Symbolism in Revelation

1 sermons

The biblical topic of "Symbolism in Revelation" refers to the rich and complex use of symbolic language in the Book of Revelation, which is a hallmark of apocalyptic literature in the Bible. This symbolism, as seen in the seven seals (Revelation 6:1-17), the seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2-13), and the lamb and the dragon (Revelation 12:1-9), serves to convey spiritual truths and prophetic messages about the end times, ultimately pointing to the triumph of God over evil. As the apostle John writes, "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10), highlighting the central role of Jesus Christ in the symbolic narrative of Revelation, which is also foreshadowed in Old Testament passages such as Psalms 2:7-8, where God declares the Messiah to be His Son. Through this symbolism, the Book of Revelation offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of the Christian faith, encouraging believers to remain faithful in the face of persecution and adversity, as promised in Romans 8:28, where Paul writes that all things work together for the good of those who love God.

Rev. 1:19-20. the Symbolic Sevens

Horatius Bonar

Horatius Bonar emphasizes the significance of the symbolic sevens in Revelation 1:19-20, where John is instructed to write about the past, present, and future of the churches. He explains that the seven stars represent the angels of the churches, while the seven candlesticks symbolize the churches t

Revelation 4:1

“After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things." At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying: "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be."”

Revelation 1:11