Apocalyptic literature probably arose in the tradition of the true Prophets of Israel but it came several centuries after their times. The last true prophet of Israel, Malachi, wrote about 450 B.C. Two books in the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible - the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation in the New Testament are good examples of the apocalyptic literary form.
Most of the apocalyptic books were written by Jews in reaction to the oppression of their people by foreign powers. Often they wrote to explain why evil seemed to prosper while the righteous suffered. The Christian apocalyptic writings were influenced by these earlier Jewish works. The close similarities between Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature explains why scholars group them into one category and study both Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature together. Apocalyptic literature has certain literary devices or styles that set it apart from other literature.
Although other types of literature use visions to communicate - Isaiah chapter 6 - it uses visions as a way of revealing secrets from heaven about the present and the future of humankind. Often these visions are caused by some trauma, major personal or social event that created a crisis in the writer's experience. These visions lead in turn to further explanations about coming events. As a result of these visionary experiences, the writer draws ethical conclusions. In Revelation chapter 2 to 3, John writes seven churches in western Asia Minor. Each letter is addressed to specific issues facing the church. These letters were written after John heard a voice, and saw a vision, and was commissioned by God to write. - Rev. 1:9-20 -
The Book of Revelation in the New Testament is the book of apocalyptic literature that gives the name of the author. All other apocalyptic books are attributed to famous and true prophets of the past, such as Ezra, Baruch, Jeremiah, Abraham, Moses and Adam. The reason why these authors identified their writings with great persons in Israel's history probably was to add credibility to their work.
Each of the apocalyptic books is rich in symbolism and images. The reader's imagination is stretched. Those who read the apocalyptic books just after they had been written knew the meaning of the symbols and images used by the author. The events of the time, evil and wicked rulers, and the pagan nations are symbolized by distorted animals and beasts, horrible signs from heaven or a chaotic flowing of waters. But the people who are faithful to God are portrayed as majestic animals, like a lion or a well kept plant. The purpose of the symbolism and images was to make the contrast between good and evil.
Throughout these books, the authors write about the arrival of the end times within the near future. In the other books various images are used to spell out the coming end. This apocalyptic view of the last days gives a certain urgency to these writings. The end of the world is not a solitary event for the earth alone; it extends to the whole universe. This planet is only part of a greater tragedy. An awful time is in store for all nations of the earth will be seized with great panic.
Along with a pessimistic view of history, the apocalyptic books declare that history has been determined by God before creation. World history is divided into fixed time periods. These fixed segments have been established and mankind simply lives out the already established drama. History may be divided into two periods - this world which is ruled by Satan and his legions, and the next world in which wickedness will be abolished and God will rule supreme. Apocalyptic literature is filled with angels and demons who are actively involved in the drama of events. The problem of evil is explained by pointing to the demons and Satan himself as the forces that cause evil. Angels who have not fallen are used by God to protect and serve his faithful people. These truths are echoed in the Book of Revelation.
The New Heaven and the New Earth. The end times as portrayed in the apocalyptic writings return to the beginning of creation. Out of heaven will come a new heaven and a new earth. The old will be destroyed, replaced by a new creation where God will rule. Only those who have been faithful to God's commandment will be saved. - Rev. chapter 20 to 22 -
The kingdom of God describes the place from which all the world will be judged or as the ultimate rule in the new creation. - Dan. 4:17; Rev. 11:15 - The Rule of God or the Kingdom of God is central and all events are determined from God's throne. A Messiah or a Mediator between God and man appears in most of the apocalyptic writings as one who accomplishes the final salvation of the world. This figure appears either as a Messiah, Son of Man, Son of God, the Chosen One, as a Mediator between God and man.
The righteous have suffered in this world because it has been ruled by Satan. But this situation will change in the future. This vision of glory appears as a world of hope and encouragement to the faithful - those who love God with all their soul, heart, mind, strength and trust in God. Glory will come to God's peoples. They have the power necessary to live full and meaningful lives in this world.
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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