John’s Vision

Today’s post was inspired by the reading of God’s Word from the book of Revelation, Chapter 20: 1-15 (NIV).

An angel comes down from Heaven
Having the key to the Abyss
He seizes the ancient serpent, Satan
John’s vision continues on like this…

With a great chain, Satan is bound and locked
Into the Abyss for a Thousand Years
After which he must be set free
Yes once again…Satan appears

John saw thrones on which were seated
Those given the authority to judge
He saw the souls of those who were beheaded
Because of their testimony for Christ and the Word of God

No, these souls had not worshiped the “beast” or his image
Taking no mark on their forehead or hands
And for their alliegance to Christ…they come back to life
And reign with Him for a Thousand Years

Now the rest of the dead remain sleeping
Until the Thousand Years come to an end
Blessed are those who are Holy
And take part in the first resurrection

Then…

The second death has no power over them
The second death is The Lake of Fire
Yes these souls will reign with Christ
The Thousand Years of His peaceful empire

And when the Thousand Years are over
Satan will be released from the Abyss
And will go out to deceive the Nations
John’s vision continues on like this…

To the four corners of the earth, Satan gathers
His enemy force against God
Whether individuals, peoples or nations
The Bible calls them “Gog and Magog”

In number they are like the sand on the seashore
Marching across the breadth of the earth
Surrounding the camp of God’s People
In the City He beloved at birth

Holy fire rains down from Heaven
And devours them …one and all
Into the lake of burning sulfur, no one will stumble
No, the Devil himself will not fall

But he is THROWN by the hand of God
Into the fiery, sulphur pit
Joining the “beast’ and the “false prophet”
John’s vision continues on like this…

Forever and ever they will be tormented
For all eternity, both day and night
John’s vision goes on to tell us
He then sees a throne, great and white

Earth and sky then flee from Him who was seated
There was no place for them in His midst
He saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne
John’s vision continues on like this…

He saw the opening of books…and yet another book was opened
Which is The Book of Life
The dead were judged according to what they had done
As was recorded in these books, about each life

Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it
Death and Hades gave up their dead too
And each person was judged according to what they had done
“Each Person”, yes that’s me and that’s you!

Then Death and Hades were thrown into The Lake of Fire
Which is called The second Death
But remember The Second Death has no power
Over the first resurrected who are Holy and Blessed

And if anyone’s name was not written…
Not found in The Book of Life…
He was thrown into The Lake of Fire
To live our the afterlife

Now I don’t know about you
But I assuredly choose to believe
The Prophesies foretold in Revelation
Will come into view for you and me

And we will feast our eyes
On the Truth that was said
By The King of Kings
But we will have nothing to dread

If we’ve given our hearts
And played down our souls
Before The Lamb of God
Who Has all control

Over every life
Who in Him believes
And that John’s vision… one day
By all will be seen