Introduction to the Judgement Cycles

What we have seen so far:

BP Video here

structure slide:

Just as the Inaugural Vision (Rev. 1) served as the theological foundation for the Seven Letters (Rev. 2-3), the Heavenly Vision (Rev. 4-5) will serve as a foundation for the Judgment Cycles (Rev. 6-20).

How do we understand the Judgement Cycles?

varying views

Remember, Theological Triage, which considers those matters of the faith of first importance.

Linear, Telescopic, or recapitulatory?

Linear Theory

this assumes the judgments are a chronological sequence of 21 historical judgments following one right after the other (Stevens, 162).

Telescopic Theory

the telescopic theory is linear, but modified slightly.

the basis is the literary observation that the seventh in each series of the seals and trumpets does not actually portray a judgement. instead the last in the series introduces the next series (Stevens, 163).

Recapitulation Theory

first considered by Victorinus of Pettau (d. 303). reacting against chiliastic hyper-literalism.

this is the idea that the cycles recapitulate the truth of judgment intensifying to a climax (Stevens, 164).

Kind of like a chorus to a song for us.

Each “chorus” goes back to the truth that God is the true sovereign over creation and history. God is the true judge of all things.

each cycle is distinctive, but each work in concert to increase the intensity, gaining dramatic momentum, enhancing the overall impact (Ibid, 164).

This is the perspective that I’ll be following.

Insert judgement cycle chart

slide with Stevens video