Ángel
Manuel Rodríguez
How did Adventists
arrive at the identification of the kingdoms represented by the symbols
in the books of Daniel and Revelation?
In some cases this has not been difficult; but in others, much more so.
It is important to be aware of the limitations and risks involved in
interpreting those symbols. We must begin by establishing a proper method
of interpretation, then discuss how to use it.
I. Proper Method: Christians
have used different methods to interpret the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation.
Adventists have adhered to what is called a historicist system of
interpretation. According to this understanding, prophecies cover a broad
outline of the history of God's people from the time of the prophet to the
establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This is the methodology provided
to Daniel by an angel sent to interpret the vision of Daniel 7. The prophecy
had to do with events that covered the historical period from the Babylon Empire
to the time of the end (Dan. 7:38, 44). This approach was confirmed by Jesus,
who indicated that the last part of the prophecy of Daniel 9 was going to be
fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem (Matt. 24:15). Paul also understood
the coming of the antichrist as a future event (2 Thess. 2:7-9). We have simply
followed the biblical system of interpretation.
2. Kingdoms Clearly Identified: The
book of Daniel provides the historical application of the symbols. The angel
interpreter told Daniel that four kingdoms were to rise on earth and the fifth
one was going to be the kingdom of God. The angel identified by name three
of the historical kingdoms: Babylon (Dan. 2:38), Medo-Persia (5:28; 8:20),
and Greece (8:21). The fourth kingdom is not identified, but a detailed description
of its nature and actions is provided (7:19-26). Jesus implied that it was
Rome (Matt. 24:15, 16; Luke 21:20, 21). As long as we follow the biblical materials
we are on safe ground. But many other symbols were not interpreted by the angel
(e.g., the 10 horns, the little horn, two other beasts in Revelation 13, Babylon,
etc.). How do we identify the prophetic fulfillment of those symbols?
3. Kingdoms Not Clearly Identified: What
controls should we use to identify the broad outline of history found in the
visions? We have to move from what is clearly revealed in the prophecies themselves
to what is left historically undefined.
First, we have to realize that in Daniel 2 and 7 we
have the most important outline of apocalyptic prophecy in both Daniel and
Revelation. This prophetic backbone provides the indispensable historical outline
to be used in fitting other apocalyptic prophecies and their fulfillments within
history. We know that the fourth kingdom is Rome, according to the prophecy,
that it would be divided, and that one of the small kingdoms—a political-religious
power—would dominate the others. By about A.D. 200 Hippolytus interpreted
the fourth beast as the Romans and the little horn as the antichrist. Christian
interpreters early in the Christian era continued to use the system of interpretation
used by the angel interpreter to identify the historical fulfillment of apocalyptic
prophecies.
Second, we pay attention to the chronology of events
located in the prophecy itself. For instance, Revelation 12 moves from
an attack against the Child (Christ), to an attack against the woman (His church),
and finally against the remnant (those alive when Jesus returns). Notice the
historical progression.
Third, we examine historical events, taking into consideration
the prophetic line of thought. History indicates that Satan attempted to destroy
Jesus and persecuted the church. The remnant is located between Satan's failure
to destroy the woman after 1,260 years and the end-time attack against it.
The eschatological role of the beast from the sea and the other from the earth
(Rev. 13) takes place during the time of the remnant.
Finally, we should consider that history tends to
reveal a self-correcting process that reaches its climax when the prophecies
find their historical fulfillment.
Moving from the known to the unknown could easily
take us into the dangerous zone of human speculation. We should use the same
procedure employed by the angel interpreter, keeping in mind that prophecy
only provides a general outline of what will take place as we approach the
final days of earth's history.
4/07
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