Last Things 4 - The Millennium - Part 1

1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. 4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshipped 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 for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Introduction

A proper understanding of Revelation 20 is vital if we are to be clear on what the Bible teaches about the ‘last things’, the doctrine of eschatology. This is not going to be a detailed study but an overview of what is meant by the Millennium. A Millennium is 1000 years and there are different views as to how we understand the 1000 years. God willing I will be looking at these in future studies. At the outset we must understand that the number 1000 is, like other numbers in Revelation, is symbolic. We are not looking at an actual 1000 years but a symbolic representation of a long period of time, 10*10*10. The chapter divides into four sections, two on earth and two in heaven.

The Binding of Satan v1-3

The Reign of the Saints v4-6

The Final Conflict v7-10

The Great White Throne v11-15

1. The Binding of Satan v1-3

More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation I. From the Binding of Satan to the Final Judgment

Satan is bound and cast into the abyss; his power over the nations is curbed. Instead of the nations conquering the Church, the Church begins to conquer (evangelize) the nations.

2. The Reign of the Saints v4-6

More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation I. From the Binding of Satan to the Final Judgment

A long period of power for the Church, Satan having been bound. He remains bound for a thousand years, that is, during this entire gospel age.

3. The Final Conflict v7-10

More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (I. From the Binding of Satan to the Final Judgment)

A very brief period of most severe persecution: Satan marshals the army of Gog and Magog against the Church. This is the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 16:16).

4. The Great White Throne v11-15

More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation I. From the Binding of Satan to the Final Judgment

The one and only second coming of Christ in judgment.

Once this ‘order of events’ or ‘programme of history’ is seen, Revelation 20 is not difficult to understand. All one needs to do is to remember the sequence: Christ’s first coming is followed by a long period during which Satan is bound; this, in turn, is followed by Satan’s little season; and that is followed by Christ’s second coming, i.e. His coming in judgement. It should be clear immediately to anyone who carefully reads Revelation 20 that the ‘thousand years’ precede the second coming of our Lord in judgement. This second coming in judgement is not described until we reach the eleventh verse. It is clear that the theory of the premillennialists is at variance with the facts here. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 185). Baker Books.

In this connection, let us remember the main theme of the entire book. It is the victory of Christ and of His Church over every enemy. When Satan also is hurled into the lake of fire and brimstone (20:10) not a single enemy is left to vex the Church. We are conquerors; indeed, we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us, for not only do we triumph over every foe but we also live and reign with Christ. And in this supreme joy many of those who formerly opposed us will participate (cf. 3:9). Truly, more than conquerors are we! Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 185). Baker Books.

1 - The Binding of Satan v1-3

Revelation 20:1–3 ESV

Let us ‘transplant’ ourselves to the world of John the apostle. What a picture of spiritual darkness and desolation! Try to count the many idols that disgrace the streets and sanctuaries of imperial Rome. The abominations, the filth and corruption attendant upon the celebration of pagan festivals, the superstitions, vices, and so on, are truly staggering. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 186). Baker Books.

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a. Satan Bound v1-2

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Revelation 20:1–2 ESV

This work of binding the devil was begun when our Lord triumphed over him in the temptations in the wilderness (Mt. 4:1–11). As a result, Christ begins to ‘cast out’ demons. The power and influence of Satan over the deluded masses was beginning to be curtailed. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 187). Baker Books.

Matthew 4:11 ESV

11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

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Luke 10:17–18 (ESV)

17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

John 12:27–29 (ESV)

27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

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John 12:30–33 (ESV)

30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgement of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

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John 19:30 (ESV)

30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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b. A Thousand Years v2

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Revelation 20:2 ESV

2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,

Fourth, a literal interpretation of this number in a book of symbolism and especially in this chapter filled with symbols is indeed a considerable obstacle. And last, one thousand is ten to the third power and denotes fullness. It is therefore more in line with the tone and tenor of Revelation to interpret the term metaphorically.

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c. The Nations v3

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Revelation 20:3 ESV

3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.

Now let us move back to that long period which preceded Christ’s ascension. All the nations—with the exception of the Jews—are under the thraldom of Satan. Not, of course, in the absolute sense of the term, for God always reigns supreme, but in the sense of Acts 14:16: Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 186). Baker Books

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Acts 14:16 ESV

16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.

7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

Before the coming of Christ, His victory over the devil in the temptations, His ministry, His death, ascension and coronation, salvation had been largely limited to the Jews. God had suffered Satan to blind the eyes of the nations, so that these nations walked in their own ways. A great change was to take place. The ‘truth’ of the gospel would gradually replace the ‘lie’ of the devil. Satan is bound so that he can deceive the nations no more. Christ will draw ‘all men’ to Himself. The chosen from every nation will be saved. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 188). Baker Books.

He [Satan] is unable to prevent the extension of the Church among the nations by means of an active missionary programme. During this entire period he is prevented from causing the nations—the world in general—to destroy the Church as a mighty, missionary institution. By means of the preaching of the Word as applied p 189 by the Holy Spirit, the elect, from all parts of the world, are brought from darkness to light. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (pp. 188–189). Baker Books.

We most emphatically reject the dream of a man-made era of peace, prosperity, and universal righteousness on earth preceding the second coming of Christ. Just as definitely do we repudiate the related idea according to which the almighty ‘law of evolution’ will bring about an ever-upward trend in the course of civilisation. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 189). Baker Books.

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Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The devil can do much, indeed, during this present period of one thousand years. But there is one thing which, during this period, he cannot do. With respect to this one thing he is definitely and securely bound. He cannot destroy the Church as a mighty missionary organisation heralding the gospel to all the nations. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 190). Baker Books.

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2 - The Reign of the Saints v4-6

Revelation 20:4–6 ESV

4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who 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 for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

In order to arrive at a proper conception of these verses, we must again go back in our thoughts to the first century AD. Roman persecutions are raging. Martyrs are calmly laying their heads under the executioner’s sword. Paul had already done this; also James. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 191). Baker Books.

Romans 8:18 (ESV)

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

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a. Where Does This Reign Take Place?

(i) In Heaven

The thousand year reign occurs where the thrones are, for we read: ‘And I saw thrones and they sat upon them.’ Now, according to the entire book of Revelation, the throne of Christ and of His people is invariably in heaven Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 191). Baker Books.

Revelation 20:4 (ESV)

4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed.

Revelation 1:4 (ESV)

4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne,

(ii) Souls of the Martyrs

(ii) The thousand year reign also occurs where the disembodied souls of the martyrs are, for we read: ‘And I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus.’ John sees souls, not bodies. He is thinking of souls without bodies, for we read: ‘of them that had been beheaded’. In this entire passage there is not a single word about a resurrection of bodies. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 191). Baker Books.

Revelation 20:4 (ESV)

4 Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshipped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands.

The souls reign during this entire present dispensation until Christ’s second coming. Afterwards, it is no longer the souls that reign, for then body and soul are together again. Then the saints reign, not for a limited though lengthy period—a thousand years—but ‘for ever and ever’ (22:5). Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 192). Baker Books.

Revelation 22:5 (ESV)

5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.

(iii) Where Jesus Lives

Revelation 20:4 (ESV)

4 They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

(iii) The thousand year reign also occurs where Jesus lives, for we read ‘And they lived and reigned with Christ.…’ The question is, where, according to the Apocalypse, is the place from which the exalted Mediator rules the universe? Where does Jesus live? Clearly, it is in heaven. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 192). Baker Books.

b. The Nature of this Reign

The next question that has to be answered is, what is its character? The nature of this reign may be summarised in four ways as follows. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 192). Baker Books.

(i) Judging with Christ

(i) It is judging with Christ. The ransomed souls in heaven praise Christ for His righteous judgements. They constantly sing: ‘True and righteous are his judgements.’ These souls in glory are constantly pictured as taking part in all the activities of the Master: they sit down with Him in His throne (3:21); Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 192). Baker Books

Revelation 3:21 (ESV)

21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

(ii) Living with Christ

(ii) It is living with Christ: ‘they did live and did reign’ (see Rev. 7:9 ff.). In heaven these souls respond in a perfect manner to a perfect environment. And what is life but that? Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 192). Baker Books.

Revelation 7:9–10 ESV

9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Revelation 7:13–15 (ESV)

13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

(iii) It is Sharing in the Royal Glory of Christ

(iii) It is a sharing of royal glory with Christ. These souls celebrate the Lamb’s, and thus their own, victory. With Him they reign. All their prayers are answered; all their wishes are constantly fulfilled Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 192). Baker Books

Revelation 5:11–14 (ESV)

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshipped.

(iv) It is the First Resurrection

(iv) It is ‘the first resurrection’. The first resurrection is the translation of the soul from this sinful earth to God’s holy heaven. It is followed at Christ’s second coming by the second resurrection when the body, too, will be glorified. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (p. 192). Baker Books.

Revelation 20:5 ESV

5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.

Our final question is, who participates in this reign? The answer is simple and easy. First of all, all the souls of the martyrs, ‘those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus’. Secondly, all other believers who died in their faith, ‘such as worshipped not the beast’, etc. Hendriksen, W. (1967). More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (pp. 192–193). Baker Books.

More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (2. The Reign of the Saints (20:4–6))

The rest of the dead, that is, all other men who died, the unbelieving dead, lived not until the thousand years are finished. When that period is finished, then there is a change. Then they enter ‘the second death’. In other words, they receive everlasting punishment: not only as for the soul but now also for the body. The change is not for better but for the worse.

More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation (2. The Reign of the Saints (20:4–6))

On the other hand, those who have part in the first resurrection are blessed and holy. Over them the second death has no power. Not only shall they reign with Christ, but they shall also worship God in Christ as priests throughout the thousand years (Rev. 1:6; 5:10).

Revelation 1:5–6 (ESV)

5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Conclusion

Revelation 20:6 (ESV)

6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.

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