Revelation - Coming of the
Kingdom
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
The focus of Revelation 19 is the lengthy-awaited return of the King.
Revelation 19 also juxtaposes suppers and sketches extra information about
the warfare of Armageddon and the Lamb’s beautiful triumph earlier than
the give up. Next, Revelation 20 capabilities a golden age, an idyllic time,
wherein the Lamb and his followers reign on this planet for a millennium,
1,000 years. However, the precise which means of the Millennium has
generated significant debate thru the centuries. In this bankruptcy, we type
out the differences of notion. Subsequently, we explore every other thriller in
Revelation 20. Devil, the historic archenemy and antagonist, is bound at the
beginning of the Millennium. Inexplicably, at its conclusion, he’s launched
from his jail. Proper to shape, he sets approximately doing what he’s
continually carried out: deceiving human beings and stirring up rebellion. He
enlists another army greater powerful than even the beast and the 10 kings
may want to muster in Revelation 19. They attack the very middle of the
Lamb’s kingdom, the loved town. The response to this attack is devastating
and decisive: fire consumes devil and his military. While the smoke clears, a
outstanding white throne dominates the scene. It’s the ultimate judgment,
popularly called Doomsday. In the long run, there are handiest options: the
new Jerusalem or the lake of fireplace. John shows the premise for judgment
and the final results. On this chapter, we run thru these occasions. And on
the stop, we take a more in-depth take a look at a few theological takes on
hell and the Millennium.
Returning as Promised (19:1–21)
In Revelation 19, 5 angelic anthems or acclamations herald the upcoming
return of the Jesus, the King. Each one provides additional statement on the
dying of Babylon the splendid and the defeat of the beast and fake prophet.
4 special titles for the Lamb seem in this section, every including luster to
the person and status of Jesus. This a part of Revelation basically describes
what happens to the beast, the fake prophet, and their considerable military
of ten kings. A sharp sword issuing from the mouth of him who is known as
“faithful and genuine” and “the word of God” destroys the allied forces. As
for the beast and false prophet, they’re captured and consigned to the lake
of fireplace. Believers, however, are invited to the wedding supper of the
Lamb and his bride.
Having a roaring proper time
A massive heavenly choir leads off the birthday celebration with a doxology
(a giving of praise or blessing to God). The anthem starts with a rousing
“Hallelujah!” This keynote captures the temper of the heavenly courts. The
choir voices the motive thanksgiving and praise are so suitable. In quick, God
acts in accord along with his faithfulness and justice (Rev. 19:2). He upholds
his promises, and his character in no way modifications. Because that is so,
the top notch whore receives her simply “reward.” She, via evaluation, well-
knownshows her genuine character as unfaithfulness. Not only does she
smash religion with God, however she additionally viciously persecutes his
covenant partners, the human beings of God. A 2nd hallelujah jewelry out,
affirming the period of her punishment: “for all time and ever” (Rev. 19:3).
This increases some difficult theological questions, which we explore in the
phase titled “suffering to apprehend hell,” later in this bankruptcy.
The 24 elders and the four residing creatures bow deeply before God’s
throne and add their voices to the heavenly liturgy (public worship): “Amen.
Hallelujah!” (Rev. 19:four). The word amen comes from Hebrew, and it
conveys the belief of that that's firm, established, and proper. The angelic
beings closest to God’s throne as a result affirm and trust God’s judgment.
Subsequent, an unidentified voice “from the throne,” perhaps one of the 4
living creatures, sings a solo component: “praise our God, all you his
servants, and all who fear him, small and exceptional” (Rev. 19:five). The
angelic choir responds, antiphonally (singing in alternating elements) and in
unison. The sound is overwhelming. Like waves crashing towards a rocky
coastline all through a thunderstorm, the concluding anthem resounds
through the heavenly sanctuary. Events are the problem of this song: The
Lord reigns: All resistance crumbles. The ringleaders of the dark Lord’s
country are incarcerated. The success of the Lord’s Prayer is a fact: “Your
kingdom come. Your might be performed, on the earth as it's miles in
heaven”(Matthew 6:10). The saints prepare for a wedding: The imagery is
placing however now not particular; it draws upon a wealthy tradition in
which old testament Israel is compared to a bride and God (Yahweh) is her
husband (Isaiah fifty four:6–eight; Jeremiah 2:1–three; Ezekiel 16:8–14; and
Hosea 2:14–23). John now applies it to the Lamb (the groom) and the Church
(the bride), as he also does in his Gospel (John three:29). The bride attire in
white as a symbol of purity.
Fending off angel worship
In Revelation 19:nine, John writes, “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this:
Blessed are folks that are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And
he said to me, ‘these are proper phrases of God.’ Then I fell down at his ft to
worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must no longer do that! I am a fellow-
servant with you and your comrades who maintain the testimony of Jesus.
Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” The
authenticity of the invitation is certified: “those are real words of God.” No
want to test with Sotheby’s public sale residence at the genuineness of this
invitation! This is the fourth of 7 beatitudes or advantages John facts in his
book. (See Rev. 1:3; 14:13; sixteen:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14.) Yet again,
the prophet John interacts with his heavenly guide. This time, he prostrates
himself (bows low) with the cause of worshiping the angel. Possibly he
concept it become the Lord himself. At any price, John is sharply rebuked:
“You have to no longer try this!” (Rev. 19:10). This episode may serve as a
warning to congregations in Asia (the seven church buildings; see chapter 7)
towards the veneration of angels.
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians (each in the province of Asia)
and the nameless letter to the Hebrews advocate that venerating angels and
alleged visionary ascents to the heavenly throne room to participate in
angelic worship have been ability sources of error and false pride (Colossians
2:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; and Hebrews 1:4). The corrective is clear: “Worship
God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (19:10). This
affirmation hyperlinks the antique and New Testaments. In quick, Jesus is the
crucial biblical discern of redemptive records, as is stated at the outset of the
e-book of Revelation (Rev. 1:2; see also John 1:1–3, 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3).
Making a grand entrance
In Revelation 19:11, John writes, “I saw heaven opened, and there was a
white horse!” For handiest the second one time in the ebook, the heavens
open. Inside the first instance, John himself ascended to the heavenly throne
room and started recording his visions of “what is to take place after this”
(1:19). This time, there received’t be an ascent however a dramatic descent:
King Jesus comes down on a white horse, accompanied by way of the armies
of heaven. These two openings frame the action in chapters 4–20.
Figuring out who’s in this white horse
The white horse in Revelation 19:11 is reminiscent of Revelation 6:2, wherein
the first seal additionally capabilities a rider on a white horse. A few
commentators consider that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to Jesus and
the preaching of the gospel. However, despite the fact that each riders are
on white horses, they don’t necessarily each constitute suitable men. Other
commentators accept as true with that Revelation 6’s white horse refers to
the spirit of the Antichrist, already present at the stop of the first century,
exercising his influence through deception and errors (see 1 John 2:18–25). If
this is the case, the two riders on white horses body Revelation 6–20 and
offer a dramatic comparison. The remaining rider on a white horse trumps
the first. No opponents stand in opposition to Jesus.
Choosing the bones smooth and taking prisoners
John rewinds the tape of the ultimate days’ events as Revelation 19
concludes. He wishes to show the warfare scene at Armageddon one
remaining time. The imaginative and prescient capabilities every other
invitation to a dinner party known as “the awesome supper of God” (Rev.
19:17). However what a comparison to the marriage supper of the Lamb! If
the previous is glorious — a white-gown simplest affair — this one is gory, a
macabre ceremonial dinner of decaying flesh. An angel summons scavenger
birds, like vultures, to the scene of the struggle. They’re the easy-up team.
So ends the military recruited by the beast and false prophet. We assume of
those images of the aftermath of Civil battle battles that so stunned the yank
public — bloated, blackened, stiff corpses litter the fields. Interest now shifts
to the ringleaders themselves. What takes place to the beast and the fake
prophet? Each are captured: “these two were thrown alive into the lake of
fireplace that burns with sulfur” (Rev. 19:20). No mention of who captures
them or how it’s completed. Perhaps that’s the point:
They’re defenseless in opposition to the Lamb. However how did their navy
perish so ? The sword issuing forth from the mouth of the rider on the white
horse kills them. This is, via an insignificant phrase of command, they die.
God (the Lamb), who known as the worlds into existence by means of a mere
word (Genesis 1), can additionally perform inside the other path.
Dawning of the Millennial Age (20:1–6)
Revelation 20:1–6 pics an unheard of time in human records. The arch
deceiver, devil, bearing 4 descriptive titles, is unmasked and incarcerated.
Right here are a number of his aliases:
Dragon: This descriptive identify, possibly indebted to an ancient close to jap
delusion wherein a chaos monster threatens to wreck the created order,
depicts devil as a dragon. As such, satan is the archetypal chaos monster.
Serpent: This title might also replicate historical close to Jap mythology in
which a snake tricks humanity and prevents their acquiring immortality. But
even extra applicable is the account of the serpent’s deception of the first
human couple in Genesis three. Revelation 20:3 explicitly states why Satan
is cast into the bottomless pit: “so that he would mislead the international
locations no more.”
Satan: The Greek phrase diablos, translated as “Satan,” approach “person
who slanders.” Characteristic of the Satan’s approaches are his slanderous
accusations delivered in opposition to God and his humans (see process 1–2;
Revelation 12:10). Satan: The primary that means of this phrase is
“adversary.” This quite a whole lot sums up Satan’s mode of operation: he
resists, obstructs, and subverts all attempts to recognize God’s kingdom in
the world. He's the “mom of all adversaries.”
As quickly because the satan is locked up, the Lamb takes price! Jesus brings
again to life folks that were martyred for his or her faith, and that they reign
with him for 1,000 years. A unique blessing is suggested upon all who take
part in this golden age (Rev 20:6). In this phase, we pass over the downfall of
the dragon and the resurrection of the martyrs.
Seizing the dragon
Checkmate! The devil has no moves left at the cosmic chessboard. An
unidentified however manifestly effective angel, “protecting in his hand the
key to the bottomless pit and a first-rate chain,” drags the satan off to jail.
Inside the pit, he now not practices his alternate: deceiving the international
locations. Revelation states the length of his sentence twice: 1,000 years
(20:2, 20:3). However then comes the ominous announcement: “After that
he ought to be set free for a bit while” (Rev. 20:3). At least one ultimate
occasion within the career of Satan is to play out later in the chapter.
Reigning with the Lamb
A new administration takes charge. John turns to thrones containing
individuals entrusted with the authority to dispense justice. Even though John
doesn’t identify them, they’re in reality followers of the Lamb. Inside the
Gospels, Jesus promises his disciples that they’ll occupy positions of
leadership and judgment while his state completely arrives: “surely I tell you,
on the renewal of all things, when the Son of guy is seated at the throne of
his glory, you who have observed me will even take a seat on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke
22:29–30, and examine 1 Corinthians 6:2–three for Paul’s contribution to the
situation).
John’s attention fastens on one precise institution of Jesus’s fans: the ones
who pay the final charge for his or her dedication to the Lamb. John sees the
souls of the Christian martyrs who were beheaded by means of the beast. In
advance, throughout the fifth seal, John noticed “the souls of folks that have
been slaughtered for the phrase of God and for the testimony they'd given”
(Rev. 6:nine). They were placed under the altar, and that they cried out for
justice. That day has now come, and they collect their praise for faithfulness.
Those souls are unexpectedly embodied — that is, they receive new, bodily
our bodies, similar to Jesus did in his resurrection: “They got here to lifestyles
and reigned with Christ 1000 years” (Rev. 20:four). This event is distinct as
“the first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5), and it constitutes the fifth of 7
advantages stated within the e book. To enjoy resurrection places one
beyond loss of life; immortality is now an inherent and irreversible
characteristic. Added to this never-ending existence is the privilege of
serving as a clergyman of God and Jesus. Those believer-priests, seated on
thrones, reign with Jesus during the millennial generation — that is, the
duration of one,000 (Rev. 20:6). Word the short editorial comment
concerning the destiny of nonbelievers who die before Jesus’s millennial
reign. They, too, experience a resurrection of kinds, but its nature is
appreciably exceptional from that of the saints; it receives a fuller dialogue
later in Revelation 20 (see “Termination of demise and Hades,” later in this
bankruptcy). Possibly no single passage inside the book of Revelation
captures readers’ imaginations extra than the description of a 1,000-yr reign
of Jesus on the planet, as described within the establishing verses of
Revelation 20. Hopes for a millennial, golden age have stirred the hearts and
minds of reformers, politicians, theologians, and poets for generations.
Popular media resonate with millennial aspirations beneath numerous figures
and pics. The query continually resurfaces: Will there sincerely be a
prolonged period of peace and prosperity? Is a golden age in our destiny? We
look at a number of those issues in element at the end of this bankruptcy.
Letting Satan loose (20:7–10)
Highly, after 1,000 years of lockup, devil honestly receives paroled! Why
does God permit this fiend to go loose? We are able to handiest speculate.
Possibly the factor is to demonstrate once and for all how deeply sin affects
the human coronary heart. Despite the fact that Jesus himself individually
reigns over the earth for the duration of the Millennium and devil is unable to
incite rebellion, as soon as devil is released, he unearths inclined
accomplices. Perhaps the prophet Jeremiah offers the great viable
clarification: “The heart is dishonest in particular else; it is perverse — who
can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). At any fee, Scripture affirms that “all
matters paintings collectively for properly for people who love God, who are
referred to as in keeping with his reason” (Romans eight:28). One way or the
other, Satan’s parole fits into God’s plan.
Reverting to shape
Satan, as portrayed inside the Bible, is incorrigible. Many theologians think
redemption is provided for humans simplest, not angels, and Satan himself is
a fallen angel (see job 1:6–12; Ezekiel 28:eleven–sixteen; Luke 10:18). Inside
the Bible, angels, like people, are free moral dealers who can determine for
or against God. Maybe when Satan leads the primeval angelic revolt (see 2
Peter 2:4; Jude four), folks who aspect with him are showed in wickedness
(this idea appears, as an instance, inside the Jewish apocalyptic paintings 1
Enoch 15–sixteen). Perhaps that is so due to the enormity of their offense in
light in their exalted privilege and function. In the case of angels, God seems
to require best obedience. Devil and his minions opted out and are actually,
via nature, fully against the good. At any fee, as soon as launched from his
jail, Satan wastes no time. He at once sets about duping the crowning
success of God’s creation, human beings. It’s shocking how easily he
accomplishes his goal. He’s a master of deception with a substantial
repertoire. Delivered to that, he is aware of humans — the little children of
Adam and Eve — higher than they recognize themselves.
Discerning what John supposed despite the fact that there certainly changed
into an historic humans known as Magog dwelling far to the north of Israel,
we don’t think John’s intent become to be politically and geographically
accurate. In Revelation, he desires to depict an evil alliance, embracing
peoples historically considered to stay at the farthest corners of the sector.
This give up-times “axis of evil” seeks to America the Lamb from his throne.
In brief, maximum scholars finish that Gog and Magog (G&M) are symbolic
names, now not literal, which changed into the standard interpretation of the
expression among the Jewish rabbis. The goal of this G&M coalition, but, is a
long way from symbolic. Another time, Satan orders a frontal assault, this
time at the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling house of the redeemed. They
assault the rider on the white horse and his navy (Rev. 19:19), however G&M
are stopped in their tracks — but now not bloodless in their tracks! “And fire
came down from heaven and consumed them” (Rev. 20:9). Speak
approximately blunt pressure and trauma! The war is short and, luckily, the
closing.
No sympathy for the satan. His sentence is swift and excessive. He joins his
creations, the beast and false prophet, within the lake of hearth and sulfur
(Rev. 20:10). From his first appearance in the Bible within the garden of Eden
(Genesis 3), devil has always sought to frustrate the purposes of God. He’s
liable for an incalculable amount of suffering, and his punishment
corresponds to his crimes: “tormented day and night all the time and ever.”
The curtain comes down on the very last act of his profession.
Standing at the super White Throne (20:11–15)
An awe-inspiring imaginative and prescient unfolds within the last 1/3 of
Revelation 20. A extraordinary white throne dominates the scene, talking of
authority and sovereignty. John doesn’t have to mention who sits at the
throne — that point is clear: God the father and the Lamb preside over this
court. The brand new testament attributes Judgment Day to each the daddy
and the Son (see John 5:22; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; and a couple
of Timothy four:1). This final judgment differs from a number of other divine
judgments that occur within records:
Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the lawn of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24)
Cain’s banishment for murdering his brother Abel (Genesis 4:12)
The flood in the days of Noah, destroying the complete earth because of
human and demonic wickedness (Genesis 7:11–24)
The destruction of Pharaoh’s empire for infanticide and compelled slavery
(Exodus 7:14–12:36)
The extermination of the Canaanites for his or her extreme depravity and
cruelty (Joshua 1–12)
Those historic judgments pale in evaluation to this the final righting of
wrongs and vindication of the righteous. In step with the Bible, all human
beings must provide an account for his or her deeds before God (Romans
14:10–12; 2 Corinthians five:10; 2 Timothy four:1; 1 Peter four:five). For that
reason, this scene is well referred to as the last Judgment. John’s vision
stocks some capabilities with Daniel’s in advance imaginative and prescient
of the final Judgment: “As I watched, thrones were set in area and an
historical One took his throne. The court docket sat in judgment, and the
books were opened” (Daniel 7:nine–10). Nearly as an afterthought, John
mentions that earth and heaven flee from the presence of the only on the
throne (Rev. 20:11). John returns to this alternatively startling idea in
Revelation 21:1. The problem at center degree in this paragraph is the final
Judgment. In this phase, we give an explanation for who is judged, the same
old and foundation for judgment, and the 2 diametrically adversarial
consequences.
Looking within the ebook of existence
The book of life is a listing of all of the heirs of God and joint heirs of Jesus
(see
Romans eight:12–17). In a experience, Jesus is the sole inheritor of God;
however, he willingly stocks his inheritance with the redeemed. Believers
therefore come to be joint
heirs with their elder brother. The sealed scroll in Revelation 5:1–10 seems to
function like a remaining will and testomony. A will suggests who's to inherit
the
property, and now you discover who the beneficiaries are. Possibly first, a
seek is fabricated from the book of deeds. The life of the person is, so to talk,
an open ebook. The transcript speaks for itself. But the critical question is
this: Is a person’s name also observed inside the book of life? A list in the
book of life, biblically, indicates that someone is a certified believer.
Consistent with Revelation 20:15, this is decisive: “And every body whose
name was not discovered written in the ebook of existence changed into
thrown into the lake of hearth.”
Termination of dying and Hades
John’s readers may additionally have puzzled what happens to folks that die
at sea. And
even though he doesn’t mention it, readers can also wonder approximately
those whose
bodies had been cremated. Does this prevent any opportunity of
resurrection?
Even though John doesn’t spell it out, his vision is in concord with the biblical
view that everyone reviews a physical resurrection before the final
Judgment.
The quality of the resurrection of the righteous, however, differs notably
from that of the unrighteous. The root of this conviction goes lower back to
the vintage
testomony e book of Daniel. There you examine, “lots of folks that sleep
inside the dust
of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting existence, and some to
disgrace and eternal contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Jesus reaffirms this teaching:
“Do now not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming while all who are in
the graves will listen his voice and will pop out — those who've finished
true, to the resurrection of lifestyles, and those who have achieved evil, to
the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28–29)
John personifies the area of the departed below the twin names of loss of life
and
Hades. Hades is a Greek term for the region and situation of folks who revel
in the separation of frame and spirit called death. Dramatically, John sees the
realm of the dead genuinely emptied out and poured into the lake of fire. He
adds
this editorial comment: “this is the second one death, the lake of hearth”
(20:14). With
this declaration, John closes the books, so to talk, on redemptive records. His
next collection of visions usher the reader into a new earth and a new
Jerusalem.
Finding out two Theological issues
on this section, we in brief discuss two tough theological issues —
particularly, the character of very last punishment and the character of the
Millennium.
In place of arguing for a specific role, we try to explain pretty and accurately
the numerous alternatives. We do, but, indicate our alternatives.
Struggling to understand hell
Christians and others war with the concept of hell. What are you to make of
the idea of eternal punishment of nonbelievers inside the lake of fire? Is this
kind of
coaching absolutely like-minded with the core doctrines of Christianity,
specifically
the love and mercy of God for all humans? We don’t faux to have definitive
solutions. A lot more able theologians have grappled with this query and
admitted failure in resolving the trouble satisfactorily. We without a doubt
present a number of the perspectives of reputable Christian thinkers.
A conventional view: No rest for the wicked
historically, hell is viewed as a situation of eternal, aware torment.
Most Christian theologians thru a while have held this view. However,
many of those same theologians haven’t insisted on a strictly literal
interpretation of the lake of fireplace. In preference to press the language on
this way, they’ve alternatively preferred to strain the critical nature of hell as
exclusion from God’s presence.
Nonbelievers are forged out or excluded from the advantages and joy of
God’s
presence, the source of all that’s truly correct. The torment skilled with the
aid of the
impenitent (those who are viewed biblically as unrepentant sinners) is known
as usually intellectual and non secular anguish and remorse.
Mulling over the means of the Millennium
five times in six verses, John mentions a 1,000-year reign. But how are you
to
interpret this chronological notation? Symbols, figures, metaphors, and
images
abound within the ebook of Revelation. Is the Millennium without a doubt
every other symbol for a spiritual reality? This question has generated big
debate in Christian
circles for a long term. Perhaps the high-quality manner to continue is
without a doubt to put out the respective viewpoints and their arguments.
