Lutheran View of Revelation

Apocalyptic Literature

Q. From what I understand, the we believe Revelation and other apocalyptic literature as figurative. For example, Revelation uses a cycle of sevens throughout the books, and seven is supposed to be a symbolic number for completeness. Other denominations and simply other people in general take numbers in Revelation as literal. I don't disagree with taking it figuratively or symbolically, however you wish to state it). However, why are the "seven's" in Revelation taken figuratively but the days of the creation account are almost always taken literally? It is said in Genesis that God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. Why is this normally taught as being literal?
A. It is the nature of apocalyptic literature (like the book of Revelation) to use numbers, strange creatures, events described in unusual ways, etc. to provide a message to believers who are able to understand the "true meaning" behind the cryptic stories and symbols. One of the messages of Revelation is that God's will will be done in spite of all opposition. He is in charge. He reigns. It is a message of comfort for the one who trusts in Jesus Christ as Savior and King.
The book of Genesis, on the other hand, does not contain the characteristics of apocalyptic literature. It is written as historical literature. There is nothing in the book of Genesis itself (or in Genesis 1-3 in particular) that suggests that we are to take what is written here as anything other than a literal, historical account of how God created the world. That does not mean, however, that the literal "seven days" of Genesis 1-2 may not also have an additional "figurative" or "prophetic" significance. The number seven often signifies "wholeness" or "completion," and it seems clear from Scripture that God chose to create the world in seven days both to highlight the "completeness" of his work of creation and to point forward to the final "completion" of his plan of salvation in heaven. In this connection, it is interesting to note that the writer to the Hebrews refers to God's resting on the seventh day and then refers to the fact that there remains a sabbath rest for the people of God (Heb. 4:1-11). That "sabbath rest" is eternal life in heaven, won for us by the life, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

144,000 Saved?


Q. An article I read on Revelation, Chapter 7, states that the 144,000 referred to as being saved are not Jewish converts. Some Bible studies state they are. What do you believe this number refers to?
A. The number 144,000 is obviously not one to be taken literally. Revelation is one of those books that consists of what is called apocalyptic literature. Literature of this kind uses strange figures and numbers that are symbolic in order to present a message intended to provide comfort to those under persecution for their faith. The real message of Revelation is that God's will be done in spite of all opposition. He will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and those who put their trust in Him will reign with Him forever and ever.
With respect to the 144,000, it should be noted that 1,000 is a number of completion as it is the multiple of 10x10x10. Furthermore, 144 is the multiple of 12x12. As there were 12 tribes of Israel, so in the New Testament you have reference to the 12 apostles, which is a reference to the New Testament church that in many places in the writings of St. Paul and elsewhere is described as the new Israel or the Israel of God. In view of this, the reference to 144,000 is quite clearly a symbolical reference to the total number of believers who will be saved---12x12x1,000.

The Rapture

Q. Does The Church believe in the rapture?
A. The answer to your question depends on what you mean by "the rapture." The English word "rapture" is derived from the Latin translation of the verb "caught up" in 1 Thess. 4:17 (rapiemur). Lutherans certainly believe what Paul teaches in this passage, namely, that those who are still living on earth when Christ returns visibly on the last day "will be caught up" ("raptured") together with "the dead in Christ" to "meet the Lord in the air."
Some Christians teach, however, that the "rapture" will take place not on the last day but in connection with an "invisible" coming of Christ occurring before a seven-year period of "tribulation" on earth, allowing Christians to "escape" this tribulation and then later return to earth for a literal "1000 year reign of Christ."
Lutherans do not believe that these teachings are based on a proper understanding of Scripture. Scripture teaches that all Christians will endure varying degrees of "tribulation" until the last day, that Christ will return only once (visibly) to "catch up" ("rapture") all believers, living and dead, into heaven, and that all believers will reign forever with him in heaven. Lutherans understand the "1000 years" of Rev. 20:11-15 to be a figurative reference to Christ's reign here and now in the hearts and lives of believers, which will culminate in our reigning with Christ forever in heaven following his return on the last day.
For more information, you may want to read the Synod's theological commission report titled "The End Times."