The Thousand Years and the Final Judgment

In this chapter

In this chapter, you’ll:

Read the text: Rev 20

Key takeaways

• The thousand years are read three main ways — Christ returning before them, the church age as the thousand years, or the gospel’s triumph before his return. Scholarship and tradition divide; all three agree that Satan is finished, the faithful reign, and Jesus wins.
• John tells the visions in order; whether that order is a calendar is part of what the views disagree about.
• Satan’s last rebellion ends the moment it begins. His defeat is permanent.
• At the great white throne, works are the evidence and the book of life is the verdict.
• Your only hope, and a sure one: your name written by the Lamb.

Reflect & discuss

• Read Revelation 20:1–6. What is the binding of Satan for, according to verse 3? Who is seen reigning in verse 4, and what had they done?
• Three faithful views of the thousand years, one shared conviction: Jesus wins and reigns. Which view were you taught? How can you hold your own view firmly and humbly at once?
• Even after a thousand years of peace, a freed Satan finds followers. What does that suggest about the human heart — and about grace?
• Two kinds of books are opened at the great white throne. What is each one for, and how do they fit together with what the rest of the Bible says about grace?
• (Personal; feel free to pass.) Which of this chapter’s realities — the kingdom, the throne, the judgment, the book of life — do you most need to take seriously right now? What would taking it seriously look like?

The last question is personal — no one should be required to answer it.