Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand...he laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years...Rev. 20:1-2.
This blog is dedicated to defining all of the symbolism in Revelation -- all the metaphors, idioms, enigmas and esoteric imagery. After researching church history, I found that the message Jesus left to His Church in His revelation, is locked up in the symbolism. If we define the symbolism the accurate and succinct message to us will be revealed - unlocked.
After I became born again in 1972, I became aware of the thousands of books and several movies that had been produced regarding Bible prophecy. The information in these mediums seemed to parrot one another, with a few twists to distinguish one author from another. Studying the Bible became my passion so it didn't take long before I was totally confused. Why?
I ran across a pesky scripture in the epistles of Peter, which contradicted all the books and movies I had been perusing. Let's take a serious look at what Peter said...And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts...know this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation...for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit...II Peter 1:19-21.
Now what do we do with this scripture? Do we say the meaning isn't clear so just ignore the admonition, or, do we heed what the prophet is saying? Now it is 2018 and I still see thousands of books, several movies, preachers on radio and television interpreting prophecy of scripture, apparently hoping to be the one to get it right. Jesus was very clear regarding prophecy of scripture when He said...now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe...John 14:29.
I cannot find one scripture where Jesus tells us to interpret prophecy of scripture. Yes, He gives visions and dreams to His followers in the 21st century, confirming His promises and giving guidance. But prophecy of scripture is totally different.
What did Sir Isaac Newton say about prophecy of scripture in 1692? He loved researching prophecy in the Bible. Regarding the book of Revelation he said, "The folly of interpreters has been to foretell times and things, by this Prophecy, as if God designed to make them Prophets. By this rashness they have not only exposed themselves, but brought the Prophecy also into contempt. He gave the Prophecies, not to gratify men's curiosities by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled they might be interpreted by the event and His own Providence, not the interpreters -- the event predicted many ages before, will then be a convincing argument that the world is governed by Providence.
Over 400 years ago Sir Isaac Newton understood what the Prophet Peter proclaimed regarding prophecy of scripture, so what happened to modern-day researchers of the Bible? Why do they ignore what Peter, Jesus, and Sir Isaac Newton said -- when the prophesied event occurs, we will understand the interpretation and believe? Believe what? Believe in Jesus and all that God said about Him has come to pass -- what He says is true and faithful!
The last few months of this blog we have done a Bible study on several topics, but now it is time to get back to defining the symbolism of Revelation, Daniel & the Olivet Discourse. Since I began this blog in 2013, you will find that we have defined the symbolism in several chapters of prophecy. My study of church history has found that the majority of John's visions have already come to pass, and I give names, dates and places of their fulfillment.
When we look back at fulfilled prophecy we simply delineate the facts, recorded by historians, for clear understanding of the prophecy - and believe. By attempting to interpret prophecy of scripture with our finite minds, we fall into the trap of foretelling God's intention, bringing the prophecy into contempt as Sir Isaac Newton proclaimed.
One chapter in Revelation in particular is full of symbolism -- Chapter 14 - 144,000. In my archives you will find this fascinating study in 2015 - Feb. 15 through Mar. 29. When the symbolism is defined you will find yourself saying, "Wow...is that what that scripture means, now I understand!" After all, doesn't Jesus want us to believe and understand the Providence of God? The fulfilled event interprets prophecy of scripture - then we will understand and believe.
In my 2017 archives I began a study series of Revelation Chapter 20 - Thousand Year Reign with Christ. I promised my readers that we would finish the study of this very important chapter, which we begin today -- Satan Bound 1000 Years. So reading the Thousand Year Reign with Christ Series will help you to better understand this series.
As we delve into Revelation chapter 20, we will find that Reigned with Christ a Thousand Years and Satan Bound a Thousand Years are simultaneous events. The outset of these two events began the moment that Jesus rose from the dead. By His death and resurrection He brought the Kingdom of Heaven to the earth - men could now reign with Christ on the earth. And Jesus broke the power of death that Satan had in his grasp since the fall of Adam and Eve - Satan could no longer hold men in bondage to death - his power was now bound (limited).
When did the First Resurrection take place? Stay tuned..
God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~
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