Some say that chapter 20 is the hardest chapter to understand in the Book of Revelation which is probably the hardest book to understand in the Bible.
The things that make the Book of Revelation so hard to understand are the...
1) Symbolic and Hyperbolic Language
2) Recapitulations with different visions and descriptions
3) Order is not always Chronological
When trying to interpret anything in Revelation one needs to remember the TIMEFRAME. Look at what John was told to write about... (YLT) Revelation 1:19 'Write the things that thou hast seen, and the things that are, and THE THINGS THAT ARE ABOUT TO COME after these things; (Young's Literal Translation).
The Greek word MELLO is used in the original text and it means "TO BE ABOUT TO":
Word Summary: mello: to be about to
Transliteration: mello
Phonetic Spelling: (mel'-lo)
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: to be about to
Strong's Concordance: to be about to
A strengthened form of melo (through the idea of expectation); to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation) -- about, after that, be (almost), (that which is, things, + which was for) to come, intend, was to (be), mean, mind, be at the point, (be) ready, + return, shall (begin), (which, that) should (after, afterwards, hereafter) tarry, which was for, will, would, be yet.
So John was told to write about the Past, Present and Near Future. John was NOT told to write about things that were hundreds or thousands of years in the future! You cannot find a verse in the Book of Revelation that indicates that any of the Prophecy is to be Fulfilled Hundreds or Thousands of Years in the Future!
Since Revelation 20 follows Revelation 19 it is natural to think that the events of Revelation 20 happened after the events of Revelation 19 but that's not true for all of the events in Chapter 20.
In Revelation 19:2 we see that the HARLOT (Mystery Babylon) has been Judged and Christ had avenged the blood of the MARTYRS... Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because HE HAS JUDGED THE GREAT HARLOT who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and HE HAS AVENGED ON HER THE BLOOD OF HIS SERVANTS SHED BY HER."
It's NOT hard to figure out the identity of the HARLOT aka MYSTERY BABYLON. Read my article to find out WHO it was if you want to know: WHO IS MYSTERY BABYLON IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION?
In Revelation 19:7 we see that the time for the Marriage of the Lamb had Come... Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB HAS COME, and His wife has made herself ready."
The events of the 2 aforementioned verses were in the NEAR FUTURE from when John wrote Revelation. They were NOT THOUSANDS of YEARS in the FUTURE!
Revelation 20:1-3 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. Revelation 20:2 HE LAID HOLD OF THE DRAGON, that serpent of old, who is THE DEVIL and Satan, and BOUND HIM FOR A THOUSAND YEARS; Revelation 20:3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things HE MUST BE RELEASED FOR A LITTLE WHILE.
The first 3 verses of Chapter 20 are in the PAST and had been FULFILLED before John received his Vision and wrote Revelation. The reason I say that is... Satan was Bound After the Cross and Released Before the Great Persecution of the Christians Began.
SATAN WAS BOUND AFTER THE CROSS
Most Preterists put the BINDING OF SATAN during Christ's ministry and believe that Matthew 12:29 and Mark 3:27 are evidence of it. According to the following verse Satan was NOT BOUND during Christ's ministry... John 13:27 Now after the piece of bread, SATAN ENTERED HIM. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." So how could Satan enter Judas if he was already BOUND?
Furthermore, most Preterists believe that the 1,000 YEARS of SATAN'S BINDING is the same 1,000 year period of the SAINTS REIGNING mentioned in Revelation 20:4. Question: Were the SAINTS REIGNING before Christ's Resurrection? I don't think so! I don't believe Christ received His Kingdom until he Ascended to Heaven and that's WHEN His Reign began... Daniel 7:13 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN, Coming with the clouds of heaven! HE CAME TO THE ANCIENT OF DAYS, And they brought Him near before Him. Daniel 7:14 AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM DOMINION, AND GLORY, AND A KINGDOM, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED. So... if Christ's REIGN did not begin until after his Ascension how could the BINDING of Satan for 1,000 years begin before Christ's Ascension IF both - SATAN'S BINDING and SAINTS REIGNING are supposed to be the SAME 1,000 year time period?
Scripture REVEALS that Christ's Kingdom would be set up during the time of the 4th kingdom which is the Roman Empire and it would NEVER BE DESTROYED... Daniel 2:44 And IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM, WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and IT SHALL STAND FOR EVER.
What "KINGS" is Daniel writing about? Answer: The Kings of the 4th Kingdom which is the Roman Empire... Daniel 2:40 And THE FOURTH KINGDOM shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.
But wait there's more... Daniel 7:7 "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, A FOURTH BEAST, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and IT HAD TEN HORNS. The fourth Beast of Daniel 7:7 seems to be the same beast of Revelation 13:1: "Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I SAW A BEAST RISING UP OUT OF THE SEA, having seven heads and TEN HORNS, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name."
So if Christ's Kingdom was set up during the Days of the Roman Empire, how can it be set up in our Future since the Roman Empire ended about 1,500 years ago? Oh! That's Right... it was a REVIVED ROMAN EMPIRE. I remember Jack Van Impe talking about that back when I was a DUPED FUTURIST and listened to him in the 80's & 90's. Hey, when we can't understand something in scripture let's just make something up... That's what the Prophecy Preaching PIMPS do and then they SELL IT TO YOU!
There's NOTHING For Sale on my website... I learned years ago that you can't GIVE most people the TRUTH because they Don't Want To Hear It!
I believe that Satan was BOUND when Christ Descended into Hades after his death but before his Resurrection. This is what Jesus said a few days before his Death... John 12:31 "Now is the judgment of this world; NOW THE RULER OF THIS WORLD WILL BE CAST OUT. John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." John 12:33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. - If Jesus CAST Satan out of the World would that not have the same effect as BINDING Him?
The Apostle Peter talks about Christ's trip to Hades... 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 1 Peter 3:19 by whom also HE WENT AND PREACHED TO THE SPIRITS IN PRISON, 1 Peter 3:20 WHO FORMERLY WERE DISOBEDIENT, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
Notice WHO Jesus Preached to in Hades... those who Perished in the Flood. Now, there's a can of worms that when opened causes all kinds of questions and I have NONE of the Answers... What did Jesus Preach to them about? Did they have an opportunity for Salvation? Did some believe Christ and come out of their graves at His Resurrection?
Why would Christ Preach to those who Perished in the Flood if it was too late for their Salvation? Was he telling them to put on their HOT PANTS so they would be ready for the Lake of Fire? The Apostle Peter told us WHY Jesus Preached to them... 1 Peter 4:6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
It sounds to me like they did have an opportunity to hear the Gospel but as far as how many BELIEVED - I have NO IDEA.
Christ took some of Hades prisoners at his Resurrection, the 1st Resurrection... Matthew 27:50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Matthew 27:51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, Matthew 27:52 and THE GRAVES WERE OPENED; AND MANY BODIES OF THE SAINTS WHO HAD FALLEN ASLEEP WERE RAISED; Matthew 27:53 AND COMING OUT OF THE GRAVES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, THEY WENT INTO THE HOLY CITY AND APPEARED TO MANY. Matthew 27:54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"
THEREFORE THE 1,000 YEARS OF SATAN'S BINDING BEGAN AFTER THE CROSS
Here's something to consider... Scripture does not say what happened to those who came out of their graves after Christ's Resurrection in Matthew 27:52-53 but I believe the following verse means that when Christ ascended they went to heaven with him... Ephesians 4:8 Therefore He says: "WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." - The Gifts he gave came by the Holy Spirit beginning just a few days later on Pentecost.
It's hard to believe that these saints could have been in Jerusalem for 40 days and then ascended to Heaven with Jesus. It seems to me that if they had been in Jerusalem for 40 days then most of the city would have believed on Jesus. Perhaps Jesus took them to Heaven the Day of his Resurrection. I say that because of the following scripture... John 20:15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away." John 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him, "Rabboni!" (which is to say, Teacher). John 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but GO TO MY BRETHREN AND SAY TO THEM, 'I AM ASCENDING TO MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER, AND TO MY GOD AND YOUR GOD.' " John 20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
Why would Jesus tell Mary Magdalene to tell the disciples that he was ASCENDING TO THE FATHER if he wasn't ascending for 40 days? Perhaps Jesus took the resurrected saints to heaven and then returned on the same day as the Resurrection. Of course this is just speculation but it makes sense.
I know that John the Revelator saw people in Heaven as soon as he arrived... Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and ON THE THRONES I SAW TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS SITTING, clothed in white robes; and THEY HAD CROWNS OF GOLD on their heads. This was before the 2nd COMING of Christ!
What do you think those 24 Elders were doing? I see a couple of clues... They were sitting on THRONES and wearing CROWNS of GOLD! Do you think that could mean that they were already REIGNING with CHRIST before the Jewish-Roman War had even started? I bet they started REIGNING as soon as they arrived... after they were REWARDED with GOLD CROWNS of course.
Some of those who ascended with Christ may have been Old Testament Martyrs. After the 5th Seal was opened we see Martyrs in Heaven. This was BEFORE the Wrath of GOD or the Jewish-Roman War began... Revelation 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.
Revelation 6:9 in the Syriac Peshitta shows that the group included New Testament Martyrs... SYRIAC: (9) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar, the souls of them who were slain on account of the word of God, and ON ACCOUNT OF THE TESTIMONY TO THE LAMB WHICH WAS WITH THEM.
Remember that we saw the Fulfillment of the Avenging of the Martyrs in Revelation 19:2. Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees that Vengeance for Shedding Innocent Blood would Come Upon Them... Matthew 23:31 "Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Matthew 23:32 FILL UP, THEN, THE MEASURE OF YOUR FATHERS' GUILT. Matthew 23:33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Matthew 23:34 Therefore, indeed, I SEND YOU PROPHETS, WISE MEN, AND SCRIBES: SOME OF THEM YOU WILL KILL AND CRUCIFY, AND SOME OF THEM YOU WILL SCOURGE IN YOUR SYNAGOGUES AND PERSECUTE FROM CITY TO CITY, Matthew 23:35 THAT ON YOU MAY COME ALL THE RIGHTEOUS BLOOD SHED ON THE EARTH, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Matthew 23:36 ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, ALL THESE THINGS WILL COME UPON THIS GENERATION.
The prophet Isaiah may have been one of those Old Testament Martyrs. According to tradition he was sawn in two. I believe Isaiah prophesied of the 1st Resurrection and he was one of them... Isaiah 26:19 YOUR DEAD SHALL LIVE; Together with MY DEAD BODY THEY SHALL ARISE. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; For your dew is like the dew of herbs, And THE EARTH SHALL CAST OUT THE DEAD.
The word "BODY" is translated from the Hebrew word NEBELAH and it means: a carcass, corpse.
Word Summary: nebelah: a carcass, corpse
Transliteration: nebelah
Phonetic Spelling: (neb-ay-law')
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Short Definition: a carcass, corpse
Strong's Concordance: dead body, dead carcass, dead of itself, which died, beast that which dieth of itself
From nabel; a flabby thing, i.e. A carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol -- (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself.
NEBELAH is used 48 times in 41 verses in the old testament and always refers to the dead bodies of animals or humans.
Here's what Cambridge Bible Commentary says about Isaiah 26:19... "Here the hope is restricted to Israelites (see Isaiah 26:14) and no doubt to those Israelites who had departed this life in the faith and fear of God. On the other hand, the teaching of this verse is quite different from such passages as Hosea 6:2; Ezekiel 37:1-14. There rising from the dead is but a figurative clothing of the idea of national regeneration, whereas there can be no doubt that here a literal resurrection of individuals is foretold."
The 1st Resurrection was Biological/Physical. It had to be... Who would have believed that Christ had been Resurrected if it had only been Spiritual and no one had seen him after his resurrection? Christianity would never have been established if there were no witnesses to Christ's Resurrection!
THE DEFEAT OF SATAN WAS NEAR WHEN PAUL WROTE ROMANS (57-59 AD)
Romans 16:20 And THE GOD OF PEACE WILL CRUSH SATAN UNDER YOUR FEET SHORTLY. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. THEREFORE, THE TIME FOR SATAN'S RELEASE WAS NEAR WHEN PAUL WROTE ROMANS!
SATAN - THE SPIRIT WHO NOW WORKS IN THE SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE
Satan was the Prince of the Power of the Air... Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, THE SPIRIT WHO NOW WORKS IN THE SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE, Ephesians 2:3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others... SINCE SATAN WAS WORKING IN THE SONS OF DISOBEDIENCE SATAN WAS NO LONGER BOUND. THEREFORE, SATAN'S LITTLE SEASON HAD BEGUN.
The following verses in Ephesians also prove that Satan was NOT BOUND... Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS AGE, AGAINST SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES. Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
WHEN WAS EPHESIANS WRITTEN? ANSWER: Approximately A.D. 62-63
The following verse in 1 Peter also proves that Satan was NOT BOUND... 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL WALKS ABOUT LIKE A ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.
WHEN WAS 1 PETER WRITTEN? ANSWER: Approximately A.D. 63
Chart provided by Ed Stevens - www.preterist.org
So if Satan was BOUND in A.D. 30 and LOOSED in approximately A.D. 63 then that would mean the 1,000 YEARS were NOT LITERAL.
The 1,000 years that SATAN WAS BOUND could not have been a LITERAL 1,000 YEARS or it would cause scripture to contradict itself and 1,000 literal years would put part of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation outside the timeframe given for the Book of Revelation. We can't have scripture contradicting itself or it isn't true! If the Bible is full of contradictions then it should be thrown in the trash!
There's no scriptural justification for putting anything in Revelation outside the timeframe given for it. If scripture states that an event is to occur within a specified time frame then any interpretation or speculation about the event must be said to have occurred within that timeframe or the timeframe has been disregarded. To say that an event occurred or will occur outside that timeframe is not scriptural!
We have to remember that much of the Book of Revelation is a vision and it's full of symbolic and hyperbolic language just like in the prophecies of the old testament and many things were not meant to be taken literally. Just look at Revelation 20:1: "Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand."
Was the key and chain literal? How can a spirit be bound with a chain? Was the bottomless pit actually bottomless? Did Satan fall through the bottomless pit for 1,000 years or was he hovering near the top? Maybe he fell for 500 years and then took 500 years to fly back to the top. Hopefully, you get my point!
Look at Strong's definition for the greek word CHILIOI which is translated as 1,000. The definition "PLURAL OF UNCERTAIN AFFINITY" is not crystal clear to me.
Word Summary: chilioi: a thousand
Transliteration: chilioi
Phonetic Spelling: (khil'-ee-oy)
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: a thousand
Strong's Concordance: thousand.
PLURAL OF UNCERTAIN AFFINITY; a thousand -- thousand.
I don't believe the 1,000 years in Revelation 20:4 when the SAINTS REIGNED is the same 1,000 years as when SATAN WAS BOUND... Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST FOR A THOUSAND YEARS.
The two 1,000 year periods (SATAN BOUND & SAINTS REIGNING) of time may have started at the same time especially if the Souls under the Altar in Revelation 6:9 included Old Covenant Saints. The 2 periods of time probably overlap but they could not have ended at the same time. The Persecution of Christians started soon after the cross but the greatest persecution of Christians began in A.D. 64 when Nero set Rome on Fire and Blamed the Christians. Satan had already been RELEASED by that time. I have shown that from scripture! The Neronic persecution of the Christians probably did not end before A.D. 66-68. The Jewish Revolt started in A.D. 66 and the Jewish-Roman War began officially in A.D. 67 and Nero did not die until A.D. 68. I believe Nero was the Beast and Christians refused to Worship him and many were killed. The New Testament Saints were not all killed at the same time and they probably did not start REIGNING at the same time. Since they are still in Heaven with the Father and the Son who are REIGNING then I guess you could say that ALL the SAINTS are REIGNING NOW. As a matter of fact you DON'T HAVE TO GUESS! Just look at Revelation 22:3-5: "And there shall be no more curse, but THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB SHALL BE IN IT, and HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HIM. Revelation 22:4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And THEY SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.
Therefore, the 1,000 YEARS of the SAINTS REIGNING is NOT a LITERAL 1,000 YEARS either since Revelation 22:5 REVEALED that GOD's SERVANTS REIGN FOREVER!
Furthermore, since the two, 1,000 year periods (SATAN BOUND & SAINTS REIGNING) are NOT the Same Length and regard different entities (SATAN & SAINTS) they are DIFFERENT!
What these FACTS REVEAL is the STUPIDITY OF MAN! MAN has created FALSE MILLENNIAL DOCTRINES that are NOT Biblical. The word MILLENNIUM is NOT even in the Bible!
The CORRECT Millennial Doctrine is NOT A-Mil, Pre-Mil or Post-Mil... It's NO-Mil!
DEBUNKING AN OBJECTION
Some do not believe that Satan was Bound until A.D. 70. They point out the fact that the Beast and False Prophet had already been thrown into the Lake of Fire in Revelation 19:20 before Satan was Bound in Revelation 20:1-3... Revelation 19:20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. THESE TWO WERE CAST ALIVE INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE burning with brimstone.
I have already mentioned that Revelation is so hard to understand because the Events are not always in chronological order and because of Recapitulations.
Let's say for argument's sake that Satan was Bound AFTER the Beast and False Prophet were thrown in the Lake of Fire in Revelation 19:20. In Revelation 19:21 we see that THE REST WERE KILLED" and "ALL THE BIRDS WERE FILLED WITH THEIR FLESH"... Revelation 19:21 And THE REST WERE KILLED with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. AND ALL THE BIRDS WERE FILLED WITH THEIR FLESH.
BUT WAIT! Revelation 19:11-21 has to be a RECAP because in Revelation 19:2 the HARLOT or MYSTERY BABYLON which is Old Covenant Jerusalem/Judea had already been JUDGED... Revelation 19:2 For true and righteous are His judgments, because HE HAS JUDGED THE GREAT HARLOT who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and HE HAS AVENGED ON HER THE BLOOD OF HIS SERVANTS SHED BY HER." According to the Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, the Jewish Temple was burned on the 9th & 10th of the month of Av. The 10th of Av converts to Sunday, August 3rd, A.D. 70, if the following Hebrew Calendar Converter is correct, and Jerusalem was Destroyed on August 31st.
TEMPLE BURNED: 10th of Av, 3830 = Sun, 3 August 0070
DESTRUCTION of JERUSALEM: 8th of Elul, 3830 = Sun, 31 August 0070
Also, according to Revelation 19:7, it was Time for the Marriage of the Lamb... Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB HAS COME, and His wife has made herself ready."
Doesn't the Marriage of the Lamb occur after the Resurrection? Didn't Paul say that there was "ABOUT TO BE A RISING AGAIN OF THE DEAD, BOTH OF RIGHTEOUS AND UNRIGHTEOUS"?... (YLT) Acts 24:15 having hope toward God, which they themselves also wait for, that there is "ABOUT TO BE A RISING AGAIN OF THE DEAD, BOTH OF RIGHTEOUS AND UNRIGHTEOUS" (Young's Literal Translation). Wasn't the Prophet Daniel told about this same Resurrection?... Daniel 12:2 And many of THOSE WHO SLEEP IN THE DUST OF THE EARTH SHALL AWAKE, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, SOME TO SHAME AND EVERLASTING CONTEMPT. Daniel even associated this Resurrection with the Time of the Great Tribulation... Daniel 12:1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And THERE SHALL BE A TIME OF TROUBLE, SUCH AS NEVER WAS SINCE THERE WAS A NATION, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book." Daniel was even told WHEN these WONDERS would be FINISHED... Daniel 12:6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "HOW LONG SHALL THE FULFILLMENT OF THESE WONDERS BE?" Daniel 12:7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that IT SHALL BE FOR A TIME, TIMES, AND HALF A TIME; and WHEN THE POWER OF THE HOLY PEOPLE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY SHATTERED, ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE FINISHED.
We know that this TIME OF TROUBLE that Daniel spoke of is the GREAT TRIBULATION because of what Jesus said... Matthew 24:15 "Therefore when you see the 'ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION,' spoken of BY DANIEL THE PROPHET, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), Matthew 24:16 "then LET THOSE WHO ARE IN JUDEA FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS. Matthew 24:21 For THEN THERE WILL BE GREAT TRIBULATION, SUCH AS HAS NOT BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD UNTIL THIS TIME, no, nor ever shall be." WHAT A COINCIDENCE! Jesus also associated the Great Tribulation with the Resurrection at his 2nd COMING... Matthew 24:29 "IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Matthew 24:30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:31 And HE WILL SEND HIS ANGELS WITH A GREAT SOUND OF A TRUMPET, AND THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER HIS ELECT FROM THE FOUR WINDS, FROM ONE END OF HEAVEN TO THE OTHER.
Luke describes the Great Tribulation as DAYS OF VENGEANCE and GREAT DISTRESS IN THE LAND AND WRATH UPON THIS PEOPLE (The Unbelieving Judeans)... Luke 21:20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then KNOW THAT ITS DESOLATION IS NEAR. Luke 21:21 Then LET THOSE WHO ARE IN JUDEA FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. Luke 21:22 For these are the DAYS OF VENGEANCE, that ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN MAY BE FULFILLED. Luke 21:23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For THERE WILL BE GREAT DISTRESS IN THE LAND AND WRATH UPON THIS PEOPLE. Luke 21:24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And JERUSALEM WILL BE TRAMPLED BY GENTILES UNTIL THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES ARE FULFILLED. Revelation 11:2 REVEALS HOW LONG JERUSALEM would be TRAMPLED by the Gentiles... "But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And THEY WILL TREAD THE HOLY CITY UNDERFOOT FOR FORTY-TWO MONTHS." WHAT ANOTHER COINCIDENCE! That's the SAME Amount of Time that Daniel mentioned in Daniel 12:7! Did you notice that Jesus said in those DAYS OF VENGEANCE that "ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN MAY BE FULFILLED"?
Then the 2ND COMING HAPPENED and it was in the GENERATION of the DISCIPLES... Luke 21:27 Then THEY WILL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY. Luke 21:32 Assuredly, I say to you, THIS GENERATION WILL BY NO MEANS PASS AWAY TILL ALL THINGS TAKE PLACE.
So the Time for the Marriage of the Lamb had come (Revelation 19:7) and here comes the BINDING OF SATAN for a 1,000 YEARS in Revelation 20:1-3. Then comes the RESURRECTION and we are told that it's the 1ST RESURRECTION (Revelation 20:5). It's also the Time that the SAINTS begin their 1,000 YEAR REIGN... Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. AND THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST FOR A THOUSAND YEARS.
Scripture says that those in the 1st Resurrection were BLESSED and the 2nd DEATH had NO POWER over them... Revelation 20:6 BLESSED AND HOLY IS HE WHO HAS PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION. OVER SUCH THE SECOND DEATH HAS NO POWER, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
BUT WAIT! What happened to the UNRIGHTEOUS? Paul said that they were ABOUT TO be Resurrected as well as the Righteous and Daniel put their Resurrection & Judgment at the SAME TIME! Daniel was even told that the Tribulation, Resurrection and Judgment would be FINISHED in 3 & 1/2 YEARS!.
So here we are with the UNRIGHTEOUS RAISED but NOT JUDGED and their JUDGMENT does NOT occur until the Great White Throne Judgment and it's NOT NEXT... It's the RELEASING of SATAN that Comes Next... (NASB) Revelation 20:7 When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, Revelation 20:8 and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, TO GATHER THEM TOGETHER FOR THE WAR; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore.
Wasn't Satan supposed to be Released "TO GATHER THEM TOGETHER FOR THE WAR"? So the WAR was over in Revelation 19:2 but Satan does not Gather the Nations for War until he is Released in Revelation 20:8. How can that be possible? Some say that it's possible because it's another War... the Gog & Magog War.
BUT WAIT! The Beast & False Prophet work with the Dragon to Gather the Nations for War... Revelation 16:13 And I saw coming out of the mouth of the DRAGON and out of the mouth of the BEAST and out of the mouth of the FALSE PROPHET, three unclean spirits like frogs; Revelation 16:14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, TO GATHER THEM TOGETHER FOR THE WAR of the great day of God, the Almighty. Revelation 16:15 ("Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.") Revelation 16:16 And THEY GATHERED THEM TOGETHER TO THE PLACE WHICH IN HEBREW IS CALLED HAR-MAGEDON.
So how can the Gog & Magog War be another war after the Destruction of the Harlot or Mystery Babylon who was Old Covenant Judea? Was Satan bound twice and released twice? I don't think so!
Scripture also teaches us that a GENERATION is about 40 YEARS so if Christ was Resurrected in A.D. 30 then ALL has to be FINISHED in A.D. 70. Also, scripture reveals WHEN the GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT would occur... It would be when people would be JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS... Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And THE DEAD WERE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS, by the things which were written in the books. Revelation 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And THEY WERE JUDGED, EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS. It would also be WHEN CHRIST CAME with His Angels and while some of the Disciples were Still Living... Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and THEN HE WILL REWARD EACH ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS. Matthew 16:28 Assuredly, I say to you, THERE ARE SOME STANDING HERE WHO SHALL NOT TASTE DEATH TILL THEY SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN HIS KINGDOM."
I REST MY CASE!
WHEN WAS REVELATION WRITTEN?
I know the chart states that Revelation was written in A.D. 62-63 but it could have been written as late as A.D. 65. The Apostle John stated that he was "IN THE TRIBULATION" in Revelation 1:9: "I, John, both your brother and companion IN THE TRIBULATION and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ".
The TRIBULATION was NOT the GREAT TRIBULATION of Matthew 24:21/Daniel 12:1 which was the Roman-Jewish War that officially began in A.D. 67. The Tribulation that John was talking about involved the Persecution of Christians that was happening then and he was one of them. Christians had been Persecuted all along but the GREATEST PERSECUTION came when Nero set Rome on Fire in A.D. 64 and Blamed it on the Christians! That may or may not have happened yet when John wrote. It depends on WHEN John had his Vision of course.
ED STEVENS - March 17, 2013 Podcast: FIRE IN ROME & PERSECUTION
DOWNLOAD LINK for PODCAST NOTES
John was writing to the 7 Churches in Asia Minor (Revelation 1:4) from the "island that is called Patmos". The “Syriac version” of the New Testament, which dates back to the second century A.D., states that John was banished there (Island of Patmos) by Nero the Emperor.
Internal Evidence shows that the Book of Revelation was written in the early to mid 60's and it was written to show the servants of GOD - THINGS WHICH MUST SHORTLY TAKE PLACE... Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—THINGS WHICH MUST SHORTLY TAKE PLACE.
Watch this video by Pastor Chuck Baldwin (Chuck is NOT a Full Preterist) to hear the Evidence: When Did John Write The Book Of Revelation?
MORE EVIDENCE FOR THE DATE OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION
The following information was obtained from this article: Research insights into the Date of Revelation
• The “Muratorian Fragment,” dating back to A.D. 170-190, states that this work of John was written during the reign of Nero.
• The “Aramaic Peshitta” version has a remark that places its date prior to A.D. 70. The title page of Revelation states this work of John was written right after the reign of Nero.
• The “Monarchian Prologues” that dates back to A.D. 250-350, claims that Paul also wrote to these seven churches (possibly Romans which was a “circular letter” that went out to many addressees) following John’s Book, thus, placing the book even before some of the other Pauline epistles.
ROMAN LAW OF EXILE: Nero Caesar exiled John on the island of Patmos. Nero died in A.D. 68 and according to Roman law, those banned by a prior Caesar would be released by the succeeding Caesar. Thus, John would have been released from Patmos around 68 AD. (John himself mentions he was at Patmos when he received the Revelation).
Ireneaus is the main spokesmen for the late date. He lived in the second century A.D., a principal “Early Church Father” who made a statement in A.D. 185 that the apostle John “saw the revelation… at the close of Domitian’s reign (A.D. 81-96). (Ref: Contra Haereses 5.30.3; ANF, 1:559-60 also called in the fifth book of his work “Against Heresies”.) The argument against this is that in context, his statement is not clear, rather ambiguous, but can be implicit in various ways.
Here it is: We will not, however, incur the risk of pronouncing positively as to the name of Antichrist; for if it were necessary that his name should be distinctly revealed in this present time, it would have been announced by him who beheld the apocalyptic vision. For that was seen not very long time since, but almost in our day, towards the end of Domitian’s reign.
There are at least four main problems with this statement...
1. It is actually a “second hand” account, which he quotes from Polycarp. Thus, it is not a direct quote from Irenaeus.
2. In context, this quote referred to Polycarp’s remembrance (also referred to by Eusebius) “that” sometime toward the end of Domitian’s reign there will be an antichrist (which simply means anyone who opposes Christ; here in a grand scale).
3. It is not clear from this statement to what Polycarp was referring or what he meant by “that was seen.” It could have been referring to Revelation or to a coming antichrist that was also implied by John.
4. Irenaeus suffers from credibility issues and/or textual and scribal errors. He also wrote when he was very old and/or made major mistakes. For example, in the same work as the aforementioned quote, he states that Jesus was crucified when he was fifty years old. Thus, the principle source for the late dating of the Book of Revelation has some significant holes.
BACK TO REVELATION 20
Revelation 20:4-6 appears to be in the NEAR FUTURE from the time when John had his Vision. It was after the Release of Satan and before the Great White Throne Judgment.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw THRONES, AND THEY SAT ON THEM, AND JUDGMENT WAS COMMITTED TO THEM. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST FOR A THOUSAND YEARS.
In Revelation 20:4 those sitting on the THRONES seem to be the 24 ELDERS of Revelation 4:4, 4:10-11, 5:8-5:10, 5:14, 11:16 and 19:4... Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and ON THE THRONES I SAW TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS SITTING, clothed in white robes; and THEY HAD CROWNS OF GOLD on their heads.
Were the 12 Apostles included in the group of 24 Elders? Jesus told his Disciples, "YOU WHO HAVE FOLLOWED ME WILL ALSO SIT ON TWELVE THRONES, JUDGING THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL." Matthew 19:27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" Matthew 19:28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, YOU WHO HAVE FOLLOWED ME WILL ALSO SIT ON TWELVE THRONES, JUDGING THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL.
Jesus also said in Luke 22:29-30: "And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, Luke 22:30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and SIT ON THRONES JUDGING THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL." Who was Jesus talking to? Answer: His 12 Disciples... Luke 22:14 When the hour had come, He sat down, and THE TWELVE APOSTLES with Him.
Revelation 5:9 says that they sang a song about being REDEEMED "OUT OF EVERY TRIBE AND TONGUE AND PEOPLE AND NATION"... Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And HAVE REDEEMED US TO GOD BY YOUR BLOOD OUT OF EVERY TRIBE AND TONGUE AND PEOPLE AND NATION, Revelation 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH." Therefore, one would think the song must not only represent the 24 Elders but a larger group since there were more than 24 Tribes, Tongues and Nations at that time. However, let's read what the BELIEVER'S BIBLE Commentary has to say and look at how some other Bible versions have translated the text...
Believers Bible Commentary: 5:9-10 - In their new song, they acclaimed the Lamb as worthy to execute judgment because of His redemptive work on the cross. There is a question whether they include themselves among the redeemed (“have redeemed us to God”) or whether it should read, as in some versions, “and did purchase for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation”.
(ASV) And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, (American Standard Version)
(ESV) And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, (English Standard Version)
(GNB) They sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to break open its seals. For you were killed, and by your sacrificial death you bought for God people from every tribe, language, nation, and race. (Good News Bible)
(NAS95) And they *sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. (New American Standard)
(NIV) And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. (New International Version)
(NRSV) They sing a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; (New Revised Standard Version)
Notice that Revelation 5:9 was BEFORE the 1ST SEAL had been opened in Revelation 6:1 so WHEN did these people go to heaven?
Answer: The Old Testament Saints went there with Christ after they were Resurrected with him in the 1st Resurrection and the New Testament Saints who Died before the 2nd Resurrection went to Heaven when they Died. Remember what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:8: "We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be ABSENT FROM THE BODY AND TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD."
Did you Notice that Revelation 5:10 said that the 24 Elders and probably the entire group they represented were supposed to "REIGN ON THE EARTH"?
So WHEN was that supposed to happen?
Some believe that it happens in the Future at the 2nd Coming of Christ when he brings the Saints with him and THEN they Reign on the Earth for 1,000 years.
Can you find another verse in the Bible that indicates the Saints will leave Heaven and Reign ON the Earth?
Let's look at what some of the Bible Commentators say about Revelation 5:10...
Popular New Testament Bible Commentary: At the word ‘priests’ there seems to be a pause, the following clause constituting a distinct proposition. Nor ought we to translate ‘upon,’ but ‘over,’ the earth. They are not upon the earth at all, and cannot therefore be said to be there ‘exerting those influences, promoting those principles, and dispensing those laws of righteousness, holiness, and peace which in reality rule all the best developments of life and history.’ They are the Church triumphant in heaven. The ‘earth’ has been their foe, and it is not now reformed by them: it is subdued beneath them.
Pulpit Bible Commentary: And we shall reign on the earth; or, and they reign on the earth (see on Rev_5:9). The interpretation of this passage will necessarily be influenced to some extent by the view adopted of the millennium (see on Rev_20:1-15.), Those who expect a personal reign of Christ on the earth for a thousand years naturally consider that in this verse reference is made to that period. And if the thousand years be understood to denote the time which elapses between the first and second comings of Christ, that is to say, the present time, the two passages—that in Rev_20:4 and the one before us—may be connected, and intended to refer to the same time. We have, therefore, to inquire in what sense the word "reign" is used, and how the redeemed can be said to reign on the earth at the present time. In the first place, nothing is more plainly taught us than that Christ’s reigning, his power, and his kingdom on earth are a spiritual reign, a spiritual power, a spiritual kingdom; though the Jews and our Lord’s disciples themselves frequently erred by supposing that his kingdom would be a visible, worldly power. It seems natural, therefore, that if such is the meaning of Christ’s reigning, that of his servants should be of the same nature; and we ought not to err in the same way as the Jews did, by expecting to see the redeemed exercise at any time visible authority over their fellowmen. The redeemed reign, then, spiritually. But it will be well to inquire more fully and exactly what we intend to signify by this expression. The word "reign" is not often used of Christians in the New Testament.
Foy Wallace: We Shall Reign - Literally rendered the passage reads are reigning--referring in the Revelation context to their continuing conquests in the trials that were present. What the four creatures and twenty-four elders were chanting in unison, as a complete representative company, was the prospect of a glorious triumph over their oppressors. It symbolized a reign of victory, a symbol that the oppressions to be revealed in the seals could not consume them; the wrath of monarchs could not destroy them; nor the power of kings and emperors defeat them. They would survive; they would live; they would reign on the earth, not in future glory, but reign there and then as conquerers and overcomers in an undefeated, triumphant cause. The church was symbolized as being complete and imperishable in conflict with their heathen oppressors.
Cambridge Bible Commentary: we shall reign] Authorities are nearly evenly divided between the readings “they reign” and “they shall reign.” Perhaps the present is to be preferred, as the more difficult in sense; the future could be easily understood of the millennial reign (Rev_20:4), whatever that means.
Albert Barnes: It is not said that this will be a reign under the Saviour in a literal kingdom on the earth; nor is it said that the saints will descend from heaven, and occupy thrones of power under Christ as a visible king.
It's amazing how 1 word can change the meaning of a verse. The Greek word that "on" is translated from can also be translated as "over".
Just look at how the mistranslation of the Greek word AION into WORLD instead of AGE in the King James Version has caused so much confusion and BAD ESCHATOLOGY especially because of Matthew 24:3... "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the END OF THE WORLD?
I recently found a new Hebrew translation of the books of Revelation, James and Jude. You may be interested in checking out the website. Here's what was said about the Hebrew New Testament...
"In the year 1806, Buchanan found two Hebrew New Testament manuscripts in a Jewish Synagogue in Cochin, India. Together, these two manuscripts contain the entire New Testament in Hebrew. However, most of the books in these Hebrew manuscripts do not contain the indications of authenticity expected in a faithful copy of an original Hebrew document. Rather, they are quite similar to the Aramaic (Syriac) Peshitta, and also contain Aramaic and Aramaic-like words which were not properly translated into Hebrew.
In contrast, the Hebrew Revelation, James and Jude contained in these manuscripts from Cochin show many differences when compared to the Greek, Latin, and Aramaic versions. They also contain the many linguistic evidences of authenticity expected in genuine copies of original Hebrew documents: gapping of explicit subjects and objects; Hebrew word plays; inversed word order; Hebrew keywords linking sections together; and differences which indicate mistranslations in the Greek version. The Hebrew Revelation, James and Jude do not contain the many Peshitta-based Aramaisms found in most of the other books in these manuscripts, and can in no way be seen as translations from the Greek, Latin or Aramaic versions." - HebrewGospels.com
Here's the download link: Hebrew Revelation, James and Jude
Look at how Revelation 5:10 is translated - Ms. Oo.1.16: Revelation 5:10 and you made us priests and kings, that we may be kings OVER the earth.
An important thing to know is that the original manuscripts from which scripture is translated no longer exist and translations are not perfect; NONE of them! Translator BIAS is normal so it's wise to use different Bible versions and read the Bible Commentaries when studying scripture.
Revelation 20:5 has caused much confusion... "But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were FINISHED. This is the first resurrection."
The phrase "BUT THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT LIVE AGAIN UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED" is not included in about 40% of the manuscripts and is a parenthetical statement.
(GNB) (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first raising of the dead (Good News Bible).
(NIV) (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection (New International Version).
(NRSV) (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection (New Revised Standard Version).
The Syriac Peshitta leaves out the phrase completely... Revelation 20:5 - This is the first resurrection. You can read the Syriac Peshitta version online. I prefer the James Murdock translation.
I have already shown from scripture (Revelation 22:5) that the SERVANTS of GOD REIGN FOREVER in Heaven. Therefore, the 1,000 YEARS of SAINTS REIGNING will NEVER BE FINISHED!
Remember, that in order for Scripture to be from GOD it CANNOT CONTRADICT ITSELF! Therefore, that along with the other information I have presented should tell you that the Parenthetical Statement ("BUT THE REST OF THE DEAD DID NOT LIVE AGAIN UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED") does NOT belong in Revelation 20:5!
Revelation 20:5 is referring to Revelation 20:4... "And I saw THRONES, and they sat on them, and JUDGMENT WAS COMMITTED TO THEM. Then I saw the souls of THOSE WHO HAD BEEN BEHEADED FOR THEIR WITNESS TO JESUS and for the word of God, WHO HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST FOR A THOUSAND YEARS." and Revelation 20:5 should read - "THIS IS THE FIRST RESURRECTION."
The Apostle Paul REVEALED the TIMING of Both Resurrections... 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so IN CHRIST ALL SHALL BE MADE ALIVE. 1 Corinthians 15:23 But each one in his own order: CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS, AFTERWARD THOSE WHO ARE CHRIST'S AT HIS COMING.
Obviously, "THOSE WHO HAD BEEN BEHEADED FOR THEIR WITNESS TO JESUS" and those "WHO HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST" were NOT Resurrected at the time of Jesus. So who is correct about the TIMING of the 1st Resurrection: John or Paul?
Answer: I believe both are correct or we have a problem with scripture being inspired by the Holy Spirit!
Therefore, from the time of Christ's Resurrection to the time of the 2nd Resurrection in A.D. 70 has to be considered as the 1st Resurrection. Christians who died AFTER Christ's Resurrection and BEFORE the 2nd Resurrection went straight to Heaven to be with Christ and they REIGNED with him. Remember what Paul said... 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be ABSENT FROM THE BODY AND TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD.
The Martyrs of Revelation 20:4 seem to be the same Martyrs of Revelation 6:10-12 but it could be the total number of Martyrs that Filled Up the Measure of Guilt which led to the WRATH OF THE LAMB which was the Jewish-Roman War (67-70)... Revelation 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAD BEEN SLAIN FOR THE WORD OF GOD and for the testimony which they held. Revelation 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Revelation 6:11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and IT WAS SAID TO THEM THAT THEY SHOULD REST A LITTLE WHILE LONGER, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Revelation 20:6 says that the SECOND DEATH had no power over those who were part of the 1st Resurrection... "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. OVER SUCH THE SECOND DEATH HAS NO POWER, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."
Since Christ REIGNS from Heaven, the Saints also REIGN from Heaven and remember it is FOREVER... Revelation 22:5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And THEY SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER. Revelation 22:6 Then he said to me, "These words are faithful and true." And THE LORD GOD OF THE HOLY PROPHETS SENT HIS ANGEL TO SHOW HIS SERVANTS THE THINGS WHICH MUST SHORTLY TAKE PLACE.
Jesus said in Revelation 22:7: "BEHOLD, I AM COMING QUICKLY! BLESSED IS HE WHO KEEPS THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK."
SATAN WAS RELEASED TO GATHER THE NATIONS FOR WAR
The 1,000 Year Period that does EXPIRE is the time period that SATAN WAS BOUND. I have already shown from scripture that Satan was probably released in approximately A,D. 63.
Revelation 20:7-8 Now WHEN THE THOUSAND YEARS HAVE EXPIRED, SATAN WILL BE RELEASED FROM HIS PRISON Revelation 20:8 and will go out to DECEIVE THE NATIONS which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, TO GATHER THEM TOGETHER TO BATTLE, whose number is as the sand of the sea.
(NASB) Revelation 20:7 When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, Revelation 20:8 and will come out to DECEIVE THE NATIONS which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, TO GATHER THEM TOGETHER FOR THE WAR; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore.
When people think about Armageddon they think about a great battle at the end of the world but let's look at what the scripture actually says... Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. Revelation 16:14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, TO GATHER THEM TO THE BATTLE OF THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY.
Instead of using the word "battle" the New American Standard Bible uses the word "WAR"... (NASB) Revelation 16:14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, TO GATHER THEM TOGETHER FOR THE WAR OF THE GREAT DAY OF GOD, THE ALMIGHTY.
Word Summary: polemos: war
Phonetic Spelling: (pol'-em-os)
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Short Definition: war
Meaning: war
Strong's Concordance: battle, fight, war.
From pelomai (to bustle); warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series) -- battle, fight, war.
Revelation 16:16 AND THEY GATHERED THEM TOGETHER TO THE PLACE CALLED IN HEBREW, ARMAGEDDON.
Therefore, the scripture could be interpreted to mean that ARMAGEDDON was NOT the name of the battle or war but it was the name of the place where the armies were gathered together to go to war. This actually makes more sense when you know that the war was in the past and you have a written history of it.
The following was copied from Flavius Josephus, WARS OF THE JEWS, Book 3, Chapter 6, Sections 1 & 2.
1. AND now Vespasian, with his son Titus, had tarried some time at PTOLEMAIS, and had put his army in order.
2. But as Vespasian had a great mind to fall upon Galilee, he marched out of PTOLEMAIS, having put his army into that order wherein the Romans used to march.
Look at MAP 1 and Notice how close PTOLEMAIS is to the VALLEY OF JEZREEL.
The Valley of Jezreel is also known as the Valley of Armageddon.
Revelation 20:9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
This is one of those troubling verses where I can't find an event in recorded history that fulfills the prophecy like I expect. However, that doesn't prove that it didn't happen. The 1st Century was about 2,000 years ago and there's plenty that happened that we don't know about! If anything that's in the Book of Revelation has not happened yet then all Christians have a problem since that would mean the prophecy FAILED. Remember, the TIMEFRAME for the Events of the Book of Revelation is PAST, PRESENT or NEAR FUTURE... (YLT) Revelation 1:19 'Write the things that thou hast seen, and the things that are, and THE THINGS THAT ARE ABOUT TO COME after these things; (Young's Literal Translation).
DOWNLOAD THE WARS OF THE JEWS by Flavius Josephus
I have read other articles about what the fulfillment of Revelation 20:9 may have been but I'm not satisfied with those explanations either. If you want to read what other Preterists say CLICK ---> Revelation 20:9
Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Notice that the Beast who I believe was the Roman Empire, personified as Nero and the False Prophet whose Identity to me is Unknown are already in the Lake of Fire being tormented when the Devil is cast in. Nero Died on June 9, A.D. 68 at the age of 30.
"According to the Annals of the Roman historian Tacitus and to the Nero of the Roman biographer Suetonius, Nero in response tried to shift responsibility for the fire to the Christians, who were popularly thought to engage in many wicked practices. Hitherto the government had not clearly distinguished Christians from Jews. Almost by accident, Nero initiated the later Roman policy of halfhearted persecution of the Christians, in the process earning himself the reputation of Antichrist in the early Christian tradition." - NERO
Jesus alluded to the Lake of Fire in Matthew 25:41: "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into THE EVERLASTING FIRE PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS:
Notice in Matthew 25:41 that DEMONS are not mentioned. From what I understand, Demons are the Spirits of the Nephilim. The Nephilim were the offspring of the Fallen Angels and Women. I believe that Demons are still in the Spiritual Realm. Maybe they are doomed to spend eternity away from GOD as wandering spirits and adversaries of GOD.
One reason people can't accept that All Prophecy has been Fulfilled is that they don't believe the Devil has been Destroyed because there's so much EVIL in the World. One reason that the World is so Evil is that most of the Christians are not being the Salt & Light of the World they were meant to be. They believe that the Bible teaches that the World is Doomed to become worse and worse and there's little that they can do about it. So that's what they do... LITTLE and they sit around and Hope for the Rapture. Christians are supposed to Stand Against Evil but here in the good ole U.S.A. most are Christian Zionists and they Support the Anti-Christ State of Israel and their GENOCIDE! They are committing IDOLATRY and are too STUPID to know it.
What should a Christian's Attitude be toward the modern day Anti-Christ State of Israel?
Answer: A Christian's Attitude toward Israel should be the SAME as JESUS! - Luke 13:35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' "
The Bible teaches us NOT to have fellowship with UNBELIEVERS... 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather EXPOSE THEM.
Here's How I Expose Them ---> TALMUDIC JUDAISM
BLESS THOSE WHO DENY JESUS IS THE CHRIST AND YOU ARE A PARTAKER OF THEIR EVIL DEEDS!
2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 2 John 1:11 FOR HE WHO GREETS HIM SHARES IN HIS EVIL DEEDS..
Sure it's OK to PRAY for them, just as you should PRAY for Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists and all lost people!
I'm All About EXPOSING EVIL! Watch the Video Below.
Israelis Got Caught Attempting To BLOW UP the George Washington Bridge On 9/11
THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT
Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a GREAT WHITE THRONE and Him who sat on it, from whose face THE EARTH AND THE HEAVEN FLED AWAY. And there was found no place for them.
Christ talked about the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 25:31-46... Matlthew 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then HE WILL SIT ON THE THRONE OF HIS GLORY. Matthew 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and HE WILL SEPARATE THEM ONE FROM ANOTHER, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats."
Notice in Revelation 20:11 how "THE EARTH AND THE HEAVEN FLED AWAY". Christ said that "HEAVEN AND EARTH WILL PASS AWAY, but My words will by no means pass away" in the 3 Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31 and Luke 16:17). Christ wasn't talking about the Literal Heaven and Earth being Destroyed. He was talking about the Old Covenant, Judea and the Temple being Destroyed. When GOD chose the Nation of Israel as his people he talked about Planting the Heavens and Laying the Foundation of the Earth... Isaiah 51:15 But I am the LORD your God, Who divided the sea (RED SEA) whose waves roared—The LORD of hosts is His name. Isaiah 51:16 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, THAT I MAY PLANT THE HEAVENS, LAY THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH, And say to Zion, 'YOU ARE MY PEOPLE'." The Literal Heavens and Earth were created long before GOD Chose Israel as his people!
However, when you read what the Apostle Peter said you know WHY it is EASY to Believe that THE WORLD IS GOING TO END! Just read these 3 verses...
1) 2 Peter 3:7 But the HEAVENS AND THE EARTH which are now preserved by the same word, ARE RESERVED FOR FIRE UNTIL THE DAY OF JUDGMENT and perdition of ungodly men.
2) 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which THE HEAVENS WILL PASS AWAY WITH A GREAT NOISE, AND THE ELEMENTS WILL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
3) 2 Peter 3:12 looking for and hastening THE COMING OF THE DAY OF GOD, because of which THE HEAVENS WILL BE DISSOLVED, BEING ON FIRE, AND THE ELEMENTS WILL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT?
Peter said that Christ was "READY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD"... 1 Peter 4:5 They (the Gentiles mentioned in 4:3) will give an account to Him (Christ) WHO IS READY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD.
He also said in 1 Peter 4:7: "But THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."
If the WORLD didn't END 2,000 Years Ago like Peter seemed to imply then WHY would you believe that it's going to happen at all?
Was Peter a FALSE PROPHET? He was if he was talking about the Literal Heavens & Earth being Destroyed in his time! If you are honest that's what you have to conclude.
However, Peter was NOT talking about the Destruction of the Literal Heavens and Earth... He was talking about the Destruction of the Temple, the Old Covenant (the LAW), Jerusalem, Judea and the Jewish Nation.
2 Peter 3:10 seems so simple to understand. Most interpret it to mean that when the Lord comes the heavens and the earth will be destroyed. The earth will be destroyed by fire and that will be the END of this WORLD. When one reads about the elements melting with fervent heat it seems clear that it means that the materials from which the earth is made will be destroyed by fire.
Is that what this verse really means? Let's take a closer look...
The Greek word for ELEMENTS in the verse is STOICHEION and as with many words it can have more than one meaning.
Word Summary: stoicheion: one of a row, a letter (of the alphabet), the elements (of knowledge)
Transliteration: stoicheion
Phonetic Spelling: (stoy-khi'-on)
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Meaning: one of a row, a letter (of the alphabet), the elements (of knowledge)
Strong's Concordance: element, principle, rudiment.
Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of stoicheo; something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively) -- element, principle, rudiment.
When trying to understand the meaning of any word in the Bible it is often helpful to see how the word is used in other Bible verses. Take a look at how ELEMENTS (STOICHEION) is used in the following verses:
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were IN BONDAGE UNDER THE ELEMENTS OF THE WORLD. Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, BORN UNDER THE LAW,
Galatians 4:9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, HOW IS IT THAT YOU TURN AGAIN TO THE WEAK AND BEGGARLY ELEMENTS, TO WHICH YOU DESIRE AGAIN TO BE IN BONDAGE? Galatians 4:10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.
In Galatians it is clear from the context that ELEMENTS is talking about the Mosaic Law.
The Greek word STOICHEION is also used in Colossians 2:20 and it is clear from the context that Paul is talking about the LAW...
(ESV) Colossians 2:20 If with Christ you died to the ELEMENTAL spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations Colossians 2:21 "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" Colossians 2:22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used) - according to human precepts and teachings? (English Standard Version)
STOICHEION is also used in Hebrews 5:12 and it refers to the basic principles of the teachings of GOD...
Hebrews 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first PRINCIPLES of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
The Greek word STOICHEION is used 7 times in the New Testament and it is NEVER used to describe the materials from which the earth is made!
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless WE, according to His promise, LOOK FOR NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH in which righteousness dwells.
Who is the WE in the verse above? Is it not Peter and the people to whom he was writing?
They were expecting the new heavens and a new earth to come in their time.
Peter had the Holy Spirit teaching him all things so how could he be wrong? John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
So it must be true that the new heavens and the new earth came in their time.
Therefore, it could NOT mean that the literal/physical earth and heavens were destroyed and a literal new heaven and a new earth were created!
Furthermore, if the Literal Heavens and Earth were Destroyed by Fire, wouldn't that DESTROY EVERY LIVING THING on the Earth? Wouldn't that make GOD a LIAR?
GOD Promised NEVER AGAIN To Destroy All Life on Earth! - Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, "I will never again curse the ground for man's sake, although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; NOR WILL I AGAIN DESTROY EVERY LIVING THING AS I HAVE DONE.
Revelation 21 begins with John seeing the "NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH" and the "NEW JERUSALEM"... Revelation 21:1 Now I saw a NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, NEW JERUSALEM, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
For an Excellent Teaching on 2 Peter 3 Watch This Video: Heaven and Earth Passed Away (2 Peter 3:1-13)
Revelation 20:12-13 And I saw THE DEAD, small and great, standing before God, and BOOKS WERE OPENED. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And THE DEAD WERE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS, by the things which were written in the books. Revelation 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And THEY WERE JUDGED, EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS.
Christ REVEALED WHEN People would be "JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS"... Matthew 16:27 For THE SON OF MAN WILL COME in the glory of His Father with His angels, and THEN HE WILL REWARD EACH ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS. Matthew 16:28 Assuredly, I say to you, THERE ARE SOME STANDING HERE WHO SHALL NOT TASTE DEATH till they see the son of man coming in his kingdom." So there should be no doubt that Christ meant that he would COME while some of the Disciples were still alive. Here's how the Gospel of Mark describes the same thing... Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words IN THIS ADULTEROUS AND SINFUL GENERATION, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Mark 9:1 And He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that THERE ARE SOME STANDING HERE WHO WILL NOT TASTE DEATH till they see the kingdom of God present with power." Christ was going to COME in that "ADULTEROUS AND SINFUL GENERATION".
James the Just, Christ's half-brother, said that the "COMING OF THE LORD IS AT HAND" and "THE JUDGE IS STANDING AT THE DOOR!"... James 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the COMING OF THE LORD IS AT HAND. James 5:9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, THE JUDGE IS STANDING AT THE DOOR!
The LIVING were JUDGED 1st during the Jewish-Roman War. This was the GREAT TRIBULATION of Matthew 24:21 or the DAYS OF VENGEANCE of Luke 21:22. The WRATH OF THE LAMB came upon those who rejected Christ and Persecuted the Church, the Unbelieving Judeans... Luke 19:41 Now as He (Christ) drew near, He saw the city (Jerusalem) and wept over it, Luke 19:42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Luke 19:43 For days will come upon you (Unbelieving Judeans) when your enemies (the Roman Armies) will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, Luke 19:44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, BECAUSE YOU DID NOT KNOW THE TIME OF YOUR VISITATION."
Christ WARNED the Scribes and Pharisees that GOD's WRATH would come upon THEIR GENERATION for Shedding Innocent Blood... Matthew 23:33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Matthew 23:34 Therefore, indeed, I SEND YOU PROPHETS, WISE MEN, AND SCRIBES: SOME OF THEM YOU WILL KILL AND CRUCIFY, AND SOME OF THEM YOU WILL SCOURGE IN YOUR SYNAGOGUES AND PERSECUTE FROM CITY TO CITY, Matthew 23:35 THAT ON YOU MAY COME ALL THE RIGHTEOUS BLOOD SHED ON THE EARTH, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Matthew 23:36 Assuredly, I SAY TO YOU, ALL THESE THINGS WILL COME UPON THIS GENERATION.
Christ was PRESENT in the Clouds for a period of time overseeing the Jewish-Roman War. This was the END OF THE AGE, the Age of the Old Covenant. The Resurrection occurred at THE LAST DAY of the OLD COVENANT AGE... John 6:40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY."
Before the DEAD could be JUDGED they had to be RESURRECTED from HADES... The Apostle Paul said that a RESURRECTION of the JUST and UNJUST was about to happen ... (YLT) Acts 24:15 having hope toward God, which they themselves also wait for, that THERE IS ABOUT TO BE A RISING AGAIN OF THE DEAD, BOTH OF RIGHTEOUS AND UNRIGHTEOUS (Young's Literal Translation). Christ said in John 5:28: "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice John 5:29 and come forth—THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GOOD, TO THE RESURRECTION OF LIFE, and THOSE WHO HAVE DONE EVIL, TO THE RESURRECTION OF CONDEMNATION." The Prophet Daniel was told about the Resurrection of the Just and Unjust and their Judgment... Daniel 12:2 And MANY OF THOSE WHO SLEEP IN THE DUST OF THE EARTH SHALL AWAKE, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, SOME TO SHAME AND EVERLASTING CONTEMPT. Daniel was also told WHEN it would be FINISHED... Daniel 12:7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and WHEN THE POWER OF THE HOLY PEOPLE HAS BEEN COMPLETELY SHATTERED, ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE FINISHED." The POWER of Daniel's people, the Hebrews, was their Covenant with GOD and they BROKE IT so GOD'S WRATH came upon the UNBELIEVERS and their HEAVEN & EARTH (Temple and Nation) were DESTROYED!
But the Christian Zionists say - "No! The Rapture Comes Next, then the 7 Year Great Tribulation and the 3rd Temple must be REBUILT and the Red Heifer Sacrificed. The Antichrist must stand in the Temple and Declare that he is GOD. Then Christ Returns to Reign on the Earth for 1,000 YEARS! Blah, Blah, Blah! When I hear this I think of Proverbs 26:11: "As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly."
Revelation 20:14 Then DEATH AND HADES WERE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH.
Paul talked about Victory Over Death and Hades and was looking forward to it... 1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY." 1 Corinthians 15:55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?"
Revelation 20:15 And ANYONE NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
Christ talked about this at the end of the Olivet Discourse... Matthew 25:33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, INHERIT THE KINGDOM (Heaven) prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Matthew 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'DEPART FROM ME, YOU CURSED, INTO THE EVERLASTING FIRE prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25:46 And these will go away into EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT, but THE RIGHTEOUS INTO ETERNAL LIFE."
So, Dear Reader, WHAT is it going to be for you... the SECOND DEATH or ETERNAL LIFE?
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT...
2 Corinthians 5:10 FOR WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
There's ONLY 1 WAY to get ETERNAL LIFE... John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
BELIEVE IN HIM! John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
The concludes my article on Revelation 20. Thank you for reading my article!