And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: Then I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for their witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark on their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6).
These prophetic verses will take place in heaven where John had earlier seen God’s throne and the 24 elders (Revelation 4:4). The people who chose God's way will be given the promise that they would reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10), but prior to this reign, they will first judge the nations.
Precisely who the 24 elders are is not revealed. The number 24 is the sum of the number of patriarchs and apostles. The gates of the New Jerusalem have written on them the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the foundation stones have the names of the 12 apostles, thus unifying God's people under the old and new covenant. Revelation 20:4 tells us that amidst this heavenly scene, the people of God will also become judges. Read more about the old and new covenants
When Christ returns, He will already know who accepted Him and who rejected Him. The judgment given to those who chose His way must therefore be a judgment of verification. God's righteousness and justice must forever be vindicated before the universe.
During the thousand years, every case will be scrutinized—no lingering doubts may remain—and with one voice all will proclaim, “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints” (Revelation 15:3).
God's judgment will be declared righteous (Romans 2:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, Psalm 19:9). In this millennial judgment, God's dealing with the evil angels and rejecters of His truth will be scrutinized (Hebrews 10:26-27; 2 Peter 2:4,9; Jude 6). God's people will thus judge the world.
Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life (1 Corinthians 6:2-3 NKJV).
Read the next article, The Postmillennial Return of Christ.
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This article is adapted from Truth Matters by Professor Walter J. Veith, an international speaker who has studied Biblical issues in-depth in his quest for truth. His popular series Genesis Conflict brings the debate between Creation and evolution to a new climax as he dissects the arguments with a scientific eye. His highly-acclaimed series Total Onslaught sheds light on the state of the world today as we move to a one-world government and an anticipated apocalypse.
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Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
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