Bible Study For 11/18/2013
End-times Part 11 From The Book Of Revelation Chpt 20 (Satan)
[Note to Blog Readers: The Expositor’s Notes are in Bold Italic Font]
If you are a Christian, then you should hate sin and have nothing to do with it.
The people who rejects Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior and live the way they want, by smoking, drinking alcohol, cursing, listening to ungodly music of any kind, satan is their master, not Jesus Christ. Those things has demonic spirits that is not of God. This chapter that we are about to read and study from, is talking about satan.
Many don’t believe in Heaven or hell or satan. Sin is caused by satan and his demons. If you are living in any type of sin and you don’t care and you keep on living in sin without changing, you are serving satan and you will wind up in hell for all eternity. There are two judgments to face, judgment seat of Christ and the white throne of judgment, which one would you rather face?
What is the difference? One will evaluate the actions of every believer for the purpose of rewards; the other assesses the lives of all unbeliever’s. Let’s examine a few scriptural passages regarding these two end-time judgments. A. The Judgment Seat of Christ. Scripture is clear that entrance into eternal life is already settled for those who have placed their trust in Jesus (John 3:16 For God so loved the world (presents the God Kind of love), that He gave His Only Begotten Son (gave Him up to the Cross, for that’s what it took to redeem humanity), that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have Everlasting Life. However, at the judgment seat of Christ, He will determine the degree of eternal rewards believers deserve, based on their deeds.
B. The Great White Throne. The second judgment involves unbeliever’s—those who lived independently of the Lord. It takes place after the rapture, judgment seat of Christ, tribulation, millennial reign of Christ, and the battle of Armageddon, see (Rev. 20:4-11) It evaluates the deeds of those who never accepted Jesus’ offer of a new life in Him. Read Revelation 20:11-15. In verse 11, the throne is called “great” because it is important or elevated (Isa. 6:1). In the year that king uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a Throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled temple. Its whiteness might symbolize righteousness and/or indicate that it is splendid or shining. What does Revelation mean by “earth and heaven fled away” (v. 11)? This figurative language conveys that when Jesus appears to judge the world, all mankind will see the awesomeness of the Lord. Everything else will appear to fade away in contrast. In what two ways are the lost evaluated (Rev. 20:13, 15)?
Notice how similar the apostle John’s description is to the judgment in Daniel 7:9-10. Dan 7:9-10 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. This scene, which is reminiscent of a human courtroom, is composed of a judge, the accused,and a written document listing the transgressions of those waiting to be judged (Rev. 20:12). Throughout history, the deeds of billions have been recorded in heaven.
What does that fact indicate about the awesomeness of our God?
What words indicate that all strata of society will stand before this throne (v.12)?
At the time of this revelation, Christians were cruelly persecuted for their faith. What purpose(s) might John have had for describing the punishment of non-believers?
Matthew Henry’s “Commentary” explains the unusual terminology of verse 13: “The grave [or the earth] shall surrender the bodies of men, hell shall surrender the souls of the wicked, [and] the sea shall surrender the many who seemed to have been lost in it.” The “first death” describes separation of the soul from the body until judgment. At the second death, from whom are the lost separated (v. 14)?
The lake of fire is the place of eternal punishment commonly known as hell. What is the only way that people escape it (v. 15)?
How can a person make sure that his or her name is recorded in the book of life (John 3:36)?
Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. If you don’t accept Jesus Christ into your hearts and repent to God for all of your sins, take it to the Cross and lay them there and walk away, and deny yourselves, there is no Heaven for you, only hell. Jesus Christ died for sins of the world, here is the kicker, because Jesus Christ died for all sins, that does not give you the rights to continue to live in sin and to be a follower of satan. Those who continues to disobey God and lives in sin, will be joining satan in hell for all eternity, this goes for false religions as well. Satan holds the key to hell and many of you will be joining him. This is not a joke. I am not sharing this with you to scare you from getting closer to God, I am sharing this in hopes, through the power of prayer and of Jesus Christ, that this will scare you into living right, in the sight of God. You have more than a second chance to get right with God and repent, once your dead, there is no second chances. The way many of you sinners are living, proves that the End Times are here. Revelation Chpt 20 (SATAN)
Revelation 20:1-15 (KJV)
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven (continues with the idea that Angels are very prominent in the Plan and Work of God), having the key of the bottomless pit (speaks of the same place recorded in Rev. 9:1; however, there the key is given to Satan, but this Angel of Rev. 20:1 “has the key,” implying he has had it all along; more than likely, God allows this Angel to give the key to Satan in Rev. 9:1) and a great chain in his hand (should be taken literally). 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan (as a “dragon,” he shows his power; as a “serpent,” he shows his cunning; as the “Devil,” he is the accuser; and as “Satan,” he is the adversary), and bound him a thousand years (refers to being bound by the great chain carried by the Angel), 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him (speaks of the abyss being sealed to keep him there), that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (At the end of the thousand-year period, Satan will be loosed out of his prison. He will make another attempt to deceive the nations, in which he will not succeed. We aren’t told how long this “little season” will be.) 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them (refers to the 24 Elders who represent the entire Plan of God, which pertains to the Redeemed of all ages; we aren’t told who these men are): and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands (categorizes the Tribulation Saints who gave their lives for the cause of Christ; the idea is that these will be included in the first Resurrection of Life, and will enjoy all its privileges); and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (This is the Kingdom Age.) 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. (This pertains to all the unsaved, in fact, all those who lived and died since the dawn of time. The souls and spirits of these people are now in Hell [Lk. 16:19-31].) This is the first resurrection (proclaims the fact that these two Resurrections, the Resurrection of the Just and the Resurrection of the Unjust, will be separated by 1,000 years). 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection (this is the Resurrection of Life, which will include every Saint of God who has ever lived from Abel to the last Tribulation Saint; all will be given glorified bodies): on such the second death hath no power (the “second death” is to be cast into the Lake of Fire, and to be there forever and forever [Rev. 21:8]; all who are washed in the Blood of the Lamb need not fear the second death), but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (All Believers who have part in the First Resurrection will at the same time serve as mediators, so to speak, between the population of the world and God and Christ. The “thousand years” portrays the Kingdom Age, when Christ will reign supreme over the entire Earth.) 7 And when the thousand years are expired (should have been translated, ”finished”), Satan shall be loosed out of his prison (is not meant to infer a mere arbitrary act on the part of God; He has a very valid reason for doing this), 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog (the main reason the Lord allows Satan this latitude is, it seems, to rid the Earth of all who oppose Christ; George Williams says: “The Creation Sabbath witnessed the first seduction, and the Millennial Sabbath will witness the last”; the “Gog and Magog” spoken of by John is a Hebrew term expressive of multitude and magnitude; here it embraces all nations, “the four quarters of the Earth”), to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea (proclaims the fact that virtually all of the population at that particular time, which did not accept Christ during the Kingdom Age, will Throw in their lot with Satan). 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city (pictures Satan coming against Jerusalem with his army, which will be the last attack against that city): and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. (Stipulates that the Lord will make short work of this insurrection. In fact, very little information is given regarding this event, as is obvious.) 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (marks the end of Satan regarding his influence in the world, and, in fact, in any part of the Creation of God), where the beast and the false prophet are (proclaims the fact that these two were placed in “the Lake of Fire and Brimstone” some one thousand years earlier [Rev. 19:20]), and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (This signifies the Eternity of this place. It is a matter of interest to note that Satan’s first act is recorded in Gen., Chpt. 3 [the third Chapter from the beginning], whereas his last act on a worldwide scale is mentioned in Rev., Chpt. 20 [the third Chapter from the end].) 11 And I saw a great white throne (proclaims the final Judgment of the unredeemed, which will take place at the end of the Kingdom Age), and him that sat on it (proclaims none other than God however, we must understand that it is the Person of the Godhead, the Lord Jesus Christ [Mat. 25:31]; He is the Saviour today; He will be the Judge tomorrow), from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (This means a New Heaven and New Earth are in the offing.) 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God (pertains to the second Resurrection, the Resurrection of Damnation [1 Cor., Chpt. 15; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; John 5:29]); and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works (proclaims the manner of Judgment). 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them (points to the fact that every unredeemed person who has ever lived will face the Great White Throne Judgment; none will be exempted): and they were judged every man according to their works (records the fact that this Judgment is not arbitrary, but is based on absolute Justice). 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire (combined, includes the wicked of all ages). This is the second death (Eternal separation from God and the Lake of Fire). 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life (refers to the record of all unredeemed) was cast into the lake of fire. (This includes every single individual who isn’t Redeemed, beginning with Adam and Eve. That is, if they didn’t come back to God.)
Revelation 9:1 (KJV)
And the fifth angel sounded (presents the fifth Judgment, and as stated the first “woe”), and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth (actually refers to Satan, as the next phrase proclaims [Lk. 10:18]) : and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit (Christ gives this “key” to Satan, although He may use an Angel to hand the key to the Evil One [Rev. 20:1].)
Luke 10:18 (KJV)
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven (by the Power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Saw into the future, observing Satan as he will be cast out of Heaven at the approximate mid-point of the coming Great Tribulation [Rev. 12:9]).
Luke 16:19-31 (KJV)
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day (the Jews of Jesus’ day concluded that riches were the favor of God, and poverty was the curse of God; therefore, this illustration given by Christ ripped to shreds their false doctrine): 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus (many claim this is a Parable not to be taken literally; however, as it is to be noticed, Jesus uses names in this illustration, meaning that it’s not a Parable but actually, something that really happened; consequently, it is chilling indeed!), which was laid at his gate, full of sores (the rich man saw Lazarus constantly, but offered no help whatsoever; as stated, such concluded ones like Lazarus to be cursed of God, and to help such would be thwarting the Plan of God; how so much the Word of God is twisted by so many), 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table (probably means that this rich man felt very good with himself in even allowing “crumbs” to be given to this beggar): moreover the dogs came and licked his sores (proclaims the fact that this man was not only poverty stricken, but, as well, was sick; he would not fit the mold of the modern prosperity gospel, which, in fact, is no Gospel at all; but he definitely did fit God’s mold; we should consider all of this very carefully). 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died (more than likely, no one cared, but the Lord cared, as we shall see), and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom (Paradise; where all Believers went before the Cross; as well, Jesus also tells us here that whenever a Believer dies, his soul and spirit are escorted by Angels into the presence of God): the rich man also died, and was buried (no Angels carried him away, for he died eternally lost; him being rich did not carry any weight as it regards his soul’s Salvation); 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes (Jesus here plainly proclaims the Doctrine of Eternal Hell ; as well, He also proclaims the fact that the soul and the spirit immediately go to Heaven or Hell at the time death, and that the soul and the spirit are totally conscious), being in torments (to say the least, Hell is not a pleasant place and, as stated, it is eternal), and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom (all Believers before the Cross expressed faith in the Revelation given to Abraham by God as it regards Redemption and, in a sense, it is the same presently [Rom 4:16]). 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me (there are no unbelievers in Hell, nor is there any Salvation there; the rich man repented, but too late), and send Lazarus (he had no concern for Lazarus back on Earth, but his conscience now recalls many things, but too late), that he may dip the tip of his finger in water (evidently there is no water there), and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame (the Bible teaches that the fires of Hell are literal; Jesus said so!). 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things (in no way does it mean that this was the cause of him being lost; it merely means that he was treated very well, but showed no thankfulness for his blessings), and likewise Lazarus evil things (the rich man didn’t allow his blessings to bring him to the Lord, and Lazarus didn’t allow his poverty to keep him from the Lord): but now he is comforted (because he had accepted the Lord), and you are tormented (the word “now” is that which is all-important; it speaks of the time after death; will it be one of “comfort” or “torment”?). 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed (this is in heart of the Earth [Mat. 12:40]; before the Cross even though all who went to Paradise were comforted, they were still captives of Satan, with him hoping that ultimately he would get them over into the burning pit [Eph. 4:8-9]; this means that when Believers died before the Cross, due to the fact that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins, the sin debt remained, and Satan still had claim on them; so all those in Paradise were awaiting the Cross, which would deliver them): so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot (proclaims the fact that all opportunities for Salvation are on this side of the grave; this means that the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory is a “fool’s hope”; there is no such place); neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence (but yet it was possible for those in Hell to look over and see those in Paradise, and it seems to speak to them; that place, due to the Cross, is now empty, with all liberated by Christ after the price was paid [Eph. 4:8-9]). 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that you would send him (send Lazarus) to my father's house (this is the only example of praying to a dead Saint in Scripture; let those who do so remember that prayer to all other dead Saints will avail just as much as this prayer did -- nothing): 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them (these statements proclaim the fact that this man had a working knowledge of God and more than likely professed Salvation before his death; but he wasn’t Saved!), lest they also come into this place of torment (he did not ask this grace for himself, for he knew that he was eternally entombed; it is easy to step into Hell, but impossible to step out). 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them (doesn’t mean that this event happened during the time of Moses, but that Abraham is referring to the Word of God; this tells us that at least a part of the Old Testament had then been written). 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent (the Scriptures contain all that is necessary to Salvation; a returned spirit could add nothing to them; and a man who will not listen to the Bible would not listen to a multitude, if raised from the dead; in fact, a few days later, the Lord did raise a man named Lazarus from the grave, and the Pharisees went about to put him to death). 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead (this illustration as given by Christ, actually happened and, in fact, presents a startling portrayal of life after death; we learn from this, and in stark reality, that the only thing that really matters in life is being right with God; there is a Heaven and there is a Hell, and every soul who has ever lived has gone or is going to one or the other; the only way to make Heaven one’s eternal Home is to accept Christ; He Alone is the Door; everything else leads one to Hell, exactly as the rich man found out, and to his eternal dismay).
Romans 4:16 (KJV)
16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace (Grace functions only on Faith, and we speak of Faith in Christ; otherwise, Grace stops); to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed (refers to the whole of humanity, at least those who will believe); not to that only which is of the law (Jews), but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham (everything is by Faith); who is the father of us all (proclaims the Patriarch being used as an example of Faith [Gen. 15:6]),
Genesis 15:6 (KJV)
6 And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD (exercised Faith, believing what the Lord told him); and he (the Lord) counted it to him (Abraham) for righteousness. (This is one of the single most important Scriptures in the entirety of the Word of God. In this simple term, “Abraham believed the Lord,” we find the meaning of Justification by Faith. Abraham was Saved by Grace through Faith, not by his good works. There is no other way of Salvation anywhere in the Bible. God demands Righteousness; however, it is the Righteousness afforded strictly by Christ and Christ Alone. Anything else is self-righteousness, and totally unacceptable to God. Directly the sinner believes God’s Testimony about His Beloved Son, he is not only declared righteous, but he is made a son and an heir.)
Revelation 19:20 (KJV)
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him (refers to both of them falling in the Battle of Armageddon), with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image (pertains to Satan’s chief weapon, which is deception). These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone (thus is the destiny of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and all who follow them).
Matthew 25:31 (KJV)
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory (the Second Coming):
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (refers to Believers who have died), that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (This concerns those who do not know the Lord who will have no part in the First Resurrection of Life and , therefore, no hope for Heaven.) 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again (the very Foundation of Christianity is the Death and Resurrection of Christ; it is proof of life after death in a glorified state for all Saints in that life, which incidentally will never end), even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (This refers to the Rapture of the Church, or the Resurrection of all Believers, with both phrases meaning the same thing, even as Paul describes in 1 Cor. Chpt. 15. At death, the soul and the spirit of the Child of God instantly go to be with Jesus [Phil. 1:23], while the physical body goes back to dust. At the Rapture, God will replace what was the physical body with a Glorified Body, united with the soul and the spirit. In fact, the soul and spirit of each individual will accompany the Lord down close to this Earth to be united with a Glorified Body, which will then make the Believer whole.) 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord (presents the Doctrine of the Rapture of the Church as the “Word of the Lord”), that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord (all Believers who are alive at the Rapture) shall not prevent them which are asleep. (This refers to the fact that the living Saints will not precede or go before the dead Saints.) 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout (refers to “the same Jesus” which the Angels proclaimed in [Acts 1:11]), with the voice of the archangel (refers to Michael, the only one referred to as such [Jude, Vs. 9]), and with the trump of God (doesn’t exactly say God will personally blow this Trumpet, but that it definitely does belong to Him, whoever does signal the blast): and the dead in Christ shall rise first (the criteria for being ready for the Rapture is to be “in Christ,” which means that all who are truly Born-Again will definitely go in the Rapture): 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (Raptured) together with them (the Resurrected dead) in the clouds (clouds of Saints, not clouds as we normally think of such), to meet the Lord in the air (the Greek word for “air” is “aer,” and refers to the lower atmosphere, or from about 6,000 feet down; so, the Lord will come at least within 6,000 feet of the Earth, perhaps even lower, with all the Saints meeting Him there; but He, at that time, will not come all the way to the Earth, that awaiting the Second Coming, which will be seven or more years later): and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (This presents the greatest meeting humanity will have ever known.) 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (This pertains to the future of the Child of God, which is Glorious indeed!)
Philippians 1:23 (KJV)
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two (refers to equal pressure being exerted from both sides; he is speaking here of his personal desires, and not necessarily that which the Lord would desire; however, he has already made it clear his personal will is to be swallowed up in the sweet Will of God), having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better (the centerpiece of all of this is Christ; if one draws any other conclusions, one misses the point entirely):
Acts 1:11 (KJV)
11 Which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? (This does not mean that it was only men who were present but rather that this was a common term used for both men and women.) this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven (refers to the same Human Body with the nail Prints in His Hands and Feet, etc.), shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven (refers to the same place, which is the Mount of Olivet).
Jude 1:9 (KJV)
9 Yet Michael the archangel (no other Angel bears the title of Archangel, as recorded; there are others who are Chief Angels, and Michael is only one of them [Dan. 10:13]), when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses (after the death of Moses, Satan demanded the body of the Lawgiver which was denied him by Michael, the Archangel), did not bring against him (against Satan) a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you (a “railing accusation” would have placed Michael on the same level with the Devil to which the great Archangel would not stoop, and rightly so!).
Daniel 10:13 (KJV)
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (“The prince of the kingdom of Persia,” refers to an evil angel appointed by Satan to control the Persian Government, which, of course, was done without the knowledge of its earthly king. This Passage appears to reveal that Satan places an agent in charge of every nation [fallen angel]; and, if so, this may explain national hatreds and national movements. Similarly, God has His Angelic Agents operating in opposition to Satan’s. The conflict of Eph., Chpt. 6 and the Battle of Rev., Chpt. 12 harmonize with this supposition.)
John 5:29 (KJV)
29 And shall come forth (portrays both Resurrections as we shall see, and according to His “Voice”); they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life (pertains to the First Resurrection, or as commonly referred, “The Rapture” [1 Thess. 4:13-18]); and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (this last Resurrection will take place approximately a thousand years after the First Resurrection of Life [Dan 12:2; Rev., Chpt. 20]).
Daniel 12:2 (KJV)
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (There are two Resurrections pointed to in this Verse. These are separated by a long period of a thousand years [Rev. 20:3, 5-6; Jn. 5:28]. Those will be resurrected to “Everlasting Life” speaks of the First Resurrection, which pertains to every Believer who has ever lived from the time of Abel forward. This is when the Church, so to speak, will be raptured [1 Thess. 4:13-18]. The Second Resurrection, which is the Resurrection of Damnation, will take place at approximately a thousand years after the First Resurrection, actually at the end of the Millennium. It will include all the wicked who have died from the very beginning. This will be the time of the Great White Throne Judgment [Rev. 20:4-6, 11-15].)
Revelation 20:3, 5-6 (KJV)
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him (speaks of the abyss being sealed to keep him there), that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (At the end of the thousand-year period, Satan will be loosed out of his prison. He will make another attempt to deceive the nations, in which he will not succeed. We aren’t told how long this “little season” will be.) 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. (This pertains to all the unsaved, in fact, all those who lived and died since the dawn of time. The souls and spirits of these people are now in Hell [Lk. 16:19-31].) This is the first resurrection (proclaims the fact that these two Resurrections, the Resurrection of the Just and the Resurrection of the Unjust, will be separated by 1,000 years). 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection (this is the Resurrection of Life, which will include every Saint of God who has ever lived from Abel to the last Tribulation Saint; all will be given glorified bodies): on such the second death hath no power (the “second death” is to be cast into the Lake of Fire, and to be there forever and forever [Rev. 21:8]; all who are washed in the Blood of the Lamb need not fear the second death), but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (All Believers who have part in the First Resurrection will at the same time serve as mediators, so to speak, between the population of the world and God and Christ. The “thousand years” portrays the Kingdom Age, when Christ will reign supreme over the entire Earth.)
John 5:28 (KJV)
28 Marvel not at this (these statements, as given by Christ, left the religious leaders of Israel speechless): for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice (speaks of the Resurrection of Damnation; again, these statements proclaim Christ as the Lord of both life and death),
Revelation 20:4-6, 11-15 (KJV)
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them (refers to the 24 Elders who represent the entire Plan of God, which pertains to the Redeemed of all ages; we aren’t told who these men are): and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands (categorizes the Tribulation Saints who gave their lives for the cause of Christ; the idea is that these will be included in the first Resurrection of Life, and will enjoy all its privileges); and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (This is the Kingdom Age.) 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. (This pertains to all the unsaved, in fact, all those who lived and died since the dawn of time. The souls and spirits of these people are now in Hell [Lk. 16:19-31].) This is the first resurrection (proclaims the fact that these two Resurrections, the Resurrection of the Just and the Resurrection of the Unjust, will be separated by 1,000 years). 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection (this is the Resurrection of Life, which will include every Saint of God who has ever lived from Abel to the last Tribulation Saint; all will be given glorified bodies): on such the second death hath no power (the “second death” is to be cast into the Lake of Fire, and to be there forever and forever [Rev. 21:8]; all who are washed in the Blood of the Lamb need not fear the second death), but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (All Believers who have part in the First Resurrection will at the same time serve as mediators, so to speak, between the population of the world and God and Christ. The “thousand years” portrays the Kingdom Age, when Christ will reign supreme over the entire Earth.) 11 And I saw a great white throne (proclaims the final Judgment of the unredeemed, which will take place at the end of the Kingdom Age), and him that sat on it (proclaims none other than God however, we must understand that it is the Person of the Godhead, the Lord Jesus Christ [Mat. 25:31]; He is the Saviour today; He will be the Judge tomorrow), from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (This means a New Heaven and New Earth are in the offing.) 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God (pertains to the second Resurrection, the Resurrection of Damnation [1 Cor., Chpt. 15; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; John 5:29]); and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works (proclaims the manner of Judgment). 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them (points to the fact that every unredeemed person who has ever lived will face the Great White Throne Judgment; none will be exempted): and they were judged every man according to their works (records the fact that this Judgment is not arbitrary, but is based on absolute Justice). 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire (combined, includes the wicked of all ages). This is the second death (Eternal separation from God and the Lake of Fire). 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life (refers to the record of all unredeemed) was cast into the lake of fire. (This includes every single individual who isn’t Redeemed, beginning with Adam and Eve. That is, if they didn’t come back to God.)
Conclusion of this lesson, I am Praising God that He will be coming back for us Christians and Save us and the fact that God is going to create a new Heaven and a new Earth, with no more sin, death, hell, destruction's. Its going to be a great place in the Kingdom of God where there will be no more sorrow, pain. Those of us who are Christians will be able to Praise God and rejoice in the Lord, right with Him, in His presents. I can’t wait. This life here on earth, is one of the first Heavens, many will be here for a short time and will end in hell, if they don’t accept Jesus Christ and turn away from sin. If you are one of those who are living in a rebellious life styles and your still alive, now is the time to accept Jesus Christ into your hearts, to turn away from sin and repent. Lay your sins and burdens down at the foot of the Cross and you will be Baptized by the Holy Ghost and you will be saved. Judgment seat of Christ, or the Great white Throne Judgment, which one will you face? Closing: God’s Word clearly teaches that all people—whether saved or not—will stand before Jesus one day to be judged. Believers will answer for their deeds at the judgment seat of Christ, and the lost will face Him at the great white throne. Wise men and women will prepare for Jesus’ judgment by living in light of eternity. Myself, I would rather face him at the Judgment seat and say to me that I have explained His Gospel away, than for Him say that I have not explained His Gospel enough. Lets close in prayer.
