The Fourfold Sense of Scripture
Literal – what the words say in the context of their nearest
possible reference
Allegorical – what the words mean in the context of the larger
story of God (faith)
Tropological – what the words teach us regarding how to live our
lives (love)
Anagogical – what the words show us regarding the ultimate end of
history (hope)
The Fourfold Sense
meets
Interpretations of Revelation
Literal à Preterist
Allegorical à Historicist
Tropological à Idealist
Anagogical à Futurist