This book is a 273-page expository, which gives understanding to the symbols in the book of Revelation. You will find over 900 word and number definitions which will help the reader better understand the symbolism in the book of Revelation. In many instances the symbolic words that are used identify someone or something. "Symbols Unveiled" is a verse by verse exposition, so as to make it readable for both the causal reader and those who want a deeper understanding. For the teacher who wants an in depth study, he is advised to consult the glossary of terms found in the back of the book, which are referenced according to scriptural cross referencing, Strong's numbering and other reference books.
In the book of Revelation God reveals, identifies and clarifies five major points which are:The author Jack M. Russell was saved in 1969. God had laid a foundation in Jack of only desiring the truth of God's word and hence removed the desire to read and/or research what men had to say. There were exceptions, to be sure, but by and large God's word, as found in Holy Scripture, was the revealing source.
Early on in Jack's walk, he had read a book about Revelation by a nationally know author, but the contents never set well in his spirit.
In early 1980 God began to stir interest in Jack about the book of Revelation by having him read through the book. God would begin to reveal the meaning, especially of the symbolic language. Then in the late 80's Jack asked God to teach him, and give him understanding to this book so that he would not be deceived. God then began to give an overview of the book. Jack could see in general what the book was about. That it was written on the same format as the book of Daniel, in that God gives information, and then in later chapters gives more understanding.
There was now a desire to share this insight, but the Holy Spirit said "not yet"! As time passed Jack started spending the winter months in Denver reading and allowing God to reveal things to him. The desire continued. Jack wanted not only to know the truth, but he wanted to understand only what God was saying. God would give an insight and then validate it with other scripture. This insight is approached as if he has to personally give testimony to what has been revealed. At times Jack would ask God "how will I confirm this to others?" God has been very gracious in giving conformation.
Before moving to Redding, California, God allowed Jack to share his insight with five people, in Denver, Colorado, including his pastor. Jack respected his pastor as a teacher of the word. His pastor's reaction was that he thought that Jack was seeing the book as too "spiritual." He was elated at this response because Jack had always desired the spiritual understanding of God's word first, and foremost.
After moving to Redding in 1989, and starting the Worship Center fellowship in 1992, God allowed Jack to do a seminar for the members of the fellowship and any others who desired to attend. In the winter of 1994, he gave the seminar again to his church. One year later, as he was revamping his notes, and after purchasing some new software for his computer (which incidentally, allowed him to greatly understand the Greek word meanings) Jack was encouraged by his co-pastor friend to put his insight into book form. This nudge was all that was needed! Jack began to research the books written on Eschatology, the Apocalypse and the book of Revelation. He found only four (4) other books that were similar in interpretation. Additionally, all four (4) were out of print, being written in the 1600's and 1800's. In front of the book of Revelation in the New American Standard Open Bible, there is reference to four principal schools of interpretation. The first is one of the "The Spiritual Scheme of Interpretation." Again, not desiring to be unduly influenced by man's insight, Jack somewhat reluctantly looked for the book written by W. Milligan who endorses the "The Spiritual Scheme of Interpretation. Milligan, it was discovered, was a 19th century theologian. Obviously, Milligan's book is out of print, but a copy was miraculously found in a local college library in Redding. Jack was able to check out the book. Jack's pre-judgment of the book was that it was surely going to present a major disagreement. Not so! In Milligan's writings he said: "the symbols have not been revealed up to this time, but I believe they will be." Additionally, Milligan said: "the symbols have not been revealed and I don't know if they will ever be revealed." This gave Jack more encouragement to put into writing and eventually into print what God had revealed. He believes that there are others today who also have insight into the symbolism of the book of Revelation, and trusts that their insight also will be revealed to the church.