The Characters of Evil in the Revelation

(This is an outline of the Bible study from Sunday evening, January 21, 2007.)

This evening we hope to address some important symbols: the beast(s), false prophet, and the great prostiture. If we have time, we will address the notions of Jezebel, anti-Christ and the lake of fire.

Next week we will meet in the sanctuary for a summary of the Revelation and for baptism.

In review:
1. Apocalypse: The word translated Revelation is apokalupsis, which literally means a drawing aside of the veil to disclose some hidden sight. It is like the opening of the curtain on some drama, but the drama in question is not a man-made play but God-made history. –Wm. Barclay
2. Letters to the churches: Record of epistles to seven of the 12-15 churches in Asia are included in this book.
3. Groups of seven: Symbols such as the letters, plagues, seals, scrolls, etc., are rendered in groups of seven.
4. Other characters: The stars or angels are messengers; the lampstands are the churches or the testimony of the churches; the lamb is Christ.

Introduction:
Nature of evil: Systemic
Method of evil: Deceit and Manipulation
Future of evil: Eliminated

Outline:
1. Beast: (Revelation 13:13-18) Represents systemic evil in an unjust government or economy, an economy based on religious discrimination.

2. False prophet: (Rev 19:20) Represents systemic evil in an unfaithful religion. The false prophet works in tandem with the beast. Historically, close alliances between church and state have proven corruptive to both. This is yet another reason Baptists have contended for separation of church and state.

3. The great prostitute or harlot: (Rev 17:1-2) Represents systemic evil in a culture or human collective. Referred to like the culture of Babylon, this represents a collective human movement that is the antithesis of the bride of Christ.

4. AntiChrist: Supposedly represents any person or system that aggressively opposes Christianity.

5. Lake of fire: This is a dramatic reference to the torment of unbelievers and evildoers.
John seems to indicate that persecutors can burn you at the stake but in the end, they will end up in the lake of fire. The image of a lake of fire is in direct contrast to the river of life. (For further study I recommend Harold Bryson’s book, Yes, Virginia, There Is a Hell, which is also published under the title, The Christian Doctrine of Hell.)

Closing remarks:
Work for social and economic justice in Jesus’ name.
Avoid supposing that religious groups different from you are false.
Because we do not know when the end will come, make everyday count.