Two-Edged Sword Ministries
Revelation, chapter 20; describes immediately what happens after the battle of Armageddon. An angel descends from heaven and binds Satan to the abyss for one thousand years. Remember, the abyss or pit is what was hurled to the earth when the 5th trumpet was blown.
We are told that Satan will be bound for this period so that he does not deceive the nations during the period of Jesus' earthly reign. After the 1 000 year period he is let loose. There are a number of people who will reign with Christ during this period.
The following people are resurrected in what is referred to as the first resurrection; and rule with Jesus for the 1000 year period :
We are told that Satan will be bound for this period so that he does not deceive the nations during the period of Jesus' earthly reign. After the 1 000 year period he is let loose. There are a number of people who will reign with Christ during this period.
The following people are resurrected in what is referred to as the first resurrection; and rule with Jesus for the 1000 year period :
Those who were killed for witnessing Jesus and not denying the word of God. These people had not worshipped the beast or accepted the mark on there hands or forehead. We can see clearly that these people refer to those that were killed during the Tribulation, there reward is that they get to rule with Christ over the world for the next 1 000 years before the etneral kingdom is ushered in.
Whilst the book of Revelations does not provide much information on this thousand year rule; once again, the Old Testament prophecies gives us a bit more insight as to what occurs during this period ...
Old Testament prophecies concerning the reign of the Messiah
Infants will not die young and people will live for hundreds of years. They will build houses and reap the fields. God will answer before they even speak. The wolf and lamb will eat together, the snake will eat dust, the animals will do no evil throughout Gods' kingdom.
(See Isaiah 65:20-25)
(See Isaiah 65:20-25)
The Jews will rebuild their ancient ruins and replenish their cities. Foreginers wil lwork in their fields and vineyards. The workers in the city will come from the tribes of Israel. A sacred part of the city and its propherty will be set aside for the temple sanctuary. (See Isaiah 61:3-8 and 66:19-21)
All nations will gather to Gods' temple in Jerusalem to be taught Gods' laws, ways and to walk in His path. Nation will no longer fight against nation - nor will they train for war. Jesus will judge the nations and settle any disputes.
(See Isiaih 2:1-4)
(See Isiaih 2:1-4)
Jesus will rule for 1 000 years and will be known as "wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace; and His kingdom will never pass away or be destroyed.
(See Isiaih 9:6-7 and Daniel 7:14)
(See Isiaih 9:6-7 and Daniel 7:14)
Is this not how we were supposed to live in the garden of Eden?
Why are we re-united with God – Well, remember that Satan was tied up for 1 000 years to prevent man from being deceived. The purpose of the 1 000 year reign by Jesus is to cleanse the Jews and gentiles alike of their sins and teach them the ways of God.
Just like Jesus has taught many of his believers, it is to teach the other nations, Gods’ ways. It fulfils Gods’ prophecies regarding Israel being the ruler of all nations. After the 1 000 year reign by Jesus the following happens : Satan is released from the Bottomless pit. He goes to deceive the land of Gog and Magog – the nations around the world and gathers them to battle against Israel.
This army is described as being as large as the sands on a seashore.
They surround the camp of the Saints and Jerusalem.
God sends forth fire from heaven that devours them all. (No other description of this last war is given). Satan is then thrown into the lake of fire – where the beast and the false prophet were. They are to be tortured day and night – forever and ever.
Finally, sin is expelled ............ So what happens next ?
Why are we re-united with God – Well, remember that Satan was tied up for 1 000 years to prevent man from being deceived. The purpose of the 1 000 year reign by Jesus is to cleanse the Jews and gentiles alike of their sins and teach them the ways of God.
Just like Jesus has taught many of his believers, it is to teach the other nations, Gods’ ways. It fulfils Gods’ prophecies regarding Israel being the ruler of all nations. After the 1 000 year reign by Jesus the following happens : Satan is released from the Bottomless pit. He goes to deceive the land of Gog and Magog – the nations around the world and gathers them to battle against Israel.
This army is described as being as large as the sands on a seashore.
They surround the camp of the Saints and Jerusalem.
God sends forth fire from heaven that devours them all. (No other description of this last war is given). Satan is then thrown into the lake of fire – where the beast and the false prophet were. They are to be tortured day and night – forever and ever.
Finally, sin is expelled ............ So what happens next ?
In Rev 20:5 we are told that those who were killed and who either accepted the mark of the beast or had denied the word of God, would remain dead until the 1 000 year reign of Jesus was over.
The Great white throne judgment is the judgment of all those that have not accepted Christ prior to His second coming or those that fall away from him before the 1 000 year reign is ended. This is a judgment that nobody on this earth wants to be at. This is referred to as the second Resurrection and is basically the judgment of the dead.
Books are opened and everybody is judged according to the law. If you think you are going to pass this judgment, think again. If you have ever told a lie, stolen something or fell short of any of the ten commandments ... You are in a big spot of bother. It is for this reason that God himself had to send His Son; as He knew that man cannot do it on their own. Literally, if you do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you will be at this judgment. And if you are not in Christ; lets read briefly of what you will face.
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. The sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the grave?? gave up the dead in them. They were all judged according to their deeds. And death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire.
And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. [Rev 20:11-15 NLT]
And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. [Rev 20:11-15 NLT]
So what are these books by which Jesus will judge those that reject him?
1. The Fathers' Book of Life:
We read in Exodus 32:33, That whoever sins against God will be blotted out of the book of life. This is why, God cannot see sin and walk amongst us. When we are born, our name is automatically written in God's book of life.
2. Jesus' book of life:
In Rev 3 : 5, Jesus states that whoever overcomes, name will never be taken out of the book of life and Jesus will acknowledge those names before God - the father. In Rev 13:8, we are told that everyone who is not written in Jesus book of life, will worship the beast. Have you considered why the 1 000 year rule by Jesus occurs ? Do you not think that the Jews are given yet another opportunity to worship Jesus, whom they crucified.
3. The book of Law:
In Deut 31:26, we read that the Jews are instructed to place the book of law besides the ark of the covenant, where it will remain as witness against us. In Joshua 1:8, Joshua advises his followers to not take the book of law lightly; and everyone must be careful as to what is written in it.
4. The book of Deeds:
In Matthew 16:27, we find that Jesus will reward us according to our deeds.
5. The Book of Conscience:
In Romans 2:16, we are told that our consciences will be judged even if we rightfully pass the book of law.
6. The Book of Words:
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." [Mat 12:36-37 NIV]
7. The Book of Secrets:
This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. [ Rom 2:16 NIV]
What happens to those not found written in the Book of life ?
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.[ Rev 20:14-15 NIV]
So what have we just said : " Well, we have said that if your name is not written in Jesus' book of life, there is very little chance that you will obtain salvation at the great White throne judgment." And remember the saying : " Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess " - well, at the great white throne judgment, this is exactly what will happen to all unbelievers.
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189, United States of America. all rights reserved. [5]
Scripture quotations marked " NIV " are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by Permission of Zondervan Publishing house [2]