How can I understand the book of Revelations?  

Try this website: biblegateway.com. It gives you different versions of the Bible and it helps you understand a lot. The Bible called "The Message" captures the word of God in plain everyday language and it's really easy to understand. The book of Revelation, though, is hard for me to understand in any version. It seems to be written in a lot of symbolism like you said. And then you have to figure out what or who the symbolism is refering to. Hope the website helps; it has helped me a lot.

This is a very good question. Revelations, to me, has got to be the most confusing book in the whole Bible. I do know that it helps to read Daniel, if your Bible has a reference to scriptures, that is one place to start. There are also many different interpretations, just like the Bible itself, so this is where you need to pray for opened eyes.
I really don't have a set belief in certain ways that people think Revelation is, but have you read the Left Behind Series? I read the kids series and it kind of helped a little, but then you have people who disagree.

I look at it this way, be prepared, whether you understand or believe, just be prepared.
I hope this helps.

To me, Revelations is the easiest to understand of all the books in the Bible.

If you're talking about the traditional-english try using an NIV (New International Version) bible.

If you're talking about the interpretations of what is said, it's really up to you, you can either: ask for someone else's interpretation; or make your own. I have a mixture of both because, as I said before, Revelations is easy for me to read; and therefore, form my own interpretation.

The book of Daniel will help you read thrugh revalation. Both books are full of alogory but Daniel actualy will explain alot of the sybolisem.

Why do not try read the more easily understandable version by J.B.PHILIPS.Also you can try the sword project.

Hello asawako48162

As you may know, I was a pastor for about 15 years. During that time, I was amazed at how often people wanted to study the Book of Revelation, adn so I spent a good deal of time studying the book. Over the years I compiled copious notes on the subject. In one sense, I can see why it is confusing, but once you start to really study it, it is less so.

Some of the other respondants have suggested different versions of the Bible, and I think that that is a good idea, as it gives you several different takes on a passage. Someone also mentioned, The Message. This interpretation is easy to read. Of course, it is important to realize that every different version of the Bible is a different interpretation.

I think that it is very important to have a good study Bible with good notes, and plenty of room to scribble your own notes.

I found that for myself it was important to read all kinds of views, both conservative and not at all conservative (I am not at all conservative) to help me reach my own conclusions.

I will try to dig out my old notes and find some books that provide something of a synopsis for you. Of course, I am biased to what I agree with, but I will try to suggest different opinions / authors, if you would like.

The words of God are often not easy to be understood. I also had difficulties to grasp the book of Revelations. In my opinion, the book of Revelations is about the end of time and it is full of God's plans before and during the end of time. Some of those will only be known by God but it will gradually be understood once the time is going to be near.

Well i suggest visit this website, www.lsm.org. There you could read the book of revelation with footnotes. Try it.

Let me answer this one. The Book of the Apocalypse is actually a book of Revelation, hence its new modern name. Unfortunately, instead of making things and/or symbolisms more understandable, it became more mysterious to a lot of people. The Book of Revelation was written in hand by the Apostle John but under the direct command of Jesus Christ. Read the heading of this book and you will know what I mean.

Now, the key to understanding the sequence of events and symbolisms of the Revelation can be found in the book of Daniel, where the historical perspective and events are really put into place. That is the key.

Again, you don't have to listen to any minister telling his own version of the Revelation. Without basing the explanations from Daniel and correct historical understanding, it could go awry.

If you need a guidance, you can request a literature about Daniel and Revelation from www.thetrumpet.com.

I am not a member of this religious organization but they provide the plain answers to many biblical questions.

try http://www.siscom.net/direct/revelation. The leader of this study really knows what he is talking about. If this site doesn't work for you just type in, Amazing Facts studies on Revelation. You would then have to pick out what you are wanting. I hope the above site will come up for you.