For generations the book of Revelation in the Bible has been coded with such symbolism that it's been very difficult to understand. Much of the source of that difficulty is because many words, situations, and conditions did not exist at the time Revelation was written. For example, words and descriptions such as: computers, airplanes, rockets, missiles and bombs did not exist at the time John wrote Revelation.Now, in many cases, those descriptive words and symbols have no current reference points. Perhaps John didn't mean to code the words and descriptions as deeply as he did, but at that time he had no choice. For example, he couldn't have said, "All those missiles fired from ships offshore" if he didn't know there were ships offshore that could fire missiles that far. Likely he saw only the missiles falling when he wrote in 16:21, "And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great." What could this mean in modern terms - during times of war?The definition of a talent gives the major clue. Research indicates the weight of a talent has differed slightly throughout the ages, but it's normally suggested a talent is something that weighs from 57 to 130 pounds. At the time of the New Testament it was considered about 130 pounds, which is what John likely saw falling out of the sky; something weighing about 130 pounds. It's not unreasonable to understand that John saw artillery shells falling as hail from the sky. What other reasonable answer could exist? It's well acknowledged that a great war will happen at that time John described. Now, missiles and artillery shells are common elements of war.Now, let's use this information as a basis and comparison for analyzing another statement in Revelation that's puzzled readers since it was written. A simple reading of the statement gives no clue as to its meaning; using the logic above presents a different conclusion. It makes the meaning crystal clear. Crystal clear means to see something or to understand something as it was meant to be - to understand the implication. Revelation begins with the introduction that what was to be written was seen by John. Verse 2 in the first chapter, speaking of John's role, states: "Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all the things he saw." The phrase 'crystal clear' means the writings are pure and are to be interpreted, for they fulfill an important message.What is the source of the comment, 'crystal clear?' Could it be from Chapter 4, Verse 6, "And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind." Is this Christ's way of saying 'I know all and can see all, in the past and in the future - before and behind?' Is his vision crystal clear?Likely, this verse is to indicate the four beasts could see events 'behind' and into the future 'before.' This idea is further reinforced by Christ's instruction to John in Verse 19, "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter." Is this not: behind; things in the past, and before; things to come? This book is a complete interpretation of the meanings in Revelation.
