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Revelation is a difficult book to understand. It abounds with symbolism, and
like all prophetic utterances, the place and meaning of figures of speech
must be allowed for. But when every such allowance is made, one thing stands
out as imperative,
Revelation
20
is
basic
Should one interpose -- why not start with the lovely foreshadowings of
Isaiah 11 -- the answer must be, not all students of prophecy agree that this
is a Millennial picture. It may be, but it can only be seen to be if and
when it is found in accord with the conditions that Revelation 20 demands.
Revelation 20 provides the only standard by which all prophetic findings on
the Millennium must be measured. The term `The Millennium' is not found in
the Scriptures but is a legitimate term for more reasons than one.
(1)
It distinguishes the kingdom of Revelation 20, from the kingdom
of God, the kingdom of heaven and other such expressions.
(2)
It conveniently expresses the fact that this kingdom is to last
for a thousand years, for the Latin mille = a thousand, and annus = a
year.
The first objection we must meet is that this period of time must not
be taken literally. In answer to this objection we quote the references in
Revelation 20 and let them speak for themselves.
`An angel ... laid hold on the dragon ... and bound him a thousand
years'.
`That he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little
season'.
`I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus
... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the
rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were
finished'.
`They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a
thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall
be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations'
(Rev. 20:1 -8).
This repeated reference to the period of a thousand years cannot be
dismissed as mere figurative language, to do so would vitiate the text -books
of history, for many an accepted historical date is expressed with less
explicit and circumstantial details. The references fall into a perfect
pattern as might have been expected.
The Thousand Years
A
Satan bound.
B
He will deceive again after he is loosed.
C
Overcomers reign with Christ.
D
The First Resurrection.
C
Priests reign with Christ.
A
Satan loosed.
B
He goes out to deceive, after he is loosed.