Revelation chapter 20 - Gog and Magog

[Spiritual Israelite]

Then you argue that Revelation 20:4---and they lived--is not meaning the same thing you argue it is meaning here.

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. If these don't live again until the thousand years are finished, this obviously means someone else already lived again before the thousand years are finished. Except your doctrine denies that, apparently. After all, how does it make good sense to say the rest do not live again until, unless someone already lived again prior to that?

David, how many times have I pointed out how the word "zao" is used to describe those who live and reign with Christ while the word "anazao" is used to describe the rest of the dead living again after the thousand years? Several times. Yet, you are acting as if I've never addressed this before.

Premils have no explanation for why the word "zao" is used to describe those who live and reign with Christ with the word "anazao" describing the rest of the dead. The reason is that there is a different context to those who live and reign with Christ compared to those who live again after the thousand years. The word "zao" means to be alive and living. It can be used to describe physically living people or to describe people who are physically dead, but spiritually alive. In this case, John saw the souls of physically dead people and they live ("zao") and reign with Christ in heaven. As for the rest of the dead they don't reign with Christ and will be resurrectd after the thousand yeras to be judged. That's why the word "anazao" instead of "zao" is used to refer to them.

Then there's another aspect to this that premils don't seem to want to talk about much and that is Revelation 20:6. That talks about people reigning with Christ during the thousand years as priests of God and of Christ. Amils like to point out that Christ has been reigning since His resurrection (Matt 28:16-18, Eph 1:19-23, Rev 1:5-6) and that believers have been priests of God and of Christ since then as well (1 Peter 2:9, Rev 1:5-6). That helps us determine the timing of the thosuand years, but Premils don't seem to want to acknowledge this.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

That’s the same argument people use to insert a gap between week 69 and 70. They claim they read verses pertaining to week 70 and it’s obvious to them a gap has to be inserted.

There is no indication of a gap between the 69th and 70th weeks within Daniel 9:24-27. However, in Revelation 20, there is an indication of a gap between the end of the thousand years and the judgment, which is what we call "Satan's little season". Your comparison is not valid.

If I’m not mistaken you have argued in the past against a gap in the 70 weeks by claiming there are no gaps anywhere else in the Bible. For the record, are you admitting the Bible does have time gaps that need to be inserted?

How am I inserting a gap when Satan's little season is explicitly described as occurring after the thousand years? You're not making any sense.

lol, it means they recognize Jesus as the Messiah, which doesn’t require a physical resurrection. Before you became a Christian you were dead in your trespasses and sins, right?

Of course. What I found humorous about what you said is the idea that being resurrected means something different than living again even though being resurrected is a case of living again after previously being dead.

Regardless, it's clear to me that Revelation 20 is referring to the souls of those who are physically dead.

Do you also deny that the souls John sees in this passage are physically dead?

Revelation 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

Yes it is talking about spirituality dead people else you agree with placing gaps in the Bible.

You are speaking complete nonsense here. You're acting as if I'm just making up Satan's little season even though it is explicitly referenced in Revelation 20. This is ridiculous. I'm not adding any gaps to scripture that are not taught in scripture, so stop trying to accuse me of that.

John doesn’t say he sees the souls of those who have been physically killed, that’s your assumption. It says they were beheaded <3990> which means to cut off with an ax, it doesn’t necessarily mean to be physically killed.

Again, do you think the souls he saw in Revelation 6:9-11 are physically dead or not? If you do, then what basis do you have for thinking the souls he saw in Revelation 20 are not physically dead?

 

[CTK]

No living peoples on the earth during that time? That's what SDAs believe. Who would be those who number "as the sand of the sea" from "the four quarters of the earth" that come up against "the camp of the saints" during Satan's little season after the thousand years ends in that case?

I would ask you read chapter 20 to answer that question.

 

[grafted branch]

How am I inserting a gap when Satan's little season is explicitly described as occurring after the thousand years? You're not making any sense.

Revelation 20:5 says “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished”. The thousand years are finished when Satan is loosed, right? If someone were to read Revelation 20:5, after the thousand years were finished, during Satan’s little season, they would have to conclude that a gap must be inserted into Revelation 20:5 else the dead would be alive at that time.

Just like those who insist a gap must be inserted in the 70 weeks, they read the Bible and see some of the 70th week being unfulfilled, therefore a gap must be inserted.

If I were to say week 70 hasn’t happened yet but there are no gaps in the seventy weeks even though week 69 is fulfilled, would you seriously accept that as a legitimate position? That is the same kind of argument you are making.

Do you also deny that the souls John sees in this passage are physically dead?

Revelation 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

In Revelation 6:9-10 they are told to rest a little while longer, those in Revelation 20:6 that live and reign with Christ are priests. Priests don’t rest, priests have duties to perform.

Therefore the souls in Revelation 6:9-10 are physically dead, they rest. The souls in Revelation 20 are not physically dead, they perform the work of a priest.

 

[ewq1938]

When the Jews have their blindness in part lifted, they live again spiritually.

Nope. The Jews that are blinded are unbelievers/Christ rejectors. They are blinded in that condition so when the blindness is lifted, they are still in the denial condition. It's like blinding the Pharisees, then removing the blindness. You still end up with a Pharisee that rejects the Messiah. There is no "live again" regarding this blinding and unblinding.

 

[ewq1938]

Revelation 20:5 says But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.

The thousand years are finished then Satan is loosed. That is also when the rest of the dead live again.

No it's not. Rev 20 does not present any concept of the second resurrection until after the rebellion and fiery death's happen outside of Jerusalem. You are misplacing the second resurrect6ion due to a misreading of one verse, while ignoring other verses.

Saying something happens after 1pm does not mean it happens at 1:01. 9pm would fit that perfectly. The second resurrection will happen after the thousand years ends, but not immediately which is proven by the verses themselves.

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Rev 20:6 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.
The Defeat of Satan
Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Rev 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Judgment Before the Great White Throne
Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

 

[grafted branch]

Nope. The Jews that are blinded are unbelievers/Christ rejectors. They are blinded in that condition so when the blindness is lifted, they are still in the denial condition. It's like blinding teh Pharisees, then removing the blindness. You still end up with a Pharisee that rejects the Messiah. There is no "live again" regarding this blinding and unblinding.

I take it you think there is absolutely no hope for people who are spiritually blind then.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Since Satan blinds the minds of them which believe not, and everyone who is an unbeliever believes not, how is it possible for anyone to become saved under these conditions? That conclusion makes no sense.

 

[grafted branch]

No it's not. Rev 20 does not present any concept of the second resurrection until after the rebellion and fiery death's happen outside of Jerusalem. You are misplacing the second resurrect6ion due to a misreading of one verse, while ignoring other verses.

Saying something happens after 1pm does not mean it happens at 1:01. 9pm would fit that perfectly. The second resurrection will happen after the thousand years ends, but not immediately which is proven by the verses themselves.

Rev 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Rev 20:6 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.
The Defeat of Satan
Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Rev 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Judgment Before the Great White Throne
Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Rev 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Yes it is.

 

[ewq1938]

Yes it is.

The scriptures show that you are wrong which is why you don't use them to support your view.

 

[ewq1938]

I take it you think there is absolutely no hope for people who are spiritually blind then.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Since Satan blinds the minds of them which believe not, and everyone who is an unbeliever believes not, how is it possible for anyone to become saved under these conditions? That conclusion makes no sense.

Joh 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Joh 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
Joh 12:40 He (God) hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

 

[CTK]

Nope. The Jews that are blinded are unbelievers/Christ rejectors. They are blinded in that condition so when the blindness is lifted, they are still in the denial condition. It's like blinding the Pharisees, then removing the blindness. You still end up with a Pharisee that rejects the Messiah. There is no "live again" regarding this blinding and unblinding.

I see the removal of their blindness quite differently.. Here is my narrative on the 144K at the end of time - for what it is worth.

Revelation 7:4-8

4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousands of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: 5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; 6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; 7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; 8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.

The sealing of God’s servants in Revelation 7:4-8 strongly parallels the final plague in Exodus and finds echoes in other Old Testament passages. These connections highlight God’s consistent pattern of mercy and protection for His faithful. In the final plague of Exodus, God commanded the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb (Exodus 12:7, 13). This mark symbolized their allegiance to God and provided protection against the destroying angel. Similarly, the sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation identifies and safeguards God’s servants from the judgments to come. Both instances underscore God’s power to shield His people amid widespread calamity—whether it is the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt or the faithful’s ultimate redemption in Revelation.

This theme also appears in Ezekiel’s vision of the mark (Ezekiel 9:3-6), where a man clothed in linen marks the foreheads of those grieving over Jerusalem’s sins. Those marked are spared from destruction, much like the servants sealed in Revelation 7. In these scenes, the mark represents divine protection and sets the faithful apart from those subject to judgment. Other Old Testament references further enrich this symbolism. Deuteronomy 6:8 instructs God’s people to bind His words as a sign on their hands and foreheads, symbolizing devotion and obedience—similar to being sealed as God’s own. Malachi 3:17-18 promises God’s protection for those who fear Him, calling them His "jewels." Likewise, in Isaiah 26:20-21, God tells His people to "enter your chambers" and hide until His wrath has passed, a vivid parallel to the sealing in Revelation, where judgment is delayed until the faithful are identified and protected. These connections between Revelation 7 and the Old Testament emphasize God’s unchanging character. The seal, like the blood on the doorposts or the mark in Ezekiel, signifies God’s ownership, care, and mercy for His people.

The 144,000 in Revelation as God’s chosen witnesses at the end of time is both compelling and meaningful. These individuals represent God’s people who, like Paul, will be given their own "Damascus experience.” Romans 11:25-26 speaks of a time when the partial hardening of Israel will end, allowing them to recognize Jesus as their Messiah. This aligns with Zechariah 12:10, where the people of Israel will mourn deeply as they realize they have pierced the One who came to save them. At this pivotal moment, God’s people will have the blindness lifted from their eyes and will embrace Jesus, fulfilling their role in His redemptive plan.

These 144,000 will then go out into the world, preaching the Good News with fervor and urgency, much like Paul did in the first century. Their mission will be a final call to humanity to turn to God before the return of Christ. This mission is tied to the prophetic timeline of Daniel’s 70 weeks of years (Daniel 9:24-27). The 3.5 years of ministry by the 144,000 will complete the final portion of the 490 years decreed for God’s people. The timeline, which began in 457 BC, was interrupted at the cross, with 486.5 years fulfilled. The remaining 3.5 years must be completed, and can only be completed by His people. At the conclusion of these final 3.5 years, the 4th and final Great Jubilee cycle will be completed – then the Messiah.

The 144,000, sealed as God’s faithful witnesses, will not only go out into the world to preach the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus but will also expose the profound departure of the church and its teachings from the true Word of God. Over the past 1500 years, the little horn, symbolizing the papacy, has disseminated doctrines and practices that diverge from biblical truth. These witnesses will serve as a powerful testimony, shining a light on these deviations and calling people back to the purity of God’s Word. Their mission will be one of both proclamation and restoration, revealing God’s truth and preparing the world for the Messiah’s return.

This understanding not only highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant but also underscores the unity of His plan throughout history. The restoration of His chosen people and their role in completing the unfulfilled years of prophecy showcase God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder that God’s timing is perfect and His promises are sure. This interpretation invites us to marvel at the meticulous way God orchestrates history and to reflect on the profound privilege of being part of His plan.

It might be appropriate to also mention that the list of the 12 tribes in Revelation 7:5–8 is different from the original tribes listed in the Old Testament. Notably, the tribes of Dan and Ephraim are excluded. Dan has long been associated with idolatry and rebellion (Judges 18:30–31; 1 Kings 12:28–30), which may explain its omission as a symbolic rejection of unfaithfulness. Similarly, Ephraim, another tribe with a history of idolatry (Hosea 4:17), is removed. In place of these tribes, we see the inclusion of Levi and Joseph. Levi, traditionally excluded from military and land inheritance lists because of its priestly role (Numbers 1:47–49), is now included, emphasizing the spiritual and worshipful nature of the 144,000 as God’s faithful remnant. Joseph’s inclusion, replacing Ephraim, symbolizes a purification and refocusing on faithfulness. These changes are not accidental; they reflect theological priorities rather than strict genealogical order, showcasing the purity and loyalty of God’s chosen people. The revised list emphasizes that at the end of time, God’s people are defined not by lineage alone but by their spiritual fidelity and faithfulness to Him.

 

[grafted branch]

The scriptures show that you are wrong which is why you don't use them to support your view.

No, you aren’t using scripture to support placing a gap in Revelation 20:5. All you show is that there is a resurrection at the GWTJ, to which I agree. That resurrection only proves my point that the Revelation 20:5 dead that live again when the thousand years are finished has to be spiritual in nature. The burden of proof is on you to provide scripture to support your gap insertion.

 

[Davidpt]

No, you aren’t using scripture to support placing a gap in Revelation 20:5. All you show is that there is a resurrection at the GWTJ, to which I agree. That resurrection only proves my point that the Revelation 20:5 dead that live again when the thousand years are finished has to be spiritual in nature. The burden of proof is on you to provide scripture to support your gap insertion.

Can you explain in what way they would be living again spiritually after the thousand years are finished? I'm failing to grasp how you are deciding that? We have to keep in mind, to do anything again requires that someone was doing it initially, quit doing it, then started doing it again, otherwise it doesn't qualify as doing something again. Since the millennium precedes satan's little season, you then need to explain when they were initially living spiritually during the millennium, then no longer were during the millennium, then after the millennium they are once again living again spiritually. Like I pointed out, one can't do something again unless they were previously doing it then stopped doing it.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

I would ask you read chapter 20 to answer that question.

Why would you think I haven't read that? I don't see any indication of no one being on the earth during the thousand years, so I'm asking you how you are coming up with that idea? Where are you seeing that in the text?

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

Joh 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Joh 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
Joh 12:40 He (God) hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? 13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

Thankfully, Paul didn't believe that those who are blinded can't be saved like you do.

 

[CTK]

Why would you think I haven't read that? I don't see any indication of no one being on the earth during the thousand years, so I'm asking you how you are coming up with that idea? Where are you seeing that in the text?

Did you say there are living people on the earth during the time if the millennium that had not accepted Jesus? I believe those individuals where sent into the grave at His coming while those who accepted Him, that were alive or in the grave were resurrected to be with Him for those 1000 years.

Please clarify your position on those people who rejected Jesus at His return - were they kept alive or sent to the grave?

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

Revelation 20:5 says “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished”. The thousand years are finished when Satan is loosed, right? If someone were to read Revelation 20:5, after the thousand years were finished, during Satan’s little season, they would have to conclude that a gap must be inserted into Revelation 20:5 else the dead would be alive at that time.

It doesn't say they are resurrected during Satan's little season. It says they are resurrectd after the thousand years. They are not only resurrected after the thousand years, but after Satan's little season, also. That they are resurrected after Satan's little season doesn't change the fact that they are also resurrected after the thousand years. Scripture teaches that when the dead are resurrected they are then judged and their judgment is portrayed after Satan's little season ends first. So, we can safely conclude that they are not resurrected immediately when the thousand years ends, but after Satan's little season ends as well.

Just like those who insist a gap must be inserted in the 70 weeks, they read the Bible and see some of the 70th week being unfulfilled, therefore a gap must be inserted.

I am not inserting any gap in Revelation 20. I don't add any time period to it besides those mentioned (the thousand years and Satan's little season), so stop wasting your time talking about that.

If I were to say week 70 hasn’t happened yet but there are no gaps in the seventy weeks even though week 69 is fulfilled, would you seriously accept that as a legitimate position? That is the same kind of argument you are making.

No, it is not. You have no idea of what you're talking about. In relation to what we are actually talking about here, which isn't the 70 weeks, there is clearly a little season of time between the end of the thousand years and the judgment. So, the gap between those things is explicitly indicated and no one is adding any gaps there.

In Revelation 6:9-10 they are told to rest a little while longer, those in Revelation 20:6 that live and reign with Christ are priests. Priests don’t rest, priests have duties to perform.

Therefore the souls in Revelation 6:9-10 are physically dead, they rest. The souls in Revelation 20 are not physically dead, they perform the work of a priest.

I can't take you seriously when you acknowledge that the souls John saw in Revelation 6:9-10 are physically dead, but somehow the souls he saw in Revelation 20 are not. There is no consistency in your method of interpretation.

 

[grafted branch]

Can you explain in what way they would be living again spiritually after the thousand years are finished? I'm failing to grasp how you are deciding that? We have to keep in mind, to do anything again requires that someone was doing it initially, quit doing it, then started doing it again, otherwise it doesn't qualify as doing something again. Since the millennium precedes satan's little season, you then need to explain when they were initially living spiritually during the millennium, then no longer were during the millennium, then after the millennium they are once again living again spiritually. Like I pointed out, one can't do something again unless they were previously doing it then stopped doing it.

Prior to the cross it was possible to follow the law, any sins committed would have to be reconciled by making sacrifices.

Luke 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

Once Christ came and died on the cross, a person who was in good standing, following the old covenant law, would no longer be considered in good standing under the new covenant. All a person had to do was not believe Jesus was the Messiah and they would be dead in their sins.

The verses that seem to show salvation can be lost are really showing that an old covenant saint could loose their status by not transitioning to a new covenant saint. Those people are considered the rest of the dead, they don’t live again until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in and their partial blindness was removed.

The fullness of the Gentiles comes in when they start to fulfill all that was prophesied for them. The last thing prophesied for the Gentiles is being deceived after the millennium.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

Did you say there are living people on the earth during the time if the millennium that had not accepted Jesus?

I don't know if I said that, but I certainly do believe that. I am an amillennialist. Do you know what amillennialists believe? I honestly don't feel like explaining it to you right now, so if you don't know what we believe, then please look it up and educate yourself.

I believe those individuals where sent into the grave at His coming while those who accepted Him, that were alive or in the grave were resurrected to be with Him for those 1000 years.

In other words, you believe that He will kill all of those who did not accept Him when He comes, right? If so, I agree with that. That is what amillennialists like me believe. However, I don't see the thousand years as beginning at that point. I don't take the thousand years literally. Since scripture teaches that Jesus has been reigning since His resurrection (Matt 28:18, Eph 1:19-23) and that His poeple have been priests in His kingdom since then (1 Peter 2:9, Rev 1:5-6), that tells me that the figurative thousand years began a long time ago.

When the dead in Christ are resurrected, they will not then be with Christ on earth for 1,000 years. They will be with Him for eternity in the new heavens and new earth. Unbelievers will instead be cast into the lake of fire. Read Matthew 25:31-46. That has unbelievers being cast into "everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" when Jesus comes with His angels. Do you think that is speaking of something different than unbelievers being cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:15)?

Please clarify your position on those people who rejected Jesus at His return - were they kept alive or sent to the grave?

They will all be killed. The problem is that you think the thousand years don't begin until then, but it makes no sense that the earth would be desolate during the thousand years. Why? What would be the point of that? And who exactly would be the ones who number "as the sand of the sea" who go up against "the camp of the saints" after the thousands years ends and Satan is loosed if there's no one on the earth during the thousand years?

Do you ever ask God for wisdom about these things (James 1:5-7) or do you just rely completely on your own intellect to try to figure it all out?

 

[Verily]

David, how many times have I pointed out how the word "zao" is used to describe those who live and reign with Christ while the word "anazao" is used to describe the rest of the dead living again after the thousand years? Several times. Yet, you are acting as if I've never addressed this before.

Premils have no explanation for why the word "zao" is used to describe those who live and reign with Christ with the word "anazao" describing the rest of the dead. The reason is that there is a different context to those who live and reign with Christ compared to those who live again after the thousand years. The word "zao" means to be alive and living. It can be used to describe physically living people or to describe people who are physically dead, but spiritually alive. In this case, John saw the souls of physically dead people and they live ("zao") and reign with Christ in heaven. As for the rest of the dead they don't reign with Christ and will be resurrectd after the thousand yeras to be judged. That's why the word "anazao" instead of "zao" is used to refer to them.

Spiritual Israelite, this post here raised a question in me, what your thoughts on the word zao used here (where someone is obviously physically alive as you yourself point out one can be) but in contrast to being spiritually alive the person is actually dead spiritually. You might even be able to add this one into the above too could you not?

This one here

1 Ti 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth (zao)