Seven Parallel Sections in Two Divisions

1. Seven Parallel Sections in Two Divisions Christ in the midst of the lamp stands (1-3)‏ Vision of heaven and the seven seals (4-7)‏ The seven trumpets (8-11)‏ The persecuting dragon (12-14)‏ The seven bowls (15-16)‏ The fall of Babylon (17-19)‏ The great consummation (20-21)‏

2. Revelation 20-22 Part 1 • We’ll cover New Jerusalem, River of Life and Conclusion next week • This week – main focus on millennium • The thousand years • Premill - Christ will actually reign on earth for 1000 years • Postmill – World will be Christianized and a golden period will follow before return of Christ • Amill – Like much of revelation, this is symbolic language portraying victory and power of resurrection – Satan loses grip on nations – all sheep come into the fold – those who died reign with him – Satan briefly loosed before Christ returns • If we adopt a view, try to see merit in other views rather than adopt a “party” mentality • Man united verse Liverpool, Play station verses Xbox, Blur verses Oasis 

3. Rev 20 –Historical Perspective • Christians have differed on “Millennium” through history • Premilennialism – was common but not universal in the early church • Justin Martyr 100-165 • “I admitted to you formerly, that I and many others are of this opinion, and [believe] that such will take place, as you assuredly are aware; but, on the other hand, I signified to you that many who belong to the pure and pious faith, and are true Christians, think otherwise.“ • Augustine was premill but changed his mind • It is said that his outlook shaped medieval and reformation theology[ • Premill revived in the modern era esp 19th and 20th century

4. Post-millennialism • Perhaps as much an attitude as a view • Matt 13:31, 16:18, 28:18-20, Rom 11:11-16 • Not very different from amill position but more optimistic about spread of the gospel and impact on world • Most of the world will be converted, resulting in a golden era • Swords beaten into ploughshares • Tends to be popular when church making obvious progress • E.g. 19th century missionary movement • But - are “Christian” regions really all that much better? • People are still sinners and take a long time to become holy and mature

5. Amillenialism • Like so much of revelation, this is a vision portraying a spiritual truth • Since resurrection, Christ reigns, Satan has been restricted • Loses grip on nations - 1950-1992 church went from 80 to 540 million • Picture teaches that there is nothing he can ultimately do to those whose names are written in the book of life • Martyrs come to live when they die – not a physical resurrection – emphasise victory of church • We are already living in last days (Heb 1:1-3) • Nothing here about Christ reigning on earth • Nothing explicitly about a literal millennium elsewhere in Scripture – all deduction • Mark 3:27 – Strong man is bound • One of many pictures of Satan – cannot take it too literally

6. Premillenial View • Most obvious interpretation of the text • True, revelation is full of symbols but something lies behind the symbols • Seized, bound, thrown, locked, sealed – doesn’t appear to portray Satan’s current state • How does this relate to Eph 6 etc where he is very much on the loose? – 1 Pet 5:8 • How often does something need to be explicitly mentioned for it to be true? • Explains OT passages that portray a future that’s not quite New heaven and New Earth but neither present age e.g. Isaiah 2:2-4 • After Augustine – Greek outlook exercised too great an influence on church – body and physical world seen as a trap or even evil