Based on a couple of passages in Revelation, some Christians think the sun and moon will not exist in the world to come:
23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there (Rev 21:23-25).And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever (Rev 22:5).
However, I regard that as figurative imagery. In addition, if we take that literally, then it contradicts another statement in Revelation:
And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name (Rev 14:11).
Therefore, that's another reason to view Rev 22:23-25 & 22:5 figuratively.
I personally don't see a contradiction. Isn't it possible the former verses have a literal meaning and the latter are figurative?
ReplyDeleteIt's arbitrary to construe the imagery literally in one case, but similar imagery figuratively in another case, in the very same book. To be consistent, one should construe both figuratively.
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