How does deciphering symbolism in Revelation affect its truth?
Deciphering symbolism in Revelation does not diminish its truth; it reveals that the symbolic language conveys literal truth. Once the symbolism is understood, the meaning becomes as literal and certain as if it had been written in plain English. The symbols serve as a vehicle for actual, factual revelation.
Les explains that when symbolism comes in clearly, all we have to do is decipher it, and all of a sudden the symbolism becomes a literal truth, just as literal as if it had been written out in plain English again. In the surrounding context, he applies this to Revelation chapter 11, where the two witnesses prophesy 1,260 days, which is three and a half years. They are killed, and their bodies lie in Jerusalem. The symbolic details still communicate real events and real timing.
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What happens when you decipher the symbolism in Revelation?
Once the symbolism in Revelation is deciphered, it yields truths that are just as literal as a plain-English statement.