The Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse -
what it meant for the early Christians, and what it means for us today.
Always be prepared to stand for your faith
Frightening images of dragons, beasts, and battles fill the pages of the Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse, the final book of the New Testament. The word apocalypse, which actually means "unveiling," has become synonymous with the cataclysmic end of time.
What does it all mean and how can we better understand this enigmatic book? The popularity of end-times thrillers like the film Left Behind indicates that many Christians are seeking answers to these very questions.
Much can be revealed by considering Revelation's historical context. It was written by the last remaining apostle, John, in 90 A.D. during a time of intense persecution by the Romans. Christians, who refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan Roman gods, were prime targets.
Christians watched in horror as their leaders and fellow believers were martyred for their faith. Knowing they could soon face a similar fate, they gathered secretly in caves and catacombs on the Lord's Day. The Jewish scriptures and the apostolic writings, including the Apocalypse, were read aloud.
In John's heavenly vision, the martyrs cry out for justice, praying for the persecuted church on earth. The Lamb of God, slain yet still standing, reveals Christ's victory over death.
In the final battle, good definitively triumphs over evil. Revelation closes with the glorious description of a day when all tears will be erased, death will be no more and all are invited to the joyous marriage supper of the Lamb and his bride, the church.
They understand that a new exodus is taking place, not from Egypt but from slavery to sin. This Passover Lamb is God himself. As their worship culminates in the Lord's Supper, the consecrated bread of the Eucharist is lifted up at the altar with the words, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
The vision of the resurrected Lord assured them that death had no more power over them. Strengthened by the Word of God and the Eucharist, they could face tribulation without fear.
The symbolism of the Apocalypse can be difficult to interpret, especially for us today, so far removed from the experience of the early Christians. Perhaps this explains why the concept of the Rapture, first proposed by John Nelson Darby in 1830, took root in America.
The popular Left Behind story, based on Darby's theology, focuses on the end-times, depicting a day when all true believers mysteriously vanish, caught up or "raptured" into heaven before the time of tribulation begins.
But this isn't how God works. He doesn't de-materialize his faithful ones at times of trial. Instead, he gives us courage and strength to follow him on that narrow road called suffering. He suffered and died to show us the way.
Trust in God. Be at peace even if the world is at war.
The Apocalypse is not written to make us fearful, but to give us hope. Don't worry about the end of the world, for heaven and earth are passing away, but the words of the Lord will never pass away (cf Mt. 24:35).
Be ready to stand for the truth of your faith, even at the cost of your life, because this life is not the end.
This article originally appeared in the Tri-City Herald's Spiritual Life column on October 18, 2014 and on Catholic365 on November 30, 2015.
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