Revelation 20

The Satan thrown into the Bottomless Pit for a Thousand Year

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.

Observation:

What did John see?
1a Then I saw an angel
Where did this angel come from?
1b coming down from heaven,
What did this angel have in his hand?
1c having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
What did the angel do?
2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
3a and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him,
How long Satan was bound and cast into bottomless pit?
2b and bound him for a thousand years;
Why did this angel bound and cast Satan into the bottomless pit?
3b so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.
Whom Satan will deceive?
3b so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.
What will happen to Satan after thousand years?
3c But after these things he must be released for a little while.

Interpretation:

What did John see?
1a Then I saw an angel
Where did this angel come from?
1b coming down from heaven,
What did this angel have in his hand?
1c having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
- Read The Bottomless Pit topic that answers questions such as:
  - What is bottomless pit?
  - What is the difference between Hades, Bottomless Pit/Abyss and Hell?
  - Where is the bottomless pit?
- Rev 9:1-12 provides more detail about this Bottomless Pit and Satan. For more details read What happened when the fifth angel sounded?
What did this angel do?
2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
3a and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him,
- Read Satan article for more details about him such as
  - Who is Satan? What is his role?....
- Why Satan is referred with many names?
  - These are the names Satan was referred in the various portions in the scriptures or the Bible.
  - So, that Satan is not misinterpreted as someone else.
  - Same way Jesus is also identified with His character in Rev 1,2,3,19:11-15.
- Is this a literal transaction?
  - (DG) Certainly it is. The battle is literal; the taking of the Beast and the False Prophet is literal; the slaying of the kings and their armies is literal; Satan is literal; and his binding must be equally literal. It will not resolve itself into anything else.
  - John has written this whatever he has seen.
  - If it is sign or symbolic God might have given interpretation to it similar to how He described the beast (Antichrist) in Rev 13 and God has given interpretation in Rev 17.
- How many angels bound and cast Satan into bottomless pit?
  - (JC) Satan is bound not by the Lord, not by a host of angels, not even by Michael the archangel—but by a single, unnamed angel. We often imagine a huge cosmic struggle going on constantly between God and Satan. Oh, we know God will win ultimately—but for now, we assume it’s touch and go.
    - Not true. Satan is not the evil counterpart of God. God is God. There is none like Him, none who can even begin to challenge Him (Deuteronomy 4:39). Satan, previously known as the archangel Lucifer, has always been a created being. Thus, if there is a counterpart to Satan, it would be an archangel like Michael or Gabriel—but not God.
    - That is why when we see Satan from a heavenly perspective, we will say, “Is this the one who troubled the whole world?” (Isaiah 14:16) Holding a chain in his other hand, it only takes one hand of a single angel to detain Satan.
- What did Satan try to do to Jesus?
  - (JC) He tried to seal Him in a tomb (Matthew 27:66). But Jesus didn’t stay there. Now the tables are turned.
- Did Satan already bind at the finished work of Jesus on the cross?
  - (WW) Some Bible students feel that the "chaining" of Satan took place when Jesus died on the cross and arose from the dead to ascend to heaven. While it is true that Jesus won His decisive victory over Satan at the cross, the sentence against the devil has not yet been effected. He is a defeated foe, but he is still free to attack God's people and oppose God's work (1 Peter 5:8). I think it was Dr. James M. Gray who suggested that, if Satan is bound today, it must be with a terribly long chain! Paul was sure that Satan was loose (Eph. 6: l0ff), and John agreed with him (Rev. 2:13; 3:9).
  - (DG) Since Satan’s work of deception continues today, we know that he is not bound in the way that this passage describes. We know that Satan was not bound at the finished work of Jesus on the cross, at the resurrection, or at the founding of the church. We know this because Peter said that Satan was free to walk about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).
  - Jesus Christ judged Satan on the Cross. The Holy Spirit will remind us that Satan has no authority to touch you.
    - John 16:11 - 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
  - 1 Peter 5:8 - 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
  - Rev 2:13 - I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
  - Rev 3:9 - Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
How long Satan was bound and cast into bottomless pit?
2b and bound him for a thousand years;
- Read Rev 20:4-6 notes for more details about this thousand years.
What will happen in the earth during this thousand years?
- (WW) Having taken care of His enemies, the Lord is now free to establish His righteous kingdom on the earth.
- Read more details in The Thousand Year / The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ topic in Rev 20:4-6 notes.
Why did this angel bound and cast Satan into the bottomless pit?
3b so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.
- This shows that this angel make sure that Satan remains there instead of escaping from there.
- If he escapes then he will deceive the people because Satan is deceiver.
- (DG) This shows us Satan’s main mode of attack is revealed. Satan is a deceiver, so the most potent defense and weapon against Satan is the truth of God’s word.
Whom Satan will deceive?
3b so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.
- Read Who are these nations that Satan will deceive? or Are these people belongs to these nations are believers or non-believers of Jesus Christ? in Rev 20:7 notes.
What will happen to Satan after thousand years?
3c But after these things he must be released for a little while.
- Why Satan was not thrown into the Hell/Lake of fire with Antichrist and False Prophet?
  - God kept Satan in bottomless pit instead of thrown into Hell is to prove that the non believers or non believing nations lives during this thousand years will never repent.

Application:

Is it possible to bind Satan by a believer in Christ?
- No. Binding happens only after Jesus 2nd coming by the angel and thrown into the bottomless pit/abyss.
What believers in Christ can do to overcome Satan's snares/schemes?

Believers in Christ can overcome Satan's snares/schemes by using the weapons/armor of the spiritual warfare
- Eph 6:10-18 - 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
God can keep Satan away form us
- John 17:15 - I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one
Ask God to rebuke Satan
- Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
- Zechariah 3:1-2 - 1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, "Take away the filthy garments from him." And to him He said, "See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes." 5 And I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.
Rebuke Satan if God leads.
- 1 Peter 5:9 - 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
- Acts 13:8-11 - 6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
- Acts 16:18- 16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation." 18 And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
- Warning: Acts 19:16 - 11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.
Resist Satan.
- 1 Peter 5:9 - 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Will believers in Christ be perfect if Satan not disturbing them?
- No
- Gal 5:16-17 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
- NLT: Gal 5:16-17 - 16 So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.17 The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.

The Thousand Year / The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ

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. 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.

Observation:

What did John see?
4a And I saw thrones, and they sat on them,
What was committed to them?
4b and judgment was committed to them.
What did John see again?
4c 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.
What did they do? and How long?
4d And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
What happened to the rest of the people?
5a But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.
What are all benefits of being the part of the first resurrection?
6a Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.
6b Over such the second death has no power,
6c but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and
6d shall reign with Him a thousand years.
What is this called?
5b This is the first resurrection.

Interpretation:

What is happening after binding Satan and cast into the bottomless pit?
John sees group of people who live and reign with Jesus Christ in this earth for a thousand years.
- How this thousand year period in history known as? or Is there any other name for this thousand year period? Why?
  - (WW) This period in history is known as "the Millennium," from two Latin words, mille ("thousand") and annum ("year")—the 1,000-year kingdom of Christ on earth.
- Is this a literal kingdom on earth, or should these verses be "spiritualized" and applied to the church today?
  - This is a literal kingdom of Jesus Christ in the earth. It cannot be spiritualized and applied to the church that exist today.
  - For more details read The Millennialism article. It explains following four main eschatological systems in detail.
    - Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, Historic Premillennialism, Dispensational Premillennialism
- Is this a literal thousand years?
  - Yes it is a literal thousand years like other literal transactions we have seen in above question Is this a literal transaction?
  - (WW) The phrase "thousand years" occurs six times in Revelation 20:1-7.
  - (DG) We should take a number literally unless there is clear reason or evidence to do otherwise.
- What are all the main events happening in Revelation 19 and 20th chapters?
  1. Jesus Christ comes to this earth 2nd time as the King - Rev 19:11-16
  2. Jesus Christ fights and win the Armageddon war - Rev 19:17-21
  3. Satan thrown into the bottomless pit for a thousand years - Rev 20:1-3
  4. Jesus Christ rule and reign this earth for a literal thousand years - Rev 20:4-6.
  5. Satan thrown into the Lake of Fire when he gather to fight against God's people after his release from the bottomless pit for a thousand years - Rev 20:7-10
  6. Jesus Christ condemn/judges all the dead non-believers (The Final Judgment) based on their works and throw them in the Lake of fire (the Second Death) - Rev 20:11-15.
Who are all part of the Millennial kingdom?
1. All believers of God (from Adam till Jesus 2nd coming) who are part of the first resurrection.
  1. 4a And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.
    - What it means?
      - NLT: Rev 20:4 - Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus, for proclaiming the word of God. And I saw the souls of those who had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
    - Who are they sat on the thrones? or To whom the authority to judge had been given?
      - Here they refers to some selected group of saints who came with Jesus Christ in
        
        Rev 19:14 - And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
      - This includes...
        
        The twenty-four elders representing the church (this may include the 12 Apostles)
        
        Rev 4:4 - Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
        
        The Apostles to judge Israel
        
        Matt 19:28 - 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" 28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
        
        Luke 22:29-30 - 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
        
        NLT: Luke 22:29-30 - 29 And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in that Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
        
        Mat 20:21,23 - 17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again." 20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. 21 And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." 23 So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.
        
        These are selected group of saints who was rewarded with the authority to judge the world, angels,...
        
        NLT: 1 Cor 6:2-3 - 1 When you have something against another Christian, why do you file a lawsuit and ask a secular court to decide the matter, instead of taking it to other Christians to decide who is right? 2 Don't you know that someday we Christians are going to judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can't you decide these little things among yourselves? 3 Don't you realize that we Christians will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disagreements here on earth. 4 If you have legal disputes about such matters, why do you go to outside judges who are not respected by the church?
        
        Rev 2:26-28 - (to Thyatira) 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star.
        
        Rev 3:21 - (to Laodiceans) 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
        
        Rev 3:12 - (to Philadelphia) He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
  2. 4b 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.
    - Why does God shows John only those who are martyred during Great Tribulation?
      (DG)
      1. They are specifically mentioned so as to encourage them, while not implying others will be left out. This is special vindication for Tribulation saints. They suffered under Antichrist who had said, “I will rule the earth;” now they are in authority and Antichrist is destroyed. So, these martyrs are literal, but also representative of all that give their lives in faithfulness to Jesus.
      2. Beheaded is actually broader word than it seems; the ancient Greek word really means “executed.”
    - These are special people of God.
  3. Did God forget other believers?
    No. God didn't forget the other believers of God but includes all believers of God in the First Resurrection. In fact this also includes above two group of people. In other words all the people whose names written in The Book of Life are part of First Resurrection.
    5b 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.
    - What is resurrection?
      - Resurrection means the act of raising from the dead.
    - How many resurrections are there?
    - Does the Old Testament talks about the resurrection?
      Yes
      - Dan 12:2,13 - 1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. ............................. 13 But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days."
      - Ezekiel 37:12 - Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
      - John 11:24-26 - 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."
      - Matt 22:23-34 - 23 The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 24 saying: "Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. 27 Last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her." 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." 33 And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. 34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together.
    - Is it a single event or series of event?
      - (DG) If the first resurrection is a singular event, it argues well for a post-tribulation rapture, because it implies that all saints receive their resurrection bodies at the same time, immediately before the rule and reign of Jesus Christ.
      - (DG) If the first resurrection is an “order” or “class” encompassing previously dead believers (who are at once with the Lord), the raptured church (already in heaven) and saints from the Great Tribulation, then the idea fits in a pre-tribulation framework.
        
        Donald Barnhouse says of the phrase first resurrection: “It must be especially emphasized that our phrase in the Apocalypse covering this resurrection is a retrospect that looks back over all three phases (of resurrection).”
        
        (Walvoord) “‘The ‘first resurrection’ is not an event but an order of resurrection including all the righteous who are raised from the dead before the Millennial kingdom begins.”
      - The first resurrection is not a single event. The first resurrection is a series of events.
        
        1 Cor 15:23-28 - 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For "He has put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all
        
        1 Thes 4:13-17 - 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
    - Who are all part of the first resurrection?
      First resurrection happens in this order:
      1. Who is the first one resurrected?
        The first resurrection begins with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).
        
        Our Lord Jesus Christ is the one first resurrected from dead.
        
        1 Cor 15:20 - But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
        
        Acts 26:23 - 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come-- 23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles."
      2. Few selected Old Testament saints who believed in God but did not have opportunity to be a part of the church because they died before Jesus came.
        
        Matt 27:52-53 - 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
        
        Paul is warning those who preach that the resurrection of dead is already happened so above verse may be not all OT saints raised from dead:
        
        2 Tim 2:18 - 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
      3. Believers in Jesus Christ but died before Jesus secrete coming on the clouds to rapture/take up His believers to heaven.
        
        1 Thes 4:14,16 - 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
      4. Believers in Jesus Christ who are alive at the time Jesus secrete coming on the clouds to rapture/take up His believers to heaven.
        
        1 Thes 4:17 - 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up (raptus in latin and Rapture in English) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
      5. Tribulation Saints/Believers in Jesus Christ who are died, or may be rapture/taken up during Great Tribulation period.
        
        Rev 7:9-17 - Saints gone through Great Tribulation are in heaven
        
        Rev 14:1-5 - 144,000 Jewish men are in heaven
        
        Rev 15:1-4 - Saints gone through Great Tribulation are in heaven
      6. Tribulation Saints/Believers in Jesus Christ who are martyred in the Tribulation for their refusal to take the mark of the beast
        
        Revelation 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.
      7. All Old Testament saints who believed in God but did not have opportunity to be a part of the church because they died before Jesus came.
        
        Ezekiel 37:12 - Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
        
        Dan 12:2,13 - 1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. ............................. 13 But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days."
    - Do they get the resurrected body? If so, when do they get their bodies?
      Yes, they all get immortal body that lives forever and ever in the same resurrection order given above. In other words immortal body is part of the resurrection.
      - (DG) This first resurrection is the granting of resurrection life in resurrection bodies to all those who are dead in Jesus.
      - 1 Cor 15:44,51-53 - 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
    - What happens to the believers who die before the Rapture/caught up in the air on the Last trumpet of God?
      Even though believers who die before they raptured/caught up to heaven they continue to leave the earthly body in the grave and their spirit will be with the presence of God in heaven - 2 Cor 5:8. They will get the immortal body at the time of rapture event happens on the last trumpet of God - read 1 Cor 15:51-53.
      - When believers in Christ/God (Jehovah) dies then their spirit goes to Paradise before Jesus Christ (Luke 16:19-31; Luke 23:43) and after Jesus death it goes to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). Their spirit lives and enjoys the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
        
        2 Cor 5:8 - 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
      - When non-believers in Christ/God (Jehovah) dies then their spirit goes to Sheol/Hades (Luke 16:19-31). Their spirit will torment in Hades until they resurrect (John 5:29) for the final judgment to receive punishment for their sins to suffer in Hell forever and ever (Rev 20:11-15).
      - There is no sleep/intermediate/unknown state for our spirit goes after our death.
    - Does this First Resurrection include all the people whose names written in The Book of Life?
      Yes, all the people whose names written in The Book of Life are part of First Resurrection.
      - Rev 20:6b - Over such the second death has no power,
      - Dan 12:1 - 1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
      - Rev 20:15 - 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. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. 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.
    - How important is this resurrection? or Is resurrection important?
      - Paul preaches resurrection wherever he goes:
        
        Acts 17:31-32 - 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
        
        Acts 23:6-8 - 6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!" 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided. 8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection--and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.
      - Why Paul preaches about resurrection?
        Without resurrection our faith is futile/useless:
        
        1 Cor 15:13-21 - 12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
    - What are all the benefits of being the part of the first resurrection?
      4a And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.
      4d And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
      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.
      1. 6a Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.
        
        (DG) This is a resurrection of blessing (blessed and holy is he)
        
        (JC) Gang, even if nothing else in your life goes right, you are so blessed because you are part of the first resurrection. You are going to heaven.
        
        (WW) Revelation 20:6 describes the special blessings of those who share in the first resurrection. They did not earn these blessings; they are part of the believer's inheritance in Jesus Christ. This is the sixth of the seven "beatitudes" in Revelation; the final one is in Revelation 22:7. These resurrected believers will share Christ's glorious life, reigning as kings and priests with Him, and never experience the "second death," the lake of fire (hell. Rev. 20:14).
      2. 6b Over such the second death has no power,
        
        (DG) This is a resurrection of power (over such the second death has no power)
        
        (JC) The first death is physical. The second death is eternal. Yes, we will die physically unless the Lord raptures us first. But the second death is for those who are damned eternally. Glory be to God, over us this second death has no power.
      3. 6c but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and
      4. 6d shall reign with Him a thousand years.
        4d And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
        4a And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.
        
        (DG) This is a resurrection of privilege (they shall be priests of God . . . shall reign with Him a thousand years)
  4. Application:
2. Is there any other people who are all part of the Millennial kingdom?
  Yes, Non believers of God who where not showed up for the Armageddon army. These are the remnant people/nations who didn't die as the part of the Armageddon war.
  - (WW) During the Millennium, the inhabitants of the earth will include not only glorified saints, but also citizens of the nations who bow in submission to Jesus Christ.
  - Ez 39:21,27,28 - 21 "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward. 23 The Gentiles shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they were unfaithful to Me, therefore I hid My face from them. I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them." ' 25 "Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name-- 26 after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid. 27 When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations, 28 then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. 29 And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord God."
  - Zec 14:16-21 - 16 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18 If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 20 In that day "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. The pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the Lord of hosts. Everyone who sacrifices shall come and take them and cook in them. In that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.
  - Micah 4:1-7 - 1 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. 2 Many nations shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 3 He shall judge between many peoples, And rebuke strong nations afar off; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore. 4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. 5 For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God Forever and ever. 6 "In that day," says the Lord, "I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast And those whom I have afflicted; 7 I will make the lame a remnant, And the outcast a strong nation; So the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion From now on, even forever.
Who are all NOT part of the Millennial kingdom?
5a But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.
- This includes all non believers of God who died from the creation of this world till this Armageddon war.
- (DG) Those who do not have part in the first resurrection are as cursed as those who do have part in it are blessed. They are not blessed, they are under the power of the second death, and they are without privilege.
- Read The Final Judgment topic to know more details about what happens to these non believers of God.
What they will do in the Millennial kingdom? or
What will happen in the Millennial kingdom? or
How the Millennial kingdom described in the Bible?
1. The Millennial kingdom (long waited one world government) ruled and reigned by Jesus Christ and His believers.
  6d shall reign with Him a thousand years.
  4d And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
  4a And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.
  - (DG) During the Millennium, saints in their resurrected state will be given responsibility in the Millennial Earth according to their faithful service (Luke 19:11-27, Revelation 20:4-6, Revelation 2:26-28; 3:12,21, 1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
  - (WW) At last, Christ and His church will reign over the nations of the earth, and Israel will enjoy the blessings promised by the prophets "(see Isa. 2:1-5; 4:1-6; 11:1-9; 12:1-6; 30:18-26; 35:1-10).
  - The Apostles to judge Israel
    - Matt 19:28 - 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" 28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  - (DG) During the Millennium, King David will have a prominent place in the millennial earth, ruling over Israel (Isaiah 55:3-5, Jeremiah 30:4-11, Ezekiel 34:23-31, Ezekiel 37:21-28, Hosea 3:5).
  - (WW) For one thing, it will be the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and to Christ (Ps. 2; Luke 1:30-33). Our Lord reaffirmed them to His own Apostles (Luke 22:29-30).
2. The Millennial kingdom headquartered at Israel and its capital will be Jerusalem.
  - (DG) During the Millennium, Israel will be the “superpower” of the world. It will be the leading nation in all the earth, and the center of Israel will be the mountain of the Lord’s house - the temple mount, which will be the “capital” of the government of the Messiah. All nations shall flow to the “capital” of the government of Jesus. (Isaiah 2:1-3, Ezekiel 17:22-24)
  - God reminds His promise again to His descendants the land from the river of Egypt (Niles) to the river Euphrates (compare Deut. 11:24; Josh. 1:4),
    - Deuteronomy 11:24 -Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory.
    - Joshua 1:4 -From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory.
    - In the past it is partially fulfilled for brief period of time:
      - (Morris) “For a very brief time, under Solomon (1 Kings 8:65) and possibly again under Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25), the children of Israel ruled all this territory, as a token of the final and permanent possession they will have in the future.”
      - 1 Kings 8:65 - At that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great assembly from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt, before the Lord our God, seven days and seven more days--fourteen days.
      - 2 Kings 14:25 - (Jeroboam II) He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher
    - God will fulfill this during His millennial reign (Rev 20:4-6; Ezekiel 47:13 - 48:29).
3. The Millennial kingdom capital building will be the Temple of God from where Jesus rule and regin.
  6c but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and
4. The Millennial kingdom will be a blessings to all believers of God. Especially all Israelites will enjoy and stay secured.
  6a Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection.
  - (DG) During the Millennium, there will be blessing and security for national Israel in the millennial earth (Amos 9:11-15).
5. The Millennial kingdom will be perfect in condition free from all the bondage of sin but abound with Love.
  - (WW) This kingdom will be a worldwide display of Christ's glory, when all nature will be set free from the bondage of sin (Rom. 8:19-22). It will be the answer to the prayers of the saints, "Thy kingdom come!" It will also be God's final demonstration of the sinfulness of sin and the wickedness of the human heart apart from God's grace, but more on this later.
  - Rom 8:19-22 - 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
  - NLT: Rom 8:19-22 - 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. 21 All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us.
6. The Millennial kingdom citizens will submit to Jesus and His appointed authorities.
  - (WW) The Millennium will be a period of peace and perfect environment, a time when disobedience will be judged swiftly and with justice; and yet in the end the subjects of the King will follow Satan and rebel against the Lord.
  - (DG) During the Millennium, the citizens of earth will acknowledge and submit to the Lordship of Jesus. It will be a time of perfectly administrated enforced righteousness on this earth. (Isaiah 2:1-5)
  - (DG) During the Millennium, there will be no more war. There will still be conflicts between nations and individuals, but they will be justly and decisively resolved by the Messiah and those who reign with Him. (Isaiah 2:1-5)
  - Is 2:1-5 - 1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord's house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore. 5 O house of Jacob, come and let us walk In the light of the Lord.
  - Swords to ploughshares (or swords to plowshares) (Is 2:4) is a concept in which military weapons or technologies are converted for peaceful civilian applications.
  - The expression "beat swords into ploughshares" has been used by disparate social and political groups. United Nations has a status that symbolize this in their headquarters in New York which is gifted by Soviet Union on 1959. But this will only fulfill during the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ.
7. The Millennial kingdom blesses all non believers to live longer.
8. The Millennial kingdom transforms the wild animals to domestic animal.

What is the purpose of the Millennial kingdom?

(DG) We should take this thousand years literally, because God has an important work to accomplish during the Millennium.
1. The Millennium is important because it will demonstrate Jesus’ victory and worthiness to rule the nations.
2. The Millennium is important because it will reveal the depths of man’s rebellious nature in a perfect environment. Some people seem to believe that man is basically good, and deep down he really wants God’s righteous rule. Many believe that man is really innocent, and corrupted only by a bad environment. The Millennium will answer these questions before the great judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).
3. The Millennium is important because it will display the eternal depravity (evil nature) of Satan, who continues his evil as soon as he is released from his incarceration.
4. The Millennium is important because it will show the invulnerability (security & protection) of the city of God and God’s new order.
5. (Spurgeon) “Let us rejoice that Scripture is so clear and so explicit upon this great doctrine of the future triumph of Christ over the whole world . . . We believe that the Jews will be converted, and that they will be restored to their own land. We believe that Jerusalem will be the central metropolis of Christ’s kingdom; we also believe that all the nations shall walk in the light of the glorious city which shall be built at Jerusalem. We expect that the glory which shall have its center there, shall spread over the whole world, covering it as with a sea of holiness, happiness, and delight. For this we look with joyful expectation.”

Application:

Satan thrown into the Lake of Fire when he gather to fight against God's people after his release from the bottomless pit for a thousand years

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. 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.

Observations:

What happens after the end of thousand years?
7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison
What Satan will do?
8a and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together
- Whom will Satan deceive?
  8a and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together
- Why Satan gathered them together?
  8b to battle,
How many people Satan gathers? How big the army is?
8b whose number is as the sand of the sea.
What did they do?
9a They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city.
How did God punish them?
9b And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
Where did Satan cast into?
10a The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are.
How long they will be tormented?
10b And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Interpretation:

What happens after the end of thousand years?
7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison
What will Satan do?
8a and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together
How many people Satan gathers? How big the army is?
8b whose number is as the sand of the sea.
Who are these nations that Satan will deceive? or Are these people belongs to these nations are believers or non-believers of Jesus Christ?
- These are non-believers of Jesus Christ who either escaped from the Armageddon war or they didn't show up for the Armageddon war. Read Is there any other people who are all part of the Millennial kingdom? topic in Rev 20:4-6 notes.
- (Walvoord) They will be those who survive the Great Tribulation, enter into the Millennial Kingdom, and their descendants. “Infants born during the millennium will live to its conclusion and will not be required to make a choice between the devil and Christ until the end.”
- (Hoste) “It will be proved once more that man, whatever his advantages and environment, apart from the grace of God and new birth, remains at heart only evil and at enmity with God.”
- (JC) Those born in the Millennium—those living in enforced righteousness and peace because there’s no other choice, those who never had an opportunity to decide whether or not they would follow the Lord. You and I have made such a choice. We have “chosen to be chosen.” We have “selected to be elected.” Here, those born during the Millennium are also given this choice.
  - I am blown away by the fact that somehow Satan will be able to persuade a great number of people to rebel against the One who will have done nothing but good for them and who will have given them a perfect environment wherein plenty, prosperity, peace, and perfection prevail. But I am only blown away until I stop to realize how good the Lord has been to me; how He gave His life for me; how He provides for me, walks with me, blesses me—and how often I turn my back on Him, fail to learn of Him, refuse to talk to Him. And then I understand how Satan will be able to get a number of those living in the Millennium to echo the cry of Jerusalem: “We will not have this Man to reign over us” (Luke 19:14). Why will the Lord allow this to happen? Because God is love, and love requires a choice. If my wife, Tammy, agreed to marry me simply because I was the only man on earth or only because I held a gun to her head—our relationship wouldn’t be based on love, but on the absence of any other choice. So, too, God lets Satan loose for a short season in order to give people a choice.
- (DG)
  1. If Jesus has reigned so wonderfully for a thousand years, then why will the earth rebel? They will do it, and God will allow it, as a final demonstration of man’s rebellion and depravity. Outward conformity to Jesus’ rule will be required during His reign, but seemingly, an inward embrace of His Lordship will still be up to the individual.
  2. In this we see more of the important reason God has for the Millennial Kingdom and allowing this final rebellion. For all of human history, man has wanted to blame his sinful condition on his environment. “Of course I turned out the way I did. Did you see the family I came from? Did you see the neighborhood I grew up in?” With the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus, God will give mankind a thousand years of a perfect environment - with no Satan, no crime, violence, evil, or other social pathology. But at the end of the 1,000 years, man will still rebel against God at his first opportunity. This will powerfully demonstrate that the problem is in us, not only in our environment.
- (WW) A perfect environment cannot produce a perfect heart.
Does this war anyway related to the Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39?
- Read more detailed study that compares Ezekiel 38-39 war and the wars in Revelation.
- (WW) The naming of "Gog and Magog" (Rev. 20:8) does not equate this battle with the one described in Ezekiel 38-39; for that army invades from the north, while this one comes from the four comers of the earth. These two events are related, however, inasmuch as in both battles, Israel is the focal point. In this case, Jerusalem will be the target ("beloved city," Ps 78:68; 87:2).
- (DG) These are prophetic enemies of Israel in Ezekiel 38-39, but the battle described in those chapters of Ezekiel seems to be distinct and different from this final battle.
  - Seemingly, the battles described in Ezekiel 38-39 take place before the return of Jesus, perhaps right before or during the tribulation. This final battle clearly takes place at the end of the thousand-year reign of Jesus.
What did they do?
9a They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city.
How did God punish them?
9b And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.
Where did Satan cast into?
10a The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are.
How long they will be tormented?
10b And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
- Is this really eternal punishment?
  - (Walvoord) Yes it is; the words mean exactly what they appear to mean. “There would be no way possible in the Greek language to state more emphatically the everlasting punishment of the lost than here in mentioning both day and night and the expression ‘forever and ever,’ literally ‘to the ages of ages.’”

Application:

If we are not belong to God or followers of God then we are followers of Satan and we are destined to Hell with Satan.

The Final Judgment for the dead non-believers

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. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. 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.

Observations:

What did John see?
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it,
What happens to the earth and the heaven on the face of God?
11b from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
Who are all standing before God?
12a And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God,
What happens next? or How many books are opened?
12b and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.
Who did God judge?
12c And the dead were judged
How did God judge the dead?
12d And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
13b And they were judged, each one according to his works.
What did the sea, the Death and the Hades do?
13a The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.
What happens to Death and Hades?
14a Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.
What is this called?
14b This is the second death.
What happens to the dead or people whose names are not in the Book of Life?
15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Interpretation:

What did John see?
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it,
- Who sits on the great white throne?
What happens to the earth and the heaven on the face of God?
11b from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.
- Where the earth and the heaven fled away? Does this mean that new heaven and new earth has come?
- Where is throne?
- To whom there is no place?
Who is the judge?
- John 5:22 - 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
- Romans 2:16 - in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
- Acts 17:31 - 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
- 1 Cor 6:2 - 1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?
- 2 Thes
Who are all standing before God?
12a And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God,
1. What is death? or Where were they after their death and till now?
2. Why these dead resurrect or come back to life?
3. Will believers stand before God at this White Throne Judgment?
  NO
  - (JC) No. If you’re a Christian, this judgment doesn’t apply to you, for you were judged when Christ was on another throne—not a white one, but a wooden one; when He wore a crown not of gold, but of thorns as He died to cleanse you from every sin you ever have or ever will commit.
  - For more read Believer Vs Non-Believer Judgment OR Bema Seat Vs White Throne Judgment
4. 2 Peter 2:4
5. Jude 6
What happens next? or How many books are opened?
12b and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.
- What these books contains? and What is the difference between the Book of Life and the books?
Who did God judge?
12c And the dead were judged
How did God judge the dead or non-believers?
12d And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
13b And they were judged, each one according to his works.
- Will this judgment bring people to heaven? or Will this decides whether this people goes to Hell or heaven?
- Why the dead needs to be judged? Did they not tormented in Hades day and night after their death?
- How they are judged?
- None of their righteousness are remembered:
  - Ezekiel 3:20 - Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand.
  - James 2:10- For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
- Receive degree of punishment for their sinful deeds:
  - Matt 23:14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
  - Matt 10:15 - 14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!
  - Matt 11:20-24 -20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you."
What did the sea, the Death and the Hades do?
13a The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.
- Does the Sea, Death and Hades holds the dead people?
- What is the difference between the Sea, Death and Hades?
- Who are all in the Sea, Death and Hades?
- What this verse really means?
What happens to Death and Hades?
14a Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire.
- Why the death and Hades were cast in the lake of fire?
What is this death called?
14b This is the second death.
- What is the second death?
What happens to the dead or people whose names are not in the Book of Life?
15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
- When people names are written in the Book of Life?
- What is lake of fire?
  - (JC) The cartoons are wrong, and Hollywood is terribly mistaken in portraying hell as a hot place where people play poker and talk to one another amidst flickering flames and an occasional jab by Satan’s pitchfork. You see, in addition to being called a lake of fire, hell is called a place of outer darkness (Matthew 8:12). Consequently, the torment in a place so dark even the flames of the lake of fire don’t shed any light is exceeded only by the inner torment people feel throughout eternity as they recall the sermons they heard and the invitations to salvation they ignored.
    - Jesus said specifically that hell was not created for people, but for the devil and demons (Matthew 25:41). Peter said God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Yet, God, being Light, if man says, “I don’t want God,” he will be consigned to darkness. God, being health, if man says, “I don’t want God,” he will be relinquished to a place of pain. God, being a Father, if man says, “I don’t want God,” he will spend eternity in isolation.
    - God, on the other hand, says, “I would rather die than live without you.” And He did just that when He died on the Cross in order that, forgiven of our sins, we might live with Him forever.
- How long they will be tormented in Hell or lake of fire?
  - Forever and ever and ever and ever:
  - Matt 13:50 - 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
  - Is 66: 24 - 22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth Which I will make shall remain before Me," says the Lord, "So shall your descendants and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, All flesh shall come to worship before Me," says the Lord. 24 "And they shall go forth and look Upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh."
    - NLT: Is 66: 24 - And as they go out, they will see the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against me. For the worms that devour them will never die, and the fire that burns them will never go out. All who pass by will view them with utter horror.”
  - NLT: Jude 7 - 6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. 7 And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.
    - Jude 7 - as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
John 5:24-29 - 24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth--those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
John 3:16-21,35,36- 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."......(John the Baptist says...).. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

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