Revelation is the last New Testament book and the most unusual. it is the combination of an apocalypse, a prophecy and a composite of seven letters to churches. Apocalyptic literature typically uses symbolic language and images to describe and represent realities about future times and events, often relating to ultimate devastation and a final outcome.
The prophetic message of this book gives a graphic picture of the final outcome of human history and the completion of the whole Biblical message of redemption.
Eight major features characterize this book. 1. Revelation is the only New Testament book classified as prophetic and apocalyptic. 2. Its message is presented in symbols that represent realities about future times and events. 3. Numbers are used extensively. The most common or recurring number used is seven, which occurs 54 times. This number symbolizes completeness, fullness, and perfection. 4. Visions are a major feature. 5. Angels are most often associated with the visions and the heavenly announcements. 6. It is a polemical book, which means that it expresses passionate and strongly worded arguments for and against specific people or things. 7. It is a dramatic book that makes the truth of its message as clear and forceful as possible. 8. It is the breath and reflection of the spirit of Old Testament prophecy.
This is a most difficult New Testament book to interpret. There are at least five different methods of interpretation but the most widely accepted method - one that agrees most closely with Christian teachings is the "futurist method."
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