Lesson 4
Lesson 10 Millennium and Judgment The Millennium Before examining the various theories of millennialism, it is best to review the classical interpretation of pertinent Bible passages. Then we will be in a better position to evaluate the theories. In Revelation 20 we have the second grand sweeping view of history from the time of the earthly ministry of Jesus until the Last Day. In several previous scenes, we were shown the defeat of some of God’s enemies. In chapters 17–18 we saw the destruction of Babylon. Chapter 19 revealed the end of the two beasts. Now, in Revelation 20, the end of Satan and death are described. Read Revelation 20:1–10. Verses 1–9 provide the background for the judgment on Satan in verse 10. John sees an angel descend from heaven to bind Satan in the abyss (hell) for 1,000 years (the symbolic number for a complete period of time). The purpose is to prevent Satan from deceiving the nations until the end of this period of time. While Satan is bound, he still is able to influence and tempt human beings. But he does not have free course to deceive the nations and gather them for a final assault against God and His people (Revelation 20:8). The binding of Satan occurred with the saving life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ (see Mark 3:22–27; Revelation 12:5–12; Luke 10:17–18). Prior to that time the nations were under the dominion of Satan. Pagan worship abounded everywhere. Only one nation, the relatively insignificant Hebrew people, had been chosen by God to bear witness to His promises of salvation. Yet even the Hebrews were more often unfaithful to God than faithful. Acts 14:16 describes that historical situation. But during the long period during which Satan was loose and the nations generally followed false gods, the Lord encouraged His people with the assurance that when the Messiah came, He would conquer Satan and inaugurate an age in which people from many nations would come to a saving relationship with the only true God. 1. What promise is contained in each of the following passages? a. Genesis 12:3 b. Psalm 2:8 c. Psalm 72:8–11 d. Isaiah 42:6 1|Page
e. Isaiah 60:1–3 f. Amos 9:11–12 g. Micah 4:1–2
2. The binding of Satan began with the coming of Jesus of Nazareth into the world and was completed with His death and resurrection. Many passages from the Gospels describe the conflict between Jesus and Satan during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Only a few are listed below. What aspect of the binding of Satan do you find in each of them? a. Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13: b. Mark 1:34; 3:20–30: c. Mark 5:1–20: d. Mark 1:21–28: e. John 12:30–33:
3. The living and reigning with Christ on the part of the saints is called the first resurrection. Some maintain that since the conversion of the sinner is referred to in Scripture as a resurrection, the first resurrection can be thought of as starting with one’s conversion (see Romans 6:1–11; Ephesians 2:4–6; Colossians 3:1). What is the second resurrection (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2–3; Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:42–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)?
4. What is the second death (Revelation 2:11; 19:20; 20:6, 14; 21:8; Matthew 25:41, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9)?
Satan’s Doom Reread Revelation 20:7–10. The day of opportunity for the church’s worldwide mission endeavors will not last forever. Toward the close of the New Testament era (the thousand years) and just before the Last Day, God will, for a short time (20:3), permit Satan to make one final, all-out attack against His followers. Satan will go out to deceive the nations; from throughout the world he will gather a force of people who despise the Word of God and reject God’s gracious offer of life and salvation through Jesus Christ alone. (For Jesus’ description of these days just before the end see Matthew 24:15–31; 2|Page
Luke 21:10–28.) This great uprising of nations will be the last protest against the church. (In Jewish apocalyptic literature, Gog and Magog, which are mentioned in the Old Testament, became symbols for all the forces of evil.) As we saw in Revelation 16:12–21 and 19:19–21 (where this force gathered for battle is also pictured), no attention is given to the battle itself, if it even occurs. Here fire comes down from heaven and devours the force. Satan, the last great enemy of God and His people, is cast into the fire of hell entirely separated from God and His goodness.
The Great Judgment Read Revelation 20:11–15. After John sees Satan’s final defeat, he is shown another picture of the Last Day. On that day the earth will be completely destroyed and all humankind from every period of history will be raised and judged by Christ. The criterion is “according to what they had done” (20:12). According to this standard, all people will be condemned to eternal death in hell. However, there will be some whose names have been written in the book of life (20:12). These are the people who acknowledged their inability to do God’s will and who placed their trust solely in the saving merits, life, and work of Christ. They will be spared the second death and will live with God in eternal bliss (Revelation 21–22). 5. What great comfort is found in Revelation 20:14?
Millennial Theories 6. Why can we anticipate Jesus’ second coming and Judgment Day with joy and confidence in spite of our sin and unworthiness (Romans 5:9; Galatians 4:4–5; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14)?
7. For what purposes has God placed us in this world (Genesis 1:28–29; 2:15; Acts 1:6–8; Ephesians 5:1–21; 1 Timothy 2:1–4; 1 Peter 2:9)?
8. What happens to us at the end of our earthly life (Philippians 1:21–26)?
9. When will Christ’s second coming really occur? What will happen to us, His followers, on that day (John 6:40; 1 Corinthians 15:35–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)?
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10. Why is it futile to try to predict the time when Christ will return again (Matthew 24:36, 42)?
11. Can we anticipate an era of general peace and prosperity in this world prior to Christ’s second coming? Why or why not (Matthew 24:3–14; 2 Peter 3:3–10)? To what do these optimistic passages refer (Isaiah 2:2–4; 11:6–9; Joel 2:23–32; Zechariah 9:9–10)?
12. Only one New Testament passage (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17) speaks clearly of the rapture. What is the rapture of which this passage speaks?
13. Why can’t we state that either all Jews or all Gentiles eventually will be saved (Romans 9:6–8; 11:25–26)?
This chapter is a source of great encouragement when we suffer in one way or another because of our faith. Instead of engaging in idle speculation, one does better to meditate upon its message and derive the comfort and hope to be found there.
For Next Week 1. Complete the Lesson Nine worksheet. 2. Read the Gospel of John, chapters 17–18. 3. Read Revelation 16:1–16:21 to prepare for the next lesson. 4. Memorizing portions of Scripture lets you take God’s Word with you in your heart wherever you are and offers tremendous blessings as you meditate. Learn the following passages by heart: Revelation 15:3-4 – “And [they sing] the song of Moses, the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”
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e. Isaiah 60:1–3 f. Amos 9:11–12 g. Micah 4:1–2
2. The binding of Satan began with the coming of Jesus of Nazareth into the world and was completed with His death and resurrection. Many passages from the Gospels describe the conflict between Jesus and Satan during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Only a few are listed below. What aspect of the binding of Satan do you find in each of them? a. Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13: b. Mark 1:34; 3:20–30: c. Mark 5:1–20: d. Mark 1:21–28: e. John 12:30–33:
3. The living and reigning with Christ on the part of the saints is called the first resurrection. Some maintain that since the conversion of the sinner is referred to in Scripture as a resurrection, the first resurrection can be thought of as starting with one’s conversion (see Romans 6:1–11; Ephesians 2:4–6; Colossians 3:1). What is the second resurrection (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2–3; Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:42–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)?
4. What is the second death (Revelation 2:11; 19:20; 20:6, 14; 21:8; Matthew 25:41, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9)?
Satan’s Doom Reread Revelation 20:7–10. The day of opportunity for the church’s worldwide mission endeavors will not last forever. Toward the close of the New Testament era (the thousand years) and just before the Last Day, God will, for a short time (20:3), permit Satan to make one final, all-out attack against His followers. Satan will go out to deceive the nations; from throughout the world he will gather a force of people who despise the Word of God and reject God’s gracious offer of life and salvation through Jesus Christ alone. (For Jesus’ description of these days just before the end see Matthew 24:15–31; 2|Page
Luke 21:10–28.) This great uprising of nations will be the last protest against the church. (In Jewish apocalyptic literature, Gog and Magog, which are mentioned in the Old Testament, became symbols for all the forces of evil.) As we saw in Revelation 16:12–21 and 19:19–21 (where this force gathered for battle is also pictured), no attention is given to the battle itself, if it even occurs. Here fire comes down from heaven and devours the force. Satan, the last great enemy of God and His people, is cast into the fire of hell entirely separated from God and His goodness.
The Great Judgment Read Revelation 20:11–15. After John sees Satan’s final defeat, he is shown another picture of the Last Day. On that day the earth will be completely destroyed and all humankind from every period of history will be raised and judged by Christ. The criterion is “according to what they had done” (20:12). According to this standard, all people will be condemned to eternal death in hell. However, there will be some whose names have been written in the book of life (20:12). These are the people who acknowledged their inability to do God’s will and who placed their trust solely in the saving merits, life, and work of Christ. They will be spared the second death and will live with God in eternal bliss (Revelation 21–22). 5. What great comfort is found in Revelation 20:14?
Millennial Theories 6. Why can we anticipate Jesus’ second coming and Judgment Day with joy and confidence in spite of our sin and unworthiness (Romans 5:9; Galatians 4:4–5; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14)?
7. For what purposes has God placed us in this world (Genesis 1:28–29; 2:15; Acts 1:6–8; Ephesians 5:1–21; 1 Timothy 2:1–4; 1 Peter 2:9)?
8. What happens to us at the end of our earthly life (Philippians 1:21–26)?
9. When will Christ’s second coming really occur? What will happen to us, His followers, on that day (John 6:40; 1 Corinthians 15:35–57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18)?
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10. Why is it futile to try to predict the time when Christ will return again (Matthew 24:36, 42)?
11. Can we anticipate an era of general peace and prosperity in this world prior to Christ’s second coming? Why or why not (Matthew 24:3–14; 2 Peter 3:3–10)? To what do these optimistic passages refer (Isaiah 2:2–4; 11:6–9; Joel 2:23–32; Zechariah 9:9–10)?
12. Only one New Testament passage (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17) speaks clearly of the rapture. What is the rapture of which this passage speaks?
13. Why can’t we state that either all Jews or all Gentiles eventually will be saved (Romans 9:6–8; 11:25–26)?
This chapter is a source of great encouragement when we suffer in one way or another because of our faith. Instead of engaging in idle speculation, one does better to meditate upon its message and derive the comfort and hope to be found there.
For Next Week 1. Complete the Lesson Nine worksheet. 2. Read the Gospel of John, chapters 17–18. 3. Read Revelation 16:1–16:21 to prepare for the next lesson. 4. Memorizing portions of Scripture lets you take God’s Word with you in your heart wherever you are and offers tremendous blessings as you meditate. Learn the following passages by heart: Revelation 15:3-4 – “And [they sing] the song of Moses, the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”
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