Question from a reader:

There are many symbolic references to seas in scripture. In your book Heaven you seem to indicate there is a literal interpretation for “seas” in Revelation. Can you explain this?

Answer from Randy Alcorn:

There is much symbolic language in Revelation, however there is much literal. The problem is figuring out which is which. If “sea” is symbolic in Rev. 21:1 then possible meanings of “sea” in other passages would be candidates for interpreting that text. However, it is possible that “seas” is literal as “earth” is literal in verse one, and death, crying, mourning, and pain are literal in verse four. So “seas” can be literal or figurative. My understanding is sort of a combination of literal and symbolic. Some are symbolic only, others literal only. Some day we will find out the correct interpretation when we are both with Him!