From: Revelation 20:1-15 Chapter twenty opens with the seventh and final vision (cf Book of Daniel). Seven signifies perfection. The Revelation of Jesus Christ is complete and faultless. The vision commenced with an angel binding Satan and confining him to the abyss (vs.3). This was the Christ in His victory over Satan achieved from His death on the cross. Satan was bound for one thousand years; this was the same amount of time as the End of the Days when the saints reign with Christ in heaven or under the New Covenant (see: vs. 6, below). Next, John saw thrones, and they that sat on them, and judgment was given to them; he saw those who were beheaded, those who did not do homage to the beast, nor his image, and did not receive the mark (of the beast); and they lived and reigned with Christ for -- one thousand years or a complete and predetermined amount of time (one week of years) -- this was the first resurrection. “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the First Resurrection: over these the second death has no authority; but they shall be priests of God and of His Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years (vs. 7 cf 3:20; 6:10; 15:1).” When the thousand years were completed, Satan had his little season (vs. 7 [cf chapter 9 & 11:7-14; Luke 22:53)]. Here, it is called by reference to the historical event of Gog and Magog or Gog of the land of Magog, the prince, leader of Meshech and Tubal: this was Antiochus Epiphanes of Greece (Daniel: chapters 8 & 11) who was eaten by worms before he was able to destroy Jerusalem. Here, the battle takes a turn in accomplishment, Jerusalem is dominated by the enemy: Satan and all of the demonic forces (cf the sixth trumpet and sixth bowl); the city and religious system is, finally, destroyed. Verses 11-15. The Judgment ensues unto its finality. The judgment of both Jews (Death and Hell) and Gentiles (sea) -- those who were not written in the Book of Life -- were hurled into the lake of fire (second death). The seventh seal had been opened; hence, the book could now be opened cf commentary of chapter five. What was to be revealed in it? The next two chapters will give to us the answer.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 15:57:37 +0000
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