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Revelations

The Book of Revelation: Why Christians Are Fascinated by Its Mysteries and Prophecies

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Introduction

The Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, has captivated Christians for nearly 2,000 years. Its vivid imagery, apocalyptic visions, and prophetic warnings about the end of the world have inspired countless interpretations, debates, and even fears. From theologians to conspiracy theorists, people have long sought to decode its symbols—the Four Horsemen, the Antichrist, the Mark of the Beast (666), and the Battle of Armageddon.

In today’s world, with global conflicts, pandemics, economic instability, and rapid technological advancements, many Christians see striking parallels between current events and Revelation’s prophecies. This article explores why Revelation fascinates believers, examines key themes, and considers how modern events might (or might not) align with its predictions.

1. What Is the Book of Revelation?

Authorship and Context

Traditionally attributed to the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9), Revelation is a blend of apocalyptic literature, prophecy, and epistle. Written around AD 95 during Roman persecution, it was meant to encourage suffering Christians with the promise of God’s ultimate victory over evil.

Literary Style

Revelation is highly symbolic, drawing from Old Testament prophets like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah. Its visions include:

  • The Seven Seals (Revelation 6) – Judgments unleashed on the earth.
  • The Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8-11) – Catastrophic events signaling God’s wrath.
  • The Seven Bowls (Revelation 16) – Final plagues before Christ’s return.
  • The Beast and the False Prophet (Revelation 13) – Figures of deception and tyranny.
  • The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22) – The glorious eternal kingdom of God.

2. Why Are Christians So Fascinated by Revelation?

A. The Promise of Ultimate Victory

At its core, Revelation is a book of hope. Despite chaos, evil, and suffering, it assures believers that God wins. Christ returns (Revelation 19), defeats Satan (Revelation 20), and establishes a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21). This promise resonates deeply in times of crisis.

B. The Mystery of Prophecy

Humans are naturally drawn to mysteries, and Revelation is full of them:

  • Who (or what) is the Antichrist?
  • Is the Mark of the Beast (666) a literal mark, or symbolic?
  • When will the Rapture happen? (Though the word “rapture” isn’t in Revelation, many associate it with 1 Thessalonians 4:17.)

This intrigue fuels endless speculation, books, and sermons.

C. The Urgency of the End Times

Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know the hour” (Matthew 24:42). Many Christians believe we are living in the “last days,” making Revelation feel urgently relevant.

3. Current Events and Revelation’s Prophecies

Could today’s headlines be fulfilling biblical prophecy? Let’s examine some key areas where people see connections.

A. Wars and Rumors of Wars (Revelation 6:1-4)

  • The First Horseman (White Horse) is often seen as false peace or conquest.
  • The Second Horseman (Red Horse) represents war.
    With ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and global tensions, some believe we are seeing the precursors to a larger, apocalyptic war (possibly Armageddon, Revelation 16:16).

B. Famine and Economic Collapse (Revelation 6:5-6)

  • The Third Horseman (Black Horse) signifies famine and economic hardship.
  • Rising food shortages, inflation, and supply chain disruptions make this imagery feel eerily relevant.

C. Pestilence and Death (Revelation 6:7-8)

  • The Fourth Horseman (Pale Horse) brings death by “sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts.”
  • The COVID-19 pandemic, along with other diseases, has led many to wonder if this is a fulfillment.

D. The Rise of a Global Government (Revelation 13)

  • The Beast (often interpreted as a tyrannical world leader) and the False Prophet (a deceptive religious figure) may point to:
  • Increasing globalism (United Nations, World Economic Forum).
  • Digital currency and surveillance (could this relate to the Mark of the Beast?).

E. The Role of Technology (Revelation 13:16-18)

  • The Mark of the Beast (666) is speculated to be a biometric implant, digital ID, or cryptocurrency.
  • With AI, facial recognition, and cashless societies advancing, some see this as a potential fulfillment.

4. Caution: Should We Try to Predict the End Times?

While it’s tempting to map current events directly onto Revelation, Jesus Himself said:

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)

Possible Interpretations of Revelation:

  1. Preterist View – Much of Revelation was fulfilled in the 1st century (e.g., fall of Jerusalem, Roman persecution).
  2. Historicist View – Revelation outlines church history up to the present.
  3. Futurist View – Most prophecies are yet to be fulfilled in a literal end-times scenario.
  4. Idealist View – Revelation is symbolic of the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Balance is key: While we should be aware of the times, we must avoid sensationalism or date-setting.

5. The Ultimate Message of Revelation: Hope in Christ

Despite its terrifying imagery, Revelation’s central message is hope:

  • Christ is coming back (Revelation 22:12).
  • Evil will be judged, and God’s people will be vindicated.
  • A new, perfect world is coming (Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear…”).

Rather than fearing the future, Christians are called to:

  • Stay faithful (Revelation 2-3 – Letters to the Churches).
  • Live with urgency, sharing the Gospel.
  • Trust in God’s sovereignty, no matter how chaotic the world becomes.

Conclusion: Why Revelation Matters Today

The Book of Revelation remains fascinating because it speaks to humanity’s deepest fears and hopes. In a world of uncertainty, it offers a divine perspective: God is in control, evil will not triumph, and a glorious future awaits those who trust in Christ.

While we may see shadows of prophecy in today’s events, our focus should not be on decoding every symbol but on living faithfully, watching prayerfully, and proclaiming the Gospel boldly until Christ returns.

Are we in the end times? Maybe. But the real question is: Are we ready?

What do you think? Do current events align with Revelation’s prophecies, or should we be cautious in drawing connections? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Further Reading:

  • The Late Great Planet Earth (Hal Lindsey)
  • Revelation: A Shorter Commentary (G.K. Beale)
  • The Book of Revelation (N.T. Wright’s interpretations)

Scripture References:

  • Revelation 1:1-3 – The blessing of reading Revelation.
  • Revelation 22:20 – “Surely I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Alchemy, Book 2 Rise of the Antichrist

2.14 The Philosopher’s Stone

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Book II: Chapter 14
July 7

OK, so the cat’s out of the bag – yes I became an Alchemy Master in order to try to kill myself.

Big deal.

Has it worked yet?

Obviously not.

Meanwhile, Miriam pleaded, “I don’t want your help if it means you’re trying to kill yours—“

“Don’t worry,” I interrupted her, while wheeling Alan over to one of my workbenches. “I won’t be needing the Ebon Essence for this procedure.”

Miriam tried to stay out of the way as I poked and prodded Alan. My examination lasted for some time so I won’t bore you with the details. Eventually I advised, “It won’t be easy. Only The Nigredo can save him now.”  

“Ah, OK? I guess. But what is this Nigredo?”

“You might know it as The Putrefactio. It means the blackening, the putrification, the INDIVIDUATION.”

“John, er, Azoth, I don’t understand. I’m not an alchemist!”

“Cool your breeches, sister. Basically I have to perform a Rite upon Lazarus that will first putrefy his body and then purify him from the inside out – it’s the only way to burn out the impurity left from The Chair of Woe.” And after a pause, “It will not be a pretty sight.”

“Meaning?”

“You may want to go back to my house and wait.”

The color draining from her face, Miriam gritted her teeth, “No.”  

“Suit yourself.” I turned my back on her and got to work.

Yet before I could get started, Miriam sheepishly asked, “Does this ritual involve The Philosopher’s Stone?”

At that I laughed – I mean, I truly laughed – it was a rich, heartfelt laugh the kind that I had not experienced in decades and damn it felt good!

“What’s so funny?” Miriam asked, perturbed.

“Is that the extent of your knowledge of Alchemy?” I smiled, as if talking to a child. “Do you think The Stone is truly a great mystery?”

“You mean it’s just a legend?”

“On the contrary, The Philosopher’s Stone — the substance called the Philosopher’s Stone — is quite real. And yes, you can use it to turn inexpensive metals into gold.” Raising a hand, “Before you ask, those three chest there are filled with gold ingots. All at least a thousand years old from back when I amused myself with this trick. Ah, but who needs gold anyway?”

(Do YOU want that gold? If so, come on by and you can have it. Grab my cure for Covid while you’re here. They’re both waiting for you – that is, if you dare to try to find my house).

“But I’ve also heard that the Philosopher’s Stone was believed to be an elixir of life. Some say that with it, one could achieve immortality. I was hoping you could use it to save Al-”

My eyes narrowed at that. “Don’t trouble yourself with that vein — I buried those secrets long ago.” And because this was a touchy subject for me, I changed it, “As for Alan, he requires but one step along the path of The Opus Magnum – ‘The Great Work’ — The Nigredo is the first step of this path.”

“How many steps are there?”

“Four.”

“Well, after working on this craft for over a thousand years, I’ll bet you have completed them all, right?” Miriam tried to be encouraging.

Yet my face grew hard, “That’s no concern of yours, Mary. Now step back and give me space to work!”

(And don’t YOU go asking about that either — the fact is that I have NOT yet completed The Opus, but I am damn close! Yet before my life is over I WILL complete The Rite…and become a god! )

Continue Reading

15 – Lazarus Rises… Again
Book II Table of Contents
Book 1 The Pawns of Prophecy, St John the Apostle

Gratitude is an Art (8)

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Book I: Chapter 8
June 9

At long last I awoke — it was nearly 10am my time and a cardinal was chirp, chirp, chirping just outside my bedroom window.

“SHUT UP!” I screamed at the red-smocked bird, before pulling a pillow down over my head – to no avail. “Ah, hell, it’s time to get up anyway.” And I reached a hand over the side of my bed and searched for the bottle of Jim Beam that was usually rolling around on the floor.

I thought about Alan – clearly he was in dire straits based on my last vision of him being accosted by those three goons. You might guess it had something to do with violating Covid curfew but I knew better – he’d just retrieved his Nail from the CEC Catacombs the timing couldn’t have been worse for Alan – it was no coincidence that those murderous men had appeared when they did…and it had nothing to do with any virus.

Despite that recent cavalcade of visions about my friend, I was left with nothing but questions about his present situation.

But let’s be clear here – I’m no sucker.

You know as well as I that He is trying to peak my interest and draw me back into The Commission. But what He doesn’t seem to realize is – I DON’T CARE! I keep trying to tell Him that but He doesn’t listen.

All my life He’s been force-feeding me these visions. Oh, I’ve fallen for His games in the past. I’ve tried to do His Will – but it never gets me anywhere. It’s a damn waste of time, I tell you.

You understand that don’t you? Please, if you learn one thing from me, learn this – don’t fall for His tricks.

Will Eisner “A Contract with God” c 1978

So Alan’s in trouble, huh?

And now I suppose He wants me to go and save him?

Sorry, not going to happen.

Oh sure, Alan is my friend, but let’s face it, he’s a big boy. He knows what’s at stake for holding one of the Three. And, really now, what’s going to happen to Alan anyway? You know as well as I that they can’t kill him, so what can they do to him? Nothing. That’s right, nothing!

So, why did He even bother to waste my time showing me those visions anyway?

As YOU are my witness, I’ll say it again – GOD, please leave me alone!!

Now, where’s that damn bottle?

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