Subject: why don't people study the old testmant |
Bible Note: Ischus, "Can you explain to me then, in light of everything that you have said, what exactly Jesus has done already, has yet to do, and where he is at this moment?" Well, Jesus has done EVERYTHING! There's nothing left for him to do, he is here with us. "Also, can you tell me how you interpret Rev.20?" Yes, I'll sort of skim over it, baring time, it's late. Revelation is not written in exact chronological order, it's very close, but not quite. In Rev 20, John is going to do a bit of a recap until verse 7. The question is, when was Satan bound? Well Jesus actually stated this, we just often over look it. Look at Matt 12 starting at vs 22. Jesus is accused of using Satan to drive out demons. Jesus tells them this is impossible since Satan is in charge of demons. But here's what he says, "29 Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house." Who is the strong man? Satan. What has happened to him? He's bound. Isn't this what John was talking about in Rev 20? Yes. See being in a chain is symbolic, this doesn't mean that Satan was totally powerless, just that he was limited. Paul too was bound with a chain, but we was still very active. (Acts 28:20, 2 Tim 1:16) Satan could not deceive large masses, or nations because he was bound, and since he was bound, demons could be driven out. On the thrones starting in verse 4 are the Christians that have died after the cross, namely the martyrs that were killed by Rome. The Beast is noted as Roman emperors, usually Nero whose evils against Christendom are legendary. Verse 7 we have Satan released and he is going to get Rome to attack Jerusalem, noted as Gog and Magog. They surround the city and here's where I introduce a different view of verse 9. Most people believe that an army will surround Jerusalem, but that she will be saved when fire comes down and devours the army. This is incorrect. Fire is noted as judgement or wrath, but who is God projecting his wrath at? It's Jerusalem. So when we read verse 9 we need to understand that Jerusalem is surrounded and then God's wrath is unleashed on HER, not on the army. The army is the means and method of God's wrath. Here's why I say all this. Look at the Olivet Discourse in Luke 21. Jesus is going to tell the disciples about 'end times' and note what he says in verse 20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near." See Jerusalem was not going to be saved when she was surrounded by armies, but destroyed. Verse 10, Satan is overthrown finally, yes he's no longer around in any sort of real capacity, as disturbing as that sounds. Note, Hebrews 2:5 "For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels." We are currently in that 'world to come', the next age. And Romans 16:20 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Under whose feet? The Christians of the 1st Century. Lastly is judgement which I will hit, well later today! It's late, I'm going to call it a night. Keep questions coming though, they're all good. Take care, SUEDE |