Many, including myself, take an eclectic approach, ie drawing on elements of variou approaches. We certainly do need to understand the first century situation if we are to properly appreciate Revelation, though saying that is all there is to it seems to be nonsensical. The historicist approach seems the least useful. I certainly do believe in a literal return of Christ, and in events reaching a climax, so the futurist approach has value. However, the book and its lessons are valuable, even essential, in all ages. So the idealist approach is good, and I would say that overall it is the most useful.
One aspect of approach that I will state clearly is that of pre-tribulation rapture. I consider this view to be without Biblical support, to be utter nonsense, and to be defeatist. If you want to see a detailed argument for rejecting this relatively recent idea (arose in the 1800’s) see the book by Brown and Keener listed in the Bibliography. Anyway, I have made my position clear! The pre-trib approach avoids Christians going through the great tribulation. Interestingly, the preterist approach could also be said to avoid us going through a great tribulation as it has already happened! My primary reason for being so against pre-trib theology is pastoral. Christians in many parts of the world and at many times in history go through great persecution, and they need strengthening in the midst of these events. In the West for a long time we have been fairly comfortable as Christians. Nowadays being a Christian is become somewhat uncomfortable. We experience nothing like the things I brothers and sisters in North Vietnam, parts of Nigeria, those persecuted by Isis (to name but a few) experience. But things may well get increasingly uncomfortable, and perhaps much worse. So far there are some who have lost their jobs, even some who have spent a short time in prison, or been involved in court cases. My describing our situation as “somewhat uncomfortable” is not to denigrate what these people have gone through, it is just describing the general situation. Revelation is a book to equip the saints for times of trial, and to reassure us of the victory that we have in Christ, and the gift of eternal life. I believe that at the end Satan will throw everything he has against God’s people, but that the elect will not bow down to him and will remain faithful to the Lord. I see this as part of the victory of God and to the glory of God. Whether you agree with me or not (and you are free to disagree), at least you know where I am coming from.
Bibliography
Brian J Tabb, “All Things New - Revelation as Canonical Capstone”, NSBT, IVP Academic, 2019.
Leon Morris, “Revelation”, TNTC, IVP, 1983.
Michael Brown and Craig Keener, “Not Afraid of the Antichrist: Why We Don't Believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture”, Chosen Books, 2019.
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