Bible Reading
Revelation 20:1–15 (ESV) — > Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while.
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> Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
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> And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
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> Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:1–7 (ESV) — > Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
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> And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
Observation Questions
- According to Revelation 20, what happens to Satan during the thousand-year reign of Christ, and what happens after he is released? ([06:56])
- What is the “first resurrection,” and who participates in it? ([09:56])
- What is the difference between the “book of life” and the “books” mentioned at the great white throne judgment? ([25:28])
- In Revelation 21, what are some of the characteristics of the new heaven, new earth, and the New Jerusalem? ([34:57])
Interpretation Questions
- The sermon talks about being “born once, die twice” or “born twice, die once.” What does this mean, and why is it important for understanding our eternal destiny? ([11:45])
- Even during the millennial reign, with Jesus physically ruling, some people will still choose to rebel. What does this reveal about the human heart and the nature of true transformation? ([16:45])
- The great white throne judgment is described as a place where those who rejected Christ are judged by their works. Why is it significant that believers are not judged at this throne, and what does this say about salvation? ([23:50])
- The New Jerusalem is described as a place of blessing, light, and God’s presence. What does this tell us about God’s ultimate plan for His people? ([37:46])
Application Questions
- The sermon says every person faces the choice of being born once and dying twice, or being born twice and dying only once. Have you personally experienced the “second birth” (being born again)? If so, how did it change your perspective on life and eternity? If not, what questions or hesitations do you have? ([11:45])
- The millennial reign shows that even in a perfect environment, people can still choose rebellion. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself resisting God’s rule, even when you know His way is best? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Him? ([16:45])
- The great white throne judgment is a sobering reminder of the finality of our choices. How does knowing about this future judgment affect the way you view your own life and the lives of those around you? Is there someone you feel prompted to pray for or share your faith with? ([23:50])
- The promise of a new heaven and new earth is that all pain, sorrow, and death will be gone. When you face suffering or loss now, how can this hope encourage you? Is there a specific situation where you need to remind yourself of God’s future promise? ([34:57])
- The New Jerusalem is described as a place of unimaginable beauty and blessing, where God Himself is present. How does this vision of your eternal home shape your priorities and desires today? Are there things you are holding onto that might not matter in eternity? ([37:46])
- The invitation to have your name written in the Book of Life is open to all. If you have already accepted Christ, how can you help others respond to this invitation? What practical steps can you take this week to point someone toward Jesus? ([43:28])
- The sermon ends with a call to set our hearts on eternity. What is one specific way you can “set your heart on eternity” this week, whether in your thoughts, your schedule, or your relationships? ([43:28])
