CadyandZoe
Well-Known Member
Can you be specific? I don't see a reference to the righteous in that context.You object to the reference there to the righteous?
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Can you be specific? I don't see a reference to the righteous in that context.You object to the reference there to the righteous?
To assume that what is described in Revelation 20 has to chronologically follow what is described in Revelation 19 is not exegesis. It's eisegesis. Clearly, the book is not all chronological.You are making the same exegetical mistake as WPM, not taking into account that Revelation 19 describes Jesus doing battle with nations on earth and Revelation 20 gives no evidence that the venue has moved up into heaven.
This statement contradicts your statement that "The most straightforward literal interpretation is that Jesus is ruling on earth for a thousand years.". That is not an objective statement.Your objection, as stated above, seems rather ungrounded, as it highlights either a lack of objectivity or a reluctance to engage in a balanced discussion regarding this important issue. Those who strive to maintain objectivity in their interpretation will readily concede that Revelation chapter 20 is open to varied interpretations, neither firmly supporting one view over the other.
God keeps the righteous from falling. Jude 24Can you be specific? I don't see a reference to the righteous in that context.
Your objection, as stated above, seems rather ungrounded, as it highlights either a lack of objectivity or a reluctance to engage in a balanced discussion regarding this important issue. Those who strive to maintain objectivity in their interpretation will readily concede that Revelation chapter 20 is open to varied interpretations, neither firmly supporting one view over the other. On one side, many theologians advocate for an Amillennial interpretation, suggesting that the thousand-year reign mentioned is symbolic rather than literal. Conversely, there are theologians who champion a Premillennial perspective, arguing for a concrete, future reign of Christ on Earth. Ultimately, regardless of the scholarly approach taken, it is important to recognize that individuals approach this scripture with pre-existing beliefs and assumptions about the end times, which inevitably color their interpretations.
There is good reason to think that John is talking about Christ's rule on earth in that passage.
John located the information found in Revelation 20 immediately after the information found in Revelation 19.
The most striking moment in Revelation 19 comes when heaven opens, and Jesus appears riding a white horse, called Faithful and True. His eyes blaze like fire, and He wears many crowns, signifying His ultimate authority. He leads heavenly armies, clothed in white linen, as He comes to judge the nations and establish His reign. His return marks the final victory over evil, as He defeats the beast and false prophet, casting them into the lake of fire.
Since Revelation 19 focuses on deliverance and the establishment of a theocracy on earth rather than personal salvation, it logically follows that Revelation 20 continues with the same theme. It seems unlikely that John would abruptly change the subject without any indication or warning.
Yes, Revelation 20:4 describes thrones being set up, and it signifies the reign of Christ and His faithful followers during the millennial kingdom. The passage states that those who were martyred for their faith and those who remained steadfast against the beast will be given authority to rule alongside Christ for a thousand years.
The thrones symbolize judgment and governance, as those seated on them are granted the responsibility to execute justice and reign with Christ. This aligns with earlier biblical themes where God’s people are promised a role in His kingdom. The passage highlights the victory of the faithful, showing that their perseverance leads to a place of honor and authority in Christ’s reign.
I am confident that those who support the theory of Amillennialism, while remaining objective, will agree that the summary of the passage provided above is reasonable, based on certain assumptions. In other words, it is neither unreasonable nor unlikely to be the correct interpretation of that passage.
You may disagree, given certain assumptions, but it isn't fair to suggest that it is ridiculous.
The standard you have established seems quite demanding, especially considering that you anticipate John to be very precise in his language. However, it's important to recognize that we shouldn't expect John to reiterate himself unnecessarily. For instance, in Revelation 19, he has already made the significant declaration of placing Jesus upon the Earth. Given this context, it would be unreasonable to expect him to restate this information in Revelation 20, as it would be redundant and counter to the style of his writing. John's approach typically favors clarity and progression rather than unnecessary repetition.
Revelation 20:1 implies that the angel is coming down to earth from heaven. The passage describes the angel descending with the key to the Abyss and a great chain, and then seizing Satan and binding him. Since Satan is active on earth, the angel’s arrival suggests a direct intervention in the earthly realm to carry out God’s judgment.
Agree! It's as if Premills have no idea of what effect Christ's life, death and resurrection had on Satan despite the many scriptures which tell us about that. Their ignorance about what is taught in the New Testament is unbelievable.He already did that 2000 years ago. But you cannot see that. Read what the Word of God teachers about the binding of Satan.
Matthew 12:22-29, Mark 3:11, 23-27, Luke 10:18-19, Luke 11:20-22, John 12:31-33 Colossians 2:13-15, Hebrews 2:14-15, I John 3:8, Revelation 9:1-11, Revelation 12:7-9 and Revelation 20:2 prove Satan was cast out, bound, defeated, incapacitated, divested of power, disarmed, brought to naught, undone, stripped and spiritually imprisoned through Christ's sinless life, atoning death and triumphant resurrection. Colossians 2:15 tells us: “having spoiled (or divested or disarmed) principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Satan has not been rendered immobile or inoperative but is limited in his power, kingship and influence by being defeated on the cross. He is like a dog on a chain. He is shackled.
Maybe, but it is not unreasonable to conclude that the two chapters are chronological. The onus is on those who must prove that they aren't chronological.To assume that what is described in Revelation 20 has to chronologically follow what is described in Revelation 19 is not exegesis. It's eisegesis. Clearly, the book is not all chronological.
The rest of scripture does not necessarily rule out the Premillennial position. I would say that the balance of the evidence favors it.Also, we have to take the rest of scripture into account and the rest of scripture does not support Premill.
My statement is grounded in an objective analysis, as I explored the common thematic elements present in chapters 19 and 20. I consider the seamless flow of the narrative and the absence of certain key indicators typically employed to signal a shift in subject, particularly from deliverance to salvation. John has not incorporated the usual linguistic markers that would inform his readers of such a transition. Therefore, we can reasonably conclude that he has maintained a consistent focus throughout, without diverging from the initial topic.This statement contradicts your statement that "The most straightforward literal interpretation is that Jesus is ruling on earth for a thousand years.". That is not an objective statement.
While that is true, this idea is not taught in Amos 9:9 where God is giving hope to Israel, who will go into exile.God keeps the righteous from falling. Jude 24
No, certainly. Can't you ever be honest?Maybe,
If those were the only 2 chapters in scripture, sure.but it is not unreasonable to conclude that the two chapters are chronological.
LOL! A more foolish statement has never been made. No, the onus is on all of us to interpret Revelation 19 and 20 in such a way that doesn't contradict any other scripture.The onus is on those who must prove that they aren't chronological.
I believe it does, but I guess not necessarily in the sense that is my opinion instead of a fact like 1 + 1 = 2.The rest of scripture does not necessarily rule out the Premillennial position.
I would say that I couldn't disagree more with that.I would say that the balance of the evidence favors it.
LOL. You speak gibberish. No mention here of taking any other scripture into account. You try to interpret Revelation 19 and 20 in isolation, which is not how to interpret scripture.My statement is grounded in an objective analysis, as I explored the common thematic elements present in chapters 19 and 20. I consider the seamless flow of the narrative and the absence of certain key indicators typically employed to signal a shift in subject, particularly from deliverance to salvation. John has not incorporated the usual linguistic markers that would inform his readers of such a transition. Therefore, we can reasonably conclude that he has maintained a consistent focus throughout, without diverging from the initial topic.
He gives hope to the righteous grain, who shall not fall. (cf. Jude 24)While that is true, this idea is not taught in Amos 9:9 where God is giving hope to Israel, who will go into exile.
Who told you that insults are helpful?No, certainly. Can't you ever be honest?
You don't seem to understand exegetical principles. We are examining a passage of scripture, attempting to derive the intended meaning from the immediate context. Revelation 19 should be considered when looking at Revelation 20 because the topic has not changed from one chapter to the other.If those were the only 2 chapters in scripture, sure.
The process you suggest is vulnerable to errors because of confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to seek out, interpret, and remember information that supports their existing beliefs while ignoring or dismissing evidence that contradicts them. When we strongly believe in 'X,' we are naturally inclined to look for passages of scripture that support 'X,' while ignoring or dismissing passages that contradict it.LOL! A more foolish statement has never been made. No, the onus is on all of us to interpret Revelation 19 and 20 in such a way that doesn't contradict any other scripture.
I agree.I believe it does, but I guess not necessarily in the sense that is my opinion instead of a fact like 1 + 1 = 2.
Okay, but this begs the question. What is the source of your disagreement: an examination of the text at hand or an eschatological framework?I would say that I couldn't disagree more with that.
If they die by the sword, then they aren't put into the sieve, are they?He gives hope to the righteous grain, who shall not fall. (cf. Jude 24)
He does not give hope to the unrighteous sinners, who shall die by the sword. (verse 10)
The danger of Confirmation Bias requires that we examine the text independently first.LOL. You speak gibberish. No mention here of taking any other scripture into account. You try to interpret Revelation 19 and 20 in isolation, which is not how to interpret scripture.
Does the grain care?If they die by the sword, then they aren't put into the sieve, are they?
I take issue with your assessment that my views are ridiculous. If you disagree, that's fair, but dismissing my views without evidence doesn't contribute to a productive discussion.We all know this. And what is your point?
The passage describes a battle against the nations, which ends in subjugating them and ruling them with a rod of iron. The armies will die but their nations will live.The most striking moment in Revelation 19 is the fact that he destroys all the wicked.
John says that Jesus rules them with a rod of iron, which is impossible if there are no survivors.There is none survive.
Thrones in heaven are eternal thrones; Thrones on earth are temporal thrones. Since Jesus will rule on earth for a thousand years, his earthly throne is temporal.Thrones
(1) Everywhere the throne or thrones are mentioned in Revelation, it is always heaven.
Zero evidence. Just more Premil noise.I take issue with your assessment that my views are ridiculous. If you disagree, that's fair, but dismissing my views without evidence doesn't contribute to a productive discussion.
The passage describes a battle against the nations, which ends in subjugating them and ruling them with a rod of iron. The armies will die but their nations will live.
John says that Jesus rules them with a rod of iron, which is impossible if there are no survivors.
Thrones in heaven are eternal thrones; Thrones on earth are temporal thrones. Since Jesus will rule on earth for a thousand years, his earthly throne is temporal.
I disagree.He already did that 2000 years ago.