Revelation: The first sign
8: Revelation 12: Reading from the Scroll – The First Sign At this point in Revelation’s heavenly worship service, the readings from the scroll begin. The messages are told through pictures of the history of creation and salvation. Old Testament images, contemporary “apocalyptic” images, numerical symbols and Christian symbols all intertwine to create a fascinating story. But if we try to read it as “reality” we end up struggling to give rational meaning to pictorial symbolism, and risk missing the message—just like an alien trying to understand why Batman’s fist should create star-shaped patterns in the air with “BAM” and “POW” written across them. List of Signs 1. A History of Salvation. The dragon and the child. 12:1-17 2. The Deception of False Government. The beast from the sea. 13:1-10 3. The Consequences of False Religion. The beast from the earth 13:11-13:18 4. The Union of Heaven and Earth. The 144,000. 14:1-5 5. God’s answer. 3 angels. 14:6-13 6. God’s Harvest. 14:14-20 7. Sa...