Revelation 20:1-15
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In Revelation chapter 20 today we read about the Millennial Reign of Christ! There are 3 basic beliefs in the 1,000 years described in this chapter: 1. Amillennialism (means we're in a figurative 1,000 years now) describes the present reign of Jesus in heaven, along with deceased believers and currently living believers - all of which will be followed by Jesus' second coming, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and Jesus' reign over the new earth eternally. 2. Premillennialism (means Jesus will come before a literal 1,000 years) also believes in the present reign of Jesus in heaven that is moving toward a time when Jesus returns again, the first resurrection occurs, and there will be a reign of Jesus on the current earth as we know it for 1,000 years. Then will come the final general resurrection, the final judgment, and then the eternal kingdom on the new earth. 3. Postmillennialism (means Jesus will come after a literal 1,000 years) believes that the entire world as we currently know it will be converted to Christianity and this will bring a millennium of peace - then to be followed by Jesus' second coming, the general resurrection, final judgment, and the eternal kingdom. Hopefully this makes some sort of sense on these three views? :) I read a commentary that said the key to remember with all 3 of these views is that they are simply timing differences. In all 3 views, Jesus returns again. Jesus reigns. Forever.
Verses 11-12 get into Judgment, which is obviously quite a topic to attempt to cover in a daily blog... :) "And I saw a great white throne, and I saw the one who was sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done." So... I am going to defer to someone much smarter than me on this one, and HIGHLY encourage you to read Lehman Strauss's article entitled "The Future Judgment of the Believer" at bible.org at this link. I encourage you to check this link out if you'd like a glimpse toward what happens after we pass on from this life - including a very interesting look at 5 crowns that can be given / received! Actually, if you are really interested in learning more about what happens after we die, Mr. Strauss at bible.org has a great 10 part series called "Death and Afterward" at this link. (which "The Future Judgment of the Believer" link above is #6 in the 10 part series.) Below is artist Pat Marvenko Smith's "The Great White Throne of Judgment" and "The Books Are Opened and The Book of Life" based on Revelation chapter 20 verses 11-12 today (which are at the top of this paragraph):
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
To order prints visit her "Revelation Illustrated" site.
Worship Song: Today's readings in Revelation chapter 20 remind me of the "Revelation Song" performed here by Kari Jobe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dZMBrGGmeE
Do you look forward to singing the Revelation Song in Heaven one day? Click here and sing!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Revelation 20:4 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that your life is a testimony that brings glory to Jesus. Pray that you will bring glory to Jesus no matter what the cost might be.
Comments from you: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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