The book of Revelation is filled with symbolism. One of the biggest mistakes people make with Revelation is assuming that the imagery John saw was intended to be taken literally. Revelation itself frequently explains what its symbols represent. It explains, for example, that the seven lampstands represent the seven churches (Revelation 1:20), the seven stars represent the angels (messengers) of the seven churches (1:20), the incense represents “the prayers of the saints” (5:8; 8:3-4), the great red dragon represents Satan (12:3, 9), the seven heads and ten horns are explained later in the book (17:9-12), and the fine linen represents “the righteousness of the saints” (19:8).… Read more