03.24. Lesson 24
Lesson 24:Read Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:1-15; Revelation 21:1-8 once, and Revelation 20:1-15 two more times. This lesson, we will examine Scriptures related to the second coming of Jesus and the end of the world, trying to compare Revelation 20:1-15 with other prophecies about end times. In this preparation, I want you to avoid altogether commentaries and notes; we will only read a few pages in Wilcock where he lays out the three basic millennial positions. In the next lesson, we will read some different interpretations of this passage. But first, we must be sure we understand the thrust of what the entirety of Scripture says about the end.
(1) What is the progression from the end of Revelation 19:1-21 to the beginning of Revelation 20:1-15? What event is depicted at the end of Revelation 19:1-21? How does Revelation 20:1-15 build on Revelation 19:1-21? We have seen before that sequence in John’s vision need not imply sequence in the occurrence of events he sees.
(2) Is there evidence in the passage regarding whether or not the events described in Revelation 20:1-15 follow those of Revelation 19:1-21? One of the key elements in interpreting Revelation is distinguishing between prophecies that should be taken literally and those that are symbolic. Is the chain of Revelation 20:1 literal? Is the abyss? What type of creature is Satan? For more on the binding of Satan, see Mark 3:22-27. Is that passage referring to the same event as Revelation 20:2? See also Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 17:30-31, John 12:20-23; John 12:30-32, and Luke 10:17-18.
(3) In Revelation 20:4, does John see people in their bodies? What possibilities are there for understanding where they might be reigning? What evidence in this verse helps us to know where they are reigning? On reigning with Christ, see 1 Corinthians 6:1-3. To whom is Paul speaking in those verses? Who is John talking about in Revelation 20:4-6?
(4) Look in your Greek Bibles at the two occurrences of e;zhsan in Revelation 20:5-6. Do they mean the same thing in both occurrences? How are the words “life” and “resurrection” used in Romans 6:4-13 and John 5:24-29? Does this cast any light on your answer to the first question?
(5) Compare Revelation 20:7-10 with Revelation 14:18-20, Revelation 16:13-16, Revelation 17:12-14, and Revelation 19:19-21. What evidence suggests that these are all describing the same event? What evidence suggests otherwise?
(6) Compare Revelation 20:11-15 with other prophecies of judgment, such as Isaiah 24:1-23 and 2 Peter 3:3-15. Will judgment come suddenly, like a thief? Can this be the case if it occurs after a literal 1000 years, when we know the exact time?
(7) Is there any reference to Jews or Israel in Revelation 20:1-15? Is there a distinction between the way Jews and Gentiles are saved? See Colossians 3:11, Romans 11:17-22, and Ephesians 2:11-22.
(8) Now consider these other passages referring to the end times. In particular, consider how many "second comings" of Christ are prophesied in each passage. In particular, are the prophesies of what we find in Revelation 6:12-14 and the verses cited in question 4 the same time as the coming of Christ and the final judgment, or separated from those events by a considerable period of time? How do we understand the prophecies of blessings to Israel? Here are the passages: Isaiah 2:1-4, Isaiah 65:1-25, Matthew 24:9-31, John 5:28-29, John 6:54, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, and 2 Peter 3:3-15.
(9) Now read Wilcock 175-182. This is an excellent treatment of the advantages of each of the three millennial positions. To which position do you now lean? Why?