Lesson 11 - The Last Battle Revelation 20:1-15

Finality is something we crave and which God graciously provides. A relationship needs to be broken, an assignment needs to be completed, an extended friendship needs to become a committed marriage-all require closure. The previous study explored our inexpressible hope to be reunited with our Lord. Rev. 20 enlarges our appreciation of God's master plan: his settled decision to be with us forever and to establish his glorious rule over everything.

1. What do you look forward to most about Christ's return?

2. Read Rev. 20. This chapter, out of the whole book, has sparked the greatest controversy. Why is Satan, previously thrown to earth (Rev. 12:9), now bound (Rev. 20:1-3)?

3. The thousand-year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:4-6) has been interpreted as referring to:

a period of righteousness and peace on earth before Christ's return

Christ's reign in heaven between his First and Second Comings

Christ's reign on earth after his return

1. Which view (if any) do you think best fits this passage and the book of Revelation?

2. How might Rev. 20:4-6 be an answer to the believer's prayer, "Your kingdom come . . . on earth as it is in heaven"?

3. Who is allowed to reign with Christ, and why (Rev. 20:4-6)?

4. How can Rev. 20:4-6 help us to see life and death in proper perspective?

5. What is the nature and outcome of Satan's last fling (Rev. 20:7-10)?

6. Why do you think God allows this brief parole of Satan?

7. Who will be judged at the great-white-throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15)?

On what basis will they be judged?

8. What does it say about God's character that he should keep a record of each person's deeds?

9. How can we reconcile this judgment according to deeds with the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith?

10. How should the ultimate judgment of evil and the reward of faithfulness affect the way we live now?