Transition to another Salvation
Section 3 of Revelation (Chapters 20-22) concludes the business of the Gospel Age and introduces the business of the Messianic Age: the blessing of all the families of the earth as was promised in the covenant with Abraham.
The focus of these last three chapters is now on the world of mankind:
1) The Church is become, with their Lord, kings and priests (Rev 20:4, 5).
2) Satan (both personal and symbolic) is stripped of power so as not to deceive the nations during the thousand years. (Rev 20:1-3)
3) The old earth (society) and heaven (religious world) are gone (20:11).
4) Those which have previously died are awakened to join the nations which have survived the transition trouble (Armageddon); they are all yet reckoned "dead" (20:12) because they have not yet availed themselves of the benefits of the Millennium to obtain full and perfect life. This process of gaining life during the thousand years is called the "resurrection of the unjust" (Acts 24:15) and the "resurrection of judgment" (John 5:29 -- NAS translation).
5) The understanding ("book(s)") are opened (20:12). The permission to live ("book") is made available (20:12). Those who obey (works) will be entered into this "book" of permission to live (20:12). This is the time period (the thousand years) in which the separation of the Sheep and the Goats takes place (Matt 25:31-46)
6) While heaven and earth (religious and social organization) have disappeared (20:11), the sea (restless masses of mankind who have never been a part of "heaven" or "earth") repents and is converted (Isa 60:5). Thus the sea gives up its dead (20:13), that is, in finally finding the Lord and the truth, these people LOSE their restlessness and become part of the new earth (17:5; 21:1). Thus, there will be no more sea.
7) The new government (city) of Jesus and His bride (Isa 9:6; Rev 21:2) rules this Mediatorial age among men (5:10; 21:3), the results will be glorious (21:4-7).
8) The incorrigible will be destroyed ultimately (Acts 3:23; Rev 20:7-9; 21:8, 27). The faithful will inherit the earth as promised (Matt 5:5; Rev 21:7). The whole world will gladly fall into line with this new life-giving arrangement (Isa 14:7; Rev 21:24, 26).
9) The Church, who are the fountain and trees of this prophecy, will share life abundantly with all the willing. (Rev 21:6; John 4:14; Rev 22:1, 17; Isa 61:3; Rev 22:2)
In our next post we will take a look at some important points which will aid the student in the study of the book of Revelation.
Section 3 of Revelation (Chapters 20-22) concludes the business of the Gospel Age and introduces the business of the Messianic Age: the blessing of all the families of the earth as was promised in the covenant with Abraham.
The focus of these last three chapters is now on the world of mankind:
1) The Church is become, with their Lord, kings and priests (Rev 20:4, 5).
2) Satan (both personal and symbolic) is stripped of power so as not to deceive the nations during the thousand years. (Rev 20:1-3)
3) The old earth (society) and heaven (religious world) are gone (20:11).
4) Those which have previously died are awakened to join the nations which have survived the transition trouble (Armageddon); they are all yet reckoned "dead" (20:12) because they have not yet availed themselves of the benefits of the Millennium to obtain full and perfect life. This process of gaining life during the thousand years is called the "resurrection of the unjust" (Acts 24:15) and the "resurrection of judgment" (John 5:29 -- NAS translation).
5) The understanding ("book(s)") are opened (20:12). The permission to live ("book") is made available (20:12). Those who obey (works) will be entered into this "book" of permission to live (20:12). This is the time period (the thousand years) in which the separation of the Sheep and the Goats takes place (Matt 25:31-46)
6) While heaven and earth (religious and social organization) have disappeared (20:11), the sea (restless masses of mankind who have never been a part of "heaven" or "earth") repents and is converted (Isa 60:5). Thus the sea gives up its dead (20:13), that is, in finally finding the Lord and the truth, these people LOSE their restlessness and become part of the new earth (17:5; 21:1). Thus, there will be no more sea.
7) The new government (city) of Jesus and His bride (Isa 9:6; Rev 21:2) rules this Mediatorial age among men (5:10; 21:3), the results will be glorious (21:4-7).
8) The incorrigible will be destroyed ultimately (Acts 3:23; Rev 20:7-9; 21:8, 27). The faithful will inherit the earth as promised (Matt 5:5; Rev 21:7). The whole world will gladly fall into line with this new life-giving arrangement (Isa 14:7; Rev 21:24, 26).
9) The Church, who are the fountain and trees of this prophecy, will share life abundantly with all the willing. (Rev 21:6; John 4:14; Rev 22:1, 17; Isa 61:3; Rev 22:2)
In our next post we will take a look at some important points which will aid the student in the study of the book of Revelation.
