REV 19:11—22:21 Part-1
19:11.
AND I SAW HEAVEN OPENED, AND BEHOLD (there before me)
A WHITE HORSE. The heaven opens, and Jesus comes forth
in His glorious majesty on the white horse. The white horse denotes victory
and triumph. It can also denote purity. Jesus originally entered Jerusalem,
before His death, on a donkey. Here is the second coming of Jesus, which so
many in this generation scoff at, saying, WHERE IS THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING?-2
Pe 3:4. Yet it was announced, when Jesus was taken up into heaven, THIS SAME
JESUS...SHALL SO COME-Acts 1:11. Indeed, THEY SHALL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING
IN THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY-Mt 24:30. This is Jesus coming
forth from heaven.
Do not confuse this with Rev 6:2, the counterfeit Christ
coming forth on a white horse on the earth, conquering and to conquer.
AND HE THAT SAT UPON HIM WAS CALLED FAITHFUL AND TRUE.
Jesus is sitting on a white horse—He is called Faithful and True. This is another
description of Jesus in the Revelation. This verse shows Him coming forth at
the time of Armageddon.
AND IN RIGHTEOUSNESS (or with justice)
HE DOTH JUDGE AND MAKE WAR (or goes to battle). In
righteousness, Jesus does judge. In righteousness, Jesus makes war (or goes
to battle). In Isa 42:14, the Lord says, I HAVE LONG TIME HOLDEN MY PEACE; I
HAVE BEEN STILL, AND REFRAINED MYSELF: NOW WILL I CRY LIKE A TRAVAILING WOMAN;
I WILL DESTROY AND DEVOUR AT ONCE. Remember, it is written, KNOWING THEREFORE
THE TERROR OF THE LORD, WE PERSUADE MEN-2 Cor 5:11.
19:12.
HIS EYES WERE AS A FLAME OF FIRE (or blazing fire). This gives us the
picture of Jesus coming to judge the world that has rejected His great mercy.
AND ON HIS HEAD WERE MANY (royal)
CROWNS. One might wonder how he could have
many crowns upon His head. Perhaps, they are placed one on top of another. The
number of crowns is not given in this verse.
AND HE (Jesus)
HAD A NAME WRITTEN (on Him),
THAT NO MAN KNEW, BUT HE HIMSELF. Rev 3:12
states, I WILL WRITE UPON HIM MY NEW NAME.
19:13.
AND HE WAS CLOTHED (or dressed)
WITH A VESTURE (or robe)
DIPPED (or soaked)
IN BLOOD. Again, we see a picture of Jesus at Armageddon.
It is written, I HAVE TRODDEN THE WINEPRESS ALONE; AND OF THE PEOPLE THERE WAS
NONE WITH ME: FOR I WILL TREAD THEM IN MINE ANGER, AND TRAMPLE THEM IN MY FURY;
AND THEIR BLOOD SHALL BE SPRINKLED UPON MY GARMENTS, AND I WILL STAIN ALL MY
RAIMENT-Isa 63:3. Note the words, "Their blood shall be sprinkled upon
My garments." This goes along with Isa 34:6-THE SWORD OF THE LORD IS FILLED
WITH BLOOD. Also Rev 14:20-AND THE WINEPRESS WAS TRODDEN WITHOUT THE CITY, AND
BLOOD CAME OUT OF THE WINEPRESS, EVEN UNTO THE HORSE BRIDLES, BY THE SPACE OF
A THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED FURLONGS.
The verse continues,
AND HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD. Jesus
is called "the Word of God." Jn 1:1 says, IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE
WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD.
19:14.
AND THE ARMIES. Note the word "armies," suggesting more than
one. These are the saints
WHICH WERE IN HEAVEN. These include saints from the
past, the Rapture, and those that are martyred during the Tribulation. These
FOLLOWED HIM (the saints are riding behind or following
Jesus)
UPON (or riding on)
WHITE HORSES. In other verses, the word "horses"
often denotes some kind of vehicle. Nevertheless, most believe the word "horses"
used here literally means "horses" and that the saints will ride upon
them when returning with Jesus.
They are
CLOTHED (or dressed)
IN FINE LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN (or pure). Fine linen
represents the clothing of nobility, such as kings and rulers. White suggests
purity. Clean could signify that it was washed with the water by the Word; it
was without spot or wrinkle, the glorious church that is holy and without blemish-ref
Eph 5:27.
It is written, AND HATH MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS UNTO GOD AND HIS FATHER-Rev 1:6.
It is written, THOU HAST A FEW NAMES EVEN IN SARDIS WHICH HAVE NOT DEFILED THEIR
GARMENTS; AND THEY SHALL WALK WITH ME IN WHITE: FOR THEY ARE WORTHY-Rev
3:4.
HE THAT OVERCOMETH, THE SAME SHALL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE
RAIMENT-Rev 3:5.
I COUNSEL THEE TO BUY OF ME GOLD TRIED IN THE FIRE, THAT
THOU MAYEST BE RICH; AND WHITE RAIMENT, THAT THOU MAYEST BE CLOTHED-Rev
3:18.
AND ROUND ABOUT THE THRONE WERE FOUR AND TWENTY SEATS: AND
UPON THE SEATS I SAW FOUR AND TWENTY ELDERS SITTING, CLOTHED IN WHITE
RAIMENT-Rev 4:4.
AND WHITE ROBES WERE GIVEN UNTO EVERY ONE OF
THEM-Rev 6:11.
AFTER THIS I BEHELD, AND, LO, A GREAT MULTITUDE, WHICH NO
MAN COULD NUMBER, OF ALL NATIONS, AND KINDREDS, AND PEOPLE, AND TONGUES, STOOD
BEFORE THE THRONE, AND BEFORE THE LAMB, CLOTHED WITH WHITE ROBES-Rev
7:9.
AND ONE OF THE ELDERS ANSWERED, SAYING UNTO ME, WHAT ARE
THESE WHICH ARE ARRAYED IN WHITE ROBES? AND WHENCE CAME THEY?
AND I SAID UNTO HIM, SIR, THOU KNOWEST. AND HE SAID TO ME, THESE ARE THEY WHICH
CAME OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION, AND HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES, AND MADE THEM WHITE
IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB-Rev 7:13,14.
AND THE SEVEN ANGELS CAME OUT OF THE TEMPLE, HAVING THE SEVEN
PLAGUES, CLOTHED IN PURE AND WHITE LINEN-Rev 15:6.
AND TO HER WAS GRANTED THAT SHE SHOULD
BE ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND WHITE: FOR THE FINE LINEN
IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SAINTS-Rev 19:8.
19:15.
AND OUT OF HIS MOUTH GOETH A SHARP SWORD.
In Rev 19:13, Jesus is called THE WORD OF GOD. The sharp
sword that comes out of the mouth of Jesus is the Word of God.
It
is written,
THINK NOT THAT I AM COME TO SEND PEACE ON EARTH: I CAME NOT
TO SEND PEACE, BUT A SWORD (or the Word)-Mt 10:34.
AND TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION, AND THE SWORD
OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD-Eph 6:17.
FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL,
AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING
ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT, AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER
OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS OF THE HEART-Heb 4:12.
AND OUT OF HIS MOUTH WENT A SHARP TWO-EDGED SWORD-Rev
1:16.
AND TO THE ANGEL OF THE CHURCH IN PERGAMOS WRITE; THESE THINGS
SAITH HE WHICH HATH THE SHARP SWORD WITH TWO EDGES-Rev 2:12.
REPENT; OR ELSE I WILL COME UNTO THEE QUICKLY, AND WILL FIGHT
AGAINST THEM WITH THE SWORD OF MY MOUTH-Rev 2:16.
AND THE REMNANT WERE SLAIN WITH THE SWORD OF
HIM THAT SAT UPON THE HORSE, WHICH SWORD PROCEEDED OUT OF HIS
MOUTH-Rev 19:21. Rev 19:15 continues,
THAT WITH IT (with the sword, which is the Word of
God)
HE (Jesus)
SHOULD SMITE (or strike down)
THE NATIONS. This relates to Isa 11:4-AND HE SHALL
SMITE THE EARTH WITH THE ROD OF HIS MOUTH, AND WITH THE BREATH
OF HIS LIPS SHALL HE SLAY THE WICKED. THOU SHALT BREAK THEM WITH A ROD
OF IRON; THOU SHALT DASH THEM IN PIECES LIKE A POTTER’S VESSEL-Ps 2:9
These terms seem to be synonymous, "the rod of His mouth" and "the
rod of iron."
This is referring to the second coming of Jesus at Armageddon.
AND HE (Jesus)
SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD (or staff)
OF IRON (or iron scepter). Now, the verse shifts to
the Millennium when Jesus shall rule. He shall rule with a rod of iron, and
the saints will reign and rule with Him. It is written, AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH
A MAN CHILD, WHO WAS TO RULE ALL NATIONS WITH A ROD OF IRON: AND HER CHILD WAS
CAUGHT UP UNTO GOD, AND TO HIS THRONE-Rev 12:5.
Next, the verse returns to the subject of Armageddon; as
it is written,
AND HE (Jesus)
TREADETH THE WINEPRESS OF (or from which flows
the wine of-JNT187)
THE FIERCENESS AND WRATH (or furious rage)
OF ALMIGHTY GOD (or Adonai, God of heaven's armies-JNT188).
The wrath of Almighty God is largely ignored by the Laodicean
church of today. His great fury and wrath against sin, against a Christ-rejecting
generation, and against those that follow Satan will be unleashed—in that day,
the world will be terrified!
Verse 12-Jesus HAD A NAME WRITTEN.
Verse 13-Jesus, HIS NAME IS CALLED THE WORD OF GOD.
Verse 16-Jesus, A NAME WRITTEN, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF
LORDS.
19:16.
AND HE HATH ON HIS (1) VESTURE (or robe)
(2) AND ON HIS THIGH A NAME WRITTEN, KING
OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Jesus is Deity. Jesus is God. He is the only
begotten Son of God. Jesus is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords.
He is about to return.
In Rev 17:14, it is written, HE IS LORD OF LORDS, AND KING
OF KINGS: AND THEY THAT ARE WITH HIM ARE CALLED, AND CHOSEN, AND FAITHFUL.
19:17.
AND I (John)
SAW AN ANGEL STANDING IN THE SUN; AND HE CRIED WITH A
LOUD VOICE, SAYING TO ALL THE FOWLS (or birds)
THAT FLY IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or midair),
COME AND GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER UNTO THE SUPPER
(or feast)
OF THE GREAT GOD. The angel is calling to the birds
of the air, to come. The armies gathered in Israel will be slaughtered as grapes
in a winepress, but the birds shall be spared and have a great feast.
19:18.
THAT YE MAY EAT THE FLESH OF
(1) KINGS, AND THE FLESH OF
(2) CAPTAINS (or generals), AND THE FLESH OF
(3) MIGHTY (or important) MEN, AND THE
FLESH OF
(4) HORSES, AND OF
(5) THEM THAT SIT ON THEM (or their riders),
AND THE FLESH OF ALL MEN (or all kinds of people),
BOTH
(6) FREE AND
(7) BOND (or slave),
BOTH
(8) SMALL AND
(9) GREAT. Five times the word "flesh"
appears in this verse.
Armageddon is at hand. The world has rejected Jesus. They
have received the Antichrist. They have worshiped the image of the beast and
taken the mark. Now, as Armageddon is about to explode, the birds are being
informed that they shall be able to eat the bodies of both people and horses.
19:19. AND I SAW THE BEAST
(which is the Antichrist),
AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH, AND THEIR ARMIES, GATHERED
TOGETHER TO MAKE WAR (or do battle)
AGAINST HIM (Jesus)
THAT SAT ON THE HORSE, AND AGAINST HIS ARMY (who are
the saints that follow Jesus). It appears the armies of the world were somehow
deceived and brought to Israel under false pretenses. Now, their real purpose
for being there is revealed. The spirit of Satan, the Antichrist, and the false
prophet have coerced them to gather in Israel for the primary purpose of making
war against Jesus. This is the Battle of Armageddon.
It is written, Rev 17:14, THESE SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB,
AND THE LAMB SHALL OVERCOME THEM.
Satan already knows the outcome; as it is written, THE DEVIL...KNOWETH
THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME-Rev 12:12.
19:20.
AND THE BEAST (which is the Antichrist)
WAS TAKEN (captive, or captured, or seized),
AND WITH HIM THE FALSE PROPHET THAT WROUGHT (or performed)
MIRACLES (or miraculous signs)
BEFORE HIM (or in his presence, or on his behalf),
WITH WHICH HE DECEIVED THEM THAT HAD RECEIVED THE MARK
OF THE BEAST, AND THEM THAT WORSHIPED HIS IMAGE. THESE BOTH WERE CAST (or
thrown)
ALIVE INTO A LAKE OF FIRE BURNING WITH BRIMSTONE
(or sulfur).
The Antichrist was captured. His earthly body was still alive
when he was cast into the lake of fire.
The false prophet was captured. His earthly body was still
alive when he was cast into the lake of fire.
The lake of fire burns with brimstone (or sulfur).
The false prophet had performed miracles (or miraculous signs).
The false prophet had deceived the people with these miracles.
The people that were deceived had received the mark of the
beast.
The people that were deceived had worshiped the image of
the Antichrist.
2 Thes 2:9 tells of the Antichrist, WHOSE COMING IS AFTER
THE WORKING OF SATAN WITH ALL POWER AND SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS.
THE HORN (which is the Antichrist)…I BEHELD EVEN TILL THE
BEAST WAS SLAIN, AND HIS BODY DESTROYED, AND GIVEN TO THE BURNING FLAME-Dan
7:11.
When an unbeliever dies, he goes to a place called "hell";
there he waits, until the final judgment of the damned, which is called the
"great white throne judgment." After that judgment, he is cast into
the eternal "lake of fire."
The Antichrist and false prophet, however, were cast directly
into the lake of fire.
19:21. AND THE REMNANT (or rest)
WERE SLAIN (or killed)
WITH THE SWORD (or the Word)
OF HIM (the rider, which is Jesus)
THAT SAT UPON THE HORSE, WHICH SWORD (which is the
Word)
PROCEEDED (or goes)
OUT OF HIS MOUTH (the mouth of Jesus). Jesus destroys
the rest of the armies that assemble to fight against Him as He returns. He
destroys them with the Word that comes out of His mouth: they are stamped upon,
as grapes in a winepress, till all their blood flows out.
AND ALL THE FOWLS (or birds)
WERE FILLED (or gorged themselves)
WITH THEIR FLESH. The fowls (or birds) are
filled with the flesh of multitudes.
20:1. AND I SAW AN ANGEL COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN,
HAVING
(1) THE KEY OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or Abyss)
AND
(2) A GREAT CHAIN IN HIS HAND.
The key to the bottomless pit is mentioned twice in the Revelation.
AND THE FIFTH ANGEL SOUNDED, AND I SAW A STAR FALL FROM HEAVEN
UNTO THE EARTH: AND TO HIM WAS GIVEN THE KEY OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT-Rev 9:1.
20:2.
AND HE LAID HOLD ON (or seized)
THE DRAGON, THAT OLD (or ancient)
SERPENT, WHICH IS THE DEVIL, AND SATAN, AND BOUND
(or chained)
HIM (up)
A THOUSAND YEARS.
Satan is captured and bound with a chain. For one thousand
years (during the Millennium), he will remain chained.
20:3.
AND CAST (or threw)
HIM INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT (or Abyss),
AND SHUT HIM UP (or locked it),
AND SET A SEAL UPON HIM, (so)
THAT HE SHOULD DECEIVE THE NATIONS NO MORE, TILL THE THOUSAND
YEARS SHOULD BE FULFILLED (or were over):
AND AFTER THAT HE MUST BE LOOSED (or set free for)
A LITTLE SEASON (or a little while, or time). One
angel is able to do the following:
Satan is caught, or a hold is laid on him.
Satan is bound for a thousand years.
Satan is cast into the bottomless pit.
Satan is shut up.
Satan has a seal set upon him, so he can no longer deceive
the nations, or anyone, till the thousand years are fulfilled.
For
the first time since man has existed, Satan will not be able to deceive people.
For one thousand years, he will be unable to place wrong thinking into anyone's
thoughts. He will no longer be able to deceive the nations. There will be peace.
The world will love the Jews. People will love one another. There may be some
small instances of sin, but overall sin and rebellion toward God, as it occurs
today, should nearly disappear. Love will prevail. Hate and mistrust should
virtually cease.
For one thousand years, the evil and judgmental thoughts
that people normally have will nearly vanish. The thoughts of rebellion and
stubbornness that people have against God will nearly disappear.
The countless number of wrong thoughts that each of us now
have, would disappear immediately, if Satan were now shut up and sealed. Man
will still have the capacity to sin; however, during the Millennium, there will
be no match to ignite it, as Satan is bound. After the Millennium, when Satan
is loosed, this will change.
The power of Satan to deceive is frequently emphasized
in the Scriptures.
Satan deceived Eve, then Eve deceived Adam.
Satan worked through Cain, who killed his brother.
The world, before the flood, showed the working of Satan.
The world, after the flood, again turned from God, because
of the deceptions of Satan.
The princes of this world were partakers in the crucifixion
of Jesus-ref 1 Cor 2:8.
Note the following verses. Be on your guard against Satan.
He still has great deceptive powers.
PETER SAID, ANANIAS, WHY HATH SATAN FILLED THINE HEART TO
LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST?-Acts 5:3.
Beware, LEST SATAN SHOULD GET AN ADVANTAGE OF US-2 Cor 2:11.
THERE WAS GIVEN TO ME A THORN IN THE FLESH, THE MESSENGER
OF SATAN TO BUFFET ME-2 Cor 12:7.
BE SOBER, BE VIGILANT; BECAUSE YOUR ADVERSARY THE DEVIL,
AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR-1 Pe 5:8.
Do not underestimate your enemy, the devil.
After the thousand years are expired, Satan will then be
let loose for a little season.
20:4. AND I SAW THRONES, AND
THEY SAT UPON THEM, AND JUDGMENT WAS GIVEN UNTO THEM (or who had been given
authority to judge-NIV). After the return of Jesus, the judgment of the nations
will be held. This is covered in Mt 25:31-46.
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:
AND BEFORE HIM SHALL BE GATHERED ALL NATIONS: AND HE SHALL SEPARATE THEM ONE
FROM ANOTHER, AS A SHEPHERD DIVIDETH HIS SHEEP FROM THE GOATS-Mt 25:31,32.
AND JESUS SAID...YE WHICH HAVE FOLLOWED ME, IN THE REGENERATION
WHEN THE SON OF MAN SHALL SIT IN THE THRONE OF HIS
GLORY, YE ALSO (the apostles) SHALL SIT UPON TWELVE THRONES, JUDGING
THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL-Mt 19:28.
During the "throne of His glory," the apostles
will also judge.
During the Millennium, the apostles will reign over the twelve
tribes of Israel. David shall be the king of Israel. Jesus shall be the King
of kings and the Lord of lords.
The saints will reign and rule with Jesus. They shall rule
over cities and other things. The saints shall judge the world. It is written,
DO YE NOT KNOW THAT THE SAINTS SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD?-1 Cor
6:2.
AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, WELL, THOU GOOD SERVANT: BECAUSE THOU
HAST BEEN FAITHFUL IN A VERY LITTLE, HAVE THOU AUTHORITY OVER TEN CITIES-Lk
19:17.
HIS LORD SAID UNTO HIM, WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT;
THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL MAKE THEE RULER OVER MANY
THINGS-Mt 25:23.
Rev 20:4 continues,
AND I SAW THE SOULS OF THEM THAT WERE BEHEADED.
People will be killed for Jesus’ sake during the first part
of the Tribulation; however, the greatest persecution will come during the second
part.
(1) FOR THE WITNESS (or for testifying)
OF JESUS,
(2) AND FOR (proclaiming)
THE WORD OF GOD,
(3) AND WHICH HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST,
(4) NEITHER HIS IMAGE,
(5) NEITHER HAD RECEIVED HIS MARK UPON THEIR FOREHEADS,
OR IN (or on) THEIR HANDS.
This also appears to list the order of events. It is in harmony
with the rest of the Revelation. For example, worshiping the beast comes first,
worshiping his image is next, and the mark appears to follow immediately thereafter.
AND THEY LIVED AND REIGNED WITH CHRIST A THOUSAND YEARS.
Two groups appear to be mentioned in this verse. The first
are those "who had been given authority to judge."
The second group are those that had been beheaded; they shall
"reign with Christ a thousand years." Many others will also reign
with Jesus a thousand years.
20:5.
BUT THE REST OF THE DEAD LIVED NOT AGAIN (or did not come to life-NIV)
UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED (or
over, or ended). Those that had died without Christ, remained in a place called
hell, being tormented in the flame-ref Lk 16:19-31. After the thousand years
are over, they are delivered up to the great white throne judgment, then cast
into the eternal lake of fire.
Rev 20:5 continues,
THIS IS THE FIRST RESURRECTION. The first resurrection
is referring to all those that have died "in Christ."
20:6.
BLESSED AND HOLY IS HE (or anyone). Blessed describes their state. Holy
is what they are, because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Blessed and holy is
he
THAT HATH PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION.
Regarding the first resurrection, it is written,
BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD, AND BECOME THE FIRSTFRUITS
OF THEM THAT SLEPT. FOR SINCE BY MAN CAME DEATH, BY MAN CAME ALSO THE RESURRECTION
OF THE DEAD. FOR AS IN ADAM ALL DIE, EVEN SO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL BE MADE ALIVE.
BUT EVERY MAN IN HIS OWN ORDER: CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS; AFTERWARD THEY THAT
ARE CHRIST’S AT HIS COMING-1 Cor 15:20-23.
There is the first resurrection and the last resurrection.
The first resurrection occurs in stages. Christ was the Firstfruits of the resurrection.
Afterward, many of the saints that slept arose. Then, they that are Christ’s
at His coming, which includes the Rapture. There are also the martyred Tribulation
saints and the resurrection and translation of the two witnesses.
The last resurrection, the resurrection of damnation, is
covered further on.
AND THE GRAVES WERE OPENED; AND MANY BODIES OF THE SAINTS
WHICH SLEPT AROSE, AND CAME OUT OF THE GRAVES AFTER HIS RESURRECTION (after
the resurrection of Jesus), AND WENT INTO THE HOLY CITY, AND APPEARED UNTO MANY-Mt
27:52,53. This happened nearly two thousand years ago.
Coming shortly is the resurrection and Rapture.
FOR THE HOUR IS COMING, IN THE WHICH ALL THAT ARE IN THE GRAVES SHALL HEAR HIS
VOICE, AND SHALL COME FORTH; THEY THAT HAVE DONE GOOD, UNTO THE RESURRECTION
OF LIFE-Jn 5:28,29.
AND AT THAT TIME THY PEOPLE SHALL BE DELIVERED, EVERY ONE
THAT SHALL BE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK. AND MANY OF THEM THAT SLEEP IN THE
DUST OF THE EARTH SHALL AWAKE, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE-Dan 12:1,2.
FOR THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN WITH A SHOUT,
WITH THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL, AND WITH THE TRUMP OF GOD: AND THE DEAD IN
CHRIST SHALL RISE FIRST: THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT
UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS, TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR: AND SO SHALL
WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD-1 Thes 4:16,17.
Rev 20:6 continues,
ON SUCH (or over him that has part in the first resurrection)
THE SECOND DEATH HATH NO POWER. It is written, HE
THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL NOT BE HURT OF THE SECOND DEATH-Rev 2:11. Those that are
part of the first resurrection have no fear of eternal damnation. They are free
from the second death and resurrection of damnation.
The second death includes the resurrection
of damnation, the great white throne judgment, and then being cast into
the eternal lake of fire. It is written, FOR THE HOUR IS COMING, IN THE WHICH
ALL THAT ARE IN THE GRAVES SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE, AND SHALL COME FORTH...AND
THEY THAT HAVE DONE EVIL, UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF DAMNATION-Jn 5:28,29.
AND SOME (shall awake) TO SHAME AND EVERLASTING CONTEMPT-Dan
12:2.
The second death is defined in Rev 20:14,15. AND DEATH AND
HELL WERE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH.
AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE
OF FIRE.
To summarize, the first resurrection are those "in Christ"—the
resurrection of "life."
The second resurrection are those "not in Christ"—the
resurrection of damnation. It takes place after the Millennium and the final
rebellion. It is the second death. It is eternal damnation.
Rev 20:6 continues, those of the first resurrection
THEY SHALL BE PRIESTS OF GOD AND OF CHRIST,
AND SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS.
Verse 4 had covered those that were beheaded for Jesus' sake
during the Tribulation. Of them it was written, "they lived and reigned
with Christ a thousand years."
It is also written,
AND HATH MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS UNTO GOD AND HIS FATHER-Rev
1:6.
YE ALSO, AS LIVELY STONES, ARE BUILT UP A SPIRITUAL HOUSE,
AN HOLY PRIESTHOOD, TO OFFER UP SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, ACCEPTABLE TO GOD BY JESUS
CHRIST-1 Pe 2:5.
Note,
the thousand years (or the Millennium) are referred to six times in the Revelation:
A thousand years-Rev 20:2
The thousand years-Rev 20:3
A thousand years-Rev 20:4
The thousand years-Rev 20:5
A thousand years-Rev 20:6
The thousand years-Rev 20:7
Both the Old Testament and New Testament have verses dealing
with this period.
20:7. AND WHEN THE THOUSAND YEARS ARE EXPIRED
(or are over),
SATAN (the Adversary)
SHALL BE LOOSED (or released)
OUT OF HIS PRISON.
The subject now changes. Satan had been bound for one thousand
years. During this time, there had been peace on the earth. Jesus reigned as
the King of kings and Lord of lords. Satan's voice was not heard in the minds
of the billions of people that repopulated the earth. The wicked, rebellious
thoughts, which we now have from Satan, had not entered into the minds of these
people. The earth had lived in peace, love, and in accordance with the Word
of God.
Then, all of a sudden, after the thousand years expire, something
happens to the billions of people. (Those in their spiritual bodies will not
be affected.) Suddenly, their minds become full of rebellion and hatred—there
is a division between those that continue to follow Jesus and those that do
not. There is a division between the Jews and those that hate the Jews. Even
though the people of the world have been warned that this would happen, because
their hearts are evil, they cannot resist the overwhelming power of Satan prompting
them to be consumed with hate and evil. Some continue to believe God's Word,
others do not. People will be tested to see if they will follow Jesus or the
devil, to see if their faith is genuine. It is the same today. The unsaved will
oppose the saved.
The world's population, at this time, will be as the sand
by the seashore.
20:8.
AND (Satan, having been released from his prison after one thousand years)
SHALL GO OUT TO DECEIVE
(1) THE NATIONS WHICH ARE IN THE FOUR QUARTERS OF
THE EARTH. During the Millennium, people will live a very long time. A person
that is one hundred years old will be considered a child-ref Isa 65:20. The
population of the world will explode. There will be nations upon the face of
the whole earth—"the four quarters of the earth."
(2) GOG AND MAGOG. Once again, the land that is now
modern-day Russia is mentioned. They led the invasion of Israel in what we call
World War III, during the first part of the Tribulation. Now, they are referred
to in connection with the final rebellion against Jesus after the Millennium.
Satan deceived the nations,
TO GATHER THEM TOGETHER TO BATTLE: THE NUMBER OF
WHOM IS (countless)
AS THE SAND OF THE SEA (or on the seashore). The nations
turn against the saints and against the Jews. They turn against Jesus. They
are banded or gathered together in rebellion.
20:9.
AND THEY WENT (or came, or marched)
UP ON (or across)
THE BREADTH OF THE EARTH (or land). During
Armageddon, the position of the earth may change. The words "up on or across
the breadth of the earth" leave room for speculation.
AND they (the forces of the world that had now turned
against the saints and the Jews)
COMPASSED (or surrounded)
(1) THE CAMP OF THE SAINTS (or God's people)
ABOUT,
(2) AND THE BELOVED CITY (which is Jerusalem). Some
translations omit the word "and"; thus, it appears, the camp of the
saints is the beloved city. Whether it is all one or two is uncertain.
Apparently, the Jews will remain faithful to Jesus
during this time of rebellion. Note the following, "My words...shall not
depart out of thy mouth…nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed...from henceforth
and for ever."
It is written, AND THE REDEEMER SHALL COME TO ZION, AND UNTO
THEM THAT TURN FROM
TRANSGRESSION IN JACOB, SAITH THE LORD. AS FOR ME, THIS IS
MY COVENANT WITH THEM, SAITH THE LORD; MY SPIRIT THAT IS UPON THEE, AND
MY WORDS WHICH I HAVE PUT IN THY MOUTH, SHALL NOT DEPART OUT OF THY MOUTH,
NOR OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THY SEED, NOR OUT OF THE MOUTH OF THY SEED’S SEED, SAITH
THE LORD, FROM HENCEFORTH AND FOR EVER-Isa 59:20,21.
This is spiritual warfare. Satan deceives people
to accomplish his purpose. He does not tell his servants what the end result
of their actions will be. He deceived Eve. He lied to her about what would happen
when she disobeyed God. In this verse, the nations have turned from God to Satan.
They probably do not think they are following Satan, but rather their own thoughts,
which they believe are right. A man’s ways are right in his own eyes. However,
the consequences of their rebellion against God are,
Rev 20:9 continues,
AND FIRE CAME DOWN FROM GOD OUT OF (or from)
HEAVEN, AND DEVOURED (or consumed)
THEM. The Lord defends His people. His judgment against
the rebellious is swift and final. He had warned the disobedient what would
happen to them, yet they chose to believe Satan's lies and not God's Word. During
the Millennium, they had seen the wonderful works and miracles of God, but they
still rebelled. In Egypt, the Jews saw the wonderful works and miracles of God,
but many of them also rebelled. Rebellion, as we now know it, comes to an end.
The final judgment of the damned should follow shortly.
20:10.
AND THE DEVIL (or the Adversary, which is Satan)
THAT DECEIVED THEM. Numerous times the Bible tells
of the devil deceiving people or the nations. Yet, in this Laodicean church
age, some make unwise statements, such as, "Satan cannot deceive me.
He is defeated. I can stamp him under my feet."
The devil
WAS CAST (or hurled, or thrown)
INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE (or lake of burning
sulfur),
WHERE THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET ARE. The beast
and false prophet will have, at this time, been tormented already for approximately
one thousand years. They are alive. They shall never die. Their torment shall
last forever and ever. Now the devil will be in the same lake of fire for eternity.
Satan’s power to deceive is ended.
AND SHALL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOR EVER AND EVER.
This is the EVERLASTING FIRE, PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS-Mt 25:41.
(Commentary)
The
subject now changes to the final judgment, which is called THE GREAT WHITE THRONE.
The final rebellion against Jesus is over. The heaven and earth have passed
away. There is no place for them to hide.
There is no rejoicing at this judgment. There is no singing.
This is the judgment of the damned.
Who will be at the great white throne judgment?
The skeptics, the mockers, the lukewarm Christians, the atheists, the agnostics,
the Hindus, the Moslems, the Jehovah's Witnesses, the spiritists, those that
practice Yoga, and the Buddhists, the Mormons, Unitarians, Zen Buddhists, the
astrologers, the fortune-tellers, the followers of Christian Science, and all
cults will be there. Those that believed in living for "self," who
trusted in gold and silver, idols, reincarnation, and in "just being a
good person" will find themselves at the great white throne judgment, and
then they are cast into the lake of fire.
All that did not die "in Christ," who were
Catholics, Protestants, Presbyterians, Methodists, Wesleyans, Lutherans, Episcopalians,
Baptists, Church of God, Foursquare, Assemblies of God, Church of Christ, Seventh-Day
Adventists, Pentecostals, Charismatics, and Evangelicals, even all denominations
shall be at this judgment. All that did not die "in Christ," from
all over the earth, shall be before the great white throne.
The religious and nonreligious shall be at this judgment;
those that went to good, Bible-teaching colleges and churches and those that
did not. Those that were Bible theologians, those that read the Bible, and those
that did not will be at this judgment. All who were not in Christ will
be there.
Millions of people that "thought they were saved,"
that thought they were "in Christ" shall be there. They did not do
God's Word. They bore no good fruit. They would not do the will of God. They
were not "in truth" born-again. Those that thought they were in Christ,
but did not love the brethren; those that professed Jesus, but would not repent;
those that were ashamed of Jesus and those that witnessed for Jesus, but would
not turn from iniquity shall all be at this judgment.
All that chose to live for this world, but not for the world
to come, shall be there.
Those that worshiped the beast and his image and took the
mark, but died before the judgment of the nations, will be at this judgment
also.
Cain should be there. The rich man, in Lk 16, will be there.
The unrepentant Pharisees, scribes, Sadducees, and Herodians shall be there.
Those that put Jesus on the cross, should be there. Those that shouted, "Crucify
Him, crucify Him," should be there.
Those, today, that oppose God's work and God's people, if
they don’t repent, will be there.
Multitudes of preachers, priests, Sunday school teachers,
Gospel singers, elders, and moral people that were not "in Christ,"
will be there. Outwardly, they appeared very godly, but they were not "truly
saved."
20:11.
AND I SAW A GREAT WHITE THRONE. "Great" may denote
magnitude and awesomeness. "White" may symbolize the righteousness
of the judgment; it also represents purity and holiness. "Throne"
represents authority and majesty; it also implies gravity (seriousness) and
finality.
AND HIM (Jesus)
THAT SAT ON IT. Jesus is the Judge,
FROM WHOSE FACE (or presence)
THE EARTH AND THE HEAVEN (or sky)
FLED AWAY. The heavens and earth shall pass away.
They shall dissolve and be changed.
As a result, the location of the great white throne cannot
be determined. Perhaps it is in space, as the earth and heaven fled away.
It
is written, HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY-Mt 24:35.
HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY-Mk 13:31.
HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY-Lk 21:33.
THE HEAVENS SHALL PASS AWAY WITH A GREAT NOISE, AND THE ELEMENTS
SHALL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT, THE EARTH ALSO AND THE WORKS THAT ARE THEREIN
SHALL BE BURNED UP-2 Pe 3:10.
THE FIRST HEAVEN AND THE FIRST EARTH WERE PASSED AWAY-Rev
21:1.
Note, in each case, the heavens are mentioned first.
THE HEAVENS BEING ON FIRE SHALL BE DISSOLVED, AND THE ELEMENTS
SHALL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT-2 Pe 3:12.
THE EARTH...is DISSOLVED-Ps 75:3.
THE EARTH: AND THE HEAVENS...THEY SHALL PERISH-Ps 102:25,26.
They SHALL WAX OLD LIKE A GARMENT-Ps 102:26.
THEY SHALL BE CHANGED-Ps 102:26.
THE INHABITANTS...ARE DISSOLVED-Ps 75:3.
ALL THESE THINGS...DISSOLVED-2 Pe 3:11.
SEEING THEN THAT ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE DISSOLVED, WHAT
MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT YE TO BE IN ALL HOLY CONVERSATION AND GODLINESS?-2 Pe
3:11.
Heaven and earth pass away, after Satan has been cast into
the lake of fire and the final rebellion has been defeated. Then, the great
white throne judgment is held. Following the judgment, the new heaven and earth
will come forth and New Jerusalem afterward.
Rev 20:11 continues,
AND THERE WAS FOUND NO PLACE FOR THEM. There was no
place to hide, no escaping the judgment that was about to take place.
20:12.
AND I SAW THE DEAD. No living are mentioned at this judgment. This is
the judgment of the damned, of the dead, of the eternally lost, of the cursed.
As it is written, THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH-Ro 6:23. Their sins were not forgiven
nor washed away. They had not received Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation.
Now they receive the recompense for their unbelief.
These dead,
SMALL AND GREAT, STAND BEFORE GOD (or in front of,
or before the throne). God is no respecter of persons. If a person died "in
Christ," he shall eternally be with Christ. If a person died and was not
"in Christ," he shall ultimately be at this judgment. It makes no
difference whether he was a slave or a king, or rich or poor.
AND THE BOOKS (more than one)
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
(or recorded)
IN THE BOOKS, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS (or according
to what they had done-NIV).
There appears to be a book of works and the book of life.
Some would also say there is a third book, the Lamb's book of life-ref Rev 21:27.
Their works are judged. This determines the degree of eternal punishment they
receive. They will go to the eternal lake of fire. They may be beaten with few
or many stripes. All judgment will be righteous.
LET
THEM BE BLOTTED OUT OF THE BOOK OF THE LIVING, AND NOT BE WRITTEN
WITH THE RIGHTEOUS-Ps 69:28.
LET HIS POSTERITY BE CUT OFF; AND IN THE GENERATION FOLLOWING
LET THEIR NAME BE BLOTTED OUT-Ps 109:13.
AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK
OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK
OF LIFE-Rev 22:19.
YET NOW, IF THOU WILT FORGIVE THEIR SIN—; AND IF NOT, BLOT
ME, I PRAY THEE, OUT OF THY BOOK WHICH THOU HAST WRITTEN-Ex 32:32.
HE
THAT OVERCOMETH, THE SAME SHALL BE CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT; AND I WILL NOT
BLOT OUT HIS NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE-Rev 3:5.
AND I ENTREAT THEE ALSO, TRUE YOKEFELLOW, HELP THOSE WOMEN
WHICH LABOURED WITH ME IN THE GOSPEL, WITH CLEMENT ALSO, AND WITH OTHER MY FELLOWLABOURERS,
WHOSE NAMES ARE IN THE BOOK OF LIFE-Phili 4:3.
THY PEOPLE SHALL BE DELIVERED, EVERY ONE THAT SHALL BE FOUND
WRITTEN IN THE BOOK-Dan 12:1.
AND THERE SHALL IN NO WISE ENTER INTO IT...BUT THEY WHICH
ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE-Rev 21:27.
AND
ALL THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH SHALL WORSHIP HIM, WHOSE NAMES ARE NOT WRITTEN
IN THE BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB-Rev 13:8.
AND THEY THAT DWELL ON THE EARTH SHALL WONDER, WHOSE
NAMES WERE NOT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE FROM THE FOUNDATION
OF THE WORLD, WHEN THEY BEHOLD THE BEAST THAT WAS, AND IS NOT, AND YET IS-Rev
17:8.
ANOTHER
BOOK WAS OPENED, WHICH IS THE BOOK OF LIFE: AND
THE DEAD WERE JUDGED-Rev 20:12.
AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF
LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE-Rev 20:15.
THOU TELLEST MY WANDERINGS: PUT THOU MY TEARS INTO THY BOTTLE:
ARE THEY NOT IN THY BOOK?-Ps 56:8.
THINE EYES DID SEE MY SUBSTANCE, YET BEING UNPERFECT; AND
IN THY BOOK ALL MY MEMBERS WERE WRITTEN, WHICH IN CONTINUANCE
WERE FASHIONED, WHEN AS YET THERE WAS NONE OF THEM-Ps 139:16.
20:13.
AND THE SEA GAVE UP THE DEAD WHICH WERE IN IT; AND DEATH (or the graves)
AND HELL (or Hades)
DELIVERED UP THE DEAD WHICH WERE IN THEM. It may be
said that the graves gave up the bodies, and Hades delivered up the souls. Note,
they delivered up the dead, meaning the spiritually dead, those that died in
their sins without Christ.
It is written, FOR THE HOUR IS COMING, IN THE WHICH ALL THAT
ARE IN THE GRAVES SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE, AND SHALL COME FORTH...THEY THAT HAVE
DONE EVIL, UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF DAMNATION-Jn 5:28,29.
AND THEY (or each person)
WERE JUDGED EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS (or
what he had done). As already covered, there will be degrees of punishment.
20:14. AND DEATH (or the grave)
AND HELL (or Hades)
WERE CAST (or hurled, or thrown)
INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS (lake of fire)
IS THE SECOND DEATH.
Death and "hell" were cast into the lake of fire.
Hell, the waiting place of torment for the unsaved, had delivered up the dead
to be judged at the great white throne judgment. Then, they were cast into the
eternal lake of fire to be in misery and torment for time without end. This
is "the second death."
20:15.
AND WHOSOEVER (or anyone whose name)
WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST
(or hurled, or thrown)
INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. Some believe that the wording
here leaves room for a few saved people to be at this judgment. These could
be righteous people that died between the first and second resurrection; however,
there seems to be no Scripture to support this view. All that were NOT FOUND
WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE were CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
Is your name in the book of life? Are you "in Christ?"
Here is the terrifying end of the unsaved, the unrepentant,
or those that were not "in Christ." There will be many horribly wicked
people at this judgment, as well as those that were considered "nice and
kind," but rejected Christ. For time without end, day and night, they will
never again have any rest from the torment of the burning flame. There will
never be any hope of escape. There will never be any hope of even a few minutes
of relief from the suffering. The judgment is eternal and final—there are no
pardons, appeals, or probation. Cain, the rich man of Lk 16, Hitler, and Judas
will all be there. The inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrha, Capernaum, and billions
of others from throughout history will be there.
Man has created all kinds of false doctrines, such as a third
resurrection and even purgatory, attempting to nullify God's eternal judgment
of damnation. Some blatantly deny the truth of an eternal lake of fire. Yet
it is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON (the Word) SHALL NOT SEE LIFE-Jn
3:36. IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD-Heb 10:31.
BUT I WILL FOREWARN YOU WHOM YE SHALL FEAR: FEAR HIM, WHICH AFTER HE HATH KILLED
HATH POWER TO CAST INTO HELL; YEA, I SAY UNTO YOU, FEAR HIM-Lk 12:5. Once in
hell, there is only the great white throne judgment to look forward to, then
the second death—being cast into the eternal lake of fire.
It has already been shown that the heaven and earth shall
pass away. (Note Rev 20:11.) Then the great white throne judgment shall be held.
21:1. AND I SAW A NEW
HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH: FOR THE FIRST (or old)
HEAVEN AND THE FIRST (or old)
EARTH WERE PASSED AWAY.
At the time of Armageddon, the earth greatly changes. The
earth had swayed back and forth like a drunkard. All the islands fled away.
The mountains were not found. Every mountain was made low. The earth's orbit
appears to have changed.
Following the last rebellion, the heaven and earth shall
pass away; however, a new heaven and earth shall come forth. The new heaven
is mentioned first, then the earth.
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