B. The appearance of Christ (a Baby) to the shepherds has taken place (Luke 2:1-20). The appearance of Christ (a Child) to the Magi will take place about two years later (Matthew 2:1-11).
C. As we continue the season of Advent, we wait and reflect on what it means that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, especially the prophecies that foretold His birth. We look at three specific prophecies about Christ’s birth found in Isaiah and Micah. Advent means “Coming” in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/advent.shtml (My note: The first advent of Christ was also prophesied in Isaiah 9:6a. There will be a second advent of Christ, as is described in Isaiah 9:6b-7, 740 B.C. for both.).
D. It is very important for us to understand, in reference to the prophecy of the birth of Christ, “Who told what to whom?” It is also important to understand to whom the prophecy of the birth of Christ, “was not foretold.”
II. Let’s consider two “Jewish” prophets, “to whom the prophecy of the birth of Christ was given.” These two Jewish prophets, as well as all other prophets of the Old Testament, received prophecies from God that related to Jews, which, in turn, were given by the prophets to the Jews of Israel.
A. The importance of the Jewish prophets to the Jews of Israel, is made clear in Amos 3:7. The significance of the Jewish prophets can not be under stated, as it relates to the Jews and Israel, “past, present and future.”
Amos 3:7 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 787 B.C.
7 Certainly the Lord God does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret plan
To His servants the prophets.
B. Note: Donald R. Sunukjian, B.A., Th.M., Th.D., Ph.D., The Bible Knowledge Commentary. “Just as one event does not take place unless another event has already happened, so the sovereign LORD does nothing regarding the history of Israel without first revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. But once this revelation has occurred, once the sovereign LORD has spoken – Israel’s judgment is sure to follow.”
III. Book Overview – Isaiah – by C.I. Scofield – 760 B.C.
A. Isaiah is justly accounted the chief of the writing prophets. He has the more comprehensive testimony and is distinctively the prophet of redemption. Nowhere else in the Scriptures written under the law have we so clear a view of grace. The New Testament Church does not appear (Ephesians 3:3-10), but Messiah in His Person and sufferings, and the blessing of the Gentiles through Him, are in full vision.
B. Consider the authority of Isaiah, as a Jewish prophet of God.
1. Isaiah 1:1;2:1 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 760 B.C.
a. 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
b. 2:1 The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
C. The prophecies of Isaiah were given to him by God. Those God-given prophecies were given by Isaiah to the Jews of Israel.
1. Let’s consider Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah.
(a) The Messiah would be preceded by a forerunner (Isaiah 40:3–5).
(1) Isaiah 40:3-5 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 712 B.C.
3 The voice of one calling out,
“Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness;
Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Let every valley be lifted up,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the uneven ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;
5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
(b) The Messiah would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)
(1) Isaiah 7:14 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 742 B.C.
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will name Him Immanuel.
IV. Book Overview – Micah – by C.I. Scofield – 750 B.C.
A. Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah over Judah, and of Pekahiah, Pekah, and Hoshea over Israel 2 Kings 15:23-30; 2 Kings 17:1-6. He was a prophet in Judah Jeremiah 26:17-19 but the book called by his name chiefly concerns Samaria.
B. Let’s consider the authority of Micah, as a Jewish prophet of God.
1. Micah 1:1 The word of the Lord which came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and which he saw regarding Samaria and Jerusalem.
C. The prophecies of Micah were given to him by God. The prophecies of Micah were given by Micah to the Jews of Judah and Samaria (southern and northern Israel). Like his contemporary Isaiah, Micah prophesied about the Assyrian destruction of the Northern Kingdom and the later defeat of the Southern Kingdom by the Babylonians.
1. Consider the prophesied birth place of the Messiah.
a. The Savior would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).
(1) Micah 5:2 – New American Standard Bible 2020 – 710 B.C.
2 But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah,
From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.
His times of coming forth are from long ago,
From the days of eternity.”
V. Let’s consider the prophecy of the Messiah, as it is shown in Matthew 1:18-25, and fulfills Isaiah 7:14:
A. Matthew 1:18-25 – New American Standard Bible 2020- 5 B.C. – Immanuel, God With Us.
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, since he was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he named Him Jesus.
VI. Let us now consider to whom God did not foretell the birth of Christ. God did not give a prophecy of the birth of Christ to “Gentiles.”
A. The purpose of the coming of Christ to our world is described in the following verse:
1. Acts 26:23 – – New American Standard Bible 2020.
23 as to whether the Christ was to suffer, and whether, as first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
B. The order in which the message of Christ would go forth is described in the following verse”
1. Romans 1:16 – New American Standard Bible 2020.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
C. God has made it clear that Israel is His chosen people.
1. Deuteronomy 14:2 – New American Standard Bible – 1451 B.C.
2 For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
V. A key truth of this written article is contained in the following verse:
A. John 3:16 – New American Standard Bible 2020.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.
VI. It is important to know that Jews, whom had come to belief in Christ as Lord and Savior, took the message of Christ to the Gentile world.
A. Acts 1:8 – New American Standard Bible 2020
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.”
Were shepherds “and” Magi present at the manger, at the time of the birth of Christ? Let’s investigate the matter.
“We Three Kings Of Orient Are.” In the above video, shepherds and Magi are seen together in the manger scene, on the night of the birth of Christ. In this article, clarity will be brought to the matter of whom was present at the manger scene, and whom was not. As you read the article you will notice that repetition is used, with the reason being for the reinforcement of facts.
The Wise Men Seek Jesus – In the above video we see the Magi during their trip, probably from somewhere in Persia, or Babylon, to the “house” of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. The distance between the cities of Baghdad and Bethlehem is 684 miles; the travel time is debatable, but “two years” must fit into the equation (Matthew 2:16). Upon reaching the “house,” (Matthew 2:11) the Magi see the Holy Family, with the Christ “child,” probably being two years old (Matthew 2:16). The video ends with the Holy family on their way to Egypt for the protection of the Christ child. As I watched the video, a sense of Holiness came over me. The video shows changing weather conditions, which indicates a lengthy time of travel for the Maji.
Epiphany – The Appearing Of The Christ Child To The Magi; “They All Didn’t Show Up At The Same Time.”
The revealing of Christ to the Gentiles, in the persons of the Magi at Bethlehem; also called twelfth night. Observed on January 6th. Webster New World Dictionary Of The American Language College Edition, Copyright 1964 and 1953 to 1964.
The twelve days of Christmas in the song are the twelve days between the birth of Christ (Christmas, December 25) and the coming of the Magi (Epiphany, January 6). Precisely, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” start with Christmas Day and ends with the eve of Epiphany on January 5th. The Sunday nearest to 6 Jan can be celebrated as Epiphany Sunday, or the first Sunday after Epiphany (The Baptism of the Lord).
For frequently asked questions about the 12 Days of Christmas, please click onto the following link. http://www.12days.com/faq.htm
Epiphany Scripture. Matthew 2:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Scripture tells of the birth of Christ, the infant, with the shepherds being present, (Luke 2: 1-20). Scripture also tells of Christ, the young child, with wise men being present (Matthew 2:1-12). So, we see that, “they all didn’t show up at the same time.” Scripture also tells us that the Christ will be “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25), and will be “Mighty God.,” (Isaiah 9:6). The story of the Epiphany may be new to some believers but, nevertheless, it is good for all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior to be aware of the information. The account of Luke is celebrated as Christmas, on December 25th of each year. The account of Matthew is celebrated as Epiphany, twelve days later, with January 6th being Epiphany, sometimes being known as “the Epiphany.”
Isaiah 7:14 New King James Version (NKJV). The Immanuel Prophecy (742 B.C.).
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 New King James Version (NKJV). The Government of the Promised Son (740 B.C.).
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The first phrase of Isa 9:6 relate to the birth of Christ, His first advent. The remaining words of verse 6, as well as all of the words of verse 7, relate to the second coming of Christ, or His second advent.
Matthew 1:18-25 New King James Version (NKJV) Christ Born of Mary
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
Matthew 2:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV) Wise Men from the East
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
Matthew 2:13-15 New King James Version (NKJV) – The Flight into Egypt
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”
Consider. The wise men may have traveled for a period of two years (Matthew 2:16).
Matthew 2:16 New King James Version (NKJV) – Massacre of the Innocents
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
Consider. Three Magi show up in Bethlehem, looking for a “new King, a King of the Jews.” Herod, the King, feeling “a bit insecure,” gets concerned; he doesn’t want any competition. So, he decides to eliminate all possible opposition to his throne by killing all male babies that were two years old, and younger; so, the Christ Child must have been two years old when the Magi arrived in Bethlehem. These “wise men” were not present at the same time as when the shepherds of Luke 2 were led to the manger, where they (shepherds) saw Mary, Joseph, and “the infant Jesus.” The star (Matthew 2:2) led the Magi to Bethlehem. There, they saw Mary, Joseph, and “Christ.” We know from Scripture that Christ “is” the Light Of The World (John 1:9).
Consider. The wise men followed a star that led them to the Christ child (John 1:9: “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”).
Consider. After the wise men “came to Jesus,” they departed…another way.” (Matthew 2:12).
Question. After you were led to Christ, did you return…”another way?”
Christ was first made known to the Jews. Then, he was made known to the Gentiles. There are differences of opinion as to when those things happened. But, please! Don’t carry this battle of ideas out into the world of unbelievers; they have more serious things to think about, such as coming to belief in Christ as their Lord and Savior (John 3:18: ““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.”)
Consider the following information that has been written on Epiphany.
Epiphany is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. It falls on January 6 or, in many countries, on the Sunday that falls between January 2 and January 8. Since the Julian Calendar, which is followed by some Eastern Churches, is at present 13 days behind the Gregorian Calendar and the revised Julian Calendar, 6 January in that calendar corresponds at present to 19 January in what is the official civil calendar in most countries.
On this feast, Western Christians commemorate principally the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, i.e., his manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. It is also called Theophany, especially by Eastern Christians. In both traditions, the essence of the feast is the same: the manifestation of Christ to the world (whether as an infant or in the Jordan), and the Mystery of the Incarnation.
In Christian tradition, the Magi, also referred to as the (Three) Wise Men, (Three) Kings, or Kings from the East, are a group of distinguished foreigners who are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. They are regular figures in traditional accounts of the nativity and in celebrations of Christmas. Magi is a term derived from Greek meaning a priest of Zoroaster. (From: Wikipedia, License: CCA-SA)
Epiphany is one of the oldest Christian feasts. It has been celebrated since the end of the second century, before the Christmas holiday was established. It is commonly known as Twelfth Night, Twelfth Day, or the Feast of Epiphany. It means “manifestation” or “showing forth”. It is also called Theophany (“manifestation of God”), especially by Eastern Christians. Epiphany also refers to the church season that follows the day.
The Epiphany commemorates the first two occasions on which Jesus’ divinity, according to Christian belief, was manifested: when the three kings visited infant Jesus in Bethlehem, and when John the Baptist baptized him in the River Jordan. The Roman Catholic and Protestant churches emphasize the visit of the Magi when they celebrate the Epiphany. The Eastern Orthodox churches focus on Jesus’ baptism.
My thought on the meaning of Epiphany. It is “the appearing” of the Christ Child to the Magi, who were Gentiles. The initial appearing of Christ, “the infant,” was to the Shepherds, who were Jews. The Magi found the Christ Child in a house. The Shepherds found “Christ, the infant,” in a cave. There was approximately two years time passage from when the Shepherds saw “Christ, the infant,” until when the Magi saw, “Christ, the child.”
My thoughts on the opening video. The video is very good. The story that is laid out in it shows a good chronology of events that led up to the arrival of the wise men at the “house” where Jesus and Mary (Matthew 2:11) were mentioned in scripture (Consider all of the people who may have traveled with the wise men). I think that the video clearly shows, as it relates to the Shepherds and Magi, “they all didn’t show up at the same time.” In no scripture are the shepherds and Magi present at the same time. Neither the shepherds, nor the Magi, knew where to go to find Christ; they were led by God’s Holy Spirit, in every aspect of their journeys. In today’s world, neither do we know the way to Christ, nor that we are even, “supposed to go.” We are led by the Spirit of God, in every aspect of our Journey. (John 1:9; John 6:44). Without the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we wouldn’t know that we need Christ (1 Cor 1:18; 1 Cor 2:14). Without the work of the Holy Spirit, we will not spend eternity with Christ (John 3:3; John 3:8).
Consider the definition of Epiphany, per the Merriam Webster Dictionary.
Definition of epiphany
plural epiphanies
1
capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ
2
: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being
3
a (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
b : a revealing scene or moment
“We Three Kings”, also known as “We Three Kings of Orient Are” or “The Quest of the Magi”, is a Christmas carol written by Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., who wrote both the lyrics and the music as part of a Christmas pageant for the General Theological Seminary in New York City. It is suggested to have been written in 1857 but did not appear in print until his Carols, Hymns and Song in 1863. Hopkins composed the song in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he was a pastor at Christ Episcopal Church (which still stands at the corner of Fourth and Mulberry Streets).
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Romans 1:16
New American Standard Bible 2020
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
At the time of this writing, it is two days until Christmas eve. Six years ago I wrote the following comment in an article that I had published that relates to the subject of the article that I am publishing this evening….. “Earlier today, as I was driving through a sleepy area of my city, a dreary air was cast over the town. The sky was heavily cloud covered, and dark. A light mist was falling. Very few people were seen on the streets. The day seemed to match the condition of the story that I was hearing on Moody Radio, which was a feeling of utter despair for couples experiencing struggles in their marriages.”
This is the sixth year that I have published this article. Minor changes are made each time that I update this article, but never is an update just a carbon copy of the previous article, but is due to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Each time, before I publish this article, I watch the video, and listen to the audio of the story, “without interruption;” each time strong emotions emerge from within me, and tears begin to flow. Normally, I will publish this article sooner in the month; for this late date post, I am very sorry. But, the truth of the article remains truth.
Please, read the entire text of this article. Please, watch the video and listen to the audio recording. Please! Understand that “which is” being said and that which is not being said in this article.
The story of Jacob and Marlee is that, just a story. But, I know that their situation is one that many married couples, “are facing, have faced, or will face,” in their marriages. Many struggling couples need to come to the truth that they need, “not to give up” on their marriages, but that they should try to make their marriages work. “Jacobs and Marlees” whom are in the process of ending their marriages today, should remember the words that Jacob said about marriage (those words are “on the way.”).
Not all marriages are dying, or are dead, but may need attention. There is a high rate of marriages that are failing because of affairs. A thought stays in my mind today, just as it has in the past; and as it relates to infidelity. That thought is very strong, and is this: “If you are in an affair, “GET OUT OF IT!” Just get out! Don’t wait! Just get out! Get your life right with God! Please understand that which I am saying, and that which I am not saying. I am saying that if you are in an affair, “GET OUT” of the affair; “JUST GET OUT!” “DON’T WAIT!” “JUST GET OUT!” “GET YOUR LIFE RIGHT WITH GOD!” The knight in shining armor, standing on a lush green field, may someday have his armor to tarnish, and the grass under his feet to turn from rich green to dirty brown. No one really can be sure if the grass is greener, unless they’re actually standing in it; and then, it may be too late to stop the damage that has already, by collateral affect, begun to harm other innocent people.
As is recorded in the above scripture, Mary and Joseph were on their way to Bethlehem, where Mary would give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world. Consider the story of Marlee and Jacob, and their “Christmas Eve” journey; it was being made for quite a different reason. The recording of Marlee and Jacob may be difficult for some people; I understand that. I moderate all comments that are made on my WordPress site. If anybody comments on this post on WordPress, please know that I will not publish that comment without gaining permission to do so. If you are seeing this article on any other social media site, you may want to sent your comment to me via private message.
If you are considering a Christmas Eve “divorce papers appointment,” please, let me ask you to listen carefully to the following audio recording of Marlee and Jacob, as they are on their way to sign their divorce papers, “on Christmas Eve.” Listen very attentively. As you listen, think about your wedding vows. Think about your marriage. Think about your children. Please understand that marriage is worth fighting for.
After you have read, listened to, and watched everything that is in this post, please ask yourself a very personal question (you can answer to yourself). Here it is. When you are having a conversation on social media with a “friend” of the opposite sex, “do you get a rush, or a spark?” If your answer is “yes,” maybe social media is not something that you should have as a part of your life.
As you have learned from the audio of Marlee and Jacob, they were married on Christmas Eve, “twenty years ago.” On this particular Christmas Eve, the couple is headed to an attorney’s office to sign divorce papers. Think about Marlee, Jacob, and your marriage situation. Do you remember the words that you and your mate said to each other as you stood before God, the minister, family and friends, and the rest of the people who were watching and listening as you professed your love for one another? If you have forgotten those special words, I have written some words from a traditional wedding vow for you to consider. Please read them now.
“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish…’til death do us part.”
Please understand that I have no room for spousal abuse in a marriage.
Your particular marriage may not be failing, but there are others, of whom you know, whose marriages are falling apart. Please share this article with those people.
With Christmas being so very near, as you consider the message of this Christmas story, remember its two sets of Christmas characters, both being “J” and “M.” Joseph and Mary, two thousand years ago, were on their way to Bethlehem to bring a life into the world, with that life being Christ, the Savior of the world. In this story, Jacob and Marlee are two character types whom are present in the lives of many people all around the world today, with many being in the process of ending their marriages; such divorces will affect the lives of many others whom are part of their lives. Of the “Jacobs and Marlees” whom are in the process of ending their marriages; they should remember the words that Jacob says about marriage, “marriage is worth fighting for.”
How does John describe the new Jerusalem?
From the series “Revelation: The Last Words of Jesus” featuring very special guests Dr. Ron Rhodes, Dr. Ed Hindson, and, Dr. Mark Hitchcock. John Ankerberg Show. Nov 30, 2018. Credentials for each of the speakers can be found in my Page that discusses my sources of information.”
When commenting on this article, please relate such comments to the contents of the posted information. For other related concerns, please send a private message to me.
I. Introduction. Consider what life will be like in The Heavenly City, The New Jerusalem (“Things To Come, J. Dwight Pentecost, pp 581-583).
A. A life of fellowship with God (1 Cor 13:12; 1 John 3:2; John 14:3; Rev 22:4).
B. A life of rest (Rev 14:13).
C. A life of full knowledge (1 Cor 13:12).
D. A life of holiness (Rev 21:27).
E. A life of joy (Rev 21:4).
F. A life of service (Rev 22:3).
G. A life of abundance (Rev 21:6).
H. A life of Glory (2 Cor 4:17; Col 3:4).
I. A life of worship (Rev 19:1; 7:9-12; 1 John 3:2; Rev 1:5-6; Rev 5:13; Rev 7:12).
II. Consider Heaven (Rev 4:1). Consider the New Heaven (Rev 21:1). As wonderful as the eternal state of the New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem will be (Rev 21:1-2), not everyone will be granted entry into that Godly paradise. This article will discuss those whom will, and those whom will not, spend eternity with God; the blessings of the eternal state will also be discussed.
III. Many of you have had many pets, of many types and breeds. The last video will discuss the eternal state, as it relates to pets; I trust that you will receive a blessing from Dr. Randy Alcorn’s discussion.
IV. Scripture Study Details. Revelation 22. New American Standard Bible 2020 Update.
A. Introduction. Revelation 22 Text and Comments. Scripture notes come from the Ryrie Study Bible, due to the demonstrated knowledge of scripture of Dr. Ryrie, and because of the concise way that he makes his thoughts known. The credentials of Dr. Charles Ryrie (deceased) can be found on the Page that discusses my sources of information. Everybody should have a Ryrie Study Bible.
B. Text. The River and the Tree of Life. vs 1-9.
1 And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever.
6 And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.
7 “And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 And he *said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
C. Comments. The River and the Tree of Life. vs 1-9.
1. vs 1-2. These descriptive phrases indicate fullness of life and continuous blessing in the New Jerusalem.
2. vs 3-5. The “curse” and all darkness will be excluded, and service, communion, and reigning will be the believers’ privileges.
3. vs 8-9. Again, John is commanded not to worship angels (see 19:10).
D. Text. The Final Message. vs 10-21.
10 And he *said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong still do wrong, and the one who is filthy still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous still practice righteousness, and the one who is holy still keep himself holy.”
12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to reward each one as his work deserves. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral persons, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you of these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.
18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
C. Comments. The Final Message. vs 10-21.
1. vs 11. When Christ comes there will be no more opportunity for a man to change his destiny. What he is then, he will be forever.
2. vs 12. Salvation is not of works but rewards are.
3. vs 14. “Blessed are those who wash their robes.” I.e., believers.
4. vs 15. “dogs.” Not animals, but people of low character (cf. Phil 3:2).
5. vs 16-17. Jesus is gracious because (1) He gave the book of Revelation to the churches, (2) as the son of “David” He will fulfill Israel’s promises, (3) He is the “morning star,” the precursor of the new day, and (4) He offers the “water of life” freely.
6. vs 18. For similar OT warnings against additions or omissions, see Deu 4:2; 12:32; Prov 30:6.
7. vs 20. “Yes, I am coming quickly.” The third occurrence of this promise (see vv 7, 12). The believer’s reaction is, “Do come quickly, Lord Jesus.”
V. Verses of significance.
A. Rev 22:15. Walvoord Revelation Commentary. Dr. Walvoord makes it clear that the unsaved are not permitted into the eternal state. Rev 21:8, 27 show people who, by evidence of their sinful lifestyles, remained unsaved and were cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15). In essence, these people were never born again (John 3:3, 2 Cor 5:17).
1. Vs 15: a… the reference is to those who qualify for entrance; believers have access to the tree of life and the right to enter through the gates of the city. The right to the tree of life and the right to enter through the gates of the city are one and the same as the right to eternal salvation.
2. Vs 15: b… unbelievers are characterized as being excluded and are described as “dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” This is the third description of unsaved people in this general passage (cf. 21:8, 27). The main emphasis in each of them is on the deceitfulness and lying of those who are unsaved. The reference to dogs refers not to the animal but to men of low character (cf. Phil. 3:2). As in the former description of the unsaved, the issue is not that they have at some time committed sins of this character, but rather that these are the settled characteristics of their lives from which they were never delivered although the grace of God made possible that deliverance.
B. Rev 22:21. NKJV Study Bible Note.
1. 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ begins and concludes the Book of Revelation (1:4), implying that the message of grace and the free gift of eternal life in Christ (see Eph. 2:8, 9)—not merely the message of judgment upon unbelievers—can be found in this book.
2. In this study of revelation, we are seeing that “the best is left for last,” which is “life with God, forever!”
VI. Conclusion.
A. When Christ was discussing the coming earthly kingdom with the Jews in first century Israel, he used the words, “I never knew you” (Matt 7:21-23). Christ was discussing those whom would not be allowed to enter the Kingdom, which will take place, on earth, at the end of the tribulation. Israel will be coming under the attack of the Battle of Armageddon, and will call upon Christ to save them from total annihilation (Zech 12:10). Only those Jews whom have come to saving faith in Christ will be saved by Christ and allowed to enter the Kingdom age of the Millennium. The Jews whom are not born again will call on Christ to save them, but their response will be, “I never, never, never, ever, had a relationship of saving faith with you; “I NEVER KNEW YOU!” Matt 24:40-41, “40 At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.” The Jew, that is taken, is taken in death to the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:15). The Jews that are left, are left to enter the Kingdom Age. The same thing relates to unbelieving Gentiles who survive the tribulation. Matt 25:41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.” Gentiles who come to saving faith in Christ during the Tribulation will be allowed to enter the Kingdom. Matt 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
B. Only born again people will enter the Kingdom Age. Only born again people will enter the eternal state. Let’s also consider the closing video.
VII. Closing Video.
A. Snooky was my family’s first pet, a blonde colored cat. One day Snooky was crossing a nearby street and was run over and killed by a passing car. My mother heard the commotion, and went to where Snooky was lying lifeless in the street. She picked up Snooky and carried him into our back yard, where she buried him. My younger brother and sister and I were devastated by the loss of Snooky. I am sure that many of you have experienced similar losses of your pets (really family members). So, save you ever wondered if you will ever see your deceased pets again? Listen to the discussion of Randy Alcorn; you may receive comfort, and a blessing (The video may not be reset to 0:00).
B. The New Heaven and New Earth
C. Closing Video Details. John Ankerberg Show. March 3, 2014.
D. In the third program of this series, we’ll look at what the Bible teaches about the New Heavens and Earth.The Bible discusses a time in the future when a new heaven and earth will be recreated from the ones that exist today. Dr. Ankerberg and Randy Alcorn discuss what will take place along with applications for how we live today.
Randy Alcorn (Th.B., M.A., D.D.).
Raphael Warnock “You cannot serve God and the military” at the same time.
2 Timothy 4:14. Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith. Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he’s got coming. (The Message)
Radical Raphael Warnock was educated by Marxists, praised by socialists, and even welcomed Communist leader, Fidel Castro, to his church. He defended Jeremiah Wright’s “God Damn America” agenda, decried the right to life and the 2nd Amendment, and proudly touts his support of organizations that want to destroy the nuclear family and undermine our longstanding support of Israel (See last link).
Warnock repeatedly declares Jesus to have been a “poor Palestinian prophet” and a “Palestinian peasant.” This is not a one-time accident.
If you’re into anti-Semitic revisionist history, or just the latest in Replacement theology and cultural appropriation, Georgia’s Democratic candidate for Senate Rev. Raphael Warnock has a great one for you. It was previously exposed that Warnock accused Israel of shooting non-violent, unarmed Arab protesters like animals, and signed off on an anti-Semitic document accusing Israel of war crimes and comparing Israel to Apartheid South Africa.
After that information was exposed, Warnock penned an editorial denying that he believes Israel is an apartheid state and that he condemns BDS.
In Warnock’s latest sermons that have come to light (skip past the part where he appears to be preaching Marxism), Warnock enters the anti-Semitic world of historical anachronism and revisionism, and we can throw in cultural appropriation for good measure.
Warnock repeatedly declares Jesus to have been a “poor Palestinian prophet” and a “Palestinian peasant.” This is not a one-time accident.
Except, at that time, the Land of Israel where Jesus lived was then called Judea and not Palestine. Roman Emperor Hadrian didn’t rename the Jewish country to Palestine (named after the foreign invaders that plagued Israel) until after the suppression of the Bar Kochva revolt against the Roman occupiers, in 135 C.E., long after Jesus died.
Which makes Warnock’s repeated claim that Jesus was a “Palestinian” an anachronism.
And since Jesus was a Jew, just pile onto that some plain old historical revisionism and cultural appropriation.
The preacher doesn’t even know his own scriptures, instead he is channeling arch-terrorist Yasser Arafat who first crowned Jesus as the first Palestinian martyr, a lie further perpetuated by the likes of no less than Linda Sarsour and Ilhan Omar.
Warnock is running against Senator Kelly Loeffler (R) in the upcoming Georgia runoff election for Senate.
“Raphael Warnock signed letter likening West Bank to apartheid South Africa,” Jewish Insider reported Thursday.
The publication followed up with another story this week saying that Warnock, a Black pastor who leads the church helmed by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. until his assassination in 1968, “blasted Israel” in a 2018 sermon.
On Monday, Loeffler amplified that sermon on Twitter, accusing Warnock of having “a long history of anti-Israel extremism.”
Just days into the U.S. Senate runoff campaign, Rev. Raphael Warnock, the Democrat running against Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, is under fire for his defense of a controversial African American pastor and his own statements about Israel and the Palestinians.
WARNOCK COMPARED AMERICA TO COMMUNIST CUBA, SAID FIDEL CASTRO HAD ‘COMPLEX’ LEGACY IN RESURFACED VIDEO
When a Twitter user pointed out on Wednesday that “pro-choice pastors” do exist, the Super Bowl champion head coach appeared skeptical.
“Rev Warner may be a pastor. My question would be ‘Is he a Christian?’ That is, does he follow the teachings of Jesus and does he believe that the Bible is the absolute word of God?” tweeted, who is a football commentaror for NBC.
He added: “I would think it would be difficult for someone who believes that God sees us when we are in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16) to think that it is OK to choose not to bring that life to fruition.”
Rev. Raphael Warnock, Georgia Senate Candidate, Says Abortion OK with Christian Faith
In reference to 2 Timothy 4:14, consider the comment on 1 Timothy 1:20, from the Reformation Study Bible.
1 Timothy 1:20 “of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”
1:20 Hymenaeus and Alexander. Singling out these two individuals raises the question whether they were leaders in the church. Hymenaeus is mentioned again in 2 Tim. 2:17, 18 as one who has “swerved from the truth.” It is unclear whether the name “Alexander” here and in Acts 19:33, 34 and 2 Tim. 4:14, 15 all refer to the same person.
“I have handed over to Satan.” This is probably a reference to putting these two individuals outside the fellowship of the church and, hence, back into the world—the domain of Satan (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2). Paul uses a similar expression in 1 Cor. 5:5 (cf. Matt. 18:17).
“may learn not to blaspheme.” The purpose of this excommunication is disciplinary—that the two would recognize their errors and repent (2 Tim. 2:25, 26; Titus 3:10).
Consider the rich history of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. It is beyond me, as to why that congregation sits under the ungodly teaching of this pastor whom has strayed far from God’s Holy Word. It is also beyond me as to why so many Georgians want him to represent their state in the United States Senate. What are his credentials, other than speaking against America and against God’s inspired Word? (2 Timothy 3:16)
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I. Introduction. Most people use the terms, “Heaven and Hell,” to relate to the eternal destinations for all of humanity, as to whether they have been said to be “good or bad.” In this study of the twenty-first chapter of Revelation we will discuss the subjects of heaven and hell, in their correct translations. We will also discuss the qualification for anyone to have a joyful eternal presence with God, and the life conditions that will cause anyone to have an eternal existence of torments.
II. Consider heaven and hell.
A. The present world in which we reside will be destroyed at the end of the millennium (2 Peter 3:10-12). We are promised to have new heavens, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-2).
B. The eternal state of torment is described in Revelation 20:10-15. Verse 10 states, “lake of fire,” which is correct. Verse 13, uses the words “death and hell.” The word, “death,” relates to the state of death, in relation to dead bodies (Luke 16:22). “Hell,” which is incorrectly translated in some bibles, should be translated “hades.”
2. Rev 20:13, hadés: 86. Hades, the abode of departed spirits (Strong’s Concordance).
a. As is seen in Luke 16:22, death relates to the physical death of a body.
b. As is seen in Luke 16:22, death relates to the physical death of a body.
C. As is seen in Luke 16:23, Hades refers to the conditions of the conscious state of torment of the soul, for those whom have died not having a saving relationship with God, and which will remain until they stand at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:13-15).
1. Rev 20:13, dead: 3498. nekros. Usage: (a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse (Strong’s Concordance).
2. Rev 20:13. “death and hades gave up the dead.” The physical bodies of the unsaved will be joined with their spirits which have been in hades, regardless of how far a body has disintegrated. (Bible Knowledge Commentary, John F. Walvoord, B.A., M.A., Th. M., Th. D., D.D., Litt. D.)
3. As is seen in Luke 16:22a, we see righteous Lazarus in death, whose soul is in the bosom of Abraham. In Luke 16:23, while in torment, the unrighteous man’s soul is conscious of his torment. In Luke 16:25, we see that righteous Lazarus is in a state of comfort, while in death, while the agony of the unrighteous dead man is being restated.
D. Consider the Apostle Paul’s understanding of death and the eternal conscious state of deceased believers in Christ.
1. 2 Cor 5:8, “but we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”
2. Comment. 5:8. After the parenthetical thought of v. 7, Paul resumes where he left off in v. 6. He was not only confident (v. 6) that he was going to be with the Lord, he was pleased that he would be with the Lord after his death. This is one of the passages in the NT that indicates where believers will go immediately after their death; they will be with Jesus in heaven (see also Phil. 1:23). Jesus’ promise to the repentant criminal on the cross next to Him indicates this: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43) (NKJV Study Bible). The thief would soon experience the same eternal blessings as did righteous Lazarus (mine).
E. Consider the following description of conscious states of death. Abraham’s Bosom, Hades, Sheol.
1. “Abraham’s bosom.” This same expression (found only here in Scripture) was used in the Talmud as a figure for heaven. The idea was that Lazarus was given a place of high honor, reclining next to Abraham at the heavenly banquet. “Hades” was the Gr. term for the abode of the dead. In the LXX, it was used to translate the Heb. “Sheol,” which referred to the realm of the dead in general, without necessarily distinguishing between righteous or unrighteous souls. However, in NT usage, “Hades” always refers to the place of the wicked prior to final judgment in hell. The imagery Jesus used paralleled the common rabbinical idea that “Sheol” had two parts, one for the souls of the righteous and the other for the souls of the wicked—separated by an impassable gulf. “I am tormented.” Christ pictured Hades as a place where the unspeakable torment of hell had already begun. Among the miseries featured here are unquenchable flame (see note on Matt. 25:46); an accusing conscience fed by undying memories of lost opportunity (v. 25); and permanent, irreversible separation from God and everything good (v. 26). (MacArthur Study Bible, Luke 16:22-24.).
2. Consider body, soul and spirit (1 Thes 5:23). Body: eyes, nose, toes. Soul: consciousness, emotions, mind. Spirit: that part of us which either has the Spirit of Christ, dwelling within it, or does not have the Spirit of Christ dwelling within it. If the Spirit of Christ does not dwell within our spirit, we have not been born again; we do not have an eternal presence with Christ (John 3:3; 2 Cor 5:17).
III. Who will be in the eternal state?
A. Whether a believer is resurrected, or raptured, their mortal body must undergo a total change. Consider 1 Corinthians 15:50-54.
50 Now I say this, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will 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 imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.
B. In our present mortal bodily state, we will either die, or be raptured. Whether dead, or alive, our body must be changed from one that is susceptible to sickness and death, to one that will never succumb to sickness or death. At the time of resurrection, and immediate-following rapture, the body of every believer in Christ will be given a resurrection body that will never be sick or will die.
C. In order for us to enter the eternal state, we must be given an imperishable, immortal, eternal, resurrection body, which will be provided by God; this will happen at the time of the rapture of the church (John 14:2-6; 1 Cor 15:50-54; 1 Thes 4:13-18).
D. Consider the words of the Apostle John, as he describes what we will be like at the time of the rapture:
1. 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope set on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
2. My note: “We will be like Him.” Notice that, at the time of the rapture, and forever more, we will be incapable of thinking, saying, or doing, anything that is sinful.
IV. Scripture Study Details.
A. Introduction. Revelation 21 Text and Comments. Scripture notes come from the Ryrie Study Bible, due to the demonstrated knowledge of scripture of Dr. Ryrie, and because of the concise way that he makes his thoughts known. The credentials of Dr. Charles Ryrie (deceased) can be found in the About Sources Page of this site. Everybody should have a Ryrie Study Bible.
B. Text. Revelation 21.
The New Heaven and Earth
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” 6 Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7 He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. 8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
The New Jerusalem
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. 12 It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. 17 And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. 18 The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
22 I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; 26 and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; 27 and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
C. Comments. Revelation 21. Ryrie Study Bible.
1. 21:1. “a new heaven and a new earth.” The present creation will be destroyed so that it may be cleansed from all the effects of sin (2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12). “No more sea” because climatic and human conditions will be completely different.
2. 21:2. “new Jerusalem.” This heavenly city will be the abode of all the saints (Heb 12:22-24), the bride of Christ (vv 9-10), and the place Christ prepared for His people (John 14:2). During the Millennium, the Jew Jerusalem (described in Rev 21:9-22:5) apparently will be suspended over the earth, and it will be the dwelling place of all believers during eternity (as is emphasized in 21:1-8).
3. 21:3-4 People will enjoy a new intimacy with God and the elimination of those sorrows that sin brings.
4. 21:8. Those whose lives can be characterized in these ways will be cast into the lake of fire, because they have shown themselves to be unbelievers. “brimstone = sulphur.
5. 21:11. The city will shine with the “glory of God,” like “crystal-clear Jasper,” which will allow that glory to shine brilliantly.
6. 21:12-14. Though both Jewish saints and Christian saints will inhabit the city, the names of the “twelve tribes” and the “twelve apostles” are a witness to their continued distinction.
7. 21:16-17. Shaped foursquare like a cube, the city is 1380 mi (2,220 km) on each face, including height, with a wall 72 yd (66 m) thick. It has been calculated that even if only 25 percent of this space were used for dwellings, 20 billion people could be accommodated spaciously.
8. 21:19-20. “chalcedony.” Probably a greenish blue agate stone. (The exact composition and color of all these precious stones is unknown.) “sardonyx.” Bright red. “chrysolite.” Golden in color. “beryl.” Sea green. “topaz.” Yellow-green. “chrysoprase.” Apple green. “jacincth.” Blue. “amethyst.” Purple.
9. 21:24-27. The inhabitants will be only those which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
V. Verses of judgment and condemnation. In the verses that follow, are the lifestyles of people whom have not been born again, “those whom are not Christ’s.” Those whom are alive during the time prior to the tribulation had been exposed to Christ by eyewitnesses of our Lord, and by those whom had been won to Christ by those whom had been won to Christ by converts of eyewitnesses (from the first century until now). Because only eyewitnesses of Christ had actually seen the Truth of Christ, “those whom had not/have not/ seen our Lord,” based their decisions to accept Christ as Lord and Savior on faith, which will be the case of those whom will be tribulation saints. Those whom will live during the Kingdom Age as unbelievers will have the physical Presence of Christ in their lives, and will come under His teaching. In Rev 21:8 such words as “cowardly, fearful, liars,” along with the other verse qualifiers, show a lifestyle of unbelief in Christ, of not having been born again. All whom have direct access to the Person of Christ and to His teachings, should have no reason to be cowardly, fearful, or liars. But, because of their not having been born again, such Kingdom Age unbelievers will find their eternal destination to be in the Lake Of Fire (Rev 20:15), because they did not receive the Person and teaching of Christ; they will have been born in the Kingdom Age as unbelievers, and will exit the Kingdom Age as unbelievers. In essence, those of Rev 21:8, have not been born again (John 3:3). It is important to know that “Kingdom of God” can relate to the Millennium or to the Eternal State, depending on context. John 3:3 and 1 Cor 6:9-10 directly relate to people who be allowed to enter the Millennium/Kingdom Age (Rev 20). Those whom have been born again will also enter the eternal state of the new heaven, new earth and new Jerusalem (Rev 21-22).
A. Pre-Tribulation Warning. This message is being taught now, and relates to those whom have not been born again, but may be born again.
1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Text.
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Comment.
a. Vs 9-10. These sins, if of lifestyle, show that such a person has not been born again, not having the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which prompts believers to righteousness.
b. Vs 11. Any unbeliever can come to saving faith in Christ, which will cause such a person to live a righteous way of life.
B. Post Tribulation Judgment. This message is written to relate to those who will be living in the Kingdom Age of the Millennium. The particulars also relate to this age in which we live.
1. Revelation 21:8.Text.
8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
2. Revelation 21:8. Comment.
a. A solemn, serious warning about the kinds of people who will be outcasts from the new heaven and the new earth in the lake of fire. The NT often goes beyond just citing unbelief in listing character and lifestyle traits of the outcast, so that believers can identify such people (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Gal. 5:19; cf. John 8:31). sorcerers. See note on 9:21. lake which burns with fire. See note on 19:20. brimstone. See note on 9:17. second death. See note on 20:6. (MacArthur Study Bibe.).
b. For the people who are identified in this verse, there is no recompense. Their eternity in the lake of fire was affirmed when they denied Christ as their Lord and Savior, and died, while living in the Kingdom Age. For those, who either remained alive throughout the Millennium (not having accepted Christ as Lord and Savior), or were killed as they joined forces with Satan and came against Christ and His people at the Battle of God and Magog (Rev 20:7-9), their eternity in the lake of fire was also sealed.
c. The dead of all time (those not born again, John 3:3), as opposed to “the dead in Christ” (those born again) (1 Thes 4:16), will stand before God, be judged according to their works, which are written “in the books,” and be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15).
d. The “book of life” (Rev 20:12) contains the names of all of those, of all time, whom will have been born again. Their offenses had been “nailed to the cross” (Col 2:13-14), whereby Christ had paid their sin debt.
C. Sin Applications.
1. In today’s world, we have a close resemblance to the events of the Battle of Gog and Magog (Rev 20:7-9). Those whom reside on earth during the Kingdom Age will be taught the truth of Christ (Isa 2:1-3; Zech 8:3). But, in spite of the truth of the words of Christ, many people will not accept His teachings. They will become pawns of Satan in his attack on God’s people at the end of the Millennium, and will show by their works that they have not accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Consider the words of Rev 21:8, which identify the people directly, whom will be living during the millennium, but have shown by their lifestyles that they have not come to saving faith in Christ. Anyone can have a day where they may commit any of the sins of 21:8, but only if those sins are lifestyle patterns, do they show that they have rejected Christ.
2. In the Apostle Paul’s personal world, he had a daily battle with sin. Consider Romans 7:14-21.
a. The Conflict of Serving Two Masters. The Truth Of Indwelling Sin.
14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good. 17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.
b. To paraphrase the words of Paul, he said: “The things that I know I should do, I don’t do. The things that I shouldn’t do, I do. It is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.
3. When we have been born again, our spirit, is dwelled within by the Spirit of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 17, 20). Our old spirit has passed away, and replaced by a new spirit (2 Cor 5:17). We have a spirit as righteous as the Spirit of Christ (2 Cor 5:21). But, we still have the problem that was present in the life of Paul, which is indwelling sin. When we are born again, our spirit has been born again, but our soul (our mind, our emotions, our consciousness) has not been born again; and “sin which dwells within me,” will stay within us until we die, or are caught up from this earth in the Rapture.
4. The dwelling of God’s Spirit, within our spirit, prompts us to righteousness, per the following scriptures: John 14:26; 16:5-11). When indwelling sin tells us to commit sin, the indwelling Holy Spirit tells us to live as Christ would live. Concerning Rev 21:8, a person having such deadly sins controlling their life, is providing evidence that they do not have the Spirit of Christ dwelling within their spirit, prompting them to righteous living. For example, in the Millennium, nobody having accepted Christ as Lord and savior, should have any fear in their lives, because Christ’s influence, Presence, and protection will be everywhere.
5. Consider the following scriptures and associated details that tell of the influence of Christ over everyone who will be living in the Millennium.
a. Isa 2:3. And many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
(1) “law.” 8451. torah.
(2) When these events take place many nations will be attracted to Jerusalem (cf. 14:1; 27:13; 66:23; Zech 8:23; 14:16) and to God’s house (the temple, Isa 2:2a). The attraction will be the Lord’s ways, paths, Law, and Word, which will be made known from that place. In fact, the Lord Himself will give forth the Law (51:4). (Zion, referred to dozens of times by Isiah, more than any other author of Scripture, is here a synonym of Jerusalem; cf. 4:3; 40:9; 52:1; 62:1. See comments on Zech 8:3). In the Millennium, people everywhere will realize that God’s revelation is foundational to their lives. They will want to know it (He will teach us) and to live according to it (walk in it). (Bible Knowledge Commentary, John A. Martin, B.A., Th. M., Th. D.).
b. Zech 8:3. “Thus says the LORD, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’
(1) 571. emeth. firmness, faithfulness, truth.
(2) At this time, His (Christ’s) truth and holiness (Joel 3:17; Obad 17) will be imparted in the city (Jerusalem) and throughout the the earth (Bible Knowledge Commentary, F. Duane Lindsey, B.A., B.D., Th. M., Th. D.).
VI. Conclusion. Everyone who will be alive during the Kingdom Age of the Millennnium will have the truth of God made known to them (Isa 2:3/Zech 8:3). Everyone who resides on this earth, prior to the Millennium, is currently receiving the message of Christ through God’s Holy Spirit (John 1:9). To reject Christ is to have a destiny in the lake of fire (Rev 20:15.
A. John 1:9. “This was the true Light that, coming into the world, enlightens every person.”
B. Ryrie Study Bible. John 1:9. “enlightens everyman.” Not that every man is redeemed automatically, for redemption comes through faith in the Savior.
C. John 1:12. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
D. Ryrie Study Bible note. John 1:12. “even to those who believe in His name.” An explanation of what it means to “receive” Him.
VII. Video Details.
A. What will the new heaven and the new earth be like?
B. John Ankerberg Show. Nov 28, 2018.
C. From the series “Revelation: The Last Words of Jesus” featuring very special guests Dr. Ron Rhodes, Dr. Ed Hindson, and, Dr. Mark Hitchcock.(Credentials for each of the men in this video can be found on my “About Sources” Page.
I. Introduction. Revelation Chapter 20 discusses the Kingdom Age of the Millennium. The Kingdom is an earthly existence. The Millennium is the length of time that the Kingdom, or Kingdom Age, will exist. In order for anyone to understand Revelation Chapter 20, there must be an understanding of what the Kingdom is, and what the Kingdom is not. This article will first explain the things that relate to the Kingdom, in its prophesied earthly existence. Following, will be a discussion on the events that must occur between the time that we now occupy in history, to the time of the Kingdom Age. Then, each verse of Revelation Chapter 20 will be discussed, as to the things that will occur during its duration.
A. Series Title. Israel In Revelation.
B. Opening Video Title. Marking the Times Episode 29: Millennial Kingdom.
C. Article Title. End Times 33, Revelation 20:1-15, The Millennium.
D. Article Focus. End Times and Present Time.
II. Key Focus. Understanding The Kingdom Age.
A. In Revelation 20:4, we see the words, “a thousand years.” A millennium (plural millennia or millenniums) is a period of one thousand years, sometimes called a kiloyear. … Millennia sometimes have religious or theological implications (see millenarianism). The word millennium derives from the Latin mille, thousand, and annus, year. Also check: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/millennium#other-words
B. The millennium (thousand years), as shown in Rev 20, is the length of time of the fulfillment of:
1. The Abrahamic Covenant: Gen 12:1-3; 15:18-21, 17:1-8.
2. The Davidic Covenant:2 Sam 7:8-16.
3. Pre-Christ Prophecy: Isa 2:1-4. Mic 4:1-4.
4. Time Of Christ’s Teaching. Matt 3:1-3; 4:17; 10:5-7. Luke 10:9.
C. The term, “millennium,” is not shown in Scripture. The “thousand years” of Revelation 20:4, is the length of time that will cover the Kingdom Age.
D. A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Seven such dispensations are distinguished in Scripture. (Scofield’s Reference Notes).
E. The Kingdom Age (1,000 years) is the final dispensation of seven dispensations. 1. Innocence (Gen 1:3-3:6). 2. Conscience (Gen 3:7-8:14). 3. Human Government (Gen 8:15-11:9). 4. Patriarchal Rule (Gen 11:10-Ex 18:27). 5. Mosaic Law (Ex 19:1-Acts 1:26). 6. Grace (Acts 2:1-Rev 19:21). Kingdom. (Rev 20:1-15). (Scofield’s Reference Notes; Ryrie, “Dispensationalism).
F. The Kingdom Age will have the “very good” conditions of the Garden of Eden that existed through Gen Chap 2 (Gen 1:31, 2:25). Such Edenic conditions in the Kingdom will exist until the Battle of Gog and Magog (Rev 20:7-10) takes place, which is a result of the attack on God’s people by the many children (Rev 20:8) of Jews and Gentiles who enter the Kingdom, having been born again, but entering the Kingdom in mortal bodies. These Kingdom-born children will have to accept Christ, and be given resurrection bodies by God, to enter the eternal state (Rev 21:1-2); but, many will not come to such saving faith in Christ. Such unbelievers will be like unbelievers in our present age; they will be taught the truth of Christ (Isa 2:2-3), but many will reject Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 19:16), and will be the deceived members of the army that will attack Jerusalem at the end of the 1,000 years (Rev 20:8-9). [(1) Anyone living in the Kingdom, having a natural body (flesh and blood, perishable) will not be able to enter the eternal state (1 Cor 15:50). (2) In the Rapture, “the dead in Christ” will rise first, and then “the living” will be instantaneously transformed (1 Cor 15:51-52). (3) The dead and the living will exchange the temporal and imperfect for the eternal and perfect (1 Cor 15:53-54).] {David K. Lowery, Th.M., Ph.D. Bible Knowledge Commentary, all three examples}. (Consider: “the dead in Christ,” 1 Thes 4:16, vs ” the dead,” Rev 20:12, 13).
G. The Jews of the Tribulation who come to saving faith in Christ (Mt 24:31, 40-41), will be left behind on earth to enter the Kingdom in mortal bodies. Gentiles of the Tribulation who come to saving faith in Christ, will also be left behind on earth to enter the Kingdom in mortal bodies (Mt 25:31-34).
H. Raptured and Resurrected saints of the church age will return from Heaven (Jn 14:2-6) with Christ for the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:14), and will enter the Kingdom in resurrection bodies. Old Testament saints will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation to enter the Kingdom in resurrection bodies (Dan 12:1-3). Saints who die during the Tribulation will be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation to enter the Kingdom in resurrection bodies (Rev 20:4).
I. Old Testament saints will rule and reign with Christ (Dan 12:1-3; Matt 19:28) in their promised Kingdom area (Israel, Gen 15:18-21). Church age saints will rule and reign with Christ outside of Israel (1 Cor 6:2). In these two examples of ruling and reigning, those whom have resurrection bodies will rule and reign over those whom have mortal bodies. During the Kingdom Age, people from all over the world will go to Jerusalem to keep Jewish feasts, and to worship Christ (Zech 14:16-19; Mt 26:29); those not having resurrection bodies will come under the rule and reign of those whom have resurrection bodies (1 Cor 6:2).
J. See the following MacArthur Study Bible note: 14:16–19 This very important passage reveals that some Gentiles will go into the millennial kingdom alive along with the redeemed Jews. A converted remnant from those heathen nations will make annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem to worship the LORD and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles during the Millennium. Commemorating the time when God “tabernacled” with Israel in the wilderness, the feast represented the last of the 3 major pilgrimage festivals (Lev. 23:34–36), marked the final harvest of the year’s crops, and provided a time of rejoicing. In the Millennium, it will celebrate Messiah’s presence, again dwelling among His people, and the joyful restoration of Israel, including the ingathering of the nations. Those who refuse to go will experience drought and plague. Tragically, as the thousand years go on, there will be many people from all over the world who will reject Christ as Savior and King, joining in a final war against Him, only to be destroyed and cast into hell forever (cf. Rev. 20:7–15). [my note: Mt 26:29, which was not Christian communion but was an observance of Passover (there was no church then), will also be observed in the Kingdom.] (My note: the correct wording of Rev 20:10, is “the lake of fire and brimstone, and Rev 20:14,15 is “the lake of fire,” as opposed to “hell.” The correct wording of “hell” in Rev 20:13, 14 is “hades.”)
K. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, which was followed by the curse (Gen 3), the Kingdom was removed from the Earth, and will not return until Christ reigns on the throne in Jerusalem (Rev 19:11-21; Isa 2:1-4). The Kingdom was restored in a limited form during the time of Moses, and continued until the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.; the “times of the Gentiles” (Lk 21:24, Gentile domination of Jerusalem) followed and will last until Christ takes His place on the throne in Jerusalem. The lack of a Jewish King over Israel began when King Zedekiah was dethroned by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. The next Jewish King that will reign over Israel will be Christ, when He returns from Heaven at the end of the Tribulation (Mt 24:29-30). Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, and the following curse, the total perfection of the Garden of Eden, will not be present again until the time of the eternal state (Rev 21-22). During the time of the the Kingdom (Rev 20), the Garden perfection will be limited on earth. There will be death in the Kingdom Age (Isaiah 65:20); Satan will be released from the abyss to deceive unsaved mankind at the end of the Kingdom Age (Rev 20:7), and will launch an attack against Christ and His people (Rev 20:8-9); Satan loses (Rev 20:9). In the eternal state, Satan will not be present (Rev 20:10); there will be no death, or any kind of sin, or anything that is sin-related (21:8).
L. At our present time, God is keeping Jupiter from bumping into Mars, but Satan is “the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2), and is the ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4.).
M. God has chosen the covenant seed of Abraham to be the people through whom He will provide a Savior for a fallen world (Gen 3:15), and through whom He will reestablish His Kingdom on earth (Gen 12:1-3; 18:6-8; 26:1-4; 35:9-12; Isa 9:6-7). It is very clear in Deu 14:2 of God’s choice for Israel to be, “… a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
N. There are Bible translations that translate Luke 17:21 as, “the kingdom of God is within you”. So, we will address such a wording.
1. The Kingdom is described in Gen 15:18-21 as being a parcel of land that extends from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates river in Iraq.
2. The Kingdom is described in 2 Sam 7:8-16 as being a place for Israel, where a seed of David will establish His Kingdom.
3. The Kingdom is described in Isa 2:1-4 as being a place of ideal living conditions, being taught and ruled by our Lord, Messiah, Christ.
4. The Kingdom is described by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7), and other teachings of Christ (Lk 6:27-38), as being a place of Godly ethics and morality.
5. Considering the fact that the Kingdom will be a place with people, a place of Godly rulership, a place having
the mountain of the house of the Lord, with teaching and judging by Yahweh, where such as Mt 5:41-42 will exist: “41 Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” We must conclude that the translation of Lk 17:21 must be reconsidered. We will add 17:20 for proper context.
a. 20 Now He was questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, and He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
b. Notice that Pharisees, whom had not accepted Christ as Messiah, were questioning Him. Those people had not been born again. They were hostile to Christ, so nothing Godly could be “within them.” Per Ryrie Study Bible, “the Kingdom was completely unconnected with the Pharisees.” Per Scofield Study Bible, “the kingdom was actually ‘in the midst’ of the Pharisees in the persons of Christ and His disciples. Ultimately, the kingdom of heaven will come visibly to earth at our Lord’s second coming. See, 17:24, “For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day.” The phrase, “Son of Man,” was known to Jews from Daniel 7:13.
P. The correct translation of Lk 17:21 is: “the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Q. By believing that “the Kingdom of God is within you,” there is a common misunderstanding that the born again process puts the Kingdom “within us,” but the born again experience allows us to be present in the Kingdom, as is described in Rev 20:1-6, and other scriptures, per Ezek 36:24-28, John 3:3, 2 Cor 5:17. In other words, the kingdom doesn’t go into people; people go into the kingdom.
R. The words, “Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven” have the same meaning. The Kingdom on earth will be under the power of God in Heaven. The new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem of Rev 21:1-2 will appear after the present heaven, earth, and Jerusalem are destroyed at the end of the Kingdom Age of the Millennium, per 2 Pet 3:10. Consider heaven and heavens. https://biblehub.com/greek/3772.htm
S. An often overlooked teaching of the Kingdom Age is that saved Gentiles will share in the blessings that God has promised saved Israel. The subject of being “grated in,” (Rom 11:17-24), has an important not in the Ryrie Study Bible, “The root of the tree is the Abrahamic Covenant that promised blessing to both Jew and Gentile through Christ. See Gen 12:3. Saved Gentiles will not become Jews during the Kingdom Age, but will share in the Covenant blessings that God has promised for the Saved Jews to inherit.
III. Key Events Leading To Kingdom Age.
A. From where we are now in present day history, there are two key events that remain to be fulfilled in God’s calendar that will precede the Kingdom Age.
1. 1 Thes 4:16-17; which is the Rapture of the church age saints. The purpose of the rapture is to remove church age saints from earth, where they will be taken to Heaven (John 14:2-6; 1 Cor 15:50-54).
a. Rapture is a state or experience of being carried away. The English word comes from a Latin word, rapio, which means to seize or snatch in relation to an ecstasy of spirit or the actual removal from one place to another. In other words, it means to be carried away in spirit or in body. The Rapture of the church means the carrying away of the church from earth to heaven.
b. The Greek word from which this term “rapture” is derived, appears in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, is translated “caught up.” The Latin translation of this verse used the word rapturo. The Greek word it translates is harpazo, which means to snatch or take away. Elsewhere it is used to describe how the Spirit caught up Philip near Gaza and brought him to Caesarea (Acts 8:39) and to describe Paul’s experience of being caught up into the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2-4). Thus, there can be no doubt that the word is used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to indicate the actual removal of people from earth to heaven.
3. Jer 30:7, which tells of Israel’s place in the Tribulation, will follow the Rapture, and is designed for God to draw unsaved Jews to saving faith in Christ. With the church having been removed from the earth, God’s sole focus is unsaved Israel. Unsaved Gentiles, whom are also left behind, will be blessed by the Jews, even during the time of Tribulation.
4. Dan 9:27, which tells of the Tribulation, will not occur until the Anti-Christ affirms a covenant with the Jews, which will begin the seven years of Jacob’s distress (Tribulation).
B. God has promised the Church deliverance from divine wrath (1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9; Rev. 3:10) God made a special promise to the church that it will be delivered from the future, tribulational wrath of God. It is best to take this deliverance as a physical removal (Rapture)from this time of divine wrath. https://www.biblebb.com/files/rapture.htm
C. At the time that anyone comes to saving faith in Christ, and is born again, such a person’s spirit has the Spirit of Christ dwelling within their spirit, and is therefore as righteous as is the Spirit of Christ, (2 Cor 5:17,21). No Godly judgment of the Tribulation can make a born again believer in Christ, any more righteous, or any more worthy, of dwelling with Christ throughout eternity. All judgments of the Tribulation are poured out on earth by Christ or angels (Rev 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 8:1, 2, 5, etc.)
D. The Tribulation must precede the Millennium (Ryrie Study Bible, note on Joel 3:9-17). We will now discuss things of the Kingdom Age of the Millennium.
IV. Kingdom Age. Rev 20.
A. Preview.
1. Rev 20 is a view of the Kingdom Age in a nutshell. The duration of the Kingdom Age is 1,000 years, and is also known as the Millennial reign of Christ.
2. MacArthur Study Bible Note. Rev 20:1—22:21. Chapter 19 ends with the Battle of Armageddon and Christ’s second coming—events that mark the close of the Tribulation. The events of chap. 20—the binding of Satan, Christ’s 1,000 year earthly kingdom, Satan’s final rebellion, and the Great White Throne Judgment—fit chronologically between the close of the Tribulation and the creation of the new heaven and the new earth described in chaps. 21, 22.
B. Rev 19 NASB 1995 Text and Comments (MacArthur Study Bible notes, unless otherwise noted). .
1. Satan Bound-Text-vs 1-6.
a. 1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.
b. 4 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
2. Comments vs 1-6.
a. 1-3. KJV Study Bible. 20:1–3. The bottomless pit is simply the Abyss (Gr. abussos), the abode of evil spirits (cf. 9:1–11; Luke 8:31). The key shows authority, and the chain depicts imprisonment and binding. Before the millennial kingdom begins, Satan (cf. 12:9) is bound in the Abyss. The seal indicates God’s authority and guarantee that Satan will not be released until a thousand years have passed. During the Millennium (Latin for “one thousand years”) Satan will not be able to tempt or deceive the nations. Any temptation to sin during the Millennium must come from within those people who are born after the kingdom begins. It must be assumed that all of Satan’s demons or fallen angels are also imprisoned at this time (cf. Is. 24:21–23). Christ will reign on earth without opposition, and His kingdom will be characterized by righteousness, peace, and love (cf. Is. 2:3, 4; 11:3–5; 35:1, 2; Dan. 7:14; Zech. 14:9). However, after the thousand years Satan will be released for a short while (vv. 7–9).
b. 4. the souls of those who had been beheaded. These are tribulation martyrs (cf. 6:9; 18:24; 19:2). The Gr. word translated “beheaded” became a general term for execution, not necessarily a particular method. his mark. Tribulation martyrs will be executed for refusing the mark of the beast. reigned. Tribulation believers, along with the redeemed from both the OT and NT eras, will reign with Christ (1 Cor. 6:2; 2 Tim. 2:12) during the 1,000 year kingdom.
c. 5. the rest of the dead. The bodies of unbelievers of all ages will not be resurrected until the Great White Throne Judgment (vv. 12, 13). first resurrection. Scripture teaches two kinds of resurrections: the “resurrection of life” and “the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:29; cf. Dan. 12:2; Acts 24:15). The first kind of resurrection is described as “the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:14), the resurrection of “those who are Christ’s at His coming” (1 Cor. 15:23), and the “better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). It includes only the redeemed of the church age (1 Thess. 4:13–18), the OT (Dan. 12:2), and the Tribulation (v. 4). They will enter the kingdom in resurrection bodies, along with believers who survived the Tribulation. The second kind of resurrection, then, will be the resurrection of the unconverted who will receive their final bodies suited for torment in the lake of tire.
d. 6. Blessed. Those who die in the Lord (14:13) are blessed with the privilege of entering His kingdom. second death. The first death is only physical, the second is spiritual and eternal in the lake of fire, the final, eternal lake of fire (v. 14). It could exist outside the created universe as we know it, outside of space and time, and be presently unoccupied.
3. Satan Freed, Doomed. Text. vs 7-10.
a. 7 When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, 8 and will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. 9 And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
4. Comments. vs 7-10.
a. 7. Satan…released. He is loosed to bring cohesive leadership to the world of rebels born to the believers who entered the kingdom at the beginning. He is loosed to reveal the character of Christ-rejecting sinners who are brought into judgment for the last time ever.
b. 8. Gog and Magog. The name given to the army of rebels and its leader at the end of the Millennium. They were names of ancient enemies of the Lord. Magog was the grandson of Noah (Gen. 10:2) and founder of a kingdom located N of the Black and Caspian Seas. Gog is apparently the leader of a rebel army known collectively as Magog. The battle depicted in vv. 8, 9 is like the one in Ezek. 38, 39; it is best to see this one as taking place at the end of the Millennium.
c. 9. beloved city. Jerusalem (cf. Pss. 78:68; 87:2), the capital city during Christ’s millennial reign (Jer. 3:17). The saints will be living around the city where Christ reigns (cf. Is. 24:23; Jer. 3:17; Zech. 14:9–11). fire. Frequently associated in Scripture with divine judgment of wicked men (Gen. 19:24; 2 Kin. 1:10, 12, 14; Luke 9:54; 17:29).
d. 10. deceived. Just as his demons will entice the world’s armies into the Battle of Armageddon, Satan will draw them into a suicidal assault against Christ and His people (16:13, 14). lake of fire and brimstone. tormented day and night. Continuous, unrelieved torment will be the final state of Satan, fallen angels, and unredeemed men.
5. Judgment at the Throne of God. Text. vs 11-15.
a. 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
6. Comments. vs 11-15.
a. 11. great white throne. Nearly 50 times in Revelation there is the mention of a throne. This is a judgment throne, elevated, pure, and holy. God sits on it as judge (cf. 4:2, 3, 9; 5:1, 7, 13; 6:16; 7:10, 15) in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. See 21:5, 6; John 5:22–29; Acts 17:31. earth and the heaven fled away. John saw the contaminated universe go out of existence. Peter described this moment in 2 Pet. 3:10–13. The universe is “uncreated,” going into non-existence (cf. Matt. 24:35).
b. 12. standing before God. In a judicial sense, as guilty, condemned prisoners before the bar of divine justice. There are no living sinners left in the destroyed universe since all sinners were killed and all believers glorified. books. These books record every thought, word, and deed of sinful men—all recorded by divine omniscience (Dan. 7:9, 10, the passage that is the source of this text). They will provide the evidence for eternal condemnation. Cf. 18:6, 7. Book of Life. It contains the names of all the redeemed (Dan. 12:1). judged according to their works. Their thoughts (Luke 8:17; Rom. 2:16), words (Matt. 12:37), and actions (Matt. 16:27) will be compared to God’s perfect, holy standard (Matt. 5:48; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16), and will be found wanting (Rom. 3:23). This also implies that there are degrees of punishment in the final judgment (cf. Matt. 10:14, 15; 11:22; Mark 12:38–40; Luke 12:47, 48; Heb. 10:29).
c. 13. Death and Hades. Both terms describe the state of death. All unrighteous dead will appear at the Great White Throne Judgment; none will escape. All the places that have held the bodies of the unrighteous dead will yield up new bodies suited for hell. [death represents the deceased body…see Lk 16:22b. hades represents the condition of torment…see Lk 16:23].
d. My Comment. 20:13. Luke 16:19-31. The rich man was dead, with his body in the grave; this man was dead, with his soul experiencing torment in Hades. Once a believer dies, the body is in the grave (so to speak) and the soul is in the Presence of God, in a state of comfort (as was Lazarus). At the time of the rapture and resurrection, the church age bodies of the “dead in Christ” will be raised to be physically in the Presence of Christ, forever (1 Thes 4:16-18). The righteous whom die prior to the church age, and in the tribulation, will have their deceased bodies raised at the end of the tribulation (Dan 12:2, Rev 20:4). As in the case of Lazarus, all deceased righteous saints, of all times, will have their souls (consciousness) in the Presence of God, from the time of their death until the time of their bodily resurrection, at which time their “bodies, souls and spirits” (1 Thes 5:23) will be reunited. There is no such thing as soul sleep.
e. 14. second death. See note on v. 6.
f. 15. lake of fire. See note on Rev 19:20. 19:20 beast was captured, and…the false prophet. In an instant, the world’s armies are without their leaders. The beast is Antichrist (Rev 13:1–8); the false prophet is his religious cohort (Rev 13:11–17). cast alive. The bodies of the beast and the false prophet will be transformed, and they will be banished directly to the lake of fire (Dan. 7:11)—the first of countless millions of unregenerate men (20:15) and fallen angels (cf. Matt. 25:41) to arrive in that dreadful place. That these two still appear there 1,000 years later (20:10) refutes the false doctrine of annihilationism (cf. 14:11; Is. 66:24; Matt. 25:41; Mark 9:48; Luke 3:17; 2 Thess. 1:9). lake of fire. The final judgment, the place of eternal punishment, for all unrepentant rebels, angelic or human (cf. 20:10, 15). The NT says much of eternal punishment (cf. 14:10, 11; Matt. 13:40–42; 25:41; Mark 9:43–48; Luke 3:17; 12:47, 48). fire…brimstone. These two are frequently associated with divine judgment (14:10; 20:10; 21:8; Gen. 19:24; Ps. 11:6; Is. 30:33; Ezek. 38:22; Luke 17:29).
V. Summary.
A. The Kingdom of God is that of which Isaiah prophesied, as a physical Kingdom which will be present on earth, with Christ ruling from Jerusalem (Isa 2:3, 9:6-7, etc.).
B. There is discussion today of “Kingdom Now Theology.” However, there can be no Kingdom without a King present and ruling. The King, Christ, is not presently ruling on earth, and will not be present on earth until the events of prophecy are fulfilled, such as those stated in Zech 12:9-10 and 14:1-4, at the end of the Tribulation and in the Battle of Armageddon:
1. “And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zech 12:9).
2. “Behold, a day is coming for the Lord…. (He) will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle…Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle….His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east;” (Zech 14:1-4).
C. Peace will not come upon the Earth until Christ returns from Heaven to Earth, and physically rules and reigns from Jerusalem.
1. “And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.” (Zech 14:9)
2. There will be only one religion in the entire world during the millennial reign of Christ. Ruling with a rod of iron (cf. Rev. 19:15), Christ will have done away with all false religions spawned by Satan. This will be the ultimate fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant providing a Jewish people, the nation of Israel, and the land given to Abraham; the Davidic Covenant which promised a king from the tribe of Judah and the line of David; and the New Covenant which held out the hope of spiritual redemption for Jew and Gentile. All of this will be fulfilled in and by the Lord Jesus Christ. (MacArthur Study Bible note). [The new covenant is an example of Gentile believers being blessed by God’s blessings on Jews. Jer 31:31. “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” The new covenant is made between God and Israel, and will be fulfilled when Christ returns to earth with His born again believers (Ryrie Study Bible). Although certain features of the New Covenant have been fulfilled for believers in the current Church Age, e.g., knowledge of God and forgiveness of sin, the covenant remains to be realized for Israel according to the explicit statement of v 31, “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” (Scofield Study Bible).
D. If we were to think that we are in the Kingdom Age now, we would have to conclude that Christ is not doing a good job of ruling and reigning. Worldly peace is not present. The conditions of Isaiah 2 are nowhere to be found.
VI. Closing Video.
A. Marking the Times Episode 29: Millennial Kingdom
B. Join Dr. Hitchcock as he answers your questions relating to the role of believers after the Millennial Kingdom and Christ sitting on King David’s throne.
3. Mark Hitchcock is a leading Bible prophecy expert, prolific author who has penned over 20 books on the end times, senior pastor, and adjunct faculty member of the Dallas Theological Seminary.
Mark Hitchcock (J.D.,Th.M., Ph.D.)
Eternity 