There are various methods of interpreting the book of Revelation. These include the non-literal view, preterist view, historical view and the futurist view.
The futurist view shall be presented here as it is the only one that permits a literal interpretation. If scripture is allegorised it begs the question: who is able to determine the correct method of figurative interpretation and under what authority can that be justified?
Secondly John is instructed “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” (Rev 4:2) The context of the above quotation is the throne room of heaven and that invitation was made after the seven letters were sent to the seven churches.
Many believers fail to study Revelation as they perceive it to be incomprehensible or think that it will only be understandable when the events unfold. Scripture does not concur with this view though. In fact believers are encouraged to read it and to hold onto the truths contained in it.
"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it.; for the time is near." (Rev 1:3) Again, how can anyone keep the words of this book unless they read it and become familiar with its content? “Behold I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev 22:7)
Genesis and Revelation
Themes that run throughout the Bible culminate in Revelation. Genesis commences with the creation and the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and are banished from the garden.
In the last chapter of Revelation the tree of life is again present and "the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Rev 22:2)
Exodus and Revelation
Many of the plagues that Yahweh sent on Egypt prior to the Exodus will be replicated in a similar manner such as hail, water turning to blood, locusts, sores and darkness (Ex 9:24, 7:17-20, 10:12, 9:9-11, 10:21-22, - see the equivalent in Rev 8:7, 16:3, 4, 9:1-12, 16:2,8:12, 16:10) when the trumpets sound and the bowls of the wrath of Yahweh are poured out on the earth.
Daniel and Revelation
The theme of the book of Daniel is the entire overthrow of all man made Gentile power systems. It is prophesied that the Messiah’s government shall have no end as "His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And all nations shall serve Him and obey Him." (Dan 7:27)
In Revelation the seventh angel has reason to rejoice as, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15)
Revelation Completes the Canon of Scripture
In Revelation Chapter 5, Jesus is portrayed as both the lion and the lamb; He is triumphant king and merciful redeemer. Jacob and Balaam prophesied of Him.
"Judah is a lion’s whelp; for from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion; who shall rouse him?" (Gen 49:9, see Num 24:9) John Boldly declared, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
In His earthly ministry, Jesus humbled Himself as the sacrificial Lamb and was silent before His accusers. At His second coming, Christians believe He shall return riding a white horse but in character, like a lion; the fearless, invincible, triumphant king.
Let the Psalmist have the last word: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are those who put their trust in Him." (Ps 2:12)
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