CONSOLATION AND HOPE IN IMPOSSIBLE TIMES: A CRITICAL STUDY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Abstract

Isaiah 40:1 is a straight call to consolation by God. It was a call that enlivened a rather shattered hope following the lengthy years of exile. The author of the book of Apocalypse like the Deutero-Isaiah has a direct message for his audience. The sadness and despair, the devastated hope coupled with the rushing and entangled thoughts over the persecutions are only preludes to the victory by those who would remain faithful until the end. The Christians are in no position to fight any of their enemies. Unlike the Essenes who were given a War Manual, Christians have no role to play in the terminal and determinant war with Satan. The Christian has the choice of renouncing Christ or suffering martyrdom. The author is aware that without strong conviction that Jesus is king, it would be impossible for the believers to endure such suffering. To elicit such immutable conviction the author like other apocalyptic pushed home his message through graphic images and symbols. He is sure that the Christians will eventually become victorious just as Christ. They only have to remain patient and faithful. Theirs is better classified as joy in the midst of suffering. This paper studies Revelation as a book of consolation and hope. It sets out to explore how the author of Revelation carefully drives home his message.