Читать книгу Apocalypse. Interpretation of the XXI century - Valeriy Sterkh - Страница 7

– The Apocalypse is the pinnacle of all prophetic books which reveal the Divine plan concerning the final destiny of mankind. It spans a long stretch of history – from the moment of Revelation to the end of the world. Thus, the prophecy of the Apocalypse applies to the entire New Testament era, unfolding gradually in its entirety. The final fulfillment of Revelation will take place at the end of time, after the Day of Judgment.

That’s why it says:

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 (Rev 1:3).

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book (Rev 22:7).

The close fulfillment of the prophecy means here three things:

In relation to God, it is a testimony of God’s time-transcending nature, for he is above and beyond time:

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Pet 3:8).

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night (Ps 90:4 [Ps 89:5 rus]).

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Rev 22:12).

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen (Rev 22:20).

For mankind, the near fulfillment of the prophecy means that Apocalypse is a permanent event, that is, it is being fulfilled constantly since its individual visions correspond to certain historical eras:

And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand (Rev 22:10).

For an individual, the near fulfillment of the prophecy means that life is fleeting from the standpoint of eternity, and sudden death is always a possibility. This calls for constant spiritual vigilance for the sake of the soul:

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God (Rev 3:2).

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Rev 2:5).

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth (Rev 2:16).

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (Rev 3:11).

It follows that the prophecies of the Apocalypse and their careful and thorough interpretation are of vital importance.