260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 258 - Revelation 20: The 1000 Years & The Judgment

Ok, so basically you end up in one of three camps on this 1000 year reign thingy: Pre-millennium – 1000 years is literal, Jesus’ second coming initiates His 1000 year reign and this occurs before the final removal of Satan. Post-millennium - Also literal and Christ return after 1000 years to defeat Satan. Amillennium - 1000 years is figurative and in the hearts of the believers – i.e. the church age. I would classify myself as a pre-trib, pre-mill, rapture hopeful, ‘til further notice. Not that you care, but, just sayn’…..This chapter seems to be broken up into two sections. The first 10 verses are about the coming earthly 1000 year kingdom of Jesus. God is doing these things and HE is in control = “Key” (as if He ever wasn’t). Satan will be removed, all humans who had survived the tribulation are executed at Armageddon. The “Abyss” is a temporary holding place of torment for Satan & his demons. When the 1000 years is over Satan will return to deceive the world (4 corners) and go into a battle. And like Armageddon, it will be an execution – “fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The remainder of the chapter has to do with man’s last day in court, which is quite sobering. This is God’s judgment on sin and unbelieving sinners. “The earth and the heavens fled from his presence…” because they were sinful and to prepare for the new heaven and earth. The “dead” are all unbelievers who have ever lived – remember, believers will NOT face this judgment because they have been washed by the blood of Christ! (Romans 8:1, John 3:18 & 5:24) “Books were opened” – this is a record of every thought, word & deed of every unsaved person – wowsa! Sooooo glad Jesus took those for me!~ “Another book was opened, which is the book of life.” This has the name of every believer, God’s kids! This is the ONE book you want your name in!!! And it says judgment occurred. There will be no appeals, no hung juries, no mistrials at this one. SO WHAT?! *Regardless of where you & I place the 1000 years, the judgment on sin and sinner WILL eventually occur. And it will be just and swift. In light of this are two responses: 1 – Absolute praise and joy for those whose names are written in the book of life! Because by grace through faith we believed in what Jesus did (and we couldn’t do) to make us right with God, we will never face this judgment – WHOOHOO!!!!! Thank you Jesus! 2 – Absolute horror for those who refused to believe and receive God’s offer of forgiveness in Christ, because they will be tormented forever! I pray that you are a part of the first response. If you are, why not tell God thanks today! If you’re not, I beg you to believe and receive Jesus today!