@divegeester
Did you start reading the book of Revelation at 1:1 ?
I did.
I think the first time I read through from 1:1 on into the book was probably about 1970. And on my own. Since then I have always thought and told others that signs, symbols, poetic speech is found in that book.
That is nothing new you know.
Zechariah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel ... all contributory TO Revelation contain signs and symbolism also.
Even John has signs.
Did you ever have an open, frank, and honest conversation with Jesus Christ, telling Him that there is something in the Bible that you don't like ? Did you ever go to God and confess that you hated something that was said in His word?
You know, God always receives an honest prayer. Regardless of how you feel about your victory in debating me or not, be honest with God. Come into His presence with thanksgiving.
And be honest about what is in your heart.
PS If there is nothing in the Bible that causes you to say "I WISH that was not there!" I don't trust you.
You need to face up to the fact, and it is a fact, that something cannot be literal AND allegorical, literal AND metaphorical.
Think that over carefully.
The ark of the covenant? Did it have an actual existence? Was there allegory associated with that object?
Noah's ark. Did it have an actual existence? Was there allegory associated with it?
The promise land of Canaan. Was it an actual geographical location? Does it have allegorical significance to it?
The Red Sea. Is it an actual place on the planet? Did it not have allegorical significance to it?
The cross of Christ. Was it not an actual object? Does it not have allegorical significance to it?
@sonship saidIf you can pick and choose what parts are good and bad, why bother?
@KellyJay
[quote] The thing that should be taken into account regardless of how one thinks of any text is that language matters, even an allegory is spoken in scripture with intent and should never be ignored. Jesus spoke to many about the Kingdom of God, and He didn't always talk about it in literal terms. The truths of it were still conveyed in what He said. Scriptures are ...[text shortened]... re are parables in Matthew. That doesn't mean everything in Matthew is not historical.