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