Symbols in Revelation
This number represents completeness and is often used in reference to the Churches and Spirits.
What is 7?
The Book of Revelation was written by this apostle.
Who is St. John the Apostle?
According to the Nicene Creed, Christ “will come again in his glory” to do this.
What is to judge the living and the dead?
This great Alexandrian Father saw Revelation as deeply liturgical and symbolic
Who is St. Cyril of Alexandria?
What is a common modern misinterpretation of Revelation that the Church Fathers would disagree with?
What is a literal chronological timeline of the future?
The woman clothed with the sun (Revelation 12) symbolizes her
Who is the Theotokos (Virgin St. Mary)?
Revelation was written during the persecution of Christians under this Roman Emperor.
Who is Domitian?
In Matthew 24, Christ warns of false ones claiming to be Him
What are false Christs or antichrists?
This Father warned against millennialist interpretations of a literal 1000-year reign.
Who is St. Augustine?
This popular Protestant teaching falsely predicts a secret removal of believers.
What is the Rapture?
In Orthodox tradition, the Beast rising from the sea represents this.
What is a corrupt worldly power or anti-Christian kingdom?
Revelation is best understood through this lens, which is emphasized in Orthodox interpretation
What is liturgical and symbolic context, not literal or chronological?
This prophetic book from the Old Testament gives a vision of four kingdoms and a final eternal kingdom
What is the Book of Daniel?
Church Fathers insist that Revelation must align with this source of truth
What is Holy Tradition?
In Coptic Orthodoxy, “666” is understood symbolically as this.
What is the fullness of evil and rebellion against God?
The incense rising before God in Revelation symbolizes this.
What are the prayers of the saints?
Orthodox teaching warns against reading Revelation without this
What is the guidance of the Church and Holy Tradition?
The Orthodox Church teaches that no one knows this about Christ’s return.
What is the day or the hour?
The “lake of fire” mentioned in Revelation is interpreted how in Coptic teaching?
What is eternal separation from God and the final punishment of the wicked?
Where do does a Christian want to end up?
What is Heaven
This is what the “Lamb standing as though it had been slain” symbolizes.
Who is Christ, the victorious yet crucified Savior?
The central figure of Revelation and the entire Bible
Who is our Lord Jesus Christ?
Before Christ returns, this global event will occur, as foretold by both Christ and the apostles, marked by confusion, persecution, and falling away from the faithBefore Christ returns, this global event will occur, as foretold by both Christ and the apostles, marked by confusion, persecution, and falling away from the faith
What is the Great Apostasy?
According to patristic teachings, the “Antichrist” is not just one person but symbolizes this.
What is a spirit or system opposed to Christ and truth?
Reading Revelation without patristic guidance may lead some to think the "locusts" represent what modern fear?
What are helicopters or modern warfare machines?