Theological Issues WAR & PEACE Trinity International University © John Stevenson, 2009

Session Objectives To apply interpretation of passages in Revelation to the issues of the Kingdom of God, War and Peace, and the nature of Christian discipleship. To inquire into the nature of Christian ethics as it relates to Christian theology and to ecclesiology (the nature of the church). To revisit the Sermon on the Mount and consider again ways that it might be lived out in Christian community

Session Objectives To will learn how one’s eschatology relates to one’s Christian ethics.

Common Interpretations of the Book of Revelation Idealist View: Sees the book as showing the spiritual battle between good versus evil. Preterist View: Focuses on the first century fall of Jerusalem as the backdrop of the prophecies of this book Historical View: Sees the prophecies as depicting the course of history in this age Futurist View: Sees most of the events of the book as taking place in a time of future tribulation followed by the Second Coming

Revelation Vision of Jesus and Seven letters to seven churches Throne of God & Scroll with seven seals 8-11 Seven trumpets Christ, the Dragon & the Seven Bowls The Harlot on Seven Hills & the Bride 20 The King reigns New Heaven & New Earth Each ends with a promise of 2 nd Coming Christ wipes away every tear (7:17) Christ will reign forever & ever (11:15) Fall of the nations “It is done” (16:17) Rider on the White Horse (19:16) Judge & Lake of Fire I am coming quickly (22:20)

Church Age Eternal State Second Coming Judgment Revelation 20 literally Takes the language of “the last day” figuratively Rev. 1-3Rev. 4-19Rev. 20 (“Rapture”) Tribulation Millennium

Church Age Rev. 1-3Rev. 4-19Rev. 20 “Rapture” Tribulation Millennium Eternal State Second Coming Judgment Artificially separates between different comings of Christ Tries to segregate Israel and church

Church Age Rev (Millennium) Eternal State (Tribulation) Views Revelation 20 as symbolic language Takes the language of “the last day” literally Second Coming Judgment “Rapture”

Church Age Rev. 1-19Rev. 20 Millennium Eternal State “Rapture” Judgment Second Coming Envisions the gospel as being victorious Takes the language of “the last day” literally

Short Millennium “Rapture” Judgment Second Coming Church (Eternal State) 70 A.D. Denies any future Second Coming of Christ All prophecy fulfilled in the year 70 A.D. Rev.

Discuss your reading from Revelation: What is the reality that is being depicted by the author? In what sense is this portrayal in Revelation a “drama”? What do these chapters reveal about the Kingdom of God? How do these chapters relate to the issue of War and Peace?

Symbolism in Revelation Old Testament Allusions –One like the Son of Man –Lion of the Tribe of Judah

Symbolism in Revelation Old Testament Allusions –One like the Son of Man –Lion of the Tribe of Judah –The Four Horsemen

Symbolism in Revelation Old Testament Allusions –One like the Son of Man –Lion of the Tribe of Judah –The Four Horsemen –The Two Witnesses

Symbolism in Revelation Old Testament Allusions –One like the Son of Man –Lion of the Tribe of Judah –The Four Horsemen –The Two Witnesses Temple language

Symbolism in Revelation Old Testament Allusions –One like the Son of Man –Lion of the Tribe of Judah –The Four Horsemen –The Two Witnesses Temple language –Jesus with the Lampstands

Symbolism in Revelation Old Testament Allusions –One like the Son of Man –Lion of the Tribe of Judah –The Four Horsemen –The Two Witnesses Temple language –Jesus with the Lampstands –The 24 Elders –The Crystal Sea

Symbolism in Revelation Old Testament Allusions –One like the Son of Man –Lion of the Tribe of Judah –The Four Horsemen –The Two Witnesses Temple language –Jesus with the Lampstands –The 24 Elders –The Crystal Sea –The ark of the covenant

Discuss your reading from Revelation: If Christ is depicted as employing violence (Rev. 19:13-15) does that sanction the use of violence by Christians today? Is this at odds with the Christ of the Sermon on the Mount? How do these chapters relate to the issue of Christian discipleship now?

And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon. (Revelation 16:16)

Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

Revelation 19:14-15 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

Revelation 19:20-21 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Homework Discussion What are the Primary Issues to Consider when thinking theologically about the issue of War and Peace?

Homework Discussion Whichissues are most crucial to consider? Which Biblical texts did you deem most relevant to the issue? Did you list any important sociological or historical factors?

Open Theism “God is so confident in His sovereignty, He does not need to micromanage everything.”  Gregory Boyd “God only knows that which is possible to know.”

Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God”?

Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.

Psalm 147:4-5 He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.

Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.