Reading
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Truth for Today
All attempts to equate this glorious reign of Christ over the whole earth with any past event or with the church is utterly foreign and contradictory to the clear eschatological teaching of Scripture. There is no way this text can be fulfilled except by the universal reign of Jesus Christ over the whole earth - as the prophets had for so long predicted.
Reflecting on the Text
1. How does this glorious picture of Jesus' returning and making all things right encourage you? Do you still have questions about Christ's coming reign on earth? If so, write them out here.
2. Which millennialist view of Christ's thousand-year reign do you support? Why?
3. What hopes and fears do the truths of these two chapters bring to the surface in your own soul?
4. Ask God for the opportunity this week to share the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ with someone for whom you have prayed (parent, sibling, friend, coworker, etc.).
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Christ and His Kingdom - Part 5 - Devo for 04/17/2009
Reading
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Going Deeper
The prophet Micah foresaw the time when God would reign over all. Read Micah 4:1-8.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How does the prophet Micah describe the coming Millennium time of peace?
2. What will draw people to God's mountain?
3. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-16. What promise did King David receive? How is it fulfilled in Jesus? Why is the premillennialist view necessary for the fulfillment of this prophecy?
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Going Deeper
The prophet Micah foresaw the time when God would reign over all. Read Micah 4:1-8.
Exploring the Meaning
1. How does the prophet Micah describe the coming Millennium time of peace?
2. What will draw people to God's mountain?
3. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-16. What promise did King David receive? How is it fulfilled in Jesus? Why is the premillennialist view necessary for the fulfillment of this prophecy?
Christ and His Kingdom - Part 4 - Devo for 04/16/2009
Reading
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Questions
1. How is the Second Coming of Christ described by John in chapter 19?
(Verses to consider: Matthew 24:27-31; Acts 1:9-11; 17:31)
2. Compare and contrast the judgment of Satan with the reward of the faithful witnesses during the thousand years. What will God do (20:1-6)?
3. Describe what will happen at the Great White Throne judgment. Who will be judged, and how?
(Verses to consider: Matthew 11:20-24; John 5:22-29; 12:48; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:5, 16; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Jude 6)
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Questions
1. How is the Second Coming of Christ described by John in chapter 19?
(Verses to consider: Matthew 24:27-31; Acts 1:9-11; 17:31)
2. Compare and contrast the judgment of Satan with the reward of the faithful witnesses during the thousand years. What will God do (20:1-6)?
3. Describe what will happen at the Great White Throne judgment. Who will be judged, and how?
(Verses to consider: Matthew 11:20-24; John 5:22-29; 12:48; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:5, 16; Hebrews 9:27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Jude 6)
Christ and His Kingdom - Part 3 - Devo for 04/15/2009
Reading
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Questions
1. What reasons are given for heaven's rejoicing in 19:1-5?
2. Why would the redeemed of heaven be glad for God's judgment?
(Verses to consider: Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 23:5; Revelation 16:7)
3. What is "the marriage of the Lamb"?
(Verses to consider: John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:4; 5:22-24)
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Questions
1. What reasons are given for heaven's rejoicing in 19:1-5?
2. Why would the redeemed of heaven be glad for God's judgment?
(Verses to consider: Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 23:5; Revelation 16:7)
3. What is "the marriage of the Lamb"?
(Verses to consider: John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 1:4; 5:22-24)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Christ and His Kingdom - Part 2 - Devo for 04/14/2009
Reading
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Keys to the Text
The Millennium: This is the thousand-year reign of Christ over the earth (20:2-7). There are three main views regarding the duration and nature of this period:
(1) Premillennialism says Christ will return before the thousand-year reign and sees this as a literal thousand-year period during which Jesus Christ reigns on the earth, in fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies (for example, Psalm 2; Isaiah 11:6-12; 24:23; Hosea 3:4-5; Joel 3:9-21; Amos 9:8-15; and Zechariah 14:1-11). Premillennialism says that Christ will return after the events of the Great Tribulation but before the final judgments and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. Using the same general principles of interpretation for both prophetic and non-prophetic passages leads most naturally to premillennialism. Another strong argument supporting this view is that many biblical prophecies have already been literally fulfilled, suggesting the future prophecies will likewise be fulfilled literally.
(2) Postmillennialism says Christ will return after the thousand years and understands the reference to a thousand-year period as only symbolic of a golden age of righteousness and spiritual prosperity. It will be ushered in by the spread of the gospel during the present church age and brought to completion when Christ returns. According to this view, references to Christ's reign on earth primarily describe His spiritual reign in the hearts of believers in the church. Postmillennialism essentially teaches that the church, by preaching the gospel, will "Christianize" the world and usher in a worldwide era of peace commonly called the "millennium." Following this Golden Age, Christ will return and eternity will begin.
(3) Amillennialism understands the thousand years to be merely symbolic of a long period of time. This view interprets Old Testament prophecies of a millennium as being fulfilled spiritually now in the church (either on earth or in heaven) or as references to the eternal state. But, using the literal, historical, grammatical principles of interpretation so as to determine the normal sense of language, one is left with the inescapble conclusion that Christ will return and reign in a real kingdom on earth for a thousand years. There is nothing in the text to render the conclusion that "a thousand years" is symbolic. Never in Scripture when "year" is used with a number is its meaning not literal.
1. Why is it so important to interpret all of Scripture by the same method?
2. List different beliefs about end time events that stem from each of these views.
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Keys to the Text
The Millennium: This is the thousand-year reign of Christ over the earth (20:2-7). There are three main views regarding the duration and nature of this period:
(1) Premillennialism says Christ will return before the thousand-year reign and sees this as a literal thousand-year period during which Jesus Christ reigns on the earth, in fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies (for example, Psalm 2; Isaiah 11:6-12; 24:23; Hosea 3:4-5; Joel 3:9-21; Amos 9:8-15; and Zechariah 14:1-11). Premillennialism says that Christ will return after the events of the Great Tribulation but before the final judgments and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. Using the same general principles of interpretation for both prophetic and non-prophetic passages leads most naturally to premillennialism. Another strong argument supporting this view is that many biblical prophecies have already been literally fulfilled, suggesting the future prophecies will likewise be fulfilled literally.
(2) Postmillennialism says Christ will return after the thousand years and understands the reference to a thousand-year period as only symbolic of a golden age of righteousness and spiritual prosperity. It will be ushered in by the spread of the gospel during the present church age and brought to completion when Christ returns. According to this view, references to Christ's reign on earth primarily describe His spiritual reign in the hearts of believers in the church. Postmillennialism essentially teaches that the church, by preaching the gospel, will "Christianize" the world and usher in a worldwide era of peace commonly called the "millennium." Following this Golden Age, Christ will return and eternity will begin.
(3) Amillennialism understands the thousand years to be merely symbolic of a long period of time. This view interprets Old Testament prophecies of a millennium as being fulfilled spiritually now in the church (either on earth or in heaven) or as references to the eternal state. But, using the literal, historical, grammatical principles of interpretation so as to determine the normal sense of language, one is left with the inescapble conclusion that Christ will return and reign in a real kingdom on earth for a thousand years. There is nothing in the text to render the conclusion that "a thousand years" is symbolic. Never in Scripture when "year" is used with a number is its meaning not literal.
1. Why is it so important to interpret all of Scripture by the same method?
2. List different beliefs about end time events that stem from each of these views.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Christ and His Kingdom - Part 1 - Devo for 04/13/2009
Reading
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Drawing Near
1. John's vision of the last days turns a corner here, when the King of kings returns to rule and reign in righteousness! What are you most looking forward to about Jesus' second coming?
2. The Bible makes it clear that we will be judged and rewarded according to our works. How does knowing Jesus will come again affect how you live each day?
The Context
How will the world end? There are many answers to that question as there are doomsday prophets, futurists, and scientists. Some speculate about collisions with giant asteroids. Others worry about nuclear conflagration. Still others fret over possible extraterrestrial invasion or the extinction of the human race due to pollution or disease. But those who study the Bible know that "history" is, literally, "His story." God is, and always has been, sovereign over the events of earth. The New Testament book of Revelation repeatedly reminds us of this truth. The day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will return to reward His followers and to punish His enemies.
Few passages in all of Scripture are as majestic and powerul as Revelation 19-20! It begins with the sound of rejoicing over the defeat of the evil world system called Babylon. It ends with the Battle of Armageddon and Christ's glorious second coming - events that mark the close of the Tribulation. Then we see the binding of Satan, Christ's thousand-year earthly kingdom, Satan's final rebellion, and the Great White Throne Judgment. In the end, Jesus Christ will make all things right. Alleluia!
Revelation 19:1-20:15
Drawing Near
1. John's vision of the last days turns a corner here, when the King of kings returns to rule and reign in righteousness! What are you most looking forward to about Jesus' second coming?
2. The Bible makes it clear that we will be judged and rewarded according to our works. How does knowing Jesus will come again affect how you live each day?
The Context
How will the world end? There are many answers to that question as there are doomsday prophets, futurists, and scientists. Some speculate about collisions with giant asteroids. Others worry about nuclear conflagration. Still others fret over possible extraterrestrial invasion or the extinction of the human race due to pollution or disease. But those who study the Bible know that "history" is, literally, "His story." God is, and always has been, sovereign over the events of earth. The New Testament book of Revelation repeatedly reminds us of this truth. The day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will return to reward His followers and to punish His enemies.
Few passages in all of Scripture are as majestic and powerul as Revelation 19-20! It begins with the sound of rejoicing over the defeat of the evil world system called Babylon. It ends with the Battle of Armageddon and Christ's glorious second coming - events that mark the close of the Tribulation. Then we see the binding of Satan, Christ's thousand-year earthly kingdom, Satan's final rebellion, and the Great White Throne Judgment. In the end, Jesus Christ will make all things right. Alleluia!
Destruction and Devastation! - Part 6 - Devo for 04/11/2009
Reading
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Truth for Today
Despite all the terrifying judgments, which by this time all people will acknowledge to be from God, and the worldwide preaching of the gospel (Matthew 24:14) by the 144,000 and others, people will still refuse to believe. It seems incredible that, having experienced the fury of God's judgment and having heard the message of salvation, people will stubbornly cling to their sin. But the sad truth is that "...that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:19-20).
The unbelieving world rejected Jesus when He came, it rejects the life-giving message of the gospel now, and it will continue to reject the truth during the future outpouring of God's wrath and judgment. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).
Reflecting on the Text
1. What gives you hope, knowing that so great a judgment of God will come in the future?
2. The merchants and businessmen served money as their god, and they lost everything in these heavenly scenes of destruction. How can you be a wise steward of the money with which God has entrusted you, without becoming caught up in the "materialistic Babylonian spirit" that permeates contemporary culture?
3. If the current world system is doomed and destined for destruction, what practical steps can you take to make sure you and your family can live "in the world" and not become ensnared by its values?
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Truth for Today
Despite all the terrifying judgments, which by this time all people will acknowledge to be from God, and the worldwide preaching of the gospel (Matthew 24:14) by the 144,000 and others, people will still refuse to believe. It seems incredible that, having experienced the fury of God's judgment and having heard the message of salvation, people will stubbornly cling to their sin. But the sad truth is that "...that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:19-20).
The unbelieving world rejected Jesus when He came, it rejects the life-giving message of the gospel now, and it will continue to reject the truth during the future outpouring of God's wrath and judgment. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27).
Reflecting on the Text
1. What gives you hope, knowing that so great a judgment of God will come in the future?
2. The merchants and businessmen served money as their god, and they lost everything in these heavenly scenes of destruction. How can you be a wise steward of the money with which God has entrusted you, without becoming caught up in the "materialistic Babylonian spirit" that permeates contemporary culture?
3. If the current world system is doomed and destined for destruction, what practical steps can you take to make sure you and your family can live "in the world" and not become ensnared by its values?
Destruction and Devastation! - Part 5 - Devo for 04/10/2009
Reading
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Going Deeper
The book of Daniel records several visions of the end times. The king of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar, asked Daniel to interpret a dream he had about an image of gold with feet of clay that was broken in pieces by a stone. Read Daniel 2:36-45.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What will happen to Nebuchadnezzar's powerful Babylonian kingdom?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 5:30-31)
2. What insight does Daniel's vision give to the meaning of the beast and the seven kings in Revelation 17:3, 8-16?
3. How does Daniel describe God's ultimate kingdom (v. 44)?
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Going Deeper
The book of Daniel records several visions of the end times. The king of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar, asked Daniel to interpret a dream he had about an image of gold with feet of clay that was broken in pieces by a stone. Read Daniel 2:36-45.
Exploring the Meaning
1. What will happen to Nebuchadnezzar's powerful Babylonian kingdom?
(Verses to consider: Daniel 5:30-31)
2. What insight does Daniel's vision give to the meaning of the beast and the seven kings in Revelation 17:3, 8-16?
3. How does Daniel describe God's ultimate kingdom (v. 44)?
Destruction and Devastation! - Part 4 - Devo for 04/09/2009
Reading
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Questions
1. How do the kings and merchants respond upon hearing the news of Babylon's destruction in chapter 18? In what did they have their security?
2. What is God's message to His own people in chapter 18?
(Verses to consider: Isaiah 48:20; Jeremiah 50:8; 51:6-9, 45; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 John 2:15)
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Questions
1. How do the kings and merchants respond upon hearing the news of Babylon's destruction in chapter 18? In what did they have their security?
2. What is God's message to His own people in chapter 18?
(Verses to consider: Isaiah 48:20; Jeremiah 50:8; 51:6-9, 45; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 John 2:15)
Destruction and Devastation! - Part 3 - Devo for 04/08/2009
Reading
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Questions
1. The scene in chapter 17 opens with the image of a harlot. What does it mean to commit spiritual adultery?
(Verses to consider: Jeremiah 3:6-9; Ezekiel 16:30; 20:30; Hosea 4:15; 5:3; 6:10; 9:1)
2. What title did John see written on the harlot's forehead and what does it mean?
3. List all the images of final destruction that you find in these chapters.
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Questions
1. The scene in chapter 17 opens with the image of a harlot. What does it mean to commit spiritual adultery?
(Verses to consider: Jeremiah 3:6-9; Ezekiel 16:30; 20:30; Hosea 4:15; 5:3; 6:10; 9:1)
2. What title did John see written on the harlot's forehead and what does it mean?
3. List all the images of final destruction that you find in these chapters.
Destruction and Devastation! - Part 2 - Devo for 04/07/2009
Reading
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Keys to the Text
Babylon: In the book of Revelation this name refers to the entire worldwide political, economic, and religious kingdom of Antichrist (see Revelation 16:17-19 for details of its fall), not to a real city in John's time. The original city of Babylon was the birthplace of idolatry where the residents built the tower of Babel, a monument to rebelliousness and false religion. Such idolatry was subsequently spread when God confounded humanity's language and scattered them around the world (see Genesis 11:1-9). This passage pictures Babylon causing the world to become intoxicated with her pleasures and enter with excessive indulgence into rebellion, hatred, and idolatry toward God. "Fornication" means spiritual prostitution to the Antichrist's false system.
1. What are some towers of idolatry in your life?
2. How has God had to work in your life to get rid of these things?
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Keys to the Text
Babylon: In the book of Revelation this name refers to the entire worldwide political, economic, and religious kingdom of Antichrist (see Revelation 16:17-19 for details of its fall), not to a real city in John's time. The original city of Babylon was the birthplace of idolatry where the residents built the tower of Babel, a monument to rebelliousness and false religion. Such idolatry was subsequently spread when God confounded humanity's language and scattered them around the world (see Genesis 11:1-9). This passage pictures Babylon causing the world to become intoxicated with her pleasures and enter with excessive indulgence into rebellion, hatred, and idolatry toward God. "Fornication" means spiritual prostitution to the Antichrist's false system.
1. What are some towers of idolatry in your life?
2. How has God had to work in your life to get rid of these things?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Destruction and Devastation! - Part 1 - Devo for 04/06/2009
Reading
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Drawing Near
1. Thinking about the reality of evil helps open our eyes to see the very real spiritual battle we are engaged in every day. What evidences of this spiritual battle have you seen lately in your life?
2. What resources have been most helpful to you in fighting the good fight?
The Context
Revelation reminds us that there is a cosmic battle going on now and will be going on in the future. No one can be neutral. Each of us is either part of the domain of darkness or part of the kingdom of God. As we yield to one sphere or the other, we become the companions of God or the companions of Satan. To doubt this reality is the gravest mistake any of us can make, because making the wrong choice results in eternal disaster.
God offers all people the life-giving gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan and the forces of hell lure people to their destruction by dangling before them the "passing pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25). There is coming a day when the siren call of hell will be so loud as to be all but irresistible. This passage tells us that people of that time will ignore the repeated powerful preaching of the gospel and the warnings conveyed by the terrifying judgments from God. Having rejected all offers of grace and mercy, they will see death come upon mankind on a scale unprecedented in human history. Yet even then they will not repent; in fact they will curse God. People at that time will have made the irrevocable choice to side with the forces of hell.
This section (chapters 17-18) reveals the dark destiny of this satanic kingdom - called by the symbolic name "Babylon" - and the beast who leads it. We see God's judgment on religious Babylon - the evil "religious" system of the end times, and the destruction of the beast's vast economic and political system.
Revelation 17:1-18:24
Drawing Near
1. Thinking about the reality of evil helps open our eyes to see the very real spiritual battle we are engaged in every day. What evidences of this spiritual battle have you seen lately in your life?
2. What resources have been most helpful to you in fighting the good fight?
The Context
Revelation reminds us that there is a cosmic battle going on now and will be going on in the future. No one can be neutral. Each of us is either part of the domain of darkness or part of the kingdom of God. As we yield to one sphere or the other, we become the companions of God or the companions of Satan. To doubt this reality is the gravest mistake any of us can make, because making the wrong choice results in eternal disaster.
God offers all people the life-giving gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Satan and the forces of hell lure people to their destruction by dangling before them the "passing pleasures of sin" (Hebrews 11:25). There is coming a day when the siren call of hell will be so loud as to be all but irresistible. This passage tells us that people of that time will ignore the repeated powerful preaching of the gospel and the warnings conveyed by the terrifying judgments from God. Having rejected all offers of grace and mercy, they will see death come upon mankind on a scale unprecedented in human history. Yet even then they will not repent; in fact they will curse God. People at that time will have made the irrevocable choice to side with the forces of hell.
This section (chapters 17-18) reveals the dark destiny of this satanic kingdom - called by the symbolic name "Babylon" - and the beast who leads it. We see God's judgment on religious Babylon - the evil "religious" system of the end times, and the destruction of the beast's vast economic and political system.
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