Revelation Series Study Sheet
Revelation Series Study Sheet Week 25—November 4 Message Title: Millennial Madness Text: Revelation 20
Read Revelation 20 No other passage in the Bible has generated as much controversy as Rev 20:1-6. What interpretations of this passage have you heard? Why do Christians’ views about the end-times (premillennial, postmillennial, amillenial, dispensational, etc) become such a defining issue for them? Why have end-times theories become so tribal and divisive? Why are people so entrenched in particular ‘end times camps’ today? Do you have a particular view on the “millennium” and what it means? How strongly do you hold your view? Reuben suggested the possibility that this passage (v1-6) may be highlighting the triumph and victory of Christian martyrs (“those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus”—v4). This view is summarised by Richard Bauckham: “the theological point of the millennium is solely to demonstrate the triumph of the martyrs: that those whom the beast put to death are those who will truly live...the millennium becomes incomprehensible once we take the image literally.”1 How plausible do you find that view? What are the strengths and weaknesses of that interpretation, in your opinion? Can you honestly say “I could be wrong” about the view you hold? Really? Then say it! Feels good, doesn’t it? Read Revelation 20:7-10. What comfort does it give you knowing that Satan is one day going to be defeated and condemned? How can this assurance help you resist the temptations, accusations and deceptions of the devil in your life? Share as practically as you can. Read Revelation 20:11-15. How do you feel about being “judged according to what they [you] had done as recorded in the books?” (v12). Read these verses on God’s future judgement: John 5:28-29; Rom 2:13; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 2:23. They seem to suggest that God’s judgement will be on the basis of our works. What do you think about that? Ultimately, in Rev 20:11-15, the final destination of those who are judged depends on whether their name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. What does this book represent? In Revelation 20, we are judged on the basis of works, but saved on the basis of grace. Is this a new way of thinking about the future judgement for you? Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? How can you be sure?
1
Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation (Cambridge University Press: 1993), p107-8.
Read Revelation 20 No other passage in the Bible has generated as much controversy as Rev 20:1-6. What interpretations of this passage have you heard? Why do Christians’ views about the end-times (premillennial, postmillennial, amillenial, dispensational, etc) become such a defining issue for them? Why have end-times theories become so tribal and divisive? Why are people so entrenched in particular ‘end times camps’ today? Do you have a particular view on the “millennium” and what it means? How strongly do you hold your view? Reuben suggested the possibility that this passage (v1-6) may be highlighting the triumph and victory of Christian martyrs (“those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus”—v4). This view is summarised by Richard Bauckham: “the theological point of the millennium is solely to demonstrate the triumph of the martyrs: that those whom the beast put to death are those who will truly live...the millennium becomes incomprehensible once we take the image literally.”1 How plausible do you find that view? What are the strengths and weaknesses of that interpretation, in your opinion? Can you honestly say “I could be wrong” about the view you hold? Really? Then say it! Feels good, doesn’t it? Read Revelation 20:7-10. What comfort does it give you knowing that Satan is one day going to be defeated and condemned? How can this assurance help you resist the temptations, accusations and deceptions of the devil in your life? Share as practically as you can. Read Revelation 20:11-15. How do you feel about being “judged according to what they [you] had done as recorded in the books?” (v12). Read these verses on God’s future judgement: John 5:28-29; Rom 2:13; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 2:23. They seem to suggest that God’s judgement will be on the basis of our works. What do you think about that? Ultimately, in Rev 20:11-15, the final destination of those who are judged depends on whether their name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. What does this book represent? In Revelation 20, we are judged on the basis of works, but saved on the basis of grace. Is this a new way of thinking about the future judgement for you? Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of life? How can you be sure?
1
Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation (Cambridge University Press: 1993), p107-8.
