“Introduction To Revelation 20”

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Before we delve into Revelation chapter 20, it is of great benefit to read some introductory commentary offered by Robert Harkrider and Homer Hailey in their respective commentaries on the book of Revelation. Lord willing we will begin with the text recorded in the first three verses tomorrow.

“Revelation 20 has been the favorite text of religious speculators perhaps more than any other passage of the Bible. It bristles with questions. When is the battle of Armageddon? What is signified by the 1,000 year reign? Why must Satan be let loose after he has once been sealed in the abyss? Whatever answers are found, they must be consistent with the rest of the Bible and in harmony with the theme and purpose of Revelation.” (Harkrider)

“Significantly, the first seven verses of this chapter are the only Scriptures in all the Bible that mention a thousand year reign. Yet from this text is spun a theory that has been enlarged upon by its advocates to the point that one might be led to think that it is found throughout the Bible. This theory of premillennialism…teaches there is yet to be a future thousand year reign of Christ on earth.” (Harkrider)

“The theory must read into the passage (vv. 1-10) all that it claims to draw from it, for the following are not mentioned in the text: (1) the second coming of Christ, (2) a bodily resurrection, (3) a reign of Christ on earth, (4) the literal throne of David, (5) Jerusalem of Palestine, (6) conversion of the Jews,, or (7) the church on earth. A theory that rests on a passage of Scripture in which not one of its peculiar tenets of doctrine is found cannot be true!” (Hailey)

“In the battle of Har-Magedon the beast and the false prophet were cast into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone (19:19-21). With the defeat of these two and the destruction of the harlot, Satan has lost his allies. What becomes of him and the victory of the saints is the chief subject of 20:1-10, rather than the ‘thousand years,’ which usually receives the emphasis.” (Hailey)

“Not only does the doctrine of premillennialism indiscriminately add to the text, but the theory is inconsistent with plain Bible teaching. The kingdom of Christ has already been established and citizens have been added to it through His blood (Rev. 1:5-6; 5:9-10; Col. 1:13-14). His reign began when He ascended to the right hand of God and He is now King of kings (Eph. 1:20-23; Acts 1:9-11; 2:20-26; Rev. 17:14). His second coming will be the ‘end’ (1 Cor. 15:23-26; John 6:44; 5:28-29; Matt. 25:31-46).” (Harkrider)

Please read Revelation 20:1-3 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

Share