Someone once pictured Revelation as a dark tunnel (chapters 6-20) with a light at each end (chapters 1-5 and 21-22). In chapters 6 through 20, three panoramic visions are each followed by numerous dioramas of details. Seven seals envision the persevering saints before the throne of God in various scenes (6:1 through 7:17). Seven trumpets announce the fulness of Christ’s kingdom and add details (8:2 through 15:8). Seven bowls signal the wrath of God upon evil and the unrepentant and include scenes with details (16:1 through 20:15).
The primary message of Revelation is for Christians experiencing horrific persecution and need reassurance that God is even now working out His purpose for all mankind in Jesus Christ (1:4). God sends an angel to remove the deceitful influence of Satan (20:1-2a). Satan’s names denote his ill nature (20:2b). He devoted his existence to be a master deceiver, but is “thrown, locked, and sealed” (20:3). That he “must” be freed means that Satan’s later release accords with God’s divine plan, not his.
Those seated on thrones as judges are not further identified (20:4a). These witnesses have suffered terribly but have refused identity with evil (20:4b). Their reward is resurrection (1:6; 3:21). “Coming to life” in verses 4 and 5 means a physical, bodily resurrection of the saints for salvation and judgment for the lost.
In 20:5b, “the first resurrection” refers to the faithful in 20:4b, not to “the rest of the dead” in 20:5a. Numerous translations make this clear by enclosing 20:5a in parentheses to indicate 20:5b continues the thought of 20:4b (GNB, REB, Phillips, NCV, Moffatt, NIV, NLT, NRS). Verses 4 through 6 will then be understood to say that all the saints are in the first resurrection for salvation, while the unrepentant will be resurrected to stand judgment in the “second death” (20:14).
Saints receive resurrection as God’s blessing to become royal priests serving Him in His royal kingdom (20:6a). The “second death” only applies to eternal punishment for those who reject Christ (20:6b).
The purpose of the millennium is indicated in 20:4b. If “those who reign with Christ” refers to all of God’s people, then consummation of Christ’s victory over evil occurs in the same arena where Satan exerted his evil power – earth. The church must be faithful to witness to unbelieving people, motivated by knowing people who die without Christ are reserved for the judgment of the second death.
Dr. David Moore is a university online instructor in Bible and theology. Email: dm5867se@outlook.com
