Revelation Chapter 20 (GOD'S WORD)

This chapter is the completion of the redemption process of the earth from evil that was begun in Chapter 4. We ended the last chapter with the antichrist and false prophet being consigned ETERNALLY to the lake of fire. In this chapter, the head of the Unholy Trinity, the devil, is bound and placed into the ABYSS for a 1000 years (otherwise known as the millennial reign of Christ).

After the 1000 year period is completed, the devil is released from the ABYSS to deceive the earth once again. After that the devil meets his final doom in the ETERNAL LAKE OF FIRE. That which was conquered by the FIRST RESURRECTION of CHRIST, namely DEATH and HADES, too, are consigned to the ETERNAL LAKE OF FIRE.










































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 1 (GOD'S WORD)

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   1 I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key to the bottomless pit and a large chain in his hand.
Who this ANGEL is, we aren't told, but given the task he is to perform (next verse), he must be very strong like the archangel, Michael (Revelation 12:7, Daniel 10:10-17, Daniel 12:1-4, Jude 5-9-16).

The phrase 'coming down from HEAVEN' implies that this takes place on the earth. Recall that since Revelation 12:9, where archangel Michael threw 'the huge serpent' down to the earth, the devil (serpent) has been relegated to doing his dirty work down here (Revelation 12:10).
When you have the KEY, you control who goes in or who comes out. More than that, the KEY carries with it the AUTHORITY to do the binding of the devil (next verse).

The BOTTOMLESS PIT is a temporary place of incarceration for demons. As with the rest of the Revelation, it is both physical and symbolic. Physically, past scholars have indicated that the BOTTOMLESS PIT was in the depths of the ocean. That thought has some merit, as we have previously made the case that water is the container of spirits. It was not a coincidence that "THE FLOOD" was used to purge the earth of evil mankind during Noah's time (Genesis 7:6-24).

From a symbolic or spiritual viewpoint, the BOTTOMLESS PIT was an awful place even for demons. The demons who were operating on the earth in Jesus' time begged Jesus to not send them to the BOTTOMLESS PIT (Luke 8:26-31-39). During the fifth trumpet (Revelation 9:1-12), some of the demons from the bottomless pit were released back onto the earth. Whether their leader, Abaddon (Revelation 9:11) came back with them is not known. We do know that the devil will be bound and spend 1000 years in the BOTTOMLESS PIT.
The LARGE CHAIN implies that it is stronger than any evil prank or evil accusation the devil can concoct. When one reads the scriptures, we become aware that evil demons come in varying strengths. The disciples were surprised that they were unable to take authority (due to lack of faith, Jesus said) over some demons (Matthew 17:14-21). Here we have the leader of the demonic world, and obviously he has much evil within him. As Isaiah 14:1-14-23 puts it, this devil (king of Babylon) thought himself as powerful as God. Thus it will take a LARGE CHAIN to hold him.

From a duality viewpoint, it is difficult to know what the LARGE CHAIN is physically. Many scholars say this is symbolic only; yet, strong binding forces at a molecular level could act like a LARGE CHAIN.  Physicists are well aware how "sticky" water molecules are......just try to create a perfectly dry container. It is near impossible on earth.

Symbolically, it is much easier to accept that the LARGE CHAIN is that which stops evil from existing upon the earth or controlling the earth. Believers should be well aware of their STAND against evil (Ephesians 6:10-11-20). Individually, we know that we can bind and lose things on earth (and in heaven - Matthew 16:13-19-20). But to bind the devil will take an ANGEL with a LARGE CHAIN.















































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 2 (GOD'S WORD)

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2 He overpowered the serpent, that ancient snake, named Devil and Satan. The angel chained up the serpent for 1,000 years.
The 'he' refers to the angel coming down from heaven in the previous verse. We have one angel OVERPOWERING another angel. That the devil can be captured indicates that he is finite and not omnipresent, even though we sometimes feel that is not the case.

Symbolically, this indicates that evil, even as the devil is the embodiment of all evil, can be corralled; but it isn't easy. Humanly, we couldn't have OVERPOWERED the devil; thankfully it is Christ who strengthens and establishes us. It is Christ and his angel(s) who do that for us (1 Peter 5:6-11).
There is no doubt whom the angel OVERPOWERED. These four names also are used in Revelation 12:9.
 The angel uses the LARGE CHAIN (previous verse) to CHAIN UP the devil. The relevance of this is that the SERPENT, the ancient SNAKE, named DEVIL and SATAN is going to be controlled and restricted in the bottomless pit (next verse). No more will he be able to prowl around the earth trying to deceive humans.

There is much discussion in commentaries whether the 1,000 YEARS means a THOUSAND years or just a long period of time. Considering how precisely time is given elsewhere in the Revelation (for example Revelation 8:1; Revelation 9:5; Revelation 11:3; Revelation 11:11 and so on), and that this exact time is used six times in verses 2-7 of this chapter, indicates this is a literal 1,000 years. Now having stated that, given all that has happened to the earth and solar system (Revelation 8:12 and Revelation 16:17-20), time may not be measured as now. That is, day lengths may be altered. We will just have to wait and see.










































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 3 (GOD'S WORD)

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3 He threw it into the bottomless pit. The angel shut and sealed the pit over the serpent to keep it from deceiving the nations anymore until the 1,000 years were over. After that it must be set free for a little while.
Again, this confirms that the devil is finite. Something that is infinite or omnipresent cannot be contained or THROWN. In a way, the angel sent by God is rather rude, not only is the devil thrown into the BOTTOMLESS PIT, but the angel SHUTS the ABYSS and SEALS it over the devil's head. All this is written to make it absolutely clear to the reader that the devil will not be able to affect anything on the earth for the next 1,000 years.

Some commentaries try to explain where the BOTTOMLESS PIT is.  Some think it is at the bottom of the ocean. That may be, given the case we have already made in this study that water is the "container of spirits". Others think it may be at the center of the earth. But from a spiritual viewpoint, the BOTTOMLESS PIT may be right under our feet (Romans 16:17-20). Be aware, though, from the Romans portion of scripture, that it is GOD or his designated angel, in this case, who crushes Satan under your feet.
This is not the end of the devil or Satan (see verse 10). He just is inhibited from DECEIVING the NATIONS, meaning the unbelieving peoples. Furthermore, there is no indication that SEALING UP the devil in any way removes the evil nature from mankind.  Rather, the sinful nature of mankind is merely repressed. During the 1,000 years, there will be a lot of  "good people" on this earth. At least that is how it will appear to others.  How often do we hear today that a person is a "good person" implying that they probably will go to heaven and not to hell.  Yet after the 1,000 years, the latent evil in the "good person" will have a chance to realign itself with the devil again (verses 7 - 10). The astute reader already knows that the ONLY WAY to avoid hell is to have one's name in the Book of Life (verse 15).  And, incidentally, LIFE begins with Jesus Christ (John 14:1-6-11).

That there are NATIONS, implies that there will be political boundaries during the 1,000 years. It will be a peaceful time but not a lala land or utopia environment. There probably will be work to do as the sin curse (Genesis 3:17-21) still remains upon the land until this earth is destroyed (Revelation 21:1).
Here is one of the few times in the Revelation that the timing is not precise. It is just a 'little while'.  As a finite created being, the devil is kept in the dark about how much time (Revelation 12:12) he will have to perform his deceptions again.













































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 4 (GOD'S WORD)

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   4I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were allowed to judge. Then I saw the souls of those whose heads had been cut off because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its statue and were not branded on their foreheads or hands. They lived and ruled with Christ for 1,000 years.
John is just doing what he was told to do (Revelation 1:11). At the end of chapter 19 and the first three verses of chapter 20, we see how evil (or demonic activity) will be inhibited from functioning on this earth. The devil is thrown into the abyss with no way to escape until after the thousand years are over. The beast and false prophet are already consigned to their eternal prison, the lake of fire.

One could think that there then is an absence of governance, assuming that governance during the tribulation is totally evil. However, as this verse starts out, there will be governance (THRONES) and the rule of law (judgment was given to them). Many expositors try to explain who the "they" are who are sitting on the THRONES. The most acceptable answer would be the joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:12-17 and Galatians 4:1-7) and/or the 'bride of Christ' (Revelation 19:8). The vanquished evil is replaced with the "good" and is typified by the white robes, the righteous acts of the saints. It is not for us to determine who they are; Christ has  already done that (Revelation 19:9).
These people have a special place in the heavenly kingdom (Revelation 6:9-11). They were/are 100% totally committed to Jesus Christ even to death. Oh, that we may learn from their example!
The promise to the victors at Smyrna (Revelation 2:10) is finally fulfilled.

When one considers that the SOUL most likely is a thought process, i.e. a decision consciously made in our minds, then the SOULS, that were severed from the body (BEHEADED) are reunited with the BODY, where LIFE is. You may have a different view of where the SOUL of a person is, but that explanation needs to fit within the context of this verse. Most interesting to this author is that John SAW the SOULS. That means SOULS have form and are visible. We truly have a lot to learn about the spiritual/soul side of man. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


























 

Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 5 (GOD'S WORD)

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5 The rest of the dead did not live until the 1,000 years ended.
        This is the first time that people come back to life.
This verse shows the contrast to "they came to life" in the previous verse. The "rest of the dead" are the ones who now are receiving their wages (Romans 6:15-23). Specifically, they took the mark of the beast and committed murder (Exodus 20:2-13-17). John shows us that these people will remain dead, probably both physically and spiritually until the 1,000 years are ENDED.
This one phrase has caused more controversy among scholars than any other in the Revelation. Translators point out that the verb "is" may more properly be translated "completes". In any case, FIRST TIME implies a sequence. Even though it is not specifically stated, the SECOND TIME, implied, is generally taken to be the one in verse 12.

Now, back to the FIRST TIME.  We pointed out in the previous verse, that "they", the ones of the FIRST TIME, occupy the thrones. We probably will never know who "they" are, but we have a couple of hints from scripture who "they", the joint heirs, might be.

As 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 points out, this is a sequenced RESURRECTION. Christ started the process when He conquered death and RESURRECTED from the tomb/death (Luke 24:1-12). Then Matthew 27:51-52-56 records a curious (to us) RESURRECTION of saints in Jerusalem. This RESURRECTION may also have occurred throughout the whole area, but only Jerusalem is noted where this occurred. There is no record of these bodies going back into their tombs/graves. The "many bodies" could be interpreted to be all "joint heirs" from Adam and Eve until Calvary. Next the "dead in Christ shall rise" as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 teaches.

In the middle of the tribulation, the two witnesses are RESURRECTED (Revelation 11:11). And from the previous verse in this chapter of Revelation, the tribulation saints complete the FIRST RESURRECTION (TIME). The important point to understand is that the "rest of the dead", those who are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1-4-6-10) will not be around during Christ's millennial reign. Active evil now is dormant. 
 
 













 




































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 6 (GOD'S WORD)

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   6Blessed and holy are those who are included the first time that people come back to life. The second death has no power over them. They will continue to be priests of God and Christ. They will rule with him for 1,000 years.
This is the fifth of the Revelation "Beatitudes" (complete list is in Revelation 1:3 study). Those of us who accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior understand that because Christ rose again, FIRST TIME, after He was crucified, we, too are "BLESSED" to partake in the eternal life it brings. However, HOLY is the key word in this phrase.

It is clear that as we enter the 1,000 year period, we are declared and perceived by God to be HOLY. It wasn't always that way. But at this point, we see the eternal state of believers, HOLY, confirmed (Romans 6:1-4-11). Amazingly, this eternal state for each of us is/was known before the earth even was created (Ephesians 1:3-4-14).
The BLESSED and HOLY ones will NEVER see the SECOND DEATH (the LAKE OF FIRE, verse 14). In fact, what we see here is the contrasting eternal state of the unbeliever or wicked. This is when the "wages" will be paid forever (Romans 6:15-23).
To be PRIESTS means to be the spiritual leaders. It is implied in this phrase that sin still exists on the earth during the 1,000 years (Revelation 20:7-8). If there wasn't any sin, there wouldn't need to be any PRIESTS (1 Peter 2:1-9-10). Also this confirms John's opening statement in Revelation 1:6 that we are to minister to GOD because we are of God and Christ.

David Hocking in his book, "The Coming World Leader, Understanding the Book of Revelation", points out that there will be religious festivals during this period (for example, the Festival of Booths (Zechariah 14:16-21).

Noticeably absent from this list is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit functions now as "the sealer" (Ephesians 1:3-13-14) rather than "the Helper" (John 14:15-24). It is assumed that the BLESSED and HOLY ones already understand this.
The other function besides being PRIESTS is to be administrators. That is what RULE means. Christ sets the policy, and the BLESSED and HOLY ones will implement that policy. Be aware that during the 1,000 years, this will NOT be a democracy; it is a THEOCRACY. Those of us who live in "free" countries tend to think that a democracy is the ultimate form of government. But as believers, the BLESSED and HOLY ones, we know the form of the final government is a THEOCRACY (Psalm 72).















































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 7 (GOD'S WORD)

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      7 When 1,000 years are over, Satan will be freed from his prison.
 This is precise time; it is exactly 1,000 years. Just as the rest of the Revelation gives precise times, for example Revelation 12.6, so too, this millennial period is precise. Different phrases such as a "short time" (Revelation 12:12) are used to denote imprecision (or perhaps, to keep the Devil guessing).

There can be no doubt that this millennial period will be OVER. Time is the only dimension which always goes forward, and thus time can be OVER. It is not like the linear dimensions which may be "to" or "from" some point. Linear dimensions also lead to some interesting physical places, such as the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1-12). It apparently has side to side dimensions and a top, but there is no end to the bottom.
Now this seems odd. The beast and the false prophet are permanently gone from this earth (Revelation 19:20), but Satan has only been bound in PRISON (verse 2). Scholars have given many reasons why this is so. It could be that Jesus Christ wants to give SATAN one more chance to repent and acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:8-9-13). It has been suggested that those alive coming into the millennial period still contain the sin curse within their nature. It is a genetic part of all humans since the fall (Genesis 3:22-24).

Since the millennial period is a Theocracy by a RIGHTEOUS KING, Jesus Christ. open sin is unheard of. If a sin is brought out into the open, the sinner is dealt with swiftly by death (Isaiah 65:17-20-25 and Ezekiel 32:17-21). So at the end of the 1,000 years, the then population of the earth is well conditioned to not commit any sin(s). But the sinful nature of man lurks just below the surface, and the release of SATAN will test the human's CHOICE one more time (next verse).

Lastly, when the 1,000 years are OVER, the earth's inhabitants probably don't have any recollection of what happened 1,000 years earlier. Dim memory of an uptaking, dim memory of a horrible seven year tribulation, and dim memory of SATAN's incarceration. To prove my point. which of us recall what happened one thousand years ago. My point is made.

Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 8 (GOD'S WORD)

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8 He will go out to deceive Gog and Magog, the nations in the four corners of the earth, and gather them for war. They will be as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore.
 Many question why God would allow the devil deceive the earth again. We don't know God's ways, but, in a way, this verse snippet shows more about the character of God, the Almighty. God is longsuffering (2 Peter 3:8-9-13). The devil is one of God's created beings. In fact, he could well be one of the presence angels like Michael or Gabriel (Revelation 12:7) and such. With this "permission" to approach God, he has been busy accusing us of all kinds of sins/evils (Revelation 12:10). God, the Father, loves all His created beings and even though the devil has been a "problem child/creature", He still wishes the devil would change.

Secondly, God is omniscient. He knows what the devil will choose to do when He releases him. How differently this verse would read if the devil would have accepted this last chance to acknowledge God's Son, Jesus Christ, as his Master and Lord! But, since God knows what the devil's choice is, God tells John to write that the devil "will come out to DECEIVE"
During the 1,000 years, Christ has ruled the earth, NATIONS have formed again. Many commentaries indicate that there likely are people who did not take the mark of the beast and survived the tribulation into the millennium. If this is the case, these people's ethnicity will have followed them into the millennium.

These NATIONS are scattered all over the earth (reconfigured after the seventh bowl, Revelation 16:20). We know, today, that the earth is spherical, and thus doesn't have four corners (although the reconfiguration of the seventh bowl could make the earth cubic with four corners. Interesting to think about). Furthermore, if one reads the Bible literally, it reads predominantly like a "Flat Earth Bible".  Ancient scientists (500 BC - 350 BC) did discuss why the earth had to be round. The reader is left to come to their own conclusions about the four corners.
"them" here refers to Gog and Magog, Symbolically, "them" refers to the final enemies of Christ who obviously duped them into this FINAL WAR. They apparently plan to attack the saints who are in control of the earth (verse 6). One can marvel at the number of people (like the GRAINS of SAND on the SEASHORE) who will take the deception. This especially seems alarming considering that all evil has been totally suppressed during the previous 1,000 years. One can only conclude that evil isn't derived from the devil or from the earth itself, but rather that EVIL resides deeply within the nature of all mankind. Even at this time, the end of the millennium, the NATIONS (or perhaps better said, all humans alive then) will come to grips with what has been mostly dormant deep inside themselves.

All this EVIL will soon be exposed before the GREAT WHITE THRONE (verse 12).

Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 9 (GOD'S WORD)

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9 [I saw that] they spread over the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s holy people and the beloved city. Fire came from heaven and burned them up.
 After the terrible judgments of the tribulation period, the earth is very much different geographically. The implications of the earth shaking in Revelation 16:20 would seem to be confirmed by this portion of scripture. The earth is one broad expanse.

If one looks at the spiritual meanings of this portion, we find that there are no mountains to hide behind. This may be another way of saying that all of the evil contained in the sinful nature of mankind is being exposed. This evil, of necessity, was kept hidden during the millennial period, but now with an emboldening from the release of the devil, evil has become an open, hostile threat to GOD'S HOLY PEOPLE. One can look at it from a different perspective and realize that this may be God's way to gather all this evil into one focal point.

The CAMP of GOD'S HOLY PEOPLE is collocated at the BELOVED CITY. Most scholars agree that this is Jerusalem. Prophetic scripture indicates that Christ will rule from there (Isaiah 24:16-23; Micah 4:6-8; and Zechariah 14:9-21) during the 1,000 years. The original Greek word for "CAMP" implies a military connotation, and this would be fitting for the "armies of heaven" (Revelation 19:14). If you have served in the military, you understand that "CAMPS" are temporary, and so too here, this CAMP is temporary. Our new home still awaits (Revelation 21:1-2-8).

If you consider that the Revelation discussion following the tribulation is mostly spiritual in context, then the CAMP of GOD'S HOLY PEOPLE and the BELOVED CITY could be thought of as the collection of all true believers remaining into the millennium. It is the place where the RIGHTEOUS and HOLY ones are gathered.
Those who believed the Devil's arguments are consumed by FIRE FROM HEAVEN. It was their "unbelief" that Jesus, who had ruled them for 1,000 years, was their Savior and thus was much better than the devil. Those who are born during the millennial period had their names recorded in the book of life, and their "unbelief" erased their names from that book. It also killed them (John 8:21-30) eternally (verse 15).

From another view, this is the way we are shown that the evil (more properly, the knowledge of evil that was released in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 2:15-17) has been totally wiped off of the earth.

This is a Godly judgment, as the FIRE came from HEAVEN. Recall the two other times this happened: Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-29) and the emissaries of Ahaziah (2 Kings 1:9-17). The reader can determine what 'evils" were removed in those two instances.

One last thing, contrast this BURNING UP with the removal of those who took the mark of the beast (Revelation 19:21). It wasn't FIRE then, but rather a "SWORD". Why?

Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 10 (GOD'S WORD)

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10 The devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were also thrown. They will be tortured day and night forever and ever.
 THE DEVIL FINALLY IS FINISHED! One would have thought this time would never come, even though Jesus already told us that this place of eternal fire existed for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:31-41-46).

The devil, thinking he is as great and powerful as the Most High (Isaiah 14:3-14-21), ends up so low. The people he deceived were burned or destroyed physically and spiritually from above in the previous verse. And here, the devil, himself joins them but is burned from below. We aren't told who threw him into the lake of sulfur, but given the skills and deceptive nature, it had to be a very powerful angel or Christ Himself.
These two henchmen of the devil have spent the last 1,000 years in this lake already (Revelation 19:20). The sentence uses the verb "were" implying that they still are very much alive. This phrase indicates that everlasting life does exist for evil ones too. It just isn't the pleasant standard of living that the believers are enjoying!
The "they" here specifically means the Unholy Trinity, the devil, the beast and the false prophet, are being tormented. But it could be used in a much broader sense as Revelation 14:9-11, and Revelation 20:14-15 where the non-personal, death and Hades, also are thrown into the lake.

          FOREVER AND EVER.

This same expression is used in three different contexts throughout the Revelation. If  FOREVER AND EVER is a GOD quality, then the TORTURE of the devil will last as long as there is a God.

 FOREVER AND EVER.
Revelation 1:18 and Revelation 11:15
 Christ's Eternity and the length of His reign.
Revelation 4:9-10, Revelation 10:6 and Revelation 15:7
 God's Eternity
Revelation 20:10 (this verse)
 Length of residence of devil, beast, false prophet, and those he deceived.

The use of "day and night" in a literal sense implies that the sun will be around FOREVER AND EVER. This causes a dilemma for science as most astronomers indicated the sun will last another 5 billion years or so. While 5 billion years or so is a long time, it is not FOREVER AND EVER.  Thus one must conclude that this expression means everlasting or without end and probably applies more so in the spiritual sense.

Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 11 (GOD'S WORD)

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 11 I saw a large, white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence, but no place was found for them.
The use of 'LARGE' here is in the sense of 'the ultimate' THRONE. It is not used in the sense of the 'elder's throne' (Revelation 4:4 and Revelation 11:16) or like a 'focal point throne' (Revelation 4:2, Revelation 4:10, Revelation 7:11 and such). The LARGE, WHITE THRONE denotes the ultimate center of GOOD as opposed to EVIL as in the Tree of the Knowledge of GOOD and EVIL.  It's the ultimate center of RIGHTEOUSNESS (WHITE) (Revelation 19:8) and of AUTHORITY (the THRONE itself). Thus the ultimate LARGE, WHITE THRONE is final JUDGMENT. It is the process of completing that which was written in the scroll (Revelation 5:1). In the previous verse, we found the devil permanently removed to the lake of sulfur; the LARGE, WHITE THRONE will permanently remove evil from the non-believers, from death and even Hades itself (verse 14).

This is not a new kind of judgment for even in Old Testament times, the THRONE was understood to be the place of righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:11-14-18).
There is no need to say who "THE ONE" is. There is only one "THE ONE" qualified to sit on that THRONE. Look how Paul in his exhortation to Timothy describes "THE ONE" (1 Timothy 6:13-15-16).  It is the same "THE ONE" here on the LARGE, WHITE THRONE.

So pure, so GOOD, so righteous is "THE ONE" on the LARGE, WHITE THRONE that EARTH and HEAVEN FLED from HIS presence. That is John's way of saying that the physical earth and associated heaven (Genesis 1:6-8) are dissolved. This is confirmed in Revelation 21:1. From experience, we all understand the evil curse placed on this earth because of sin. So we can understand why there is 'no place found for them' when something is dirtied with so much EVIL as the EARTH has been. What is harder to understand is why HEAVEN is destroyed. But then recall that the devil and his cohorts have been running around heaven too (Revelation 12:7-12). And wherever they went they had to leave the scent of EVIL. We see the Creator of the Earth doing the ultimate reclaim of that which was taken over by EVIL (the devil and company) (see discussion in Revelation 5:1).

Science has known for some time now that the universe is physically expanding. So it shouldn't stretch our imagination too much that the EARTH and HEAVEN are moving away from the LARGE, WHITE THRONE. The expansion is theorized as the result of a "big bang" or in other words, the conversion of a lot of energy into matter. This fits with Einstein's assertion that the ratio of Energy to Matter (mass) is a constant. A constant that is the square of the speed of light, and that is a very large number. In a spiritual sense, we see from this verse a parallel ratio of GOOD to EVIL, and if the symmetry holds, this ratio must be a constant (the ultimate "THE ONE"). So taking the thought one step further, if EVIL is totally removed (the denominator of our ratio goes to zero, no EVIL), then all GOOD is ultimately the infinite GOD. PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!















































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 12 (GOD'S WORD)

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 12 I saw the dead, both important and unimportant people, standing in front of the throne. Books were opened, including the Book of Life. The dead were judged on the basis of what they had done, as recorded in the books.
These are THE DEAD who missed the first resurrection (Revelation 20:5). Their major sin was UNBELIEF.

All classes of persons are involved. There is no privilege of rank when God is involved. If anyone held someone in more esteem, the 'great' holding themselves as important and the 'small' holding someone of the 'great' group as important, both are guilty of idolatry, for only GOD HIMSELF should have all our esteem. Note that both UNBELIEF and IDOLATRY are in the list of candidates for the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:8).
It is no coincidence that the earth and heaven fled away from the throne and Him who sat on it in the previous verse. Imagine what THE DEAD are going through having to stand there before the THRONE! Stand there, they must, while their DEEDS are flashed before them.
God doesn't need BOOKS to remember what either THE ALIVE (Hebrews 4:12-13) or THE DEAD (this verse and the next verse) have done. This expression is for human understanding to show us that EVERYTHING that we do and think is remembered in the BOOKS.

Many scholars distinguish that 'BOOKS' are a recording of the DEEDS and that the 'BOOK of LIFE' is a list of names (Revelation 3:5 and Revelation 20:15). Now we all know that many people have the same given name, so to make sure that there are no mix ups, the names recorded in the 'BOOK of LIFE' are unique. Perhaps they are the genetic DNA code birthed or breathed into us (Genesis 2:4-7-9). Breath often is equated to the spiritual side of mankind. Also note that there is an interaction with blood, too, to make life (Leviticus 17:10-14-16).
Any single DEED written in THE BOOKS would be enough to condemn each of THE DEAD. However, in the interest of completeness, and, I suspect to ensure that ALL EVIL is revenged (Revelation 6:10 for one example), ALL DEEDS will be trotted out. Furthermore, those eyes of fire (Revelation 1:14) and the voice of Jesus (Revelation 1:15) will try each DEED (John 5:25-29) to see what it really is made of. And don't think it is only the things done out in the open, the secret acts too will be judged (Romans 2:1-16-16). We certainly pray that the readers of this discussion understand how important it is to NOT be among THE DEAD!















































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 13 (GOD'S WORD)

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 13 The sea gave up its dead. Death and hell gave up their dead. People were judged based on what they had done.
The literal interpretation is the most obvious. The oceans and seas of this earth give up the unbelieving DEAD to have their time of judgment before the LARGE, WHITE THRONE (verse 11).

What is not so obvious .... as we discussed previously, water is the container of spirits (both good and evil). In this case, the water is giving up the evil spirits (demons?) that it contains. The false prophet and the beast both (Revelation 19:20) have already been assigned to their eternal torture. The devil also has met his end (verse 10). Here in this phrase, God in His completeness is removing the evil (demon based) from the water.

Just an aside note; evil apparently is never abolished. That is why God admonished Adam and Eve to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and EVIL (Genesis 2:15-17). If they did, they would be committing an act with eternal consequences. It also explains why even the new Jerusalem has walls and gates (Revelation 21:12).

That water is the container of evil is one reason why the flood was used to remove EVIL mankind (Genesis 6:1-5-8). On the other hand, wherever the presence of God was, namely the ark of the covenant of the Lord in the Old Testament, neither the ark nor the feet of its bearers ever touched water (Joshua 3:14-17). Even in crossing through the Red Sea, water never came close to contaminating the chosen people of God (Exodus 14:1-22-29-31). Sidelight: what happened to the Egyptians who were pursuing God's chosen people?

The "dying to oneself" part of baptism symbolizes our burial of EVIL from our lives. Spiritually, the "buried" EVILS from believers are being judged based on WHAT THEY HAD DONE (Luke 11:14-26). Even the EVIL thoughts cleansed from our conscience by the blood of Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22-25) are judged at this time.
Finally, the wages of SIN (EVIL) and the abode of EVIL (spiritually), give up their EVIL DEAD people. This phrase is the other bookend to Revelation 1:18 where Jesus Christ says that He has the Keys to DEATH and HELL. The verses between Revelation 1:18 and this verse are in essence the Revelation of Jesus Christ. He conquers EVIL because He is forevermore ALIVE. Having the keys to DEATH and HELL means that He controls them. So here we see Jesus Christ is fulfilling His judgment control (John 5:17-22-24), and Jesus Christ JUDGES EVIL.
 The 'PEOPLE' here is broad: unbelievers (names not in Book of Life, verse 15), those in the list in Revelation 21:8, PEOPLE with demons (Matthew 8:28-29-34), evil as stored in the SEA, and DEATH and HELL all are JUDGED! There is no more GRACE here at the LARGE, WHITE THRONE; it is JUDGMENT TIME! If you are reading this and haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, your FINAL JUDGMENT is HERE!















































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 14 (GOD'S WORD)

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 14Death and hell were thrown into the fiery lake.(The fiery lake is the second death.)
The personification of DEATH and HELL makes one think about what really happened here. The obvious view is that DEATH is the physical death of these non-believers, and HELL is the departed souls of these non-believers. These non-believers are the ones who missed the FIRST RESURRECTION (Revelation 20:6). But there is a broader meaning. Just as we have discussed previously, evil is being totally expunged from the earth, and the earth will be totally redeemed by the Jesus Christ who is revealed in this Bible book. It is fitting that anything that has come into contact with EVIL also must be purged. And, thus, both DEATH (which is the wages of sin - Romans 6:15-23-23) and HELL are consigned to THE FIERY LAKE.

DEATH and HELL didn't go willingly; they were THROWN into THE FIERY LAKE. Not much is said in scripture about THE FIERY LAKE. It, obviously, is an eternal spiritual container controlled by God. God is a black-and-white God. He doesn't tolerate any gray areas. So EVIL must be compartmentalized for eternity in the FIERY LAKE (Matthew 25:31-41-46). Some scholars indicate they believe that the "outer darkness" (Matthew 22:1-13-14, Matthew 8:5-12-13, and Matthew 25:14-30-30) shares the same place as the FIERY LAKE.
This SECOND DEATH is confirmed for the list of non-believers in Revelation 21:8. This is a permanent DEATH. There is no escaping it. The FIERY LAKE was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:31-41-46). Please note that the discussion of God's economic principles are intimately tied to this FIERY LAKE. Those gatherings of believers who do not implement God's economic principles run the risk of participating in this SECOND DEATH! It is not a coincidence that much of the discussion about the prostitute refers to the world's economic principles (Revelation 18:1-3-11-15-19). Furthermore, the smoke seen in Revelation 18:18 may well be the smoke coming from the FIERY LAKE!















































Revelation Chapter 20, Verse 15 (GOD'S WORD)

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 15 Those whose names were not found in the Book of Life were thrown into the fiery lake.
Let's think a little bit about one's NAME. We are given a NAME at birth by our parents, usually. That name is associated with our physical appearance. But, spiritually, we are named at conception. Our birth name may well be a duplicate of someone else's name. But the names in BOOK OF LIFE must be unique for the judgment to be administered correctly. Only in recent years has science shown the uniqueness of DNA (actually DNA, genotype and phenotype1). Thus, I suspect, we are known to God by our genetic structures. There are some interesting implications to this concept.

If life begins at conception (or very shortly thereafter), then a life taken anytime prior to the "natural" physical death of the being is considered murder. Murderers are listed in Revelation 21:8 as those who will take part in the FIERY LAKE. The spiritual part of each NAME then also begins at conception (Luke 1:26-31-35-38 and Genesis 2:4-7-14). It will be interesting when we, believers who are alive physically, are united with these spiritual entities who are in heaven either through abortion, miscarriage, or some other death prior to the 'age of accountability', whether we will even recognize them as such. It makes one ponder what the real spiritual part of oneself truly is.

If the spiritual entity has reached the 'age of accountability', then it is by their individual choice to NOT believe on Jesus Christ that will force Jesus to remove their NAME (Revelation 3:5) from the BOOK OF LIFE. Knowing that the FIERY LAKE is not a fun place to be (for an eternity no less), a person MUST consider choosing to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as the better alternative.
This is not an option. All options these unbelievers had are long gone. The use of 'THROWN' indicates this is a permanent removal from earth and permanent residence in the FIERY LAKE. You may have heard people flippantly remark, "But I'll have lots of friends there" as though that will be a comfort. The FIERY LAKE holds no friends; it holds individuals whose NAMES are NOT in the BOOK OF LIFE along with the devil (verse 10), the antiChrist (Revelation 19:20), the False Prophet (Revelation 19:20), all evil (demons, DEATH, and HELL in previous verse).

1 Lewontin, Richard, "The Genotype/Phenotype Distinction", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2004 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2004/entries/genotype-phenotype/>.