In all of my college days, and years after, I have seen Revelation 20 as the capstone, so to speak, of the Pre-Mill/Dispensational view of Revelation. My college days came from an A-millennial view of Revelation. This chapter is taken as the bedrock of the 1000 year Millennial reign, Armageddon, and the end of civilization as we know it.
Let’s divert from that shall we and focus on several others items?
My first point of focus is verse 6a: “Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power…” It seems to me the first resurrection would be my resurrection from the old life to the new life in Christ. Death has no power over me.
The second item of interest is the punishment of the great Deceiver, where along with the beast and the false prophet, he will be tormented day and night.
The third item is the biggest. Judgment will come. Everyone will stand before God’s throne and be judged on whether his/her name is in the Book of Life. There will be no switching teams in mid-stream; no second chance; no “Oh-woe-is-me-have-mercy-on-me” opportunity; no save me from what is to come. That time has passed. If one’s name is not written in the Book of Life it is over. All the rejection of the Truth, of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News of salvation, now has its sad and ultimate ending.
“Father, thank You for saving me. Thank You that my name is written in Your Book. I pray for all those who still have a chance. May they know Your salvation.”
Oh, Amen!!! AMEN!!!
I’ll take that as an AMEN! Like you agree. 🙂
May everyone come to Jesus before time runs out, Bill. So sad to even contemplate the alternative.
I really enjoyed your sermon on Sunday!
Blessings!
It really is sad there will be so many without eternity in heaven. My heart aches. And thank you for the kind words and for watching!
Father, help me to not miss the opportunities you put before me to tell people about what Jesus did on the cross to save us. Help me to openly share my own story, always be ready to plant seeds that will point people to You.
Thanks Gail. I think it is important that we openly share our story with others.
So thankful for God’s mercies.. every single day!!!
As am I Ed. I would be lost without it.