Thrones

Just a reminder that allegory is not just a creative way to understand the Apocalyptic genre—it is a defining attribute of it—and it continues in Rev. 20:4–6. John recalls the “thrones” from Dan 7:9–10 that references thrones set for “ten thousand times ten thousand” who stood before the “Ancient of Days” (God). Here in v. 4 the beheaded martyrs are the Christians who remained faithful to the Gospel and did not turn to the world (the “beast or his image,” “the mark”) for truth.

Revelation 20:4 (CSB)

4 Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Remember—the “one-thousand-year reign” (v. 4, 5) represents the church age, the time form Christs resurrection to his return. “The dead” in v. 5 are those who do not put faith in Christ as their Savior and the “first resurrection” is for those who believe. As believers we are born “dead” and through our salvation become alive to an eternal life with Christ. When in this relationship the “second death”—our physical death—“has no power” (Rev. 20:6).

The Christian believers reign with God eternally; physical death is a transition to life with God.

Let this Gospel truth fill your heart for the month of March and beyond. For all of us in leadership, who continue to pursue a relationship with God—through his Son—and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we invite you to work your program and follow us in this truth.