Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set by Howard G. Hendricks & William D. Hendricks

Author:Howard G. Hendricks & William D. Hendricks [Hendricks, Howard G. & Hendricks, William D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Religion, Christian Life, Spiritual Growth, Biblical Reference, General
ISBN: 9780802482938
Google: 82b6K-NhKzIC
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Published: 2007-04-30T16:00:00+00:00

3. Use the figurative sense if a literal meaning is impossible or absurd.

This is where we need some sanctified common sense. God does not shroud Himself in unknowable mysticism. When He wants to tell us something, He tells us. He doesn’t confound us with nonsense. However, He often uses symbolism to make His points. Yet He expects us to read them as symbols, not absurdities.

Consider Revelation 1:16, where the Lord appears: “Out of His mouth came a sharp, two-edged sword.” What does this mean? Is it likely that our Lord would have a literal sword sticking out of His mouth? Hardly. The most likely explanation is a figurative one, so we need to search the text for what this picture represents.

It’s probably not what you think. You may be thinking of Hebrews 4:12, which says that the Word of God is “sharper than any two-edged sword.” On that basis, you might assume that the Revelation image is about Christ and His Word. But a word study rules otherwise.

The word for “sword” in Revelation 1:16 is not the same as the word used in Hebrews 4:12. In Hebrews, the sword is a short, fighting sword like those used by Roman soldiers. But the sword in Revelation is a large, ceremonial sword of victory and judgment. Carried by a conquering king, it would be used to execute the vanquished after a triumphal procession. Consider how that fits with the theme and imagery of Revelation.

So figurative language can be very descriptive, as well as very precise.

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