Question
     
    I have been troubled by my studies of the book of Revelation.  I have some questions that pertain to the end of the world and God's coming judgement of man. 

    Answer:

    Revelation is a very hard book to understand.  I believe Revelation refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and not Rome or the pope.  I do not believe that the book contains references to the world coming to an end.  It would take me several pages to explain why this is the correct understanding of Revelation, but consider just one brief point.  Jesus says 7 times in one way or another he is coming quickly. 

    The fulfillment of Revelation was near.

    1. Shortly come to pass -- Rev. 1:1

    2. The time is at hand -- Rev. 1:3 and 22:10

    3. I come quickly - Rev. 3:11, 22:7, 22:12, and 22:20

    "Which must shortly come to pass" limits the time of fulfillment to the immediate future and great caution must be used when considering any reference as applying to a historical event hundreds of years down the road.

    It's important to realize that a coming of Jesus was at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.  This and a correct understanding that Revelation deals with this event goes a long way to understanding Jesus coming and what the Bible has to say about it.    Jesus statement in Matthew 24:34  "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place."  Has to be understood as that generation.  To apply it to the generation that now is alive is a misapplication of scripture.