THEME: THE FINAL THINGS
TOPIC: A THOUSAND YEAR REIGN REV. 20:4-6
TEACHER: BROTHER SYLVANUS UDOSEN
DATE: 30-APRL-2017
INTRODUCTION:
The last book of the bible is for many readers the most difficult, and has occasioned more misunderstanding, misrepresentation, misinterpretation and fantastic speculations than any part of the bible. Probably because it is buried in cryptic language and symbols. It is apocalyptic writing. Enveloped in it is the past the present and the future of the world
What is this Millennial reign?
It is a figurative period in which the victorious Christ reign with the saints in the kingdom till the end of time. During which time the antics of the antichrist and the deceitfulness of Satan shall not prevail any longer. The powers of the persecutors of God’s people will be controlled and kept under check.
Key words
-First death: when Adam sinned it brought death to everybody. Every man alive beginning from Adam was a walking corpse (Eph. 2:1-2, Rom. 3:23 Rom. 6:23)
-First resurrection
Anybody that is quickened with Christ through baptism has attained the first resurrection. As applied in Rev. 20:4, it is in a figurative metaphorical use. (Rom 6:4, 5,11.). it is a choice.
-Second Death: This is eternal death and punishment in hell (Rom 20:12-14)
-Second Resurrection:
This will take place at the second coming of Christ. it is for all (1 cor. 15:52). Blessed is he who participates in first resurrection for second death has no power over him Rev. 2:10-11. Be thou faithful unto death.
A thousand years: this is another presentation in the figurative as is the typical of Revelation. It is a complete period of fulfillment hidden in God alone Deu.7:9, 2 Peter 3:8. The bible is talking metaphorically about an indefinite interval in which Christ shall reign with the saint before the end of the world.
OF WHAT RELAVANCE IS THIS TEACHING?
It is made to correct the following errors:
The reign has not yet started
That it will take place at the second coming of Christ
That it will be an earthly rulership
That only the persecuted who died will resurrect
The reign will terminate at the end of literal one thousand years
That after one thousand years Satan will be loosed to deceive the people again
These and more are the errors that we seek to stand with the bible to correct.
WHEN IS THE REIGN:
The one thousand year reign of Christ has begun. He has been given all powers on earth and in heaven after his resurrection (Matt. 28:16-19 Phi. 2:9.11). He is a king with a kingdom (Acts 2:36, Matt 16:18-19 col. 1:13). His kingdom was established on the day of Pentecost Mark 9:1. It is not an earthly kingdom Jn 18:36 Heb.12:28. From the apostle till now everyone who has accepted Christ and is Baptisted into the church has been made Priest (1 peter 2:7 -10 Rev. 20:6). While the kingdom is here on earth the headquarters of the kingdom is in heaven were Christ is. He must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet 1 Cor. 15:25,26.
It is impossible for this reign to start at his second coming
Because the bible has not said so
It will come as a thief in the night
All will meet with him in the air (1 Thess. 4:17).
The earth, its element and works will be burned up 2 Pet. 3:10-13.
His kingdom shall be handed over to his father at his second coming 1 Cor. 15:24
The judgment of all living shall take place at the second coming.
All the death shall resurrect and all eyes shall see him. Matt. 26:64 1 Thess 4:15-18.
His second coming shall be the end.
CONCLUSION
Revelation 20:4-6 like any apocalyptic writing is figurative and metaphorical and should not be interpreted literary in isolation of other books of the bible that address the same issues. The resurrection of our Lord is the power unto salvation. It has freed the church and the saints from the stranglehold of Judaism and Roman persecution. What is presented is a source of encouragement to the Christians to fight on because Christ is in control.
Thank you and God Bless.
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