Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
This is a very 'powerful' chapter…close to my heart!
This is a very 'powerful' chapter…close to my heart!
Yes indeed, Alison.
I've never been able to figure out why, after 1000 years of Christ's reign, Satan was able to deceive such a large number of people v.8.
Yes indeed, Alison.
I've never been able to figure out why, after 1000 years of Christ's reign, Satan was able to deceive such a large number of people v.8.
v.8 again they gather for battle but there is no fighting…fire came down from heaven and devoured them.
v.8 again they gather for battle but there is no fighting…fire came down from heaven and devoured them.
I have been wondering lately if the judgement is for all or just for those who have the mark of the beast on them or whose names are not in the book of life. But it says in 12 the dead great and small,were judged according to what they had done. And in 15 those whose name was not in the book of life were thrown into the lake of fire. So I guess the traditional view is correct. we all get to stand in judgement.
I have been wondering lately if the judgement is for all or just for those who have the mark of the beast on them or whose names are not in the book of life. But it says in 12 the dead great and small,were judged according to what they had done. And in 15 those whose name was not in the book of life were thrown into the lake of fire. So I guess the traditional view is correct. we all get to stand in judgement.
I have a question about verse 5, "the rest of the dead did not come to life until after the 1000 years were ended". Well, is that just referring to the physical bodies that will be resurrected? Is it safe to assume the saved souls have been in heaven all this time?
I have a question about verse 5, "the rest of the dead did not come to life until after the 1000 years were ended". Well, is that just referring to the physical bodies that will be resurrected? Is it safe to assume the saved souls have been in heaven all this time?
Based on other Scripture I think it is save to believe saved souls are in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).
It does seem that all will stand before the great white throne but for the saved – my understanding is – that is about rewards rather than judgement.
Some feel the 1000 years is symoblic and not necessarily a literal 1000 years. Some even feel that this time is now since Satan was defeated at Calvary. However I find that hard to believe in light of v.3 "to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore". Seems to me the nations are being deceived at this present time.
Based on other Scripture I think it is save to believe saved souls are in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8).
It does seem that all will stand before the great white throne but for the saved – my understanding is – that is about rewards rather than judgement.
Some feel the 1000 years is symoblic and not necessarily a literal 1000 years. Some even feel that this time is now since Satan was defeated at Calvary. However I find that hard to believe in light of v.3 "to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore". Seems to me the nations are being deceived at this present time.
It seems many think that, "They came to life and reigned with Chrst a thousand years" refers to all the saved. (v.4)
The martyrs are mentioned specifically because many of the first readers of this book were facing martyrdom.
It seems many think that, "They came to life and reigned with Chrst a thousand years" refers to all the saved. (v.4)
The martyrs are mentioned specifically because many of the first readers of this book were facing martyrdom.
The righteous pass from death into life, and do not come into judgment because they [1] hear the word and believe, (John 5:24), and [2] because they love the brethren, (1 John 3:14).
Death (separation from God) is judgment. Because a believer chooses Christ, he is judged already to life, (John 3:18).
During the millennium, this "life in Christ" was hidden (Colossians 3:4). It is not a coming to life but a manifestation of life already received in Christ.
The same principle is true of those judged in death, as they are condemned already (John 3:18). Their condemnation is "manifested" or revealed.
The only manner in which "death" and "life" can be hidden is to understand it as spiritual and not of physical death.
The righteous pass from death into life, and do not come into judgment because they [1] hear the word and believe, (John 5:24), and [2] because they love the brethren, (1 John 3:14).
Death (separation from God) is judgment. Because a believer chooses Christ, he is judged already to life, (John 3:18).
During the millennium, this "life in Christ" was hidden (Colossians 3:4). It is not a coming to life but a manifestation of life already received in Christ.
The same principle is true of those judged in death, as they are condemned already (John 3:18). Their condemnation is "manifested" or revealed.
The only manner in which "death" and "life" can be hidden is to understand it as spiritual and not of physical death.
Thanks "allthingsfulfilled-eschatology" for your comments. I found them interesting.
Hope you can drop by again.
Thanks "allthingsfulfilled-eschatology" for your comments. I found them interesting.
Hope you can drop by again.
v.7-8 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.
(From Constable Commentary) “As final proof that the heart of man is desperately wicked and can be changed only by God's grace [cf. Jer. 17:9]. Imagine the tragedy of this revolt: people who have been living in a perfect environment, under the perfect government of God's Son, will finally admit the truth [that they hate Him] and rebel against the King!”
v.7-8 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.
(From Constable Commentary) “As final proof that the heart of man is desperately wicked and can be changed only by God's grace [cf. Jer. 17:9]. Imagine the tragedy of this revolt: people who have been living in a perfect environment, under the perfect government of God's Son, will finally admit the truth [that they hate Him] and rebel against the King!”
v.3 After that, he must be set free for a short time.
God allows people free choice at the expense of them being deceived.
v.3 After that, he must be set free for a short time.
God allows people free choice at the expense of them being deceived.
v.4,6 They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years…but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
I look forward to the day when we see the world operating the way God intend it to.
v.4,6 They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years…but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
I look forward to the day when we see the world operating the way God intend it to.