1000 Years

Rev. 20

John saw an angel come down with a chain and a key to the bottomless pit. He seized the dragon [the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan] and bound him for 1000 years. After throwing Satan into the bottomless pit, the angel sealed it so that he might not deceive the nations any longer. You would think that would be the end of him, but no! He makes another short appearance after the 1000 years to once again deceive the nations. Deception seems to be his trademark.

As the vision progressed, John saw thrones and seated on them were the souls of those who had been beheaded, had not taken the mark of the beast, and had not worshiped the beast during the great tribulation. Their reign with Christ is for 1000 years. This is the first resurrection, and with it comes a blessing, that is the 2nd death will have no power over them. Instead they will be priests of God and of Christ. 

When the 1000 years are ended, Satan will be released to deceive the nations and to gather them for a battle [Gog and Magog]. Strangely enough they will number as if they were the sands of the sea. It is amazing to me how easily they fall for Satan's deception, but then again all things are the servants of God. As the newly gathered army marches in, they surround Jerusalem and the camp of the Saints. But, surprise, fire comes down from heaven and consumes them. Finally, Satan, the great deceiver, is thrown into the lake of fire where the beast and the false prophet are to be tormented for eternity.[No tears here!] This new real estate will fit them perfectly!

Appearing next is the great white throne [white-purity and wisdom of the Ancient of Days] and Him who was seated on it. His presence alone makes earth and sky disappear [removal of the 1st heaven and earth]. It is here that the dead [both small and great, both unsaved and saved out of the tribulation including those that Death and Hades gave up, and those from the sea] are gathered before before the throne as the books were opened, a book of human deeds and the book of life. All were judged by what they had done. First up, Death and Hades who were thrown into the lake of fire [Fitting place]. This is the 2nd death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. It is done! The battle between good and evil will rage no longer. No longer will saints be plagued by their flesh and no longer will people be deceived! Glorious!

Father,

I thank You for destroying evil once and for all. I thank You for eternal life in the new heaven and earth. I do not know exactly what that will look like, but I trust You that it will be all that I will ever want! You are wonderful and worthy of all glory, power, strength, thanksgiving, honor, and glory. for ever and ever! I love You Lord.

In Jesus name,

Amen