The Mysteries In The Book Of Revelation

In recent weeks I have been listening to Robert Caringola’s interpretation of the Book of Revelation. I was intrigued by his vast knowledge of history, and all the battles that have been fought. I began to wonder if his view of Revelation is the correct view.

I purchased the Kindle Version of his book “The Present Reign Of Jesus Christ”, and have only just started to read it. Historicism is an interpretive avenue. But one of the first things we must notice is the “ism”.

Caringola makes it clear that he does not believe any part of the Book of Revelation is literal. He believes it is metaphorical, all of it. Nothing is to be taken literally. However, nothing could be more literal than history itself.

I do understand why people reject the hard core literalism, which is especially prevalent among the dispensational teaching. However, I am of the mindset that the entire bible contains a mixture of literalism, and metaphorical language.

The insistence on a complete metaphorical interpretation, is the polarized opposite of literalism. I don’t think these polarities are even contained within the Book of Revelation. It is man’s interpretation, and we should keep that in mind.

The strict adherence to a metaphorical, or a literal interpretation could hinder our understanding. We should not restrict the word of God, or try to make it fit a certain pattern, ism, or genre of literature.

One of the first things I question about Caringola’s interpretation is the claim it is strictly metaphorical. He then goes on to apply the metaphor to strict historical (literal) timelines, in a concrete, linear fashion. This in itself seems somewhat incongruent to me. 

In Revelation 22:13 we are given some insight into the timeline. It is not according to our linear interpretation of history.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first & the last.

To me, this does not suggest there is a linear, literal or metaphorical interpretation of all of history in the Book of Revelation.

Caringola’s point of view is that most of the prophecies have already been fulfilled. He may be right to an extent, but if the end is in the beginning, and the beginning is in the end, perhaps we should try to understand it spiritually. Metaphorical is not the same as spiritual, although there may be an overlap to help us grasp certain meanings. 

It seems kind of counter intuitive to make the claim it is entirely metaphorical, then go on to provide a litany of concrete, and literal historical examples to support the theory.

For example, we do not attach the metaphor “the bride of Christ” to the Reformation, or any particular historical era. We know it is a metaphor that spans all of history. A percentage of the metaphors within the bible, are all encompassing. Why would the book of Revelation be any different? 

In my opinion, a thousand year reign is not a metaphor. When Satan was cast out of heaven, was that a metaphor? Or was he actually cast out? Other verses support the fact he was cast out with a third of the angels, and has since roamed the earth. He was cast out, and thrown down to earth. It is not a metaphor. We see, know, and have felt the effects of his presence here, by the amount of evil, deception, and trickery he has inflicted on us.

Revelation 12:7-13

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

If Satan was cast down to the earth, and has roamed the earth, doesn’t it stand to reason that when Christ returns, he will bind him, and lock him in the bottomless pit? As opposed to viewing the binding of Satan as a metaphor? 

In the book of Genesis, when Eve was beguiled by the serpent, and ate fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, even though it happened in the past, it still has an impact on today. It is not really behind us, it is with us, and is still ahead of us. It may have metaphorical elements, but for believers, there is not much doubt it actually happened. 

The bible was written for all people, not just for historical scholars. How could the average person possibly know the historical events spanning thousands of years? It is commendable for those who do, but is it a requirement to understand the bible?

Do the many parables we read about in the bible fall into historical timelines? It seems to me the parables speak to all generations, throughout all of history. We apply what we learn from the bible to our own lives and experiences.

When Christ was dealing with the woman who had committed adultery, and the crowd was about to stone her, here is what happened…

John 8:2-11

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

This teaching is as relevant today as it was then.

When Caringola describes the binding of Satan, it sounds like he believes this is also a metaphor showing that Satan is restrained, and has been since the death and resurrection of Christ. Some believe Satan will not be bound until Christ returns. Personally I do not see much evidence that Satan is currently bound, or locked up. Given what is happening in the world, how could Satan be bound, and unable to deceive the nations right now?

Also, if the church is supposed to have power to restrain Satan, why is it not effective? Instead we see Satanic influence in the churches. Some of the church services look like rock concerts, or even circuses, all designed to entertain, as opposed to teaching the bible.

Caringola claims there is nowhere in the bible that teaches or describes a millennial reign of Christ. He says the word millennial is not in the bible, and a thousand years means “a very long time”.

However what about the following verses?

Isaiah 2:4

4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Isaiah 11:4-9

4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover 

When has the earth ever been free of wars and conflicts? The bible tells us that day will come. Clearly, it has not already happened.

Micah 4:3

3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.

In my opinion, these verses support what it says in Revelation about the binding of Satan, and the reign of Christ on earth.

For those who believe in a 1000 year reign following Christ’s return, it makes sense, since it is also tied to creation, the sabbath, and the period of rest following. When the earth is 6000 years old, a time of peace and rest would be wonderful.

Hebrews 4:2-6

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

Perhaps even more sobering in relation to our preconceived notions of timelines.

2 Peter 3:8-9

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Revelation 5:10

10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 11:17

17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

Once again, it reinforces what was, and what is to come.

Revelation 20:1-7

1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

Caringola refers to those who believe in Christ’s thousand year reign on earth as being dispensationalists, and futurists, and foolish for not seeing the thousand year reign as metaphor. Why was the 1000 years repeated six times in a row? Does it say it was “like” a 1000 years, or “as” 1000 years? What is there to indicate it is a metaphor?

If all of the Book of Revelation is a metaphor, what about the return of Christ? Is that a metaphor too? For most Christians it is basis for hope, the belief in the resurrection, the fulfilment of the gospel promises. It is the most significant, and anticipated outcome of our faith in Jesus. It is not a metaphor. 

Some of the synonyms for the word metaphor are allusion, parable, likeness, similarity, representation, irony, allegory, symbolism etc.

The expectation of the return of Christ is based on faith. It is a belief, not a metaphor. It is a promise, and a prophecy from God. Therefore, all of the book of Revelation cannot possibly be metaphorical. 

Personally I do not believe in dispensational teaching at all. In fact I totally reject it. I do not believe in the separation of the state of Israel, or that God views the body of Christ as having such a separation.

Galatians 3:28

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

I do not believe in the rapture of the church before the great tribulation. I do not believe the bible is divided into seven dispensations. I am not a Zionist.

I will readily admit that I am not a historical scholar. There are many things in the bible that I do not understand. However, since it is God’s plan, and His knowledge, wisdom, and scope is infinitely greater than any human, I trust God will show us the way, the truth and the life through our faith in Jesus, as promised.

After watching many episodes of “Truth In History” as it applies to biblical timelines, I question certain potential unrealities. History as it is written, is subject to propaganda, interpretation, ideologies, and is often rewritten to fit a certain narrative.

Winners in a conflict will often have the conflict written to portray them as heroes, and the enemy as villains, when the conflict is never as black and white as it is portrayed. Here is what Google says if you ask whether history is modified or distorted.

“Yes, history is frequently modified, altered, or interpreted in ways that obscure the full truth, a process often driven by political, nationalistic, or ideological motives. While the “past” (what actually happened) is fixed, “history” (the narrative of that past) is constantly being written, forgotten, and rewritten based on available evidence, power dynamics, and the perspectives of those in power.”

Therefore it appears we cannot accept any axiom such as “truth in history” at face value. 

There are many good people who have endeavoured to understand the bible, and share their knowledge with others. I do appreciate this opportunity to learn more about history, and I know the bible, and all of history are intertwined. However, the ultimate truth is in the bible, and history as we know it, may not be true. 

Surely the Revelation of Jesus Christ spans all of history, not just physically, but spiritually as well. There are many battles in the unseen realms. The bible tells us we do not battle against flesh and blood.

Ephesians 6:10-

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

We cannot lean on our own understanding. Nor can we approach any part of the Gospel without acknowledging the spiritual realm, and the limits of our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-7:

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Once I finish reading Caringola’s book, I will write another blog post. One positive thing about it is that it opens our horizons when it comes to the major historical events over the centuries. We tend to limit ourselves to the more recent past, and what appears to be the distant future. Our scope and perspective is limited, at least mine is.

Revelation 10:8-11

8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Caringola attributes Revelation 10:8-11 to Martin Luther and the Reformation. The little book refers to the bible. I believe this speaks to all Christians throughout all generations. The bible is supposed to reach all nations before Christ returns.

Matthew 24:14

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Did Martin Luther reach all nations with the gospel? Was the Reformation the end according to Matthew 24:14? No it was not. It happened in 1517, more than 500 years ago. Martin Luther challenged the Catholic church, but it was primarily a movement within Germany and Europe, not one that reached all the nations.

Therefore it would seem the little book John was talking about, then being told to eat it up, with sweetness in his mouth, followed by a bitterness in his belly, has a far greater reach, and meaning than the Reformation.

To me it means we taste the sweetness, and comforts contained within the gospel message. All Christians are expected to proclaim the gospel, since it is the source of our faith. All Christians are part of the movement to reach all of the nations, because it is tied to our hope in the return of Christ.

The reason the little book is first sweet, and then bitter, is because not only do we need to repent, and face our own sins, but we also may face persecution. Just as John Bunyan described in the Pilgrim’s Progress, which was written in 1678, our Christian pilgrimage is a journey fraught with many obstacles. His book is a Christian allegory, and is metaphorical in every sense. It is not comparable to the bible, but it is a very good example of metaphorical fiction. 

I do not believe the mission to reach all of the nations with the gospel message is a prophecy that was fulfilled in 1511 by Martin Luther.

Although he challenged the Catholic church, he still retained several Catholic beliefs and rituals, to include the creed of the Catholic church. This does not align with the downfall of the Catholic church, because it continues to exist, and have a great deal of influence in the world. 

The Christian’s great commission is to follow Christ, empowering believers to spread the gospel throughout the world. It did not end with the Reformation. The prophecy has yet to be fulfilled. Apparently there are thousands of groups of people who have yet to receive the gospel message. 

Locations in the world with thousands, if not millions of people who have not been reached with the gospel message are as follows: India, China, Pakistan, Indonesia, North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Pamir Mountains, and remote regions of the Amazon jungle.

The Book of Revelation blesses those who read, and listen to what it has to say. Revelation 1:3:

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Notice it does not tell us we have to fully understand it. Nor does it tell us we must study the span of recorded history from the 4th millennium BCE, until the present day. Even if we did, it does not mean we would know what is yet to come, other than through our faith in the truth of the gospel. 

We know the essence of what is promised. Salvation, forgiveness of sins, and the glorious return of Christ for those of us who believe, love, and accept Him with all sincerity.  In fact, all people will know who He is when the time comes.

We can try to understand the book of Revelation, but we must rely on God to show us what it means, spiritually, metaphorically, and literally. It will be revealed to us in spirit and in truth, in due time.

We cannot fully grasp what will be revealed to us in God’s timeline. We can place our trust in Him, and that is what matters most.

Copyright Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West (2026). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author/owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Valerie J. Hayes and Quiet West with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.