"Vengeance is mine; I will repay," saith the Lord (Romans 12:19). And, boy, he was not kidding. Revelation is pretty much one big long revenge fantasy. John really wants to get back at Rome and its people for the evils they've perpetrated on God and his people. In a way, it's totally understandable why people who were members of an oppressed minority would crave some payback. On the other hand, to forgive is divine, guys. You might want to try it sometime.
Questions About Revenge
- How are the various revenges in Revelation ironic or symbolic?
- Is a desire for vengeance a natural reaction to persecution and oppression?
- Revelation talks a lot about vengeance, but not at all about forgiveness. What's the deal with that? Is the time for forgiving past?
- Are some crimes unforgivable?Does God really punish people? Or do they punish themselves by rejecting him?