Lord’s Library editors compiled this introductory guide to the different views on the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
The book contains numerous examples of prophetic fulfillment, as well as the rise of the Antichrist, armageddon, the final judgment, the return of Jesus Christ, and the establishment of God’s Kingdom. References to the Book of Revelation and its imagery are often found in popular culture, literature, art, and music, and it has inspired numerous works of fiction and non-fiction.
Lord’s Library editors thought it would be worthwhile to compile this resource which explores the most common different views on the Book of Revelation. When citing Scripture, we utilize the King James Bible.
The Different Views on the Book of Revelation
The Preterist Perspective
The Preterist view of Revelation asserts that many of the prophecies in Revelation were fulfilled in the past. Preterism, derived from the Latin word “preter,” meaning “past,” holds that a significant portion of the Book of Revelation pertains to events that transpired during the early Church, particularly during the tumultuous period of the Roman Empire.
Advocates of Preterism argue that the book was written by the Apostle John around AD 95 during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. They commonly believe that many of the book’s prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, particularly during the Roman-Jewish War and the subsequent destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70.
Representing one of the most common views on the Book of Revelation, Christians who subscribe to the Preterist perspective often cite the following Bible verses:
- Revelation 1:1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.”
Preterists emphasize the phrase “must shortly come to pass” as evidence that the events in Revelation were imminent and would happen soon after the book’s writing.
- Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
Preterists argue that this verse underscores the idea that the prophecies were meant for the immediate audience and not for distant future generations.
- Revelation 11:8: “And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.”
Preterists contend that the reference to “our Lord was crucified” points to Jerusalem as the city where these events would unfold, linking this prophecy to the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
- Revelation 17:10: “And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.”
Preterists interpret these seven kings as a reference to the first seven Roman emperors, with the fifth emperor being Nero and the “one is” referring to the reigning emperor at the time, which would have been Domitian.
- Revelation 22:6: “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.”
This verse reiterates the theme of imminence, emphasizing that the events prophesied in Revelation were to occur in the near future.
The Historicist Viewpoint
As applied to the Book of Revelation, the stance holds that the events and symbols described in the book represent a sequential unfolding of historical events, spanning from the time of the apostles to the end of the world. Historicists interpret the symbolic elements in Revelation as representing specific historical events. For example, they might identify the beast with seven heads and ten horns as representing various empires.
This interpretation emerged during the Reformation and was popular among Protestant reformers like Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin, and more, who often saw the events and figures in Revelation as allegorically linked to historical events and individuals. Many historicists historically identified the Roman Catholic Church, particularly the papacy, as a primary antagonist in the fulfillment of certain prophecies.
Representing one of the most common views on the Book of Revelation, Christians who subscribe to the Historicist viewpoint often cite the following Bible verses:
- Revelation 2:1-3: “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”
Historicists commonly interpret the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3 as representing different periods in church history. The church of Ephesus, for example, may symbolize the early apostolic age, and the loss of “first love” could signify a decline in the church’s purity.
- Revelation 12:6: “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”
Historicists often view this passage as a representation of the 1,260 years of persecution faced by the true church during the Middle Ages, often associated with the rise of the Roman Catholic Church’s power.
The imagery of a beast rising from the sea with ten horns and seven heads is often interpreted historically, with the heads and horns representing different empires or kingdoms throughout history.
- Revelation 17:9-10: “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.”
Historicists may link these seven heads and kings to various historical rulers and kingdoms, often including the Roman Empire in the interpretation.
- Revelation 19:11-16: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
The return of Jesus Christ as the conquering rider on a white horse is seen by Historicists as the culmination of history and the establishment of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
The Futurist Perspective
The Futurist view of the Book of Revelation is an interpretive approach that sees most of the prophecies in the book as pertaining to future events, particularly those associated with the end times. Proponents of this view believe that the book offers a roadmap to understand the sequence of events leading to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great tribulation, and the final judgment.
Many Futurists anticipate the rise of an Antichrist figure who will play a central role in the end-time events, opposing Christ and deceiving the world. They view the great tribulation as a future period of intense suffering and turmoil preceding the return of Christ.
There are variations within the Futurist perspective, with some adherents advocating for a pre-tribulation rapture (the belief that believers will be taken to be with Christ before the great tribulation), a mid-tribulation rapture (believers are taken during the middle of the tribulation), or a post-tribulation rapture (believers are taken after the tribulation).
Representing one of the most common views on the Book of Revelation, Christians who subscribe to the Futurist perspective often cite the following Bible verses:
- Revelation 1:19: “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.”
Futurists often highlight the phrase “the things which shall be hereafter” as indicating that a significant portion of the book pertains to future events.
- Revelation 4:1: “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.”
This verse is seen as a pivotal moment when John is transported to witness future events, reinforcing the Futurist interpretation.
- Revelation 6:1-2: “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”
The opening of the first seal with a rider on a white horse is often interpreted as a future event, symbolizing the rise of a powerful leader or ruler during the end times.
- Revelation 19:11-16: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
The description of Jesus Christ returning on a white horse to conquer the nations is a central focus of the Futurist viewpoint, representing the anticipated return of Christ in glory and judgment.
- Revelation 20:1-10: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and MaGog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
The events surrounding the thousand-year reign of Christ, the release of Satan, and the final judgment are considered by Futurists as yet-to-occur events that will unfold in the future.
The Idealist Perspective
The Idealist view of the Book of Revelation is an interpretive approach that interprets the text symbolically rather than seeking specific historical or future fulfillments. Proponents of this viewpoint argue that the book serves as an allegory for the ongoing spiritual struggle between good and evil, the triumph of God, and the ultimate victory of righteousness. The Idealist approach often focuses on the moral and ethical lessons that can be drawn from the book.
This approach contrasts with other interpretive methods for Revelation.
Representing one of the most common views on the Book of Revelation, Christians who subscribe to the Idealist perspective often cite the following Bible verses:
- Revelation 1:1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.”
Idealists interpret the phrase “shortly come to pass” as indicating the immediacy of the book’s message, emphasizing its relevance to all generations.
- Revelation 12:1: “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.”
Idealists see this vision of a woman as a symbol of the church, representing the people of God throughout history.
- Revelation 13:1-2: “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.”
The depiction of a beast rising from the sea with ten horns and seven heads is interpreted symbolically, with the beast representing evil powers throughout history and the horns and heads signifying various manifestations of these powers.
- Revelation 21:1-2: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
The vision of a new heaven and a new earth, with the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, is seen by Idealists as a symbol of the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over all evil.
- Revelation 22:1-2: “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
The river of the water of life and the tree of life in the final chapter are interpreted as symbols of God’s eternal blessings and the spiritual sustenance available to believers.
The Eclectic Perspective
Eclecticism, as applied to the Book of Revelation, allows for a synthesis of different interpretative viewpoints. Rather than choosing one specific approach, Eclectics draw upon various interpretations to gain what they believe to be a holistic understanding of the text. They believe that the Book of Revelation’s symbolism and prophetic language offer room for multiple layers of meaning and that different passages may be best understood through different lenses.
Eclectic interpreters are open to adjusting their interpretive approach based on the specific features of the text and the exegetical demands of the passage. Eclecticism also allows interpreters to balance the spiritual and theological insights of the book with historical and prophetic considerations.
Representing one of the most common views on the Book of Revelation, Christians who subscribe to the Eclectic perspective often cite the following Bible verses:
- Revelation 1:1: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass.”
Eclectics may see this verse as suggesting an element of imminence, allowing room for Preterist interpretations of certain events described in Revelation.
- Revelation 6:1-8: “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”
The opening of the seven seals may be viewed eclectically, with some seals representing past or ongoing events and others symbolizing future occurrences, accommodating both Historicist and Futurist perspectives.
- Revelation 12:1-6: “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”
The vision of the woman and the dragon may be seen as allegorical, with the woman representing the church throughout history and the dragon symbolizing Satan.
- Revelation 19:11-16: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
The return of the Lord Jesus Christ on a white horse can be viewed both as a future event in line with the Futurist perspective and as a symbol of Christ’s continuous victory over evil in line with the Idealist viewpoint.
- Revelation 20:1-10: “The thousand-year reign of Christ can be seen as a period of spiritual triumph and peace that transcends a strictly literal interpretation, aligning with the Idealist view.”
The Eclectic viewpoint on the Book of Revelation is a flexible and open-minded approach that seeks to harmonize various interpretations, recognizing the depth and complexity of the text. It allows for a broader exploration of the book’s spiritual and moral messages, accommodating the insights of Preterism, Historicism, Futurism, and Idealism. By embracing diversity and flexibility, Eclecticism encourages readers to appreciate the richness of the Book of Revelation and to draw wisdom and inspiration from its multifaceted messages.
In a world of complex symbolism and prophetic language, the Eclectic approach offers a unifying perspective that celebrates the diverse ways in which Christians have sought to understand and apply the teachings of Revelation throughout history.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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