Understanding Revelation 20: A Spiritual Kingdom Perspective

 

Summary

In our exploration of the 20th chapter of the Book of Revelation, we have been examining the various interpretations of this pivotal scripture, particularly focusing on the premillennial view. This perspective suggests a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on Earth, a concept that is not explicitly supported elsewhere in the New Testament. This absence of corroboration raises significant questions about the validity of this interpretation. The premillennial view emphasizes an earthly kingdom, which contrasts with the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom as depicted in the Gospels and Epistles. Furthermore, this interpretation suggests multiple resurrections and judgments, which contradicts the unified resurrection and judgment described by Jesus and the apostles.

One of the critical objections to the premillennial view is its implication of a future kingdom, postponing the current reality of Christ's reign. Scripture teaches that believers are already part of God's kingdom, having been transferred from darkness into the kingdom of His Son. Additionally, the notion of a future earthly kingdom reintroduces a distinction between Jews and Gentiles, a division that the New Testament declares abolished in Christ. The idea of multiple comings of Christ and separate resurrections also conflicts with the New Testament's teaching of a singular second coming and a unified resurrection.

The chapter itself, when examined closely, suggests a heavenly scene rather than an earthly one. The use of symbolic language, such as the binding of Satan with a chain, further supports a non-literal interpretation. The absence of any mention of Earth, Palestine, or Jews in this chapter challenges the premillennial view's emphasis on a physical, earthly kingdom. Instead, the chapter aligns with the broader scriptural narrative of a spiritual kingdom and a final judgment that encompasses all humanity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity of Scripture: The absence of a literal thousand-year reign elsewhere in the New Testament suggests that the interpretation of Revelation 20 should align with the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom as depicted throughout scripture. This calls for a holistic understanding of biblical prophecy. [03:55]

2. Present Reality of the Kingdom: Believers are already part of God's kingdom, having been transferred from darkness into the kingdom of His Son. This present reality challenges interpretations that postpone the kingdom to a future earthly reign. [07:42]

3. Abolition of Distinctions: The New Testament teaches that in Christ, there is no longer Jew nor Gentile. Any interpretation that reintroduces these distinctions contradicts the unity and inclusivity of the Gospel. [09:24]

4. Symbolic Interpretation: The symbolic language used in Revelation, such as the binding of Satan, suggests a non-literal interpretation of the thousand-year reign. This aligns with the broader symbolic nature of apocalyptic literature. [30:17]

5. Final Judgment and Resurrection: The New Testament consistently teaches a singular second coming of Christ, a unified resurrection, and a final judgment. These events are not separated by a thousand-year interval, as some interpretations suggest. [13:48]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Revelation 20
[00:50] - Overview of Premillennial View
[02:15] - Criticisms of Premillennialism
[03:18] - Lack of Scriptural Support
[04:45] - Earthly vs. Spiritual Kingdom
[06:27] - Present Kingdom Reality
[08:15] - Distinction Between Jews and Gentiles
[11:00] - Multiple Comings and Resurrections
[13:14] - Unified Resurrection and Judgment
[16:24] - Glorified Saints and Sinners
[18:28] - Satan's Release and Deception
[20:33] - Objections from 2 Peter 3
[25:18] - Objections from Revelation 20
[29:32] - Symbolic Interpretation of Revelation
[34:20] - Final Judgment and New Creation
[41:26] - Future Discussions and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 20:1-15
2. John 5:28-29
3. Galatians 3:28

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the premillennial view of Revelation 20, and how does it interpret the thousand-year reign of Christ? [00:50]

2. According to the sermon, what are some of the key objections to the premillennial interpretation of Revelation 20? [02:15]

3. How does the sermon describe the nature of Christ's kingdom as depicted in the Gospels and Epistles? [05:24]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the symbolic language used in Revelation 20, such as the binding of Satan? [30:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the absence of a literal thousand-year reign elsewhere in the New Testament challenge the premillennial view? [03:18]

2. In what ways does the sermon argue that believers are already part of God's kingdom, and how does this contrast with the idea of a future earthly kingdom? [07:42]

3. How does the sermon address the issue of distinctions between Jews and Gentiles in the context of the New Testament teachings? [09:24]

4. What implications does the sermon draw from the symbolic interpretation of the thousand-year reign in Revelation 20? [30:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea that believers are already part of God's kingdom. How does this understanding affect your daily life and spiritual practices? [07:42]

2. The sermon emphasizes the unity of Scripture. How can you apply this principle when studying other challenging or controversial passages in the Bible? [03:55]

3. Consider the symbolic nature of apocalyptic literature. How might this influence the way you interpret other symbolic passages in the Bible? [30:17]

4. The sermon discusses the abolition of distinctions between Jews and Gentiles. How can this teaching influence your interactions with people from different backgrounds or cultures? [09:24]

5. How does the concept of a singular second coming of Christ and a unified resurrection shape your understanding of end times theology? [13:48]

6. In what ways can you ensure that your interpretation of Scripture aligns with the broader narrative of the Bible, as suggested in the sermon? [04:12]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s critique of postponing the kingdom to a future earthly reign. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your current beliefs about the kingdom of God? [06:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity of Scripture in Prophecy
The absence of a literal thousand-year reign elsewhere in the New Testament suggests that the interpretation of Revelation 20 should align with the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom as depicted throughout scripture. This calls for a holistic understanding of biblical prophecy. The premillennial view, which emphasizes a literal earthly kingdom, contrasts with the spiritual kingdom described in the Gospels and Epistles. By examining the broader scriptural narrative, one can see that the kingdom of God is not confined to a future earthly reign but is a present spiritual reality. This understanding encourages believers to see the unity of Scripture and the consistent message of a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly limitations. [03:55]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you seek to understand the unity of Scripture in your daily Bible reading, and how does this understanding affect your view of God's kingdom?


Day 2: Present Reality of the Kingdom
Believers are already part of God's kingdom, having been transferred from darkness into the kingdom of His Son. This present reality challenges interpretations that postpone the kingdom to a future earthly reign. The New Testament teaches that the kingdom of God is a present reality, where believers live under the reign of Christ, experiencing His peace and righteousness. This understanding calls for a shift in focus from waiting for a future kingdom to actively participating in God's kingdom now, living out the values of His kingdom in daily life. [07:42]

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's kingdom today, and how does this influence your interactions with others?


Day 3: Abolition of Distinctions in Christ
The New Testament teaches that in Christ, there is no longer Jew nor Gentile. Any interpretation that reintroduces these distinctions contradicts the unity and inclusivity of the Gospel. The message of the Gospel is one of unity, breaking down barriers and creating a new community where all are equal in Christ. This understanding challenges believers to embrace the inclusivity of the Gospel, recognizing that all distinctions are abolished in Christ, and to live out this truth in their relationships and communities. [09:24]

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively work to break down barriers and promote unity in your community, reflecting the inclusivity of the Gospel?


Day 4: Symbolic Interpretation of Revelation
The symbolic language used in Revelation, such as the binding of Satan, suggests a non-literal interpretation of the thousand-year reign. This aligns with the broader symbolic nature of apocalyptic literature. Understanding the symbolic nature of Revelation encourages believers to look beyond literal interpretations and seek the deeper spiritual truths conveyed through symbols and imagery. This approach helps to uncover the rich theological messages within Revelation, emphasizing the ultimate victory of Christ and the hope of His eternal kingdom. [30:17]

"And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach the book of Revelation with an openness to its symbolic language, and what spiritual truths can you uncover through this perspective?


Day 5: Final Judgment and Resurrection
The New Testament consistently teaches a singular second coming of Christ, a unified resurrection, and a final judgment. These events are not separated by a thousand-year interval, as some interpretations suggest. This understanding emphasizes the certainty and finality of Christ's return, where all humanity will stand before Him in judgment. Believers are called to live in anticipation of this day, aligning their lives with the teachings of Christ and sharing the hope of His return with others. [13:48]

"For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: How does the certainty of Christ's return and the final judgment influence your daily decisions and priorities, and how can you share this hope with others?

Quotes


It is a teaching which is found nowhere else in the gospels or in the Epistles of the New Testament and that of course is agreed by all there are no other references to this idea of an Earthly Kingdom with our Lord reigning in person on Earth for a literal thousand years. [00:03:18]

Surely if you do believe in the unity of scripture you would believe you must believe that the scripture acts as a ho and that when this particular doctrine of our Lord's Second Coming is dealt with in other parts of the scripture well if this Earthly Reign is an essential part of it you would have thought that there would have been some suggestion or hint with regard to it. [00:03:55]

The kingdom is to come in one sense but the kingdom has come in another and in any case you remember constantly in the Epistles we know that Christians are described as those who have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear son we are already citizens of the kingdom of God. [00:07:42]

There was nothing that the Apostle Paul in particular so gloried in is that there is no longer Jew nor Gentile Barbarian or cian Bond nor free the middle wall of partition has been broken down the kingdom is now open to Gentiles as to Jews the the whole glory of the Gospel says Paul in the epistle to the Ephesians is that the Gentiles are to be fellow and fellow citizens in this glorious kingdom of God and of Christ. [00:09:24]

The whole of the remainder of the New Testament teaches that the is only to be one second coming of Our Lord the one that will be associated with the general resurrection of the dead and the final judgment where is the evidence for more than one coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:13:48]

Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in the which all the that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth they that have done good un the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation where's the interval of a thousand years surely that's a perfectly clear statement there is to be one General Resurrection good and bad together. [00:13:48]

The day of the Lord is going to introduce that great conflagration which is going to mean the destruction of the World As We Now know it evil and sin are going to be burned right out of it the heavens and the Earth which are now by the same word are kept in store reserved un fire against the day of judgment and ption of ungodly men it all happens at the same time. [00:25:18]

The numbers in this book as we have seen many times are obviously symbolical numbers we've looked at the number and surely the same thing applies here this number thousand as we've seen is the most important symbolical number it suggests a period of completeness a whole period a long period yes but above all a complete period 10 cubed. [00:30:17]

The scene depicted by John by the S is not on Earth at all it's a scene in heaven and I saw an angel come down from heaven you go back through the book and you'll find that he starts most of his fresh sections in some such way as that and I saw and here he sees he's looking into heaven and he sees an angel coming down. [00:29:32]

The writer deliberately chooses the word so and he obviously must have some very good and cogent reason for doing so then another point which strikes anyone reading this chapter without presuppositions must be this that this uh period of a thousand years whatever the interpretation of it may be is obviously something that preceeds the final judgment. [00:34:20]

The Comfort he holds out for them is not that this is going to be a glorious period of a thousand years reign with Christ on Earth no no he says the thing we are looking forward to is this the whole creation granth and travaileth in pain together until now and not only they but ourselves also which have the first fruits of the spirit we ourselves grow Al within ourselves waiting for what for the millennial Reign now for the adoption to with the Redemption of our body. [00:34:20]

The last of these particular in objections which I find in the chapter itself to this interpretation which is this that surely this interpretation presses its interpretation of what is meant by The Binding of Satan for a thousand years it presses it too far we are told that he laid hold of the Dragon the angel laid hold of the dragon that old serpent which is the devil and Satan and bound him a thousand years and cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up and set a seal upon him that he should deceive the Nations no more till the Thousand Years should be fulfilled. [00:41:26]

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Transcript
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