Apocalyptic Salvation Hurricanes, wars, disease and sometimes the undead, humanity is constantly obsessed with the end of our time on this Earth. Apocalyptic predictions and fantasies have been part of our human experience since Rome dominated the known world. There are many traditions and oral histories surrounding Revelation. Some think it will happen in the form of rising ocean tides, others think it will happen as a result of thermonuclear war. Regardless of the delivery method, this end of our existence on Earth will be a fiery, mournful, and macabre experience. Perhaps one of the most vivid and detailed predictions of what Revelation will look like comes from the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible. While on the surface the Book of Revelation seems dark and derogatory, to a second-century Christian the Book of Revelation is a message hopefully intended for those who are faithful followers of Christ. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The second century was a turbulent time for Christians. Most of the known world was under the control of the Roman Empire and its emperor. Christians were actively persecuted by the Roman government because of their religious beliefs. The legalization of Christianity was decades away, and in the meantime, Christians needed somewhere to turn for hope. The book of Revelation provided this hope to the early Christians. In the face of violence and discrimination, the Book of Revelation helped second-century Christians remain faithful to their faith. One of the recurring images throughout Revelation is the Lamb. “Then I saw standing in the midst…a lamb that seemed to have been slain” (Revelation 5:6). It is clear from the fact that the Lamb appears both slain and standing near the throne that the Lamb is a metaphor for Jesus. The use of Jesus throughout the book serves as a beacon of hope. Second century Christians would seek Lamb to guide them through the events to come. One of the key tasks the Lamb is charged with is breaking the seven seals. Only the Lamb can carry out the divine plan since he is hidden from God (Revelation 5:7-9). This would once again create hope for second century Christians through the power of Jesus. The Lamb has considerable power during the events of Revelation. Not only is he responsible for breaking each of the seven seals, but he is also more capable of this task than God. Another reason the book of Revelation served as a source of hope for second-century Christians was the elimination of the Devil. The Devil is considered the root of all evil and wrongdoing in the world. He is responsible for leading the nations astray and causing much suffering (Revelation 20:2). Symbolically, he could also be responsible for all the pain and suffering that second-century Christians faced. The angle throwing the Devil into the abyss shows how this evil is freed from the world and no longer poses a threat (Revelation 20:4). The disappearance of evil with the coming of Christ would have been an important source of hope for Christians in the 2nd century. Having faced persecution from the Romans, which included horrors such as being pitted against lions for sport, the end of this evil would give them much hope. When the Lamb finally comes, they will no longer have to face such events and will be able to live and practice their religion without fear. The final chapter of Revelation offers a.