Question asked to ChatGPT AI app: From a non-Dispensationalist point of view, if the events described in Revelation 6 to Revelation 19 were actual catastrophes, wars, pandemics, reigns of terror, how long might they all take if they are described in sequence? Would three decades be a reasonable timespan?
It gave the following answer, which implies that if the apocalyptic events started five years from now Christ could return around 2060, which fits with some prophecies and highly regarded estimates. Of course only the Father knows the exact time, so we should be watching closely and prayerfully over the next five years. It said: From a non-Dispensationalist perspective, particularly one that interprets the events described in Revelation 6 to 19 as a sequence of historical or eschatological events (rather than symbolic or metaphorical ones), estimating the duration of these events is complex, as the text itself does not provide a clear timeline. However, based on the nature of the events described—catastrophes, wars, pandemics, reigns of terror—a few factors can be considered in determining whether a timeframe like three decades is reasonable.
- Nature of the Events: The events described in Revelation 6-19 include a series of judgments, such as the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls. These are often interpreted as global wars, famines, plagues, natural disasters, and divine judgments. If taken literally and sequentially, such events could unfold over an extended period, as each would have significant and lasting impacts on society, economies, and global politics.
- Historical Analogies: Looking at historical precedents for catastrophic events, such as the Black Death, World Wars, or the Thirty Years' War, we see that such events can indeed span multiple years or even decades. For instance:The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) involved prolonged warfare, famine, and disease, deeply affecting Europe for three decades. The Black Death (1347–1351) took place over several years but had long-lasting repercussions, with waves of plague recurring over decades. The World Wars of the 20th century were shorter in duration (1914-1918 and 1939-1945) but were followed by significant upheavals that extended their impact over decades.
- Sequential Interpretation: If Revelation 6 to 19 is interpreted sequentially, the events would not only follow one another but potentially exacerbate the effects of previous ones, leading to prolonged periods of instability and recovery. For instance, a devastating war might be followed by famine and plague, each contributing to the next event in a cascading fashion.
- Symbolic Timeframes: While some non-Dispensationalists might still see symbolic significance in numbers (like 3.5 years or 42 months, as mentioned in Revelation), others might not insist on precise numerical fulfillment. Instead, the focus could be on the overall progression of God's judgment and the endurance required by believers, allowing for a broader interpretation of time.
CONCLUSION:
Three decades could be considered a reasonable timeframe for these events if interpreted as actual historical or eschatological catastrophes unfolding in sequence. This timeframe allows for the accumulation of global turmoil and its impacts, while also reflecting historical examples of prolonged periods of disaster and recovery. However, the exact duration is speculative, as the text of Revelation does not provide explicit chronological markers for these events.
