This is the Fiftieth in a series of verse-by-verse expositions of the book of Revelation. This message was delivered at Hillcrest Baptist Church. This message looks at the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth. This post contains an audio recording of my message, along with my sermon notes. Please note that the sermon notes are not necessarily a full transcript.
SERMON AUDIO:
SERMON NOTES:
vv.4-6:
These are the tribulation martyrs. The Greek word translated “beheaded” became a general term for execution. Beheading is not necessarily the method used.
These martyrs will be executed for refusing the mark of the beast, but they will ultimately be rewarded. As we will see, execution for refusing the mark will be far preferable to the punishment for receiving it. The saints are resurrected to reign 1000 years with Christ. The unsaved are not resurrected until after, at which time they’ll face judgment. But this 1000 year interim will be an amazing time.
- Isaiah 11:1-10
- Isaiah 65:17-25
- Micah 4:1-5
- Zephaniah 3:14-15
v.7:
When the millennium ends and Satan is released, things will degrade quickly. He will have no problem raising an army to oppose the Lord. This speaks to the ultimate depravity of mankind.
It’s mind-boggling to think that those who lived through the millennium would be so easily turned. However, we shouldn’t be surprised. Adam and Eve were easily lead astray also. They were two perfect people in a perfect world in perfect communion with God. If they can be lead astray, anyone can.
v.8:
Gog and Magog are the names given to the army of rebels and its leader. They were names of ancient enemies of the Lord. Magog was the grandson of Noah (Gen. 10:2) and founder of a kingdom located north of the Black and Caspian Seas. Gog is apparently the leader of a rebel army from the land of Magog.
- Ezekiel 38:2
This is the same battle which is depicted in Ezekiel chapters 38-39.
Though many people have speculated, it’s difficult to positively identify these nations in modern terms. There is little geographical information given for which to provide a positive ID. What’s important is that they will comprise all the forces of evil joined together to battle God.
v.9:
As if they have any chance at all of success, they will surround Jerusalem (beloved city), the capital city of the millennium. But that’s all they get to do. They will be immediately devoured by the fiery wrath of God. They never stood a chance.
v.10:
Once again, the devil is imprisoned, but this time there will be no release.
Satan’s power is not eternal—he will meet his doom. He began his evil work in people at the beginning (Genesis 3:1-6) and continues it today, but he will be forever imprisoned in torment when he is thrown into the lake of fire. The devil will be released from the bottomless pit (“his prison,” 20:7), but he will never be released from the fiery lake. He will never be a threat to anyone again. He will be there there for all eternity.
As we will see, this will also be the end of not only Satan and the fallen angels, but also of un-redeemed man.
- Better to refuse his mark and be executed than to suffer hell.
- Better to be tormented on earth for your faith, than to be tormented in the lake of fire for your lack of faith.
Christ offers eternal security to all who call on Him. Now is the time.
In Defense: The Blog 
Posted on June 27, 2016
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