It really gets on my nerves when Christians read too much into the Book of Revelations as it will cause unnecessary social panic just like all the food hoarding.
Jesus is clear with regards to End Times in Matthew 24 (also in Mark 13) that no one knows the day or the hour that we ought to have the view that He will come at anytime that we should be ready at anytime. We shouldn't have the view of being 'good' only when His return is near. That's not true repentance. Since we ought to view everyday as the last day, why bother trying to predict when is He coming?
Some will argue "If we are not to interpret the Book of Revelations, why did God bother to tell us?" Was Jesus telling His disciples about the End Times meant for them to worry and predict when it is the day? It can't be. Firstly, Jesus told them not to worry beforehand (Mark 13:11) for Holy Spirit will guide them when the day comes. Secondly, Jesus said no one knows the day nor hour (Matthew 24:36-51 & Mark 13:32-37).
The Danger of Reading Too Much into Book of Revelations
Why is reading too much into Book of Revelations dangerous? A few cults were developed as a result of it.
- Eastern Lightning Church (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Lightning)
- Shincheonji Church (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shincheonji_Church_of_Jesus)
They quoted some things from Book of Revelations with their interpretations that make 'sense' to some that misled them to believe in their message.
Doesn't Book of Revelations mention 'red dragon' (Rev 12:3)? Imperial China in the past often used Dragon to symbolises herself. Red is often used by Communists. It does make sense if it means Communist China at first glance. Now, this is the danger.
Bible never say it is Communist China. That is just an interpretation which may or not be correct. Do you know the Flag of Wales is a red dragon too?
Flag of Wales
The interpretations can be of countless possibilities. Not many familiar with Wales will know the flag has a red dragon. Not many familiar with other things are aware of countless possible interpretations hence can jump straight into belief when Communist China interpretation makes sense.
As they believe part of the message that makes sense, they lower their guard and believe more and more of the messages and be misled. This is actually against the very purpose of what Jesus told His disciples!
What is the Purpose of Jesus Telling His Disciples about End Times?
Jesus told His disciples:
"At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. See, I have told you in advance." (Matthew 24:23-25)
The purpose of telling us in advance isn't meant for us to predict and be in fear that subject ourselves to false teachings. No false teacher/prophet on their head will write "I'm a false teacher/prophet" and not all are aware that they subjecting others to false teaching or risk too.
The purpose of telling us ahead of time is for us to be on our guard so that we do not be misled. When we are too into the Book of Revelations and try to predict and accept whatever is said just because some things look like it makes sense, we subject ourselves to false teachings. Don't think too highly of ourselves for even the elect will be misled (Matthew 24:24).
As if any essay, the conclusion always addresses "So what after saying all these?" and in the context of Matthew 24, the conclusion was expressed in Matthew 24:36-51 and further elaboration and emphasis in Matthew 25. We are to be ready and what does that mean? It is perhaps explained in Matthew 25:
- Be ready and not repent only because when the end is near (Parables of the Ten Virgins). That's not true repentance if we only behave in fear of punishment and not a genuine change of heart.
- Be a good steward of God on the resources He has given us (Parables of the Talents).
- Love one another as He has commanded us (Parables of the Sheep and the Goats). 1 John 4 explains well that fear involves punishment (my first point) but not so in love. Those born of God should have the love of Christ in them.
During this COVID-19 period, there would likely be more emphasis on end times messages. So be on guard and verify the purpose of the message. Does it really draw you closer to God or it creates fear or subject you to letting down of your guard (against Jesus' instruction)? If it creates fear, is it a sign that something needs to be done in your life so that you may grow spiritually and in love with Him?
Be on your guard.
