The
problem of the book:
the various schools and conflicting interpretations.
The importance of being on
sure ground.
Some
things of which we can
be fairly certain.
1.
The Book is a Book of
consummations
a.
It is inclusive of all
from Genesis onward.
b.
It is consummatory or
conclusive. It leads to the end of time. The beginning of the
eternal.
c.
It is the Book of
climaxes, i.e. the climax of all in the Scriptures: creation
Israel church
cross Satan nations world-systems monarchy
priesthood prophecy
suffering, etc.
As
Genesis is the genesis
of everything that comprises this world-system, so Revelation is
the climax of
every such thing (theology, cosmology, anthropology, sociology,
harmatiology,
ethnology, soteriology, etc.).
The
outline or analysis has
to be governed by subjects rather than by times. The times may
result from the
subjects. Principles are fundamental and have to be seen through
all
figures, symbols, outward forms of expression.
The
subject-analysis
1.
The All-inclusive Person
"His Son"
a. The symbolic presentation
b.
The spiritual principles
c.
The inclusive fact
1.
Judgement begins at the House of God
2.
Judge the world
in a Man
3.
The prince of this world
2.
The church
A.
On earth
a.
In representation
b.
In manifold expression
as seen by the "eyes of flame"
c.
In judgement and
challenge
d.
In demand and crisis
e.
In promise and destiny
B.
In heaven
a.
In relation to creation
What
is in heaven is the
answer to the Son as the Agent of creation. Creation with a
purpose.
b.
In relation to
redemption
What
is in heaven is the
answer to the Son as the Instrument of redemption.
c.
What is in heaven is the
issue of the one governing factor in all time, all Scripture,
all creation and
redemption Life.
(This
particular issue will
govern this whole book in every part until it issues in full
triumph at last.)