I am indebted to Richard Bauckham for his insights into the theological meaning of the book of Revelation. In his book, The Theology Of The Book Of Revelation, He claims that, “one of the functions of Revelation was to purge and to refurbish the Christian imagination.” He goes on to say that, “It recognizes the way a dominant culture, with its images and ideals, constructs the world for us, so that we perceive and respond to the world in its terms.” Moreover, “it unmasks this dominant construction of the world as an ideology of the powerful which serves to maintain their power.” Revelation offers, “a different way of perceiving the world which leads people to resist and to challenge the effects of the dominant ideology.” This is a warning to us in the 21st century! Our dominant culture presents power in growing absolute terms. From government, science and technology, those in power want us to give ultimate allegiance. This “secular” view of reality is a false substitute for God and His Son. The empire of Rome and her capital city were imaged in absolutist images for her citizens. Revelation “unmasks” this deception and paints them as a “beast” and a “prostitute”! To confess Jesus as Lord was a statement of resistance and challenge to the powers that be. Christians were to do “war” on the beast through the proclamation of truth. They were to “come out” of the harlot by living Kingdom values. This resistance and challenge would eventually bring persecution! Out of this prophetic vision in Revelation, the followers of Christ were called to faithfully persevere. In America, we need to “wake up” and take the message of Revelation seriously. As an American Christian, I love my freedom! I pray that we will remain free to speak truth to our culture. I also have counted the “cost” of discipleship and will remain faithful to Jesus no matter what happens! It is time to renew our commitment to follow Jesus and be “witnesses” to our world!
Pastor Fred
