Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 87:345 (Jan 1930)
Article: The Apocalypse—An Impression
Author: John Merle Rife

BSac 87:345 (Jan 1930) p. 107

The Apocalypse—An Impression

John Merle Rife

There is something inseparably Greek Orthodox about the Book of Revelation. It was no mere coincidence that Blasco Ibanez, in his novel “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” represented a Russian monk meditating on the mysteries of the Apocalypse. Very fittingly, it seems, he associated this Book with that Church. I can never read the Book, which is one of my favorites in the Bible, without thinking of the Orthodox Church; and I never attend Orthodox services without thinking of the Apocalypse. It seems to have furnished the Eastern Christians with the ideal vision which they strive to express in their church buildings and in their ritual.

The Chant

To one entering an Orthodox Church while the liturgy is in progress, the first striking feature is the chant, either of the weird Byzantine psaltery, or of the exquisite Russian harmonies. The Apocalypse is a book of chants— listen!

“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come!”

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created!”

“Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth!”

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing!”

“Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever!”

BSac 87:345 (Jan 1930) p. 108

“Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb!”

“Amen: Blessing and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever! Amen.”

“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever!”

“We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned!”

“Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints! Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest!”

“Alleluia! Salvation, and glory, ...