[:en]THE THOUSAND YEARS (vs. 1-6)
The thousand years are often referred to as the Millennium (Latin for 1,000). This issue is understood differntly among Christian scholars with 3 major positions, namely – Postmillennialism, Premillennialism and Amillennialism.
- Postmillennialism – a liternal 1,000 years period or peace on earth ushered in by the church. At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be unleased once more, but Christ will return to defeat him and reign forever. Christ’s second coming will not occur until after the 1000 years period.
- Premillennialism – views the 1,000 years as a literal time period, but holds that Christ’s second coming initiates His 1,000 year reign and that this reign occurs before the final removal of Satan.
- Amillennialism – considers the 1,000 year period to be symbolic of the time between Christ’s ascension and His return. This millennium is the reign of Christ in the hearts of the believers and in His church. This period will end with the second coming of Christ.
These different views about millenialism must not cause division and controversy in the church because each view acknowledge what is most crucial to Christianity. Christ will return to defeat Satan and reign forever. All believers will be united so we should not let this issue divide us.
God once again sets Satan free as His plan for judging the world. Perhaps it is to expose those who rebel against God in their hearts and confirm those who are truly faithful to God. Whatever the reason, Satan’s release results in the final destruction of all evils. (vs. 12-15)
Christians hold 2 basic views concerning the first resurrection:
- First resurrection signifies spiritual (in our hearts at salvation) and that the millennium is our spiritual reign with Christ between His first and second coming. During this time, we are priests of Lord because Christ reigns in our hearts. The second resurrection is the bodily resurrrection of all people for judgment.
- The first resurrection occurs after Satan has been set aside. It is a physical resurrection of all believers who then will reign with Christ on earth for a literal 1,000 years. The second resurrection occurs at the end of the millenium in order to judge unbelievers who have died. The second death is the spiritual death – everlasting separation from God.
SATAN’S DOOM (vs. 7-10)
Gog and Magog symbolize all the forces of evil that band together to battle against God. Noah’s son Japheth had a son named Magog (Gen. 10:2). Ezekiel present Gog as a leader of forces against Israel. (Eze. 38:38)
There are two mighty forces – Beast and Satan – united together to battle against God. The evil beast and his forces are captured and thrown in to the lake of fire and fire from heaven devours Satan and his attacking armies. Those who are with God will experience the tremendous victory with Christ.
Satan will be destroyed when he is thrown into the lake of fire. He was released from the bottomless pit but he will never be released from the lake of fire.
THE DEAD ARE JUDGED (vs. 11-15)
During judgment day, the books that recorded the deeds of everyone, good or evil will be opened. The dead are judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. Another book, the Book of Life that contains the names of those who have put their trust in Christ. Anyone whose name that is not in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake of fire.
Is your name in the Book of LIfe? If not, this is the time for you to confess your sins and accept Jesus as your personal Savior. Let Him be your Lord. Only then can you have hope and the everlasting life in heaven.[:]