Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Last Events #5 Rebellion






THE LAST REBELLION


Revelation 20:7-10



Revelation 20:7-10 describes the next event that takes place at the end time. The timing of this event is clearly stated: “When the thousand years are complete” (20:7). This refers to the 1000-year captivity of Satan and the earthly rule of Christ—the millennium.  It is now complete, finished, realized, or ended. This opens the door to the last rebellion and doom of Satan. MacLeod reports:

Revelation 20:7-10 points up the reality of sin in humanity. It contains a prophecy of the very last sins people will commit, and it shows the inevitable outcome of those sins. The point of these verses is that God will use Satan in the closing events of world history to demonstrate once and for all the depravity and moral corruption of the human race.[1]

 This passage does not begin with “and I saw,” thus, it is not a vision but pure prophecy. This prophecy foretells the events of the end time. Associated with this prophecy is five actions:[2]

SATAN SET FREE (20:7)

Satan will be released from his prison.” The word released (shall be loosed-KJV) in the Greek means loosed, to set free, or release. It is used with the preposition “out”, thus to release out of. The time of this release is after the 1000 years during which Satan was in prison (the abyss). John reports that Satan “must be released for a short time” (Rev. 20:3). The word must is a participle indicating an absolute necessity. A.T. Robertson calls is a “sad necessity.”[3] The time will come at the end of the millennium.

PURPOSE: TO DECEIVE THE NATIONS (20:8).

When released, Satan “will deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth.” Remember there has been no Satanic influence or activity on earth for 1000 years. During that time, he has not learned his lesson, nor reformed his ways. His character and desire are the same as it always has been. He continues to be a rebel and enemy of the people of God. He will deceive the nations. He does not overpower the nations but deceives them. The word deceive is a Greek verb emphasizing the main activity of Satan.[4] This is possible because:

·         There are two types of people living during the 1000 years—those in natural bodies and those in resurrected bodies. Those in their natural bodies continue to have children. Those in their spiritual bodies will not be deceived.

·         It notes that the nations will be deceived, not the nation Israel. Could that be because, at the second coming of Christ, all Israel is saved (cf. Romans 11:26-27), thus unaffected by this deception?

·         It denotes that human nature did not change in the millennial rule (cf. Psalm 66:3). It demonstrates the depravity of human nature. Charles Colson, the prisoner of Watergate fame, concluded:

Violent tendencies are not an illness. Criminal behaviors are not symptoms of a disease. . . . The Bible teaches that men and women’s natures are inherently depraved. Without restraints, sin will emerge and wreak its havoc on whatever crosses its path.[5]

Pentecost writes: “Apart from some comprehension of the depth of depravity of the human heart there is no understanding how a multitude…could revolt against the Lord Jesus Christ.”[6]

Wiersbe states, “A perfect environment cannot produce a perfect heart.”[7]

GOG AND MAGOG (20:8)

The event of Gog and Magog is found in some detail in prophecy. This confederacy is found in Ezekiel 38:1-39:25; Daniel 11:40; Joel 2; Isaiah 10:12; 30:31-33; 31:8-9. It is commonly identified with Russia and its allies.[8]

There is a conflict between the Old Testament prophecy and what is revealed by John. In prophecy, it indicates it takes place before the Millennium, John places it at the end. Walvoord points out:

Many contrasts can be observed between this battle and that of Ezekiel in that Satan is prominent in this whereas he is not mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39. The invasion of Ezekiel comes from the north whereas this invasion comes from all directions. Ezekiel’s battle probably occurs previous to the battle of the great day of God Almighty before the millennium, whereas this occurs after the thousand years have been finished. The number of those who rebel against God and fellow Satan is described as innumerable “as the sand of the sea.”[9]

In addition, Ezekiel (39:9) indicates a 7 year cleanup from the war. The events of Revelation 20 do not allow such a time period. Upon the ending of the battle, Satan is consigned to the lake of fire. The judgment of the White Throne for unbelievers, then the new heavens and earth. All of this happens in immediate succession.

How can this be reconciled? Or, can it be reconciled? There is no easy answer. The two events cannot be reconciled; however, it can be duplicated. Pentecost notes that both bear the same name “in that the purpose is identical in these two satanically motivated movements: to destroy the seat of theocratic power and the subjects of the theocracy.”[10] MacLeod says,

that Antichrist is Gog and will be defeated at the Second Coming…. Then at the end of the millennial kingdom the Gog and Magog ‘legend’ is applied to a new historical situation, with Satan leading the new ‘Gog and Magog.’ Just as Antichrist fulfilled the Gog and Magog prophecy at the beginning of the millennium, so the rebellious millennial nation will fulfill it as well, at the end of the one thousand years.[11]

THE FINAL WAR (20:9)

This is a war where there are no battles. The army of Satan manage to surround the camp and the city, but they never fight. While they gather for the battle (meaning armed conflict), they never engage. They surround the beloved city of Jerusalem (cf. Ps. 87:2), The capital city during the Millennium (Jer. 3:17). This army never enters the city.  We could call this the war that wasn’t.

INTERVENTION OF INSTANT JUDGEMENT (20:9)

Before the enemy could fight, they are wiped out; not by an army, but by the intervention of God Himself. “Fire came down from heaven and devoured them” (Rev. 20:9) It is the climax of the dispensations.[12] Every dispensation has been building up to this final judgment. The picture of this event is prefigured in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24). Satan deceives the nations; God devours them.

Newell observes that this is the “ending forever the sinning human race!”[13]

THE FINAL DOOM OF SATAN (20:10)

This passage is clearly based on two fundament truths:

    • Satan never reaches his goal to be God.
    • Satan is not annihilated. The doctrine of annihilation is unscriptural.
This passage clearly teaches:

·         His destiny— “the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone” (20:10a). This is a separate event from those who followed him. It is also a different location from the abyss that he was confined during the 1000-year captivity. He is now thrown into the lake of fire. His history was being cast from the highest point of creation to the lowest point of judgment and punishment. He will join his two henchmen (the antichrist and false prophet), who are already in the lake of fire to greet him.

·         His penalty— “they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (20:10b). The fire and brimstone may be picturesque language but the torment is real. The word torment (basanizo) means suffering, affliction, or painfulness. This pain and suffering will be real, lasting day and night forever and ever. It is eternal suffering. There is no relief! Nor are they consumed by the fire. MacLeod suggests that one reason for this is that they have resurrected bodies, not physical ones: “just as the redeemed will have bodies uniquely suited for glory, these will have bodies uniquely suited for judgment.”[14]

The great enemies of the believers are ever present with us until the end. It is these end time events that will forever do away with the devil, the world, and the flesh. These will be condemned and perish in the judgments of God. In believers, they will be replaced with the new nature of conversion. We will be transformed by the power of God for eternal glory to enter the new heavens and earth. 



[1] David J. MacLeod, “The Fifth ‘Last Thing”: The release of Satan and Man’s Final Rebellion, BIBLIOTHECA SACRA, April-June 2000,  202.
[2]  Grant R. Osborne, BECNT: REVELATION, [Grand Rapids MI, Baker, 2002], 710.
[3]  A.T. Robertson, WORD PICTURES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, [Nashville TN, Broadman, 1933]. 6:458.
[4]  Grant R. Osborne, BECNT: REVELATION, 711.
[5]  Quoted by David J. MacLeod, “The Release of Satan and Man’s Final Rebellion,” 200-201.
[6]  J. Dwight Pentecost, THINGS TO COME, [Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1969], 551.
[7]  Quoted by Thomas Constable, NOTES ON REVELATION, [www.Soniclight 2008]. 187
[8]  J. Dwight Pentecost, THINGS TO COME, 326-331.
[9] John F. Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, [Chicago, Moody Press, 1966], 301.
[10]  J. Dwight Pentecost, THINGS TO COME, 550-551.
[11] David J MacLeod, “The Release of Satan and Man’s Final Rebellion,” 209.
[12]  E.W. Bullinger, THE APOCALYPSE,[London, Bagster & Sons, reprint 1972], 630, gives a good overall outline of the plan of the dispensations.
[13] William R Newell, THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION, [Chicago, Moody Press, 1935], 326.
[14]  David J. MacLeod, “The Release of Satan and Man’s Final Rebellion,” 213.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Final Things #4: The Millennial Kingdom






Revelation 20:4-6


This is one of the most debated subjects and passages of Revelation. This debate falls into three theological/eschatological views:

·         Amillennialist.[1] This view says there will be no future 1000-year reign; they believe we are under the millennium now—a realized millennialism. Amillennialist are divided in two camps. First, those who uphold the Augustinian view that all the promises of the kingdom is the church and the present age (e.g. Berkhof). The passage is symbolic and not literal. Second, view this as a picture not of a time-period but a state of saints in heaven (e.g. Warfield, Sam Storms). Both views require spiritualization of Revelation 20.

·         Postmillennialist.[2] This view holds that Christ will return after the 1000-year period, which may be literal or indicates a long period of time. This period will be marked by spiritual renewal and peace. However, this view has lost favor in the twentieth century.

·         Premillennialist.[3] This holds that Christ will return after the Tribulation and before the 1000-year reign. It lets the customary ordinary language of the passage speak for itself. It holds to the literal 1000-year reign of Christ here on earth. The author holds this view.

Revelation 20 continues the motif of Christ as Victor/Messiah at His second coming. “Then I saw thrones,” designate another stage or event being revealed. This paragraph clearly identifies that this event happens during the 1000-year[4] captivity of Satan. The thousand years are associated with two main events: the captivity of Satan (20:2), and the reign of Christ (4). Pentecost observes:

It is evident that there can and will be no earthly theocratic kingdom apart from the personal manifested presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. This whole age depends upon His return to the earth as promised. All that exists in the millennium has its origin in the King who is revealed.[5]

This rule is the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise given to Mary (Luke 1:32-33), as well as the answer to what is commonly called the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:10). Its features will include:

·         A glorious government (Isa. 9:6; 11:4; Psa. 2:9; 45:4; 72:4).

·         A glorious inheritance of the promised land to Israel (Gen. 17:8; Dan 11:16, 41; 8:9).

·         A glorious righteousness throughout the kingdom (Mal. 4:2; Isa. 26:2; Psa. 96:10).

·         A glorious kingdom in which Christ rules (Psa. 72; Isa. 9:7; 11:10; Zech. 3:10).

This all happens in this 1000-year period, while Satan is bound.

In Revelation 20:4-6 the following events will take place during this time:

JUDGEMENT

Various views are taken as to who sits upon the thrones:
·         A heavenly tribunal made up of the 24 elders (Rev. 4:4, 11:16). They are said to reign on the earth (Rev. 5:10).[6]
·         Some view these as the 144,000.[7] These 144,000 are sealed, thus protected from death during this period.
·         The martyrs who now are vindicated (Rev.6:9-11; 16:6; 18:20, 24; 19:2). This would include the Twelve (all who were martyred, save one, John). See Luke 22:28-30. Bullinger sees the throne as Christ on the Davidic Throne, along with the twelve thrones of the Apostles.[8]
·         The saints of all time (Daniel 7:18; Luke 22:30; 1 Cor. 6:2-3).  This seems to be the popular view.

There is no easy or sure identification that can be made. In light of this, Mounce says that silence about the occupants of the thrones, it may be wise not to go beyond a heavenly court (Dan 7:26).[9] If we had only this verse in the Bible about who is in the kingdom maybe speculation would be unwarranted. However, there are a number of texts that cannot be overlooked. The major ones are:

·         Daniel 7:18. It plainly declares that the saints of God will receive the kingdom. This is somewhat a generic statement. However, it does state that saints will be part of the kingdom. This passage is best understood as a reference to Old Testament saints of Israel.[10]

·         Matthew 19:28. This is addressed especially to the Twelve, who will sit on twelve thrones in the kingdom (regeneration). Their responsibility will be to judge Israel.

·         1 Corinthians 6:2-3. This is addressed to the church the body of Christ. It clearly teaches we are to be judges of the world and angels. Our judgment of the world should not be downplayed. One of the responsibilities of the body of Christ is to judge the world (not just angels, which some tend to overemphasize). Paul does not identify when this will happen. Some feel that this takes place in heaven, not on earth and is not the same as the judgment of Revelation 20.[11]

·         Revelation 2:26-26; 3:21; 5:10 These verses indicate it is the Tribulation saints. Revelation 20:4 speaks of the martyrs who were killed because they stood faithful to the Lord during this time. Some feel this is a separate group from the enthroned saints.[12] Contextually we should not go beyond what the text says.

However, it must be pointed out nowhere in the immediate context those who sit on these thrones are identified. There are a number of possibilities and opinions, but there is no certainty that can be gleaned from this text. No wonder it has been said that the passage is complicated by a lack of specificity.[13]

What is clear is that judgment “was given to them” (20:4). This phrase brings out two points:

  • God is the origin of the action of giving, they are only the receivers of the action.
  • The authorization is not ceremonial, but real judicial action.
What can be gleaned from the text is that it is a judgement that takes place at the end of the Tribulation.

Resurrection  

There are four resurrections recorded in the New Testament:

  • Resurrection of Christ from the tomb (Mark 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-9).
  • The Rapture which includes a resurrection of the saints of the church, the body of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:50-57). This takes place before the tribulation.
  • The first resurrection (Rev. 20:4). Takes place at the end of the tribulation. This of necessity includes the Old Testament and tribulational saints and martyrs. Walvoord observes, “The first resurrection therefore becomes the resurrection of all the righteous in contrast to the final resurrection which is the resurrection of the wicked.”[14]
  • The second resurrection (Rev. 20:5). Takes place after the 1000-year reign of Christ on earth.
All of these resurrections are physical, not spiritual or symbolic resurrections. There are four reasons this is true of the first resurrection of Revelation:[15]

  • The immediate context demands it.
  • The context of the book requires it.
  • The term itself is used mostly of physical resurrection, but not exclusively. Revelation 20:4 confirms it is physical, for the dead come to life and rule with Christ in the earthly kingdom. They are never called spirits, but spoken of as saints.
  • This view of literal resurrection goes back to the earliest interpreters, and the New Testament itself. In the New Testament salvation is not full until their bodies are resurrected and their souls and bodies are united (cf. 1 Cor. 15:52-54).
The stated purpose of the first resurrection is that the Old Testament saints and the martyrs are to “reign with Christ for a thousand years.” This thousand-year period is a reign on earth (Rev. 5:10; 20:9). Peter informs us that at this point, they “will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Those resurrected share in the messianic kingdom—the 1000-year rule of Christ. “The millennial form of the kingdom of God is not fulfilled by the eternal state, nor a present rule of God in the hearts of men.”[16]



[1]  Amillennialist include: Henry Swete; Benjamin Warfield, William Hendriksen; R.C.H. Lenski; Louis Berkhof, Leon Morris; G.K. Beale; and Philip Edgcumbe Hughes.
[2] Postmillennialist include: Augustine; Loraine Boettner; Albert Barnes; Charles Hodge; A.H. Strong; David Chilton, and John Jefferson Davis.
[3] Premillennialist include: Irenaeus; R.H. Charles; John F. Walvoord; Alva J. McClain; G.B. Caird; F.F. Bruce; David E. Aune; Merrill C Tenney; C.R. Stam, J. Dwight Pentecost; and Robert H. Mounce.
[4] The 1000-years are mentioned five times in the first 6 verses of Revelation 20. e
[5]  J. Dwight Pentecost, THINGS TO COME, [Grand Rapids MI, Zondervan, 1969], 478.
[6] John F. Walvoord, THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST, [Chicago, Moody Press, 1966], 296. Tony Garland, A TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST, Volume 2, [www.spirit&truth. Org], 113.
[7]  William Root, COMMENTS ON COMING THINGS: A Dispensational Look at the Book of Revelation, [Grand Rapids, Published by author, 1972], 133. 
[8]  E.W. Bullinger, THE APOCALYPSE, [London, Bagster & Sons, 1972 reprint], 614. There is some confusion by Bullinger because he also included the seven angelic assessors (Matt. 25:31).
[9]  Robert H. Mounce, NICNT: THE BOOK OF REVELATION Revised, [Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1998], 365.
[10]  Harry Bultema, COMMENTARY ON DANIEL, [Grand Rapids, Kregel, 1988], 227. Phillip Newell, DANIEL, [Chicago, Moody Press, 1962], 108.
[11]  C.R. Stam, 1 CORINTHIANS, [Chicago, Berean Bible Society, 1988], 114.
[12]  David J. Macleod, “The Fourth ‘Last Things:’ The Millennial Kingdom of Christ,” BIBLIOTHECA SACRA, January-March 2000, 54-55.
[13] John F. Walvoord, REVELATION, 296.
[14]  John F. Walvoord, THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM, [Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1959], 279.
[15] David J. MacLeod, “The Millennial Kingdom of Christ,” 58-59.
[16] John F. Walvoord, MILLENIAL KINGDOM, 297.