Revelation 20:1-15
Tuesday, 01 November 2022
“Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” – Revelation 20:6
Our reading today gives us a glimpse into the future events, especially of the millennium rule with Christ Jesus.
In John 3: 17-18 Jesus states that He came to save the world and that the one who does not believe in Him will be judged. “He who believes in the Son (Jesus), has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”(John 3:36). Then Jesus explains in John 5:27 that God has given Him authority to execute judgement and in 5:28: “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come for the: those who did good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who did evil deeds to a resurrection of judgement.” This leads us to the question of what are the “good deeds”? Jesus was asked a similar question by some people and He answered: “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” [John 6:28,29]
The plan of God for each human being revealed in the Bible is very clear:
Admit you are a sinner, believe in Jesus Christ and thus be saved
Receive eternal life, lead a holy life thus escape the wrath of God
Resurrect at the second coming of Jesus Christ (first resurrection)
Rule with Christ for 1000 Years
Live eternity in heaven with Christ
But those who reject Jesus Christ, thus denying His saving grace will surely be exposed to the wrath of God and will be subject to judgement.
Having this made very clear, let us look into today’s reading which has vivid descriptions of subsequent events! We must keep in mind that Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation presenting what Jesus Christ had shown him regarding future events. (Rev.1:1). Take it seriously that these things will surely happen. Verse 6 talks about the first Resurrection. The people who partake in the first resurrection will reign with Christ for 1000 years! From Verse 7 on, events after the 1000- year rule of Christ on this earth is described.
Vs.11 pictures the Great White Throne- the judgement seat. As all the dead stood there, two kinds of evaluation are done: books were opened – which contained the deeds of people and they received their judgement according to their deeds. Another book, Book of Life was also opened. Names of those not found in the book of life were thrown into the lake of fire – the second death.
So, there is another resurrection after the 1000- year rule, which is called the Second Resurrection – people who have rejected the salvation offered by Jesus are included in here. They will be judged according to the degree of their sins and will be subject to the second death – that is actually not a non-existent state, but rather eternal separation from God and unending torment in the lake of fire.
All humans are subject to one-time birth and one-time death – these are unavoidable! But then comes the second birth – which is the re-birth or being “born again,” based on the decision of each individual to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ and being saved- they will receive the first resurrection and eternity with Christ. But those who have not gained the second birth, will not be resurrected at the first resurrection, but will be resurrected at the second resurrection after the 1000-year rule and be subject to the second death.
Friend, God has prepared a way for you to reach heaven and be with Christ forever. However, the decision is yours. Will you admit to Jesus Christ that you are a sinner and confess your sinful deeds and invite Him into your heart as your Lord and Saviour?
The choice is absolutely yours…!
THINK ON: The right decision today will avoid the regret of tomorrow.
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