Revelation 20:7-15

Following the return of Christ many things are set in order.  His earthly Kingdom is established.  The righteous are resurrected.  And now the wicked are also resurrected and promised judgment is fulfilled.

·        The final rebellion, v7-10.

In our previous study we saw that the Millennial reign of Christ begins with a saved citizenry.  But children will be born, all with a sinful nature.  This will eventually lead to a large group of people whom Christ rules in righteousness, but many of whom will be ready for the day when Satan is released from his imprisonment.  The references to “Gog and Magog” remind us of Ezek. 38-39 where these nations are involved in a battle.  But the battle in Ezekiel (when the enemy comes from the North) is not the same as this final rebellion in Rev. 20 (when the enemy comes from the 4 corners of the earth).  Gog and Magog is a way of referring to a battle involving all the nations as it did in Ezekiel.

Is “the lake a fire” a literal lake?  Fire has regularly been symbolic of judgment, not only in Revelation but throughout scripture.  So some think the lake is symbolic, but on the other hand, what does that mean symbolically?  It refers to a situation, for eternity, where one is surrounded by and immersed in judgment and torment.  Not having the literal details in no way lessens the horror.  The lake of fire is Hell, also portrayed by Gehenna, the constantly-burning trash heap outside of Jerusalem where the worm never dies, Mk 9:43-48.

·        The great white throne judgment, v11-15.

The scene is intimidating as all the earth flees, knowing their guilt.  The dead who are now raised are the wicked, the second resurrection.  “Death” refers to the dead, wherever the bodies of the wicked dead are.  In other words, this is a bodily resurrection.  “Hades” refers to the abode of the souls of the wicked, held until this day of judgment (cf. the parable in Luke 16:19-31).

The judgment itself is said to be according to “books” and one “Book of Life”.  Anyone whose name is not in the Book is cast into the lake of fire.  The “books” contain the record of their lives including the issues of the heart.  Some hold that the judgment of the “lake of fire” is not eternal, teaching a doctrine of annihilation, that their souls simply cease to exist (e.g. Seventh Day Adventists and Mormons teach this).  The Bible we believe clearly teaches an eternal punishment.  Note that the beast and false prophet are still there after the Millennium.  Consider as well the following passages: Isa 66:24; Matt 13:40-42; 25:41; Mk. 9:43-48; Lk. 3:17; 12:47-48; 2 Th 1:9; Rev 14:10-11.

Friends and family, this is not simply an explanation of scripture.  This is a description of real events in the future.  How we pray that each will consider his standing with God.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.