The traditional interpretation of Revelation understands the vision to be an unfolding historical description or picture of the period of time between the first and second comings of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why, over and over again in the book, John is told that the things which he is seeing must shortly and quickly come to pass.
“This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John.” Rev. 1:1
“I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.” Rev. 3:11
“The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe comes quickly.” Rev. 11:14
“He said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true. The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show to his bondservants the things which must happen soon. Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.’” Rev. 22:6-7
“He said to me, ‘Don’t seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.'” Rev. 22:10
“This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John.” Rev. 22:12
“He who testifies these things says, ‘Yes, I come quickly.’ Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus” Rev. 22:20
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