Hendriksen's
book is a refreshing change from those of contemporary authors trying
to fit today's headlines into Revelation's scenes.
Hendriksen was a Christian Reformed pastor and professor at Calvin Theological
Seminary (he died in 1982). This book presents the Reformed view of John's Revelation. This may
be a different interpretation than most readers of prophetic books
are used to these days. That the book I reviewed is a 75th
anniversary edition shows that the Reformed view has something to
offer that is lasting, unlike popular prophetic books that quickly go
out of print.
Hendriksen
wants us to view Revelation as relevant, no matter what era we live
in. It shows God's hand in history, His Protection, and His ultimate
victory. “In the main,” he writes, “the purpose of the book of
Revelation is to comfort the militant Church in its struggle against
the forces of evil. It is full of help and comfort for persecuted and
suffering Christians.” (13) The theme of the book is the victory of
Christ and His Church over Satan and his helpers. It may seem
like Satan is winning, but Christ is victorious in the end.
What
about those who want to find contemporary events in its scenes?
Hendriksen says a sound interpretation of the book must have as its
starting point that the book was intended for believers in John's
day. We should ask how the first readers understood the book in light
of the conditions and circumstances of their day. We then realize
that the book is also intended for believers in the centuries
following.
A
general overview of the book is given, a late date (A.D. 95 or 96) is
defended, the author is discussed as are the major themes (conflict
between the Church and the world, judgment upon persecutors, victory
through Christ).
I
really appreciated Hendriksen's discussion about the images in
Revelation. He notes that they are so broad that they should not be
confined to a particular era. He says they cover the entire gospel
age in a parallel fashion. The bowls of judgment always follow the
trumpets of warning, he says, in an ascending order leading to the
final judgment.
I
also liked his section on interpreting symbols. Don't press too hard,
he suggests, just like with the symbols in the parables Jesus taught.
We shouldn't try to find “deeper” meanings. He sees them as
impressions describing the Church, satanic conduct, and human
behavior.
Hendriksen
does identify representations of visions. For the helpers of the
dragon in chapter 13, he notes the first comes from the sea and the
second from the land. “The first is Satan's hand,” he
writes. “The second is the devil's mind. The first
represents the persecuting power of Satan operating in and through
the nations of this world and their governments. The second
symbolizes the false religions and philosophies of this world.”
(161) He adds that this image represents the opposition to the Church
throughout the gospel age. Armageddon “is the symbol of every
battle in which, when the need is greatest and believers are
oppressed, the Lord suddenly reveals His power in the interest of His
distressed people and defeats the enemy.” (181)
He
takes us through the sections of the book, helping us grasp their
meanings in light of his understanding of them. It helps us see
Revelation as a book of comfort and encouragement.
This
is not the kind of book on Revelation that will generate speculative
headlines. It is a book that has stood the test of time in its
understanding of John's message for us today. I highly recommend this
book to those who are open to investigating the meaning of Revelation
in a manner not tied to the novelties of current events.
My
rating: 5/5 stars.
William
Hendriksen (ThD Princeton Theological Seminary) was professor of New
Testament literature at Calvin Theological Seminary.
Baker
Books, 240 pages.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the
purpose of an independent and honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment