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Revelation 20 THE TWO RESURRECTIONS CONSUMMATION OF PRESENT WORLD HISTORY : FINAL REBELLION AGAINST GOD

This CHAPTER summarizes the concluding events of this present creation: (1) Satan is Bound for 1000 years ( verses 1-3) (2) The First Resurrection of believers ( verses 4-6) (3) Satan’s Final Rebellion ( verses 7-9) (4) Satan Cast into Lake of Fire – Hell ( verse 10 ) (5) The Second Resurrection of unbelievers – Great White Throne Judgment ( verse 11-15 )

Chapter 20 of the is a major dividing line for three main branches of eschatology (the study of end-time events). This is because of how one chooses to interpret the “1000 years” mentioned only here in this section of the { Rev. 20:2-7} and significance one places on its meaning.

Some believe since this is only mentioned in the Book of revelation it is symbolic like many of the other descriptions given and therefore is relatively unimportant. But the fact remains that many important eschatological concepts are only mentioned in this book, which are very real {e.g., the mark of and the worship of his image, the opening of the , etc.}.

Additionally, just because something is a symbol does not diminish from the reality or significance of what the symbol represents . Many companies jealously guard and protect their trademarks [e.g., Coca Cola, Pepsi, Disney, Ferrari, Apple computer] because they represent the status and marketability of their respective products. They would say that these trademarks are very real items and are so appropriately and legally protected.

The point is that the word for thousand years occurs six times in the first seven verses of this chapter and in the first instance should be taken literally. I hope you will agree that this is not insignificant1!

The three main prophetical viewpoints are known as:

• Post- • • Pre-millennialism

The post-millennialism interpretation is based on the idea that returns not after the seven year tribulation period {70 th Week of ; refer to Dan. 9:24-27 } but after the 1000 years. This implies that Jesus is not on the earth but in Heaven reigning for this period of time. (We will see that the description given in Revelation runs counter to that conclusion.) So what happens during the 1000 years in this view? Basically, this view holds that during the 1000 years the Church brings in the Kingdom of Righteousness by preaching the Gospel resulting in the entire world being converted to . This needs to happen to get the world ready for Christ’s return. This interpretation was actually quite popular during the late 1800’s and early 1900s with the great revivals and missionary work that was going on. However, this viewpoint quickly faded into obscurity (but not in total abandonment) after such things as two world wars, the stock market collapse (which led to a global depression), the rise of communism on a global scale and the development and use of the atomic bomb (with its potential to annihilate civilization as we know it). Refer also to Appendix A: Additional Notes for Post-Millennial Viewpoint .

1 The early church believed in a literal 1000 years and it was referred to as “chiliasm” and in more modern times as “millennialism”. Revelati on 20 -1- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel In the aftermath of these and other negative factors, a pessimistic outlook developed regarding end-time events which is generally described by the amillennialism interpretation. The “a” in front negates the millennium period so this viewpoint holds that the 1000 years is symbolic and there will not be a literal 1000 year reign of Christ or peace on earth. This is the opposite extreme to post-millennialism. The viewpoint holds that there will be virtually no time between the end of the Great Tribulation and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The major shortcoming of this interpretive viewpoint is that most if not all of the book of Revelation must usually be spiritualized [i.e., interpreted figuratively]. Additionally, this viewpoint holds that the prophecies in the book of Revelation are still being fulfilled in today’s world history and that we have been in it for some time now.

In other words, most amillennialists attempt to fit past history into the prophetic descriptions of the terrible events depicted in this book. Some amillennialists believe that a figurative “1000 years” take place in Heaven while the Seven Year Tribulation is taking place on earth [e.g., Dr. B.B. Warfield]. Therefore, this viewpoint teaches that when Jesus Christ returns we go straight into the Final Judgment {i.e., the events described in chapter 21} and the creation of a new heaven (Universe) and new earth without a literal intervening 1000 year period on earth. This viewpoint essentially holds that Jesus returns immediately after the Great Tribulation and a non-literal 1000 years (!?).

Finally, there is the pre-millennial viewpoint which teaches that Jesus Christ returns prior to a literal 1000 years and after a literal Seven Year Tribulation period. This position takes the events and descriptions in this book at ‘face value’ meaning that where a symbol occurs in scripture it represents something real and tangible. These symbols are ‘pointers’ or ‘links’ to real people or events.

In a sense they are similar to ‘trademarks’ of products we use or consume. For example, a mouse face with two large ears protruding from the sides is immediately recognized as ‘Mickey Mouse’ and sometimes Disneyland itself. An emblem of a black prancing horse on a yellow background with green, white and red stripes at the top could be used as a symbol of a real car [Ferrari] or a real person [Enzo Ferrari] or the manufacturing facility in Maranello, Italy. A curvy glass bottle containing a brown liquid is usually associated with Coca-cola.

So too are symbols to be understood in the Book of Revelation. The symbol may seem obscure or even weird, but there is something of reality behind it.

For example, in Rev. 12:1 we have four symbols combined: (1) a ‘woman’, (2) ‘clothed’ with the sun [i.e., enveloped in bright sunlight], (3) the ‘moon’ under her feet and (4) a ‘garland of 12 ‘stars’. [In verse 2 we are additionally told that she is pregnant and ready to give birth]. In the notes in chapter 12 we saw that scripture interprets these symbols for us in one of the dreams that had. This is recorded in Gen. 37:9-10 where the sun, moon and 11 stars represent Joseph’s father [Jacob], his mother [Leah] and his eleven brothers. His father immediately recognizes the symbols to be that of himself, Joseph’s mother and his brothers. In the dream all these bow down to him which is exactly what happened when they actually came to Egypt to escape the famine in the land of Canaan. But in Rev. 12:1 there are 12 stars [not 11] because Joseph himself is the twelfth son. So, taking all of this information together, in Revelation these are the same symbols with the addition of one star [Joseph] so that this woman represents Jacob’s family [Israel], his wives and the 12 sons and ultimately his descendants—the 12 tribes of Israel. Therefore, we can confidently conclude that these symbols taken together represent the nation or Israel itself! This is consistent with the verses following because this ‘woman’ brings forth a male child [the Messiah] who in Rev. 12:5 is ‘caught up into Heaven’—Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven after His resurrection.

As another example, in the last chapter { Rev. 19:15 } a sharp sword is described as coming from the mouth of Jesus Christ [who is riding a white horse] and we saw that this is a symbol of the ‘Word of God’ according to Eph. 6:17 and Heb. 4:12 .

Therefore, there is no need to resort to a non-literal interpretation of the 1000 years because one chooses to ignore or dismiss the literal foundation of symbols in this book. And in this case we do not need to.

The pre-millennial interpretation is the one accepted in these notes and, as we shall see, is the one that consistently makes most sense from a Biblical perspective.

Revelati on 20 -2- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel

REV. 20:1-3  SATAN IS BOUND FOR 1000 YEARS [1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while .]

The instigator of War against God, Satan, is seized, chained and bound for 1000 years. After this he will be loosed and lead one final rebellion against God. Along with the first beast (anti- Christ) and second beast (false prophet) he incited the kings of the whole world to gather against and God’s people. See :13-16.

All the various names for Satan are again referred to here (see :9 ) giving us a panoramic picture the character and nature of our enemy – the evil one.

• dragon – a ferocious beast, a destroyer • ancient serpent – subtle deceiver, the one who first deceived mankind • the devil – literally means ‘slanderer’ or ‘malignant liar’ • Satan – literally means ‘adversary’ or ‘accuser’

An angel comes having the ‘ key to the bottomless pit ’ or ‘ abyss ’ in the Greek. It does not say ‘another angel’ here so perhaps this is the same one that had it when the 5TH TRUMPET JUDGMENT was carried out { Rev. 9:1-11 }. In that judgment the angel uses the key to open the abyss to release lots of smoke but worse than that, an army of demonic locust-like creatures including their king, Apollyon.

Apparently, now this same angel comes back with the key and a great chain . He is given authority and power to lay hands on Satan and bind him up with this chain. Whether this chain is literal or not we are not told. But if this is a symbol then whatever the ‘chain’ is referring to is sufficient to immobilize the Devil!

That dragon, the ancient serpent, is then thrown not into the Lake of Fire burning with brimstone [where the anti-Christ and false prophet were thrown in alive], but into the abyss 2. This is the very place that the worst of the worst demons had been incarcerated.

The abyss will then be shut up and a seal set upon Satan [not any ‘door’ or ‘gate’, but Satan himself!] so that he cannot escape. He will no longer be able to deceive the nations until he is released after ‘serving’ 1000 literal years there! This is the second of six times “thousand years” is mentioned in this chapter. This number is not figurative or ‘spiritual’—there is no contextual or textual reason for doing so.

2 In 2 Peter 2:4 the angels that “sinned” (i.e., rebelled, “missed the mark”) were cast “down” to a place called “ tartaroo ” in the Greek, from “Tartaros”, the abyss of according to Greek usage. This was the deepest part of Hades. It should be remembered that Hades is not Hell, Gehenna or the "Lake of Fire", but is separate and distinct place. Hades itself, along with death and the unsaved , will be thrown into the LAKE OF FIRE { Rev. 20:14 } at the end of the 1000 years. This event is referred to as the “ second death ”. In Luke 8:30-31 the demons Jesus confronted [Legion] feared to be sent to the ‘deep’ (Gk. ‘abussos’: abyss) and pleaded with Him not to be sent there. See also notes in Rev. 9:1-2. Revelati on 20 -3- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel Satan will be bound for a literal ‘1000 years’ only to be let loose after that period of time. The question has been asked, “Why does God let him loose after he has put him into abyss since God knows how much trouble he will cause?” Dr. L.S. Chafer answers this question with another question, “If you tell me why God let him loose in the first place, I’ll tell you why God let him loose in the second place.”

The main point is that Satan is called the ‘ prince of the power of the air ’ { Eph. 2:2 } and the ‘ prince [ruler] of this world ’ { John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11 }. There can be no peace, no tranquil millennial reign of the ‘ Prince of peace ’ with Satan out-and-about on the prowl { 1 Pet. 5:8 }. Even though Jesus Christ will be reigning from Jerusalem on earth during this time, Satan is powerful and capable of causing in describable mischief and an unnecessary distraction. So he will be removed from the scene to give mankind an opportunity to enjoy a bit of ‘heaven on earth’ and demonstrate its true nature without the excuse, ‘the Devil made me do it!”

But why will God let him loose? As we will see, it may very well be to demonstrate that mankind is intrinsically evil and given the right time, place and leader will continue to rebel against God despite being given the opportunity to ‘prove his worth’ and serve the LORD under ideal conditions.

REV. 20:4-6  THE FIRST RESURRECTION – BELIEVERS [4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years .]

This passage of scripture should be compared to Dan. 7:9, 18, 22 and 27 below.

“I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; his garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire…..But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever……until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom……Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him .”

Believers are SAVED by God’s GRACE through FAITH . Rom.10:9-10 puts this succinctly:

“……. that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved. Foe with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation ”.

Revelati on 20 -4- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel

Discussion : The 1 st resurrection includes two groups of believers :

(1) Those who trusted in the LORD prior to the Tribulation, up to the Rapture o 1 Corinthians 6:1-3; :8-12 (2) Those who came to trust the LORD during the Tribulation. o :9,10; 12:10,11; 15:1-4 and 17:6

Those who take part in the “ first resurrection ” are called blessed (i.e., happy) and the 2 nd death or resurrection will have no power over them.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD 1) Job 14:1-15; 19:23-27 2) Isaiah 26:19-21 3) John 11:21-27 4) 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, 35-57

THE SCRIPTURES , DANIEL & JESUS , DESCRIBE TWO RESURRECTIONS 1) Daniel 12:1-4 2) John 5:17-29

THE HOPE OF THE 1ST RESURRECTION • Romans 8:18-25 • 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 • 1 John 3:1-3

Believers are SAVED by God’s GRACE through FAITH :  John 3:15,16  Romans 4:3-8  Ephesians 2:8-10

Practical application of the Fact of the Resurrection  Hebrews 10:22-25  1 John 3:1-3

[“……thrones and they sat on them .”] In this passage it appears that we are re-introduced to the innumerable multitude of believers first described in Rev. 7:9-10 [those that will be sitting on thrones].

[“….. souls of those who had been beheaded …..”] Also in view here are those believers, who will be saved after the Rapture, who died for testifying about Jesus and the Word of God during the GREAT TRIBULATION under the anti-Christ [who at this time will be in the Lake of Fire burning with brimstone along with the false prophet]. Refer to Rev. 13:1-8. These are those who will not worship the Beast or his image or received his mark on their foreheads or hands.

Those who are described here are part of what is here described as the ‘FIRST RESURRECTION ’

Revelati on 20 -5- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel

The first group will be given the privilege of sitting on thrones and given authority to sit in judgment. Although humans have been made a little lower than angels [in position and power; Heb. 2:7 ], in 1 Cor. 6:3 we are told that believers will even someday sit in judgment over angels and this is because we are in Christ and He is our example { Heb. 2:9-10 }.

This may also be a reference to the promise made by Jesus to His disciples that in the ‘regeneration ’ it would be granted to them to sit in a position of judgment over Israel {Matt. 19:27-28 }.

But all the non-believers will not be resurrected until after the 1000 years are over. This will be the second resurrection which is also referred to as the 2ND DEATH in v.6 and also in v.14 . [Note that the SECOND DEATH , the Great White Throne judgment, will have no power over those who are part of the 1ST RESURRECTION .]

Note that the thrones are literal, the believers sitting on them are literal, being beheaded for one’s testimony is literal, the Word of God is literal, the image and mark of the Beast are literal and lest anyone should doubt this—the 1000 years are literal!

In the Kingdom Age [1000 year reign of Jesus Christ on earth], the glorious reign of the Messiah is a major them of most of the Old Testament prophets. There is more prophecy on that subject than any other period. Even Jesus’ disciples thought it was imminent after His resurrection. They knew Old Testament prophecy and so they reasonably assumed the Kingdom of the Messiah would now begin. Just prior to Jesus’ ascension into Heaven the disciples asked Jesus if He would restore the nation of Israel to glory {refer to Acts 1:6 } and they received an answer {Acts 1:7-8}. It has already been almost 2000 years later so we are that much closer to seeing Jesus’ words fulfilled!

This event was prophesied. Compare Dan. 7:9 with Rev. 20:4 :

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years .—Rev. 20:4 .

“I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; his garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire …..”—Dan. 7:9 .

REV. 20:7-9  SATAN ’S FINAL REBELLION [7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea . 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them .]

Revelati on 20 -6- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel We now get to see what happens after the 1000 year reign of Christ and His kingdom on this present earth comes to a close. At the same time we need to realize that a lot of things must have happened in these 1000 years but God’s Word is silent about it! But there is enough said for our instruction and edification.

The first thing we are told is that Satan will be released from his ‘prison’, the ‘abyss’. By deceiving many people in many nations he will gather them together for the ultimate and final battle between himself and God.

As we noted in the previous chapter we cannot be certain why God planned it this way and why God did not just throw Satan into the LAKE OF FIRE at the same time as the anti-Christ and False Prophet. The Book of Revelation is silent about this. However, two main points can be made:

(1) God has purposed that Satan will have one final opportunity to lead mankind in the ultimate and final rebellion. What is significant about this is that it will demonstrate how desperately wicked and unrepentant the human heart can be—even after such a long period of time that the Messiah Himself is physically and visibly present and ruling this world! This would prove that even when the instigator of death, originator of rebellion and the father of lies is absent from this earth, individuals will still choose, completely on their own, to resist believing in the sovereignty of Almighty God – Jesus Christ. (2) At the same time it is reasonable to conclude that Satan needed to be incarcerated, to ‘take him off the streets’ so to speak, and allow the PRINCE OF PEACE to reign without any distractions or diversions.

Satan is loosed from the Abyss and again does what he is best at: Deceiving the nations of the earth, called “Gog” and “Magog” here, for one final rebellion. It is an amazing thing that after all the judgment that has taken place, Satan can still gather an innumerable multitude against God’s people, those who have put their trust in the Lord God, their Savior.

Here the remaining nations of the earth are referred to collectively as ‘Gog’ and ‘Magog’. I believe this is a different Gog and Magog mentioned in the prophecy found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. The latter prophecy relates to an invasion of Israel by a confederation of nations which include Russia, Iran, Syria, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia sometime prior to the SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION . What form of government organization these nations will have at this future time is uncertain, but they will be ruled by Jesus Christ with a ‘rod of iron’ { Ps. 2:6-12; Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15 }.

Gog and Magog are first mentioned in Ezekiel in the context of another, earlier battle {, 39 }. In that battle ‘Gog’ is the name of “….. the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal ” and ‘Magog’ is the Biblical name of the geographic area he is from {see Ez. 38:2-3}.

However, the warfare with God and Magog described here in the book of Revelation is a different battle. Despite the similarities there are distinctive differences that help us draw this conclusion.

The primary difference is that after the first battle the people of Israel will spend seven months burying the dead them so as to “ cleanse the land ” { Ez. 39:12-15 }. After that period they will send out search parties to find any the remains so they can be buried also. The battle of Gog and Magog described in Revelation occurs after Jesus Christ has reigned on earth for 1000 years immediately after which is the Great White Throne Judgment and the creation of a new Universe and earth { Isa. 65:17-19; 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21.1 }. The prophecy in Ezekiel has neither of these events in view. Revelati on 20 -7- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel

Another major difference is that in Ezekiel’s prophecy specific nations are mentioned as taking place in the battle [Rosh/Meshech=Russia; Tubal=Georgia; Persia=Iran; Ethiopia, Put=Lybia; Gomer/Togarmah=Turkey] but here in Revelation we told that after Satan is released from his imprisonment in the abyss, “……he will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth , Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea ” { Rev. 20:8 }. This appears to include many more nations that listed in the Ezekiel prophecy.

However, this is not that unusual since we also talk about two world wars, but the first is World War I and the second was World War II. So here we have Gog/Magog I and Gog/Magog II. Note that the former could take place prior to the last ‘week’ of Daniel’s 70x7 years of prophecy, that is, prior to the seven-year peace treaty the anti-Christ makes with Israel.

It is amazing to realize that even after the visible, physical reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords, under ideal conditions, it takes only one powerful and persuasive individual {Satan in this case} to cause a mass rebellion against God. Thus is illustrated the depths, the hold and power of sin in a person’s life.

APPLICATION : This may seem too incredible to believe, but consider that Jeremiah tells us that “….. the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked—who can know it ?” { Jer. 17:9-10 }. But God knows the human heart and His Truth is the only thing that can change it! Remember that the Millennium will have ideal conditions; the Messiah is ruling, there is peace and Satan is ‘out of the scene’. Disease and hunger will be eliminated { Isa. 11:6; 65:20 } and people will live 100’s of years as they did before the Great Flood. The natural mind and thought patterns of a person are at odds (at ‘war’) with God. It is the natural and basic instinct of man to rebel against authority because of the imprint of Adam and Eve’s disobedience on our ‘spiritual (and physical) DNA’. Romans 8:7 tells us “…..the carnal mind is at enmity (i.e., ‘war’) against God; for it is not subject to the law of God – nor indeed can be.”

The people living during the Millennium have been living and enjoying life under ideal conditions. Futurists have dreamed about this kind of state for centuries and it will finally happen under God’s control and authority but the outcome will not be what they would expect.

In spite of this apparently many will not be happy about having their lives ruled by a ‘dictator’ no matter how compassionate, just and righteous He may be. This is the attitude of many people today—they do not want God controlling their lives. When given the opportunity (i.e., test) to rebel with some degree of confidence in succeeding, people will usually take it. This is what is referred to as the ‘sin nature of man’.

The great city that Satan surrounds, “ camp of God’s people, the city he loves ”, is none other than Jerusalem. Note the object or goal of Satan’s attack—it is against the believers ‘camp ’ and the city from which the PRINCE OF PEACE will reign. This city itself is the CITY OF PEACE — Jerusalem.

Revelati on 20 -8- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel How are the saints going to fend off this massive attack? What method are they going to employ? What strategy will they pursue? What depth of planning will they undertake?

NONE!

The LORD Himself will win this final and ultimate battle between God and Satan, between good and evil. God simply causes a supernatural and powerful flame thrower to consume this massive army which is described as an immense sea of humanity [“ whose number is as the sand of the sea” ].

Is not this just like the LORD? We do not need to fight His or our battles; He will do it for us. God will rebuke the wicked one {i.e., Jude 1:9 }.

REV. 20:10  SATAN IS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE – HELL [10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever .]

Finally, and now we can see inevitably, Satan is thrown into the place that the anti-Christ 3 and False Prophet have been for 1000 years—the LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE .

This place is described by Jesus { Matt. 13:42; 25:41 } as a place of everlasting fire and it was originally prepared for the Devil and his angels (i.e., demons) sometime before the creation of Adam and Eve but after the fall of Lucifer { Isa. 14:12-15 }. This is almost too incredible to imagine but it none-the-less what God’s Word says. Jesus also referred to this as a place where “….. their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched ” {Mk. 9:44 } and a place of “….. outer darkness ”, where there will be “….. weeping and gnashing of teeth ” { Matt. 8:12 }.

The LAKE OF FIRE is referred to as ‘ Gehenna ’ in Matt. 10:28; 18:9; Luke 12:5 where it is oftentimes translated ‘Hell’. Gehenna or the Valley of Hinnom is a reference to the trash dump that was in the valley between the Mount of Jerusalem and the hills to the south. The trash, refuse, garbage and even dead animals were burned there and the smoldering embers never completely went out—the place was constantly on fire and smoking. It must have been a pretty smelly place, especially if one was down-wind of it. This is the closest place on earth that Jesus could use to illustrate the nature of Hell—the LAKE OF FIRE burning with brimstone. Obviously, any person in their right mind would not want to spend eternity there. Note that the LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE is spoken of as a real place those who are there will be tormented “….. day and night forever and ever .” These will be those who have refused to repent and have rejected the offer of salvation by the mercy and grace of God and have chosen to retain their pride. Although this seems harsh and extreme by the world’s humanitarian standards, God is righteous and just and the unbelieving 4 will be ultimately and permanently dealt with! This should be a sobering thought to all who would trifle with God’s offer of salvation.

3 We have already discussed the nature of this place of ‘fire’ and ‘brimstone’ in the study notes found at :20 . 4 Those who are ‘outside’ of Heaven, presumably in the Lake of Fire, are described as “….. dogs [impure & profane persons] and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie ” in Rev. 22:15. Note that the term "dog" is applied to a male prostitute { Deut. 23:18 }. Revelati on 20 -9- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel Note the reminder of the true character and schemes of the Devil, Satan, that ancient serpent, the Dragon—he is a deceiver. Jesus said he was a murderer from the beginning 5 and calls him the ‘father of lies’ in John 8:44 .

Note also that Hell is not Hades [Heb. 'Sheol’] and is more properly associated with the LAKE OF FIRE . This is describing a future event since today Satan, our adversary, is not in this prison but ‘…... walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour ’ { 1 Pet. 5:8 }.

It has been pointed out that for such a momentous event there are only two verses dedicated to describing it. This has been called a ‘restrained description’ because if it had been written by a man instead of God, there would be a whole lot more pontification over describing it. The destruction of Satan and his demons is simply stated and the revelation moves on.

However, this event is alluded to in several places in the Bible in some interesting contexts and here God reveals when it will happen.

Jesus, in speaking to the religious rulers about their hypocrisy, tells them, “ Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels ’…..” { Matt. 25:41 }. Jesus here tells us that the LAKE OF FIRE was originally prepared for the Devil/Satan and his angels, that is the demons, those who were involved in the Heavenly rebellion against God { Rev. 12:7-9}. Rev. 12:3-4 seems to indicate that a third of the angels rebelled with Satan { Isaiah 14:12-15 }.

When Jesus was traveling through the Gadarene region southeast of the Sea of Galilee (after having just crossed over that lake) He was met by two demon-possessed men who were coming out of the tombs in the cemetery there. They were described as extremely ‘fierce’ and would not let anyone pass by that way { Matt. 8:28-32 }.

In Luke’s narrative { Luke 8:26-33 } we learn more details about one of these demon possessed men [the name of the demon, his strength and wildness]. But in both accounts when the demons were commanded by Jesus to come out of the man, “……they suddenly cried out, saying, ‘What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time ’?”

Evidently, the demons as well as Satan have known where they will finally end up for a long time! And now, it this point in the culmination of all things Satan, the Devil, that Ancient Serpent and Great Red Dragon is thrown into his final destination—the LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE along with the angels who sided with him. There they will be tormented punished for ever and ever.

5 Satan deserves this ignoble title by bringing death to Adam and Eve and killing their relationship with God as well as enticing Cain to slay his brother, Abel, out of envy and pride; Gen. 3:1-7; 4:8; Matt. 23:35. Revelati on 20 -10- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel

APPLICATION : In one practical sense, Satan’s power has already been destroyed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the spiritual life He imparts to all those that believe on His Name:

And again: “I will put My trust in Him”. And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me”. Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.—Heb. 2:13-15

REV. 20:11  THE GREAT WHITE THRONE [11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them .]

The event described here is called the ‘SECOND DEATH ’ in Rev. 20:6 and those who are in Christ Jesus through faith are not part of this. This can also be referred to as the ‘SECOND RESURRECTION ’ since the ‘First Resurrection’ happens 1000 years prior to this as described in vv. 4-6.

Both the Old Testament prophet Daniel and the LORD Jesus talked about these two resurrections so this is not something that would be strange to either a Jew or a Christian who has studied the scriptures. {See Dan. 12:1-2; John 5:26-29 }.

This second resurrection is referred to as the ‘SECOND DEATH ’ because ‘death’ in the scriptures refers to a state of separation 6 and the judgment described in the next two verses before this GREAT WHITE THRONE will separate non-believers from the face of God forever!

But it is important to note that this is not God’s choice for He would have all to come to a knowledge of the truth, repent and be saved {e.g., 1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Pet. 3:9 }. These individuals made their own choice to remain unrepentant and unsaved [e.g., Rev. 2:21 ] which also happens to be the natural state of man; John 3:18-21 . The apostle Paul pulls no punches when he describes the seriousness of this situation in Rom. 2:1-11 .

The person seated on the throne is none other than the LORD Jesus Christ. It says here that there will come a time when the present earth and heaven (i.e., the universe), which He created by the power of His Word { Gen. 1:1-31; Col. 1:16 }, will flee [ disappear, recede ] from before Him! No place will be found for them – that is, they will cease to exist!

6 Physical death is the separation of man’s soul and spirit from his body. On the other hand all are born spiritually ‘dead’ having their soul and spirit separated from God. For example, Adam and Eve were created in intimate fellowship and communion with God with the capacity to live forever. However, God warned them not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge because if they did they would ‘die’ { Gen. 2:16-17 }. Well they did not die physically that day but they died spiritually evidenced by their acknowledgement they were naked before God and wanted to hide themselves. They became separated from God in their soul and spirit. It took an additional several hundred years for them to die physically—but they eventually died that way also. Revelati on 20 -11- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel This is a very short summary statement of the creation of a new heavens and earth in agreement of that which is prophesied in the Old Testament. For example see Psalms 102:25-28; :4; 51:6; 65:17.

In the , Peter describes this event leading up to a new heavens and earth:

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells . – 2 Peter 3:10-13

Note that this passage comes right after the verse that tells us that God is patient with us and is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance!

Note that this event occurs after the 1000 years are over and here we are apparently told that it occurs simultaneously with the final judgment before the LORD who is seated on a great white throne.

REV. 20:12-15  THE SECOND RESURRECTION – FINAL JUDGMENT OF NON -BELIEVERS [12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the . And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire .]

Here we are told that ‘books’ are opened including the ‘Book of Life’. We are not really told what these books are or what is written in them but only that the dead who are now resurrected are judged by what is written in them. Many believe, and it is quite probable, that these ‘books’ are actually records of each person’s life describing their character and what they did. Compare this with Dan. 7:10 .

Many people believe that since “God is love” that somehow, in the end, after everything is said and done, that their ‘good works’ will get them into Heaven—that God will let them in by some ‘back door’. If only this were so! This sentiment is completely and emphatically unbiblical. The problem is that God will indeed judge them based on their merit and works but that will not result in the fulfillment of their expectations.

Why? Because human merit and good works cannot save anyone. Paul tells us in Eph. 2:8-9 that:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast .”

Revelati on 20 -12- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel Many people have the mistaken idea (which Satan promotes) that “If only I can get my day in court with God I will surely be able to go to Heaven”. Well those who are not saved by faith in Him will get their ‘day in court’ and it will not turn out to be a very pleasant experience.

It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the LORD without the garment of righteousness that Jesus Christ provides to all those who come to Him through faith and by repentance and receive the gift of salvation.

The 2 nd resurrection is also called “ the second death ” or “ Great White Throne Judgment ”.

This is the final resurrection and is primarily made up non-believers – those who rejected the love of God and whose prideful heart caused them to rebel against God. Some believe those who came to trust in God during the 1000 years will also be resurrected here. Notice what the writer of Hebrews tells us in Heb. 9:27-28 and 10:26-31 .

The books of WORKS and the book of LIFE are opened and people are judged according to their works. Note the somber warning the apostle Paul gives us in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works .

—but this judgment is a formality for God’s Word tells us:

Non-Believers are CONDEMNED by God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS through WORKS :  John 3:17-21  Romans 1:16-19; 3:10-12,19  Galatians 2:15,16; 3:10-12

7 Those whose names are not found in the BOOK LIFE are thrown into the Lake of Fire, i.e., Hell. Notice that the only “work” that Jesus is looking for is BELIEF :

“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent .” – John 6:27-29

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:8-10 .

WHO GOES TO THE LAKE OF FIRE ? Those who have been never been spiritually reborn through repentance and faith in God’s testimony of redemption. Their names do not appear in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The Revelation of Messiah Jesus describes them in the following passages Rev. 21:7-8, 25-27; 22:14-15 .

WHAT IS THE LAKE OF FIRE LIKE ? It is a place that no one in his/her right mind would want to be. Jesus describes it in the following passages: Matt. 8:11-12; 13:47-50; 22:12-13; 25:30 .

7 This is called the “Lamb’s Book of Life” in :27 . Revelati on 20 -13- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel

“Fire burning with brimstone ” = pur kai theion. Brimstone 8 is prevalently associated with God’s judgment in the Old Testament { Deut. 29:23, Isa. 34:9, Job 18:15; Gen. 14:10; Gen. 19:24 ; Ps. 11:6; Ezek. 38:22 } so its description here in that context would not surprise a student of the Old Testament.

But just what is brimstone? The Greek word for ‘brimstone’ is ‘ theion ’ which refers to ‘flashing’ (as in lightening) and comes from ' theios ' meaning godlike. The word is associated with the gods [i.e., Zeus, Thor] because of the awesome sight and sound that is associated with lightening. The connection between lightening, burning and sulfur is further made because (a) the fire and burn marks on the object of a lightening strike and (b) the sulfurous odor associated with the discharge of lightning (probably the ozone smell). The association of this word with both sulfur and lightening is appropriate since sulfur will oftentimes spark [i.e., flash] as it burns with a bright blue flame.

So in conclusion, the lake of fire burning with brimstone is a picture of a churning lake burning with bright, constantly evolving flames [perhaps with the blue color of burning sulfur] and with explosions [‘flashes’] occurring frequently. (This is similar to the sun’s coronal discharges commonly referred to as solar flares).

Table 20-1 summarizes the order of events that a non-believer will go through after their resurrection.

Table 20-1: “Second Death” Resurrection Order of Events After the 1000 year earthly reign of Jesus Christ non-believers will be resurrected from 1 the sea, Death and Hades [Sheol]. 2 Book of Life is opened and other books are opened. Non-believers are judged individually according to their works 9 by the things written in 3 the books 4 Death and Hades [Sheol] are thrown into the LAKE OF FIRE . Since the names of those who based their salvation on works (non-believers) are not 5 found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life they will be thrown into the LAKE OF FIRE .

Note especially that all believers who were part of the FIRST RESURRECTION will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for 1000 years. We are explicitly told in v.6 that believers are not part of the SECOND DEATH .

8 Brimstone : This word is in Hebrew ‘goprit’ which is properly interpreted as ‘resin’. The term is connected with gopher wood { Gen. 6:14 } and probably referred to the gum secreted by that tree. At first sight the connection of ‘brimstone’ and the gopher tree seems farfetched, but if ‘goper’ refers to a resinous tree, then the tree’s flammable yellow excretions may be aptly compared to that which burns. Sulfur can be found around the Sea of Galilee and in the valleys leading into it, and also on both sides of the Jordan Valley, where there are many hot sulfurous springs. These springs deposit sulfur and pieces of it are scattered over the flats around portions of the lake. In some places it occurs with tar, for which the Dead Sea region is noted from very early times. The Bible describes the cities of as having been destroyed by a storm of fire and ‘brimstone’ { Gen. 19:24 } probably referring to the ignition of natural asphalt and sulfur compounds which are found in that area. 9 But the important thing is that Bible teaches us that “….. by the works of the law no flesh will be justified in His (God’s) sight ” { Rom. 3:20 }. The process described here seems to be a formality to give a non- believer his/her ‘day in court’—the Supreme Court of the Universe! They will not be able to explain why they refused to repent of their sin and turn to God by faith. Revelati on 20 -14- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel

Bibliography (1) New Unger's Bible Dictionary , Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988 . (2) Thru the Bible With J. Vernon McGee, 1 Corinthians-Revelation, Vol.5; The Book of Revelation , J. Vernon McGee, pp. 876-1080, copyright © 1982 (3) The : Exposition of the Book of Revelation , by Joseph A Seiss, Copyright © 1998. (4) Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament , Cook Communications Ministries; Copyright © 1983, 2000 . (5) Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary , Thomas Nelson Publishers, Copyright © 1986 . (6) Jon Courson’s Application Commentary , New Testament, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tenn., Copyright © 2003 .

Revelati on 20 -15- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel Appendix A: Additional Notes for Post-Millennial Viewpoint 10

There was a time when those who held to a literal understanding of the Book of Revelation would have been ostracized as bunch of pessimists because they would dare to propose that the world would become more and more anti-god and lawless and that there would be rampant apostasy in the Church. That was because many prominent theologians held to a ‘post-millennial’ viewpoint of Jesus Christ’s return to earth. This viewpoint holds that Christ will return after a figurative ‘1000 years’ which the Church is in today. How long this period would be no one really knew. There has been a woeful ignorance and neglect of the study of prophecy, even by renowned theologians so it should not be surprising that a lot of confusion exists regarding the relationship of the 1000 years to the Tribulation period. In the first nine verses of chapter 20, we have the word for a thousand years repeated six times. It must be pretty important to put that kind of emphasis on it. The early church believed in what was known as chiliasm, the belief in the literal thousand–year reign of Christ. Those who rejected that position were considered to be in a state of heresy. Later on there came in the teaching that the thousand years would be established by the church. The church would produce a perfect world, and then Jesus would come and find everything in apple–pie order. But that is not the way this section of Scripture presents it. He is coming in judgment, and if everything were in apple–pie order, there would be no need to put down rebellion and to judge and make war. It has not been too long ago that men actually believed that the church was going to build the Kingdom down here on this earth. Back in 1883 a commentator, Justin A. Smith , made this statement: “But upon the other hand, what a tremendous force is the Christianity of today when all is said. Is it conceivable that this auspicious power, which is so rapidly taking possession of the wide earth, can dwindle into the imbecility which some millenarians appear to predict for it?” Those of us who are pre-millennialists would be called a bunch of pessimists back in 1883 because we are predicting that the world is going to get worse and that there will be apostasy in the church. This man did not believe that, for he goes on to say: “It has been said that in twenty–five years more, if the present rate of progress continues, India will become as thoroughly Christian as Great Britain is today. There will be thirty millions of Christians in China, and Japan will be as fully Christianized as America is now. The old systems, they tell us, are honey–combed through and through by Christian influence. It looks as if a day may soon come when these systems, struck by vigorous blows, will fall in a tremendous collapse. Meantime, every weapon formed against Christianity breaks in the hand that holds it. Already, the Lord’s right hand hath gotten Him victory.” But there are quite a few who doubt it today. In fact, the so–called European civilization, or Christian civilization, is going down the drink and has largely disappeared already. Look at Great Britain today, for example—it is as bad off as India is. They talked bravely in the past, but they do not talk that way today. We can look at Great Britain today and realize it could be on the verge of becoming the first European Muslim country! In the book, The Problems of Evil, the author made this statement: “The civilization of Europe, or to call it by its true name which derives from its origin, the Christian civilization, is visibly making the conquest of the world. Its triumph is only a matter of time. No one doubts it.”

10 These additional notes are largely adapted from McGee, J. V. 1991. Vol. 6 : Thru the Bible Commentary : The Prophecy (-22) ; Thomas Nelson: Nashville Revelati on 20 -16- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel These men belittle the twentieth chapter of Revelation. I consider Dr. B. B. Warfield to be the greatest scholar that this century has produced, and I was educated under his system, but he says that there is no reference to such an age as a millennium here on this earth “save in so obscure a portion as Revelation 20.” He pays no attention to all of the Old Testament where God made a covenant that He would establish this Kingdom on the earth through One in ’s line. These individuals pay no attention to the O.T. prophecies that God made a covenant to establish His kingdom over all the earth through the Messiah who would come through King David’s lineage. { 2 Sam. 7:12-17; 23:15; Psalms 89:34-37; Dan. 2:44-45; :1-8} Dr. Rothe many years ago said: “Our key does not open. The right key is lost. Until we are put in possession of it again, our exposition will never succeed. The system of biblical ideas is not that of our school at all.” In speaking with a student who had read a pre-millennial book and was enthusiastically telling him about it, Dr. R. L. Dabney , an honored theologian of the South in the past, said, “Probably you are right. I never looked into the subject.” He was a great scholar but was honestly admitting that he had never studied prophecy! The late Dr. Charles Hodge , who wrote two ponderous tomes on theology (and that was the theology I studied when I was in school), very frankly said that eschatology wasn’t his bag—only he didn’t use that expression: “The subject cannot be adequately discussed without taking a survey of all the prophetic teaching of the Scriptures, both of the Old Testament and the New. This task cannot be satisfactorily accomplished by anyone who has not made the study of the prophecies a specialty. The author, knowing that he has no such qualifications for the work, proposes to confine himself in a great measure to a historical survey of the different schemes of interpreting the scriptural prophecies relating to the subject.” Today all that has changed. There is a lively interest in prophecy, but I wish there were more who were as honest as Dr. Hodge was and would say, “I really haven’t studied the subject as I should have.” Unfortunately, a great many men are speaking on the subject of prophecy who have not actually studied it. This is a very important and vital subject. I do not claim to have any specal qualifications for it at all, although I have studied it for forty years and have given a great deal of attention to it, even in the years past when it was largely ignored. But I think it is dangerous today that many are edging up to this matter of setting dates for the rapture of the church. I believe that the Rapture is absolutely a dateless event. It may be tomorrow, but it may not be tomorrow. We need to recognize that we are living in a period in which we are not given dates, but we are seeing the setting of a stage. I do not know what God has in mind for the future, but I do know that He sure has things in position. I think it is obvious that I am pre-millennial and also pre-tribulational, and the reason is that I believe this is what John is teaching here. If you disagree with me and accept one of these other positions, you are in good company. Some of the finest men I have known hold a different viewpoint from mine, but if you want to be right, you will want to go along with me, of course! First of all, there can be no Millennium until Satan is removed from the earthly scene. You could not have an ideal state down here as long as Satan is running loose and the Bible tells us that currently he is { 1 Pet. 5:8 }. In the second place, the curse of sin must be removed from the physical earth before a Millennium can be established. Scripture prophesies that the desert will blossom like a rose. If you live along the coast in California, the desert blossoms like a rose, but in eastern California, the desert is not blossoming like a rose. The curse of sin has not yet been removed from this earth. In the third place, the Tribulation saints are included in the resurrection of the Old Testament saints, and they reign with Christ during the Millennium.

Revelati on 20 -17- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel Fourthly, the Millennium is the final testing of man under ideal conditions. This is the answer to those who say there is nothing wrong in man which circumstances and conditions cannot change. Man is an incurable, an incorrigible sinner. Even at the end of the Millennium, he is still in rebellion against God. The rebellion in the human heart and the depraved nature of man are impossible for any man to comprehend. If you and I could see ourselves as God sees us, we could not stand ourselves. But we think we are pretty good and that we are very nice people—do we not? The Millennium is the final testing of mankind before the beginning of the eternal state. Finally, the Millennium is God’s answer to the prayer, “Thy kingdom come.” When we pray the prayer which we mistakenly call the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “Thy kingdom come … in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). That is the Kingdom which He is going to establish here on earth, and it is called the Millennium. This is the Kingdom which was promised to David (see 2 Sam. 7:12–17; 23:5 ). God took an oath relative to its establishment (see Ps. 89:34–37 ). This is the Kingdom predicted in the psalms and in the prophets (see Ps. 2; 45; 110; Isa. 2:1–5; 11:1–9; 60; 61:3–62; 66; Jer. 23:3–8; 32:37–44; Ezek. 40–48; Dan. 2:44–45; 7:13–14; 12:2– 3; Mic. 4:1–8; Zech. 12:10–14:21 ). These are but a few of the manifold Scriptures that speak of the theocratic kingdom which was the great theme of all the prophets in the Old Testament. This is the kingdom, the theocratic kingdom that is coming here upon this earth. All of the prophets spoke of this literal Kingdom in one way or another, the Minor Prophets as well as the Major Prophets—not one of them missed it. As can be seen, much confusion and uncertainty results when one does not approach scripture with an unbiased and honest attitude. Also, it is imperative to have the correct understanding of the chronological timing of the return of Jesus Christ.

Revelati on 20 -18- Copyright  2009 K. G. Schiessel