this is posted for people with an ability to read with comprehension, coupled with a desire to truly know what the Bible says, regardless of whether or not they agree in the end.
The Millennium (Part One) - the thousand years and the Binding of Satan
An exposition of Revelation Chapter 20
2009-03-20
In Christian eschatology the period referred to as the Millennium constitutes the reign of the risen and exalted Messiah-King. There is, however, a divergence of views concerning where and when this reign commences. We will endeavour to prove from Scripture that the thousand years referred to in Revelation chapter 20 is a figurative representation of the present rule and reign of Christ from his heavenly throne and that Satan is bound during this period so that people from every nation, tribe and language may be set free from the power of Satan to worship the only true God through the preaching of the gospel. In fulfilment of prophecy (Daniel 7:13-14 and Isaiah 9:6-7), all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matt 28:18) in spite of the fact that he allows rebellion against the kingdom of God to continue for a time. But the rebellion is only allowed to continue during the day of salvation while God extends his grace and mercy to sinners to repent and to be reconciled to him through faith in Jesus' atoning sacrifice. This is confirmed by the Apostle Peter:
...While many people refuse to acknowledge Jesus as King the Scriptures reveal that it is deliberately hidden from those who are wise in their own eyes.
The Millennium (Part One) - the thousand years and the Binding of Satan
An exposition of Revelation Chapter 20
2009-03-20
In Christian eschatology the period referred to as the Millennium constitutes the reign of the risen and exalted Messiah-King. There is, however, a divergence of views concerning where and when this reign commences. We will endeavour to prove from Scripture that the thousand years referred to in Revelation chapter 20 is a figurative representation of the present rule and reign of Christ from his heavenly throne and that Satan is bound during this period so that people from every nation, tribe and language may be set free from the power of Satan to worship the only true God through the preaching of the gospel. In fulfilment of prophecy (Daniel 7:13-14 and Isaiah 9:6-7), all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (Matt 28:18) in spite of the fact that he allows rebellion against the kingdom of God to continue for a time. But the rebellion is only allowed to continue during the day of salvation while God extends his grace and mercy to sinners to repent and to be reconciled to him through faith in Jesus' atoning sacrifice. This is confirmed by the Apostle Peter:
First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:3-9).
The proclamation of the gospel is that the victory over sin and death has been won through the death and resurrection of the Messiah who is now enthroned at the right hand of God as King of kings - "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'" (Is.52; 7). The good news is that the Kingdom of God has come....
...While many people refuse to acknowledge Jesus as King the Scriptures reveal that it is deliberately hidden from those who are wise in their own eyes.
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you" (Luke 19:41-44 see also Mt. 11:25, Lk. 10:21).
Many of the Jewish teachers overlooked the prophecy of Daniel (ch. 2) where it was revealed that the Kingdom of God would not immediately overthrow the kingdoms of the gentiles. They were expecting the kingdom of God to come with the forceful overthrow of the Gentile oppressors, but the rule of Jesus Christ is first established in the hearts of the humble who repent of their sins.
Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,' or ‘There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-21).
The unbelief of those who do not recognise that the kingdom of God has come does not negate the fact that God has installed his anointed one, Jesus, as Lord over all. God is calling all men to submit to his authority that he has established through his Messiah and everyone who does not submit to Him will eventually be put to shame.
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. ...The LORD has set his anointed King on His holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:1-2;6).
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