The Doctrine of Christ in the Apocalypse

More have been led astray by vagaries and false notions received from the Apocalypse of Saint John than from any other book of the Bible. Luther wrote four centuries ago: Es haben wohl viel sich daran versucht, aber bis auf den heutigen Tag nichts Gewisees aufbracht, etliche viel ungeschicktes Dinges aus ihren Kopf hineingebraeuet. (Vol. XIV, 130.) This warning applies today, and most certainly all who attempt to write anything on such a marvellous book as this have in common the feeling of trepidation and incapacity for such a task. It is evident that mysteries, problems, and difficulties will always exist (Rom. 11,33) no matter how far man has advanced in his learning and achievement; but this gives us no reason for closing our eyes to the simple truths within our grasp. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the things which are written therein (1,3). Without adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy of this book “it is hoped that its simple and beautiful truths, particularly those which pertain to the person and work of Christ, can be brought forth in this paper