80 | Views on the tribulation and how to study Revelation

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” — Revelation 1:3

Welcome back to another deep dive on Resident Strangers! The tribulation is a period of judgment on the earth, preparing the way for the coming kingdom of Jesus. How one understands this event largely depends on how the book of Revelation is read and interpreted. In this episode, Rich breaks down four key perspectives on the tribulation—the historicist, preterist, idealist, and futurist views (explained below). Steve connects Revelation to the book of Daniel, showing how the two come together to reveal God’s plan. He also highlights a significant prophetic marker: Israel’s reestablishment as a nation in 1948, a fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy and a sign that we are living in the final days. The conversation also explores the various judgments described in Revelation, painting a vivid picture of Christ’s second coming. Beyond these events, Jesus makes it clear that the end will not come until the gospel has been preached to all nations, leading to a great harvest of souls. Understanding Revelation—and the Bible as a whole—requires discerning when Scripture speaks figuratively and when it speaks plainly. This distinction is crucial for sound interpretation. Ultimately, as Rich reminds us, this knowledge isn’t just for study—it should compel us to live on mission, sharing who Jesus is and what awaits those who put their faith in Him.

•Historicist View – Interprets Revelation as a record of historical events, specifically the history of the Western Church rather than history in general.

•Preterist View – Argues that everything in Revelation has already taken place, culminating in the destruction of the temple in 70 AD.

•Idealist View – Sees Revelation as entirely symbolic, representing timeless spiritual truths rather than specific historical events.

•Futurist View – Understands Revelation as a prophecy of future events yet to unfold.

Check out episodes 20, 21, 78 + 79 for more discussion on the rapture and the tribulation on Resident Strangers

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