THEME: THE FINAL
THINGS
TOPIC: A THOUSAND YEAR REIGN REV. 20:4-6
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:
i. The reign has not yet started
ii.
That it will take place at the second
coming of Christ That it will be an
earthly rulership
iii. That only the persecuted who died
will resurrect
iv. The reign will terminate at the end
of literal one thousand years
v. 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.
TEACHER: BROTHER SYLVANUS UDOSEN
Thank you and God
Bless.
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