Why We Study Revelation - 3

How does prophecy come? Is it made up by men? "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

Therefore, can it be interpreted by our own understanding? "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." 2 Peter 1:20.

What is to be our method of interpretation? "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little" Isaiah 28:10.

The prophetic Scripture is to interpret itself. "The Lord Jesus sent a mighty angel to make plain to John by the use of symbols the things that were to transpire until the coming of Christ. He was bidden to write the instruction in a book for the benefit of the seven churches. This writing we now have preserved in the book of Revelation, but this book is understood by only a very few. It contains the message for the last days, and we are to dwell much upon these prophecies. The work of explaining the Bible by the Bible itself is the work that should be done by all our ministers who are fully awake to the times in which we live." Manuscript Releases Volume Thirteen, p. 304.

What should be the source of our wisdom? "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." Psalm 111:10.

If we follow these guidelines, who will be with us to guide our study? "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come." John 16:13.

"The book of Revelation, in connection with the book of Daniel, demands close study. Let every God-fearing teacher consider how most clearly to comprehend and present the Gospel that our Saviour came in person to make known to His servant John,��The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass.� None should become discouraged in their study of Revelation because of its apparently mystical symbols. �If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.� �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.� We are to proclaim to the world the great and solemn truths contained in the book of Revelation. Into the very designs and principles of the church of God these truths are to enter. There should be a closer and more diligent study of this book, a more earnest presentation of the truths it contains, truths which concern all who are living in these last days. All who are preparing to meet their Lord should make this book the subject of earnest study and prayer. It is just what its name signifies,�a revelation of the most important events that are to take place in the last days of this earth�s history. John, because of his faithful trust in the word of God, and the testimony of Christ, was banished to the Isle of Patmos. But his banishment did not separate him from Christ. The Lord visited His faithful servant in his banishment, and gave him instruction regarding what was to come upon the world." The Signs of the Times, 07-04-06:2.