Revelation 20-21 comprise the 6th vision of all that will happen from Jesus' ascension to the end. It begins with an angel coming down to earth to bind the dragon (aka the devil or Satan), the leader of the anti-trinity, and sealing him in the abyss for a thousand years.
Many of our theologians have sought to figure out if this thousand year period is pre-tribulation, post-rapture, or when? My reading of this is more symbolic. If ten is the number of completion, then one thousand is ten cubed – a Trinitarian ten! In essence this period of time represents God's complete time. It makes me think of Galatians 4 – "When the time had fully come God sent forth his Son to be born of woman . . . ." If Jesus' first coming was in the fullness of time; his second coming will be in God's perfect time as well.
"Then I saw thrones," . . . remember that this vision is taking place here on earth. These are the thrones of God's people, and we, even now, join in God's eternal reign. Remember that the Bible teaches that we were born in trespasses and sins, and that spiritually we are dead apart from Christ. This first resurrection is coming to faith in Jesus and receiving his salvation. We have eternal life even now, and we reign with Jesus now – even as we are awaiting the full consummation of God's gift of salvation.
The rest of the dead – all those who do not come to faith in Christ in this life – rise when God's complete time is finished. Then, for reasons known only to God, there will be a period of time – "a little while" – Satan will be released to deceive the nations. He will gather his followers to attack God's people, and it will look bad for us. God's people will be surrounded, oppressed, and appear to be defeated. But then, suddenly, God will act on behalf of his people and bring fire upon the earth to rescue us. Fire often represents the Judgment, and Peter says that the earth will be destroyed by fire in the end. Then the devil will be thrown into the Lake of Fire – the place of his final imprisonment and punishment.
Then John views the Judgment. All the dead will rise – physically – from the dead to stand before God. When they open the books, it certainly speaks of what we have done, but it mentions by name the Book of Life – this is the record of all who have come to faith in Christ and have received the life of the first resurrection. Those whose names are not in the book of life, then, experience the second death, which is eternal separation for God and His love.
The old saying goes like this: "Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once." This second death cannot touch us because Jesus has already died our death. To Him be praise and worship and glory forever!
Father in Heaven, thank you for your wisdom and timing. I don't always understand the "fullness of time" but I know your timing is best, and that you will bring about my complete salvation, even as you have already given me forgiveness in Jesus. Help me to live each day in Him. Amen.
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