“WHAT IS A BAPTIST?”

November 10, 2014 by Ken Blue

“WHAT IS A BAPTIST?”

By Ken Blue

Some time ago, a Pastor ask me “What is a Baptist?” He and I were on Facebook as friends, but after a heated debate over perpetuity, he blocked our friendship. So, my question is, what is a Baptist?

Lutherans follow the teaching of Martin Luther. Methodist follow the teaching of John Wesley. Presbyterians follow the teaching of John Calvin. The Hussites followed John Huss. The Waldensian followed Peter Waldo. And, so it goes.

Now, what are Baptist? Did they become one by following John the Baptist? Some say yes. However, the truth of history and of Scripture will prove that is not the case. From the time of the Apostle Paul, there have always been Gentile believers. Just as there were schisms in his day, so it has been down through history. However, following Paul’s example, those who adhered to his teachings rejected infant baptism, sprinkling, and baptism as any part of the gospel. Thus, they were at odds with the Roman Catholic Church.

These believers were later call Anabaptist by their enemies. This is not a name they adopted for themselves. (16^th century.) “The name Anabaptist is derived from the Greek term anabaptista, or “one who baptizes over again.” This name was given them by their enemies in reference to the practice of “re-baptizing” converts who “already had been baptized” as infants.[6] They required that baptismal candidates be able to make their own confessions of faith and so rejected baptism of infants.” (Wikipedia Encyclopedia.) Since it was sprinkling, it was not baptism at all.

Later, the “Ana” was dropped, and they became known as baptizers, and Baptist. According to the above encyclopedia, “John Smyth (c. 1570 – c. 28 August 1612) was an early Baptist minister of England and a defender of the principle of religious liberty… Smyth was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1594 in England. He preached in the city of Lincoln in 1600 to 1602. Soon after his ordination, he broke with the Church of England and left for Holland where he and his small congregation began to study the Bible ardently. He briefly returned to England.” Thus, prior to these events, no one ever claimed to be Baptist, nor took the name.

There are some Baptist who preach succession back to John the Baptist. This runs parallel with the Catholics Apostolic succession, although most Baptist deny this. If one follows the trail of blood, he would go back to Cain and Abel. A history of believers who have been martyred in no way leads one back to John. Why not to Paul? He was martyred also. Neither Paul, James, or Stephen shed their blood over baptism.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Baptist Churches have nothing to do with John the Baptist.[/pullquote]

Therefore, Baptist Churches have nothing to do with John the Baptist, or baptizer. John did not come to Israel to start a church. His only ministry was to get Israel to repent, and be baptized as a picture of their repentance and cleansing of their sins, and to make Christ known to Israel. Baptism was part of John’s salvation message for Israel. John did not preach the same gospel that the church preaches today. He did not know Jesus, Israel’s Messiah, had to die on the cross and be raised on the third day. Neither did anyone else. “Then he (Jesus) took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34. “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” John 20:9. No one follows John, nor can they.

So, the question should not be, what is a Baptist. The fact that there are hundreds of Baptist Churches who do not agree on many issues, the question should be about salvation, and does my Baptist Church believe the Bible, and rightly divide it? That is the most important issue.

PARADISE REGAINED #68

November 6, 2014 by Ken Blue

<- Chapter #67 — Chapter #69 ->

PARADISE REGAINED # 68

The River of the Water of Life

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:1-5).

Verses 1-5 are chronological and are a continuation of chapter 21 and the description of the New Jerusalem. It is unclear as to the location of the new city. Some think it will be situated on the new earth; others believe it will be suspended in space. One thing is for sure, this city is vastly different from the millennial city.

In chapter 21 John describes the construction and materials of the city. In this chapter, he describes the inside and its provisions. We have seen that the number 12 signifies that the New Jerusalem is the center of the divine government, which will rule the new heavens and the new earth. The light, although literal, speaks of the truth and righteousness in which the nations will walk.

John sees a “pure river” proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb. This raises the question as to the extent of this river and its purpose. If is a literal river, is the river confined to the city? Does it dissipate or pool into lakes and seas? Will those who live in the New Jerusalem need this water to survive or is it symbolic?

Dake says there are 12 boulevards matching the 12 gates. Most likely there is one main boulevard that leads to the throne, and it is this street that has the river of life and the tree of life by it. Dr. Ruckman says the tree is not singular but the species, and that many trees grow on either side of the boulevard. These trees produce fruit constantly for the nations dwelling on the new earth.

If those living on the new earth are in natural bodies, like those of Adam and Eve prior to the fall, these trees may provide for their eternal life in their natural bodies. We should keep in mind that the Garden of Eden also contained the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. The first pair needed to eat of the tree of life to maintain their natural lives. Instead, they chose to believe Satan’s lie and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was necessary for God to station a Cherub by the entrance of the garden to ensure that no one ate of the tree of life after the fall, lest they live forever in a sinful state. God deemed a natural death and resurrection superior to the alternative.

We must not think of sickness and disease being present in the new eternal state. However, those in natural bodies would become older and weaker and eventually die if they did not eat of the tree of life. The “healing” was for the preservation of eternal life. It is uncertain if one is required to eat of the tree continuously or if one partaking will give eternal life. Some commentators think it will be necessary for individuals to go up each year on their birthday.

Again, if literal, the trees yield their fruit each month. Therefore, there will be days, months and years on the New Earth. This will require the sun and the moon for those seasons.

The curse will be removed and will never return. Those in the city will have unbroken fellowship with God as Adam and Eve had prior to the fall. They shall see His face and will walk with Him in perfect fellowship.

“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Revelation 22:6-9).

The attention shifts from the New Jerusalem back to John and the angel. John is reassured that what he had seen and heard was indeed from God, and that they were about to take place. Those who hear and keep the saying of the letters to the churches will be blessed and enter into the joys described in the book (Revelation 1:3). We should add that John had seen the completed revelation before he wrote any part of the book.

When John hears these things, he does a strange thing. He falls down to worship at the feet of the angel. John is rebuked and told that the angel was only a servant of God. Notice that the angel directs John’s allegiance to the Scriptures and the worship of God. This is good advice for all people at all times.

“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Revelation 22:10-15).

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]If you have not come to Jesus Christ for eternal life, will you ask Him to save you now and receive the gift of eternal life? The invitation is “come.” [/pullquote]

The above passage confirms that the city is occupied by the Jews, or is open to them. Those have a right to enter the city who have observed the commandments. Also, the “dogs” is a reference to Gentiles.

Daniel, when shown the vision, was instructed to seal it up for the time of its fulfillment was in the distant future. However, that time in the Revelation had come and would be fulfilled at the Second Advent. Those, in the Tribulation, will receive their reward according to the state they are in at Christ’s return. As the tree falls, it will lie.

The wicked will be judged at the White Throne Judgment and will be cast into the lake of fire. Only those nations who obey God in the Millennium will have access to the tree of life on the new earth. Others will have been destroyed.

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:16-19).

We noted in chapter 1:13 that Jesus walked in the midst of the seven churches. He was with them in all their suffering and tribulation. Now, at the conclusion of the Revelation, He reassures them. He is the promised seed of David. He is the Bright and Morning Star that brings light and life to the earth. All are invited to come and kiss the Son and drink deeply of the eternal life that is only in Him. It is free to all!

Once again, we are reminded of the certainty of the prophecies. Those who reject its teachings and warnings will be judged accordingly. These words are directed specifically to those who will be on earth at the time of these events.

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20-21

Once the events in this book commence, they will move in rapid succession. The Tribulation will last only seven short years. The Second Advent of Jesus will close it and begin the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. That will be followed by a new heaven and a new earth, which will be totally righteous and without sin.

Mankind has been returned to the exact condition planned in the beginning. He has learned that without total obedience to God he is hopeless and helpless. Men and angels will praise and serve Him forever for His wisdom, power, love, mercy, and salvation! If you have not come to Jesus Christ for eternal life, will you ask Him to save you now and receive the gift of eternal life? The invitation is “come.” Paradise has been regained!

A New Heaven and a New Earth # 67

November 2, 2014 by Ken Blue

<- Chapter #66 — Chapter #68 ->

A New Heaven and a New Earth #67

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1).

Peter states that the present earth and heavens will be burned up with a heat that melts the elements. Some see this to mean that the earth will be “baptized” in fire, but will be restored. That is, the things on the surface of the earth are removed; it will be changed from one condition to another, but its circumference remains the same. Others believe it will be totally annihilated and a new earth will be created. They contend that it could be as large as our largest planet in order to host the New Jerusalem and all the saved from the time of Adam.

John says there was “no more sea.” Dr. Ruckman says this refers to the sea “above the firmament.” (Commentary on Revelation p.561.) Dake thinks it refers to the larger seas on our present earth. However, he believes that there will be smaller rivers and lakes called seas. Others believe there will be a total absence of seas on the earth, and it will be watered by a mist or vapor. The true meaning will be clear at that day.

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4).

The city comes down from heaven because it was made by God and not by man. This is the city spoken of in prophecy. The writer of Hebrews says, “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Abraham looked for such a city and so did a host of Old Testament saints, “For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country” (Hebrews 11:14). The beauty of this city defies description. In order for the reader to get a visual, John says it is adorned like a bride on her wedding day.

It is uncertain if this city is suspended above the new earth, or if it actually descends and lands on earth. It matters not. Those who have a right will enter it. God’s throne will reside there and He will be their God. As God walked with Adam in the cool of the day; He will always be present for His people.

The God of all comfort will have removed everything that brought death, sorrow and tears. These will be a thing of the past and will exist no more. The former things of this life will be wiped from the minds of men and will be remembered no more. All will be new.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The God of all comfort will have removed everything that brought death, sorrow and tears. All will be new.[/pullquote]

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:5-8).

In verse 6 we read the statement, “It is done.” When Christ died on the cross, He said, “It is finished.” He was declaring that He had completed all that the Father had sent Him to do. Every detail was finished. The penalty for sin was paid. A perfect substitute was provided, and the Father was satisfied. However, much remained to be done and was completed at the Second Advent. The purpose of God is restored, and His original plan is reestablished.

Verse 7 says the overcomers inherit all things. The overcomers eat of the tree of life (Revelation 2:7). The overcomers will escape the second death (Revelation 2:11). Overcomers eat of the hidden manna. Overcomers receive a white stone, and a new name. Overcomers will have power over the nations (Revelation 2:26). Overcomers will be clothed in white and will be confessed before the Father and the angels (Revelation 3:5). Overcomers will be a pillar in the temple and live in the New Jerusalem from heaven (Revelation 3:12). Overcomers will sit with Christ and rule with Him (Revelation 3:21).

Only the righteous who overcome in those terrible days are going to be saved (v. 8). Those who apostatize and give up the faith, the murderers and the immoral, the idolaters, and those who love the lie will be cast into the lake of fire. This judgment is called the second death.

“And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:9-23).

One of the angels shows John the New Jerusalem as it descends from heaven. The city is called the bride, the Lamb’s wife. There is little agreement among scholars who the city represents. Some say it is the church, the body of Christ. Others believe it constitutes all believers from Adam to the end time. Still others think it is Israel or a select group of Jews. Most likely, it is the same city. Just as Genesis chapter two gives a detailed account of the creation of Genesis chapter one, the above text is, no doubt, this is a more detailed account of that mentioned above.

Those who hold that the body of Christ is the bride must see this city as the dwelling place for the Church. However, we do not know of any Bible verse which says the church is the bride of Christ.

Everything about the city is Jewish. It is significant that verse 12 begins the series of twelve. Twelve is a perfect number, signifying perfection of government. Here it speaks of the city from which God’s government will be dispensed:

There are twelve angels– verse 12.
There are twelve tribes of Israel-verse 12.
There are twelve gates– verse 12.
There are foundations with the names of the Twelve Apostles– verse 14. It is noteworthy that the Apostle Paul is absent. This is another proof that all is Jewish.
The city was twelve thousand furlongs -verse 16.
The wall was 144 cubits. That is 12×12-verse 17.

Also, one cannot help but see the connection between the stones and the breastplate of Israel’s High Priest. Two thirds of the stones are identical:

	Revelation 22:19-20	Exodus 28:17-20
1.	Topaz	Topaz
2.	Sardius	Sardius
3.	Emerald	Emerald
4.	Sapphire	Sapphire
5.	Amethyst	Amethyst
6.	Beryl	Beryl
7.	Sardonyx	Onyx
8.	Jasper	Jasper
9.	Chalcedony	Carbuncle
10.	Jacinth	Ligure
11.	Chrysolite	Diamond
12.	Chrysoprasus	Agate

Although the city will be illuminated physically by the glory of God’s presence, this does not mean that the sun or moon will no longer exist. Dake says, “This refers to no night in the city, but outside the city there will be day and night eternally (Gen. 1:14-18; 8:22; Jeremiah 31:35-36).”

“And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:24-27).

The Gentile sheep nations will be on the new earth and will walk in the light of the New Jerusalem. The light, no doubt, speaks of the righteousness of which the new, eternal government will consist.

There will be no need to shut the gates, for all that would or could defile it are forever banished. Only those who are saved and those written in the Lamb’s Book of Life have access to it.

The Gentile sheep nations will be on the new earth and will walk in the light of the New Jerusalem. The light, no doubt, speaks of the righteousness of which the new, eternal government will consist.

There will be no need to shut the gates, for all that would or could defile it are forever banished. Only those who are saved and those written in the Lamb’s Book of Life have access to it.

THE KINGDOM AND THE JUDGMENT OF THE UNSAVED # 66

October 30, 2014 by Ken Blue

THE KINGDOM AND THE JUDGMENT OF THE UNSAVED #66

“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:7-10).

One thousand years of peace on earth transpired between verse 6 and 7. Christ will rule the earth in righteousness during that time. Satan will be confined to his prison, and the nations will not be deceived during that period. Also, there will be no war during the 1000 years. Men and women will live to be several hundred years of age. (See Isaiah 65:20.)

As we have stated, after the 1000 years, Satan will be released for a little season. Satan cannot change his nature and immediately he goes forth to deceive the nations. The deceived nations, which follow Satan, will confederate and go up against Jerusalem with the purpose to conquer Jesus Christ and take the Kingdom from Him. The purpose of Satan’s brief release is to prove that man is incurably wicked and is hopeless without God’s grace and mercy. Every dispensation ends with the failure of man and the judgment of God. After 1000 years, under the rule of Christ, millions will still rebel in heart, and their wickedness will be made manifest when satanic leadership is provided.

War will not be necessary. God will send fire down from heaven and destroy Satan and his armies. The Devil will be taken and cast into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet are. This proves that there is a hell, and that those who go there are never annihilated.

Dake says,

When the 1,000 years are up it will be time for the separation and destruction of all rebels, including Satan and the renovation of the heavens and the earth by fire, which will result in the New Heaven and New Earth (2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 20:7-10; Rev. 21:1- Rev. 22:5).
Satan, his angels and demons will be loosed from the abyss (Rev. 20:7; Isa. 24:22).
Satan and his hosts will go throughout the earth to deceive the nations who have not wanted the reign of Christ and who, in their hearts, have longed for an opportunity to get rid of such strict laws and rigid suppression of their lusts (Rev. 20:8; Eph. 2:1-3).
The rebels will mobilize in the land of Gog and Magog, north of Palestine in Asia and ascend upon Jerusalem from the north (Rev. 20:8; cp. Ezek. 38 — Ezek. 39 which refers to the same part of the earth, but to an event before the Millennium).
The rebels from all parts of the earth will surround the camp of the saints and the capital, Jerusalem (Rev. 20:9).
Fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour every rebel (Rev. 20:9; 2Pet. 3:10-13).
The devil will be taken and cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:10). —Dake’s Study Notes

The Great White Throne Judgment

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20: 11-15).

This is the last of all judgments and it must consist of the wicked dead since the righteous were judged in the First Resurrection at the Second Advent. The present earth and the heavens will be burned at this time. (See 2 Peter 3:7.) This judgment may take place in outer space or on the earth just prior to its burning. All wicked men from Adam to the end of the 1000 years will be judged there. Wicked angels will also be judged at this time.

The wicked will be judged according to their works. The Book of Life will be opened to show that they rejected light when it was offered to them. The purpose of this judgment is to show that their works demand hell, and that there was a time when they refused the Light offered to them. They loved darkness rather than light. They will bow to Him, not as their Lord, but as a conquering Sovereign. (See Isaiah 45:23 and Romans 14:11.)

This ends the heavens and the earth, as we know them. It ends all wickedness and rebellion. Everything has now been judged according to righteousness. Heaven and earth are now purged and a new eternal order is about to be established. That order will be the new heaven and the new earth.

This last vision is of the people on the new earth, and takes us back to Genesis 1 where Adam and Eve inhabited the first new earth. One can see the parallel between the two states, and the Last Adam now regains that which was lost by the first Adam.

Although chapters 21 and 22 describe the wonderful events of the Post Tribulation period, we find that there are as many different interpretations of this section as there are interpreters. Some are sensible in their approach, while others seem bent on the sensational.

We must keep in mind that the Great White Throne judgment has taken place. The 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom is passed, and Satan has been released for a brief season and then assigned to the lake of fire. The earth and the heavens have been destroyed. (See 2 Peter 3:10-13; Isaiah 65:17; 66:22-24.) All sin, sorrow, tears, death, and suffering are forever past and will never plague God’s creatures again.

THE JUDGMENT OF SATAN, AND OF THE SAVED #65

October 27, 2014 by Ken Blue

THE JUDGMENT OF SATAN, AND OF THE SAVED #65

The names given to Satan are to show who he is, and that he is a real person.

He is called Satan, which means adversary and accuser.

He is called the dragon, to show his ferociousness.

He is called a serpent, to show his subtlety.

He is called the Devil, to show his slander.

Each of these names is a metaphor to show the nature of this wicked angelic being.

The Devil is not only confined for the 1,000 years, but he is chained so he cannot escape. The chain, regardless of its nature will restrains him.

Satan’s main weapon against men and the nations is deception. Thus, during the 1,000-years, Satan cannot deceive anyone. However, at the end of the 1,000 years he “must” be released for a little season. We will see why a little later.

The Judgment of the Righteous Dead

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; 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. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4-6).

The reader should note that there is a 1,000-year gap between verse six and seven. Once Jesus has conquered all enemies, he will begin putting together His government for His righteous Kingdom. To do this, He must raise all the righteous from the dead. That event takes place at His Second Advent. It is called the first resurrection. (See verse 6.) The thrones, or seats, will be for those who will assist Him in His choices and assignments. These thrones, or seats, are the same ones in Daniel 7:9-10, 27. We are told in the Gospels that it will be the Twelve Disciples who will sit on these thrones or judgment seats. (See Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:29-30; Psalm 122:5; Ezekiel 43:7 and Zechariah 6:13.)

The first resurrection will consist of all the righteous dead from Adam to the Second Advent. The exception will be members of the church, which is Christ’s body. The resurrection and Rapture of the church was a mystery, which was unknown until revealed to Paul. (See I Corinthians 15:51 and I Thessalonians 4:13-17.) The resurrection under consideration was not a mystery and was well known.

Those who refused the mark of the Beast during the Tribulation will qualify to serve as Kings and Priests in the 1,000-year kingdom. This was the promise given to the overcomers in Revelation 2:26-27. Satan will be released from prison after the 1,000-year kingdom. The second resurrection will follow the 1,000-year Kingdom of Heaven.