We figured out that the Apocalypse is a picture of the end of the world, followed by eternal and blissful life. John says that the enemies of the church (the beast from the sea) secretly make plans for its destruction. To the aid of this beast, symbolizing hostile secular power, a false prophet (a beast from the earth) and the devil - the leader of this war (dragon) come. This ancient dragon tempts people and directs them against God. But those who are faithful for their suffering will receive a reward, for at a certain time the Lord will judge the evil forces at the Last Judgment and punish them. The righteous rejoice and triumph. Not only humanity, but also the non-material world — angels, evil spirits, demons, are drawn into the war, which is going on all fronts.
It is worth noting that some prophecies have already been fulfilled (regarding the proportion of seven Asia Minor churches). This makes you think about the veracity of the book and better understand its other parts.
Revelation plan
Consider what parts the Apocalypse of John consists of, what order the end of the world will have:
- an introduction in which God tells the apostle to write down the prophecy;
- 7 letters intended for seven churches;
- a vision of God, the Lamb, and worship in heaven;
- the opening of seven seals by Jesus Christ, which serves as a signal for starting a war. These are the so-called forerunners of the Apocalypse (four horsemen);
- seven angels blow trumpets, announcing the beginning of disasters on earth. Believers receive a seal on their forehead that guards them;
- seven signs of how humanity will be divided into two camps, which are at war with each other. A conscious global evil appears in the form of a dragon, two witnesses of Christ fighting with him;
- the appearance of the seven chalices (Armageddon) and the beginning of the Great Court;
- a description of the trial of evil, the death of the false prophet and the Antichrist;
- the result of the war: the punishment of all guilty people and spirits, the triumph of the forces of good;
- description of a new world - heaven and earth after the apocalypse.
Summarize
The Apocalypse is the end of that immoral life, godlessness and lawlessness, which began with the sinful fall of Adam and Eve. Created at the time of intensifying persecution of Christians, he had to give hope that not all of this is in vain, the suffering will be paid for handsomely. In a way, this is an instruction on how to resist the wiles of the devil, the False Prophet and the Antichrist, to recognize them, which was given to believers. It contains data on how the great battle will begin and what will precede it.
But the Apocalypse cannot be considered a dark book. On the contrary, these are the brightest and most joyful pages in the Holy Scripture, for they speak of the triumph of the Lord God and his faithful servants. The book of St. John the Evangelist predicts a joyful and eternal life for someone who will not give up good in a difficult hour.
In fact, the Apocalypse can be called a picture depicting the eternal struggle of light and dark forces, contradictions in human souls. And this is the main topic for reflection, the main question of all philosophers.