Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Comparision between Prophecy and Apocyliptic literatrue

I found the following table during my studies this week and thought it was interesting enough that I wanted to keep it around:

Prophecy

Apocalyptic

Laments the sinfulness on the earth and urges repentance.

Asserts that the ever-present wickedness is beyond hope. The only solution is total destruction: the earth is going to melt with searing heat.

Reveals God's displeasure with his people-their irreverent attitudes and idolatrous conduct.

Assumes that the readers are themselves displeased with the evil around them and are anxious for God to provide a solution.

Calls the people of God back to obedience to God.

Calls for the few remaining faithful to persevere until the end: in the face of difficult odds they are to keep their robes pure.

Announces that God is going to judge sin and offer salvation, usually to be accomplished through natural means or human agents.

Announces that God himself is going to intervene and judge the world through supernatural means: he will ride out of heaven on a white horse and rule the nations.

Presents its message as direct speech from God: "Thus says the LORD."

Presents its message in graphic images, visions and symbols. The message is sometimes shrouded in mystery: for example, the title on one figure's forehead is "Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth."

Predicts both immediate and distant judgment and salvation.

Focuses primarily on final solutions. The situation is too serious for short-term answers. The only hope is for God to bring the history of man's sinfulness to conclusion and to establish a solution that will last for eternity: there will be no more night, and they will reign forever and ever.

Adapted from (bibliographic info from plowshare and pruning hook 107)

1 comment:

Lance Fisher said...

These are all good points. I also find it good to keep 2 Peter 3:9 in mind, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God is in the business of saving people. He would rather see you repent than rain down fire.