Lesson 63

Revelation - Study of Things to Come

The Millennial Reign of Christ - Chapter 20

20:4-6 The First Resurrection and the reward of the saints

#1 First Resurrection;

Not talking about a first in resurrections; but a category of resurrection called the first; prw/toj; first, in rank, order, priority.

- With in what is called the first resurrection there are 4 distinct and separate resurrections. 1 Cor 15:20-23; each in own order

1. Christ - first fruits

- statement its of importance Rom 1:4

- Statement of fact of; 1 Ths 1:10; 2 Tim 2:8; even 1 Cor 15:4

2. Church age saints; all believers from day of Pentecost to the Rapture; 1 Ths 4:13-18 i.e. the blessed hope!

- Statement of fact; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Jn 3:2-3

3. OT Saints; both Jew and Gentile;

- After the resurrection of Christ and at the time of His ascension the soul/spirits of these believers were transferred from paradise, to the 3rd Heaven Eph 4:8.

- Why are these grouped together? Tribulation period is a part of the age of Israel.

4. Millennial Believers; (At the time of Ch-20 not yet occurred)

- final conquest of death; perishable putting on imperishable; mortal putting on immortality 1 Cor 15:53

#2 Statement of the length of the Millennium.

- This is the time that Christ and His bride, the Church, will reign over the nations of the earth;

- And Israel will enjoy the blessings promised by the Prophets; Isa 2:1-5; 4:2-6; 11:1-9; 12:1-6; 30:18-26; 35:1-10;

20:5 This appears to be confusing; need not be!

- Sets the precise time between the resurrection of the Trib martyrs and the resurrection of the unredeemed of all ages; here called all the rest.

20:6 Notes the blessing for all those who are a part of the 1st resurrection, the resurrection of life.

The Doctrine of the Millennium: The 1000 Year Reign of Christ

1. Promised: 2 Sam 7:8-17

Prophesied: Isa 2; 11; + many

2. The Government.

a. The Type of: Since Jesus Christ will personally rule and reign the government will be a Theocracy. A rule by God Ps 2:6

- It will be also be monarchy since Christ will be King, the sole, sovereign ruler. Zech 14:9

- Because His rule will be characterized by Righteousness there will be perfect and complete justice for all and sin will be immediately punished. Psa 89:14; Isa 11:4; 65:20

b. The Center of: is Jerusalem; Isa 2:2-3; Mic 4:1; Zech 2:10-12; 8:2-3; Jer 3:17

c. The Rulers in the Government under Christ .

- That Christ, when He returns, is called King of Kings and Lord of lords; indicates that He will be sovereign over many subordinates.

1. David will be a regent in the Kingdom. Jer 30:9; Ezk 34:23-24.

2. Authority over the 12 Tribes of Israel will be the 12 Apostles; Mt 19:28;

3. C/A saints are a part of the kingdom, and rule with Him, Rev 5:10