Apocalyptic Salvation Hurricanes, wars, disease, and occasionally the walking dead, humanity has a constant obsession 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. Many traditions and oral history surround the Apocalypse. Some believe it will come in the form of rising ocean tides, others believe it will come as a result of thermonuclear war. Regardless of the delivery method, the end of our existence on Earth will be a fiery, sad, and macabre experience. Probably one of the most vivid and detailed predictions about what the Apocalypse will be like comes from the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible. While on the surface the Book of Revelation appears dark and disparaging, to a second century Christian the Book of Revelation is a message of hope for those who are faithful followers of Christ. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an 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 still decades away, and in the meantime Christians needed something to turn to 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 steadfast in their faith. One of the recurring images throughout the Apocalypse is the Lamb. “Then I saw standing in the midst... a Lamb, which 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 look to the Lamb for guidance for future events. One of the fundamental tasks of the Lamb is to break the seven seals. Only the Lamb can carry out the divine plan since it is hidden from God (Revelation 5,7-9). This would also 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 tasked with breaking each of the seven seals, but he is also more capable than God in this task. Another reason the book of Revelation served as a source of hope for second-century Christians was the removal of the Devil. The Devil is seen as the root of all evil and evil in the world. He is responsible for leading the nations astray and causing much suffering (Revelation 20:2). Symbolically, he may also be responsible for all the pain and suffering that second century Christians were facing. The angle that casts the Devil into the abyss shows how that evil is released from the world and no longer poses a threat (Revelation 20:4). The disappearance of evil with the coming of Christ would have been a significant source of hope for second-century Christians. Having faced persecution at the hands of the Romans, which included horrors such as fighting lions for sport, the end of this evil would provide them with 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 beautiful picture of how those who are faithful to Jesus will be rewarded after the end. of the Apocalypse. Chapter twenty-two paints a picture of what will happen in the end. “The river of life that gives water,.