The Meaning of the Revelation (PDF)

The object of this book is to provide a running commentary on the Book of Revelation,
elucidating its meaning. Other introductory and technical considerations are subordinated to this
main quest. Though a scholarly work, it is written in a manner free from technicalities so as to
make it useful to the general reader. It was written with the hope that a simple treatise on
Revelation's meaning would help clergy and others who often have to deal with people who take it
in a false and literal sense.

When the Revelation was originally written it was naturally accepted as an account of
current events and of events "shortly to come to pass"; that is how it describes itself (Rev 1:1, 3;
22:6, 10), and that is how it was naturally taken. Unfortunately, the key to its meaning was soon
lost, and its mystical symbolism was taken as literal description.

When it reflects events of history, it is current events that it reflects. The Revelation
represents great principles working themselves out in actual history. The book is a literary unity
stamped throughout by the mark of a great genius. It is one of the loftiest mystical poems the
world has produced.

Revelation insists that certain events of worldwide importance are coming immediately,
following the same general lines as Christ's Olivet Discourse, which spoke to events of which the
Lord himself declared: "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these
things take place" (Matt 24:34).