The restoration theme in the Book of Revelation: From creation to new creation

Abstract

This dissertation demonstrates that the restoration theme is the large theological framework for interpreting Revelation with intertextual connections with Genesis as well as other OT books and intertestamental literature. The intertextual and thematic approach of the dissertation explores the recurring motif of the restoration of land, people, and temple.

First, this dissertation argues that Jesus is the divine restorer of God's creation. Christ's death and resurrection are the foundation for God's restoration work of both the animate and inanimate creation. Christ has already initiated his kingdom in the church, and will consummate his kingdom in the new creation. Christ is "the beginning of God's creation" and the new beginning of God's new creation (1:5; 3:14; cf. 2 Cor 5:17). John describes Christ as the high priest and King of kings who accomplishes the priestly and kingly role of both Israel and Adam.

Second, this dissertation explores the tension between the already restored church in Christ's kingdom and the future consummation of the church as the bride of Christ. The church is the new Israel, the restored new covenant people in the form of a twelve tribe union of Israel not through the blood of circumcision but through the blood of the Lamb. Furthermore, the church is not only the restored Israel but also the new Adam who exercises the priestly and kingly role in God's kingdom.

Third, the dissertation defines the nature of God's restored temple which is identified with God and the Lamb. The restored temple is not a material building, but a symbol of God's people among whom God's glory dwells. The church is now the spiritually restored temple that replaced the physical temple and in which God physically dwells. The eternal temple is New Jerusalem while it is both the bride of Christ and the place for the redeemed. The temple is not only the capital city of the new creation, but also the new creation itself. The temple is both restored and transformed. It is an Edenic-temple where God's people regain intimate fellowship with God.