JESUS CHRIST: GOD-MAN - Vital Christianity

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Apocalyptic
The books of Daniel and Revelation are good examples within the Bible of a type of
Jewish literature generally called "apocalyptic." The word "apocalypse" means "revelation," and
apocalyptic writing generally contains accounts of supernatural revelations or visions. These
usually are about things to come and are given by God to the writer usually through an angel.
To the modern reader one of the most remarkable things about this type of literature is its
vivid and extraordinary symbolism. It is filled with beasts and seals, rivers and mountains and
stars, personages--both celestial and infernal, and also the frequent use of numbers (e.g. number
seven in the book of Revelation). Such pictorial language enables the writer to portray whole
movements of history and supernatural realities that could not otherwise easily be explained. The
hope of apocalyptic literature is for God's final and certain victory to take over all evil and
rebellion in His creation.
In interpreting apocalyptic literature it is vital to recognize that this is an instinctive type
of literature and must not be interpreted literally. It is also important that we learn as much as
possible about the significance of the symbolism used (e.g., a "beast" is frequently used in
apocalyptic literature to symbolize a nation). Such an understanding of symbolism can be gained
through a careful study of biblical apocalyptic literature and also by consulting commentaries
and other works of reference which draw upon extra-biblical sources.
Basically, two errors face us in interpreting apocalyptic writing. One approach is to
ignore it because we find it so strange and difficult to understand. In doing so we neglect a
significant part of God's revealed truth. The other dangerous attitude is that we become
excessively fascinated by it and therefore give it more prominence in our thinking than can be
justified by Scripture. While Jesus used apocalyptic literature Himself (e.g. Mk 13), He also
warned against those who foolishly speculate about the end times (Mt 24:26ff; Mk 13:4) and
explained that it is not for man to know about the "times or dates" which the father has set by His
own authority (Ac 1:7).
Purpose
The purpose of writing is another crucial issue in coming to terms with the factuality and
truthfulness of the biblical record. Even though the scope of the dissemination of the knowledge
of Scripture is not encyclopedic, nor is it merely inculcating abstract truths. In its historical
accounts there is a great deal of history that includes incidental data on a wide range of topics.
This does not mean that they are treated as textbook information; rather within the broader
context of Scripture, and according to the literary genres used, the statements of Scripture are
reliable.
Objectivity is key in correctly handling Scripture. When it is interpreted according to its
own nature, criteria and purpose, it is infallible.