By Pastor Thomas Taylor March 12, 2013

End Time Biblical Prophecy Revealed

By Thomas Taylor

Part 10 – The Great White Throne Judgment and A New Beginning

The Final Judgment

Rev 20:7, 8 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

It has been 1,000 years of peace on earth due to the Millennial Reign of Christ. Satan was bound and all of his demons. But Satan must be loosed again. It is uncertain why God has to allow Satan to be loosed for a time. However, Satan will go and do what he does best which is deceive men. How great this deception must be for mere men to think that they will dethrone Jesus. When this occurs it will truly be a time for celebration because all of the enemies of God are about to be judged and we will step over into eternity.

Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

Jesus, Jerusalem , and the Jews were never in any danger. They will not have to take up arms to fight these nations. It will not even be a war. Once they gather outside of Jerusalem, they will immediately and suddenly be completely destroyed by fire.

Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever

This is the last we hear of Satan. He will forever be tormented in the Lake of Fire from which there is no escape.

Rev 20:12 – 15 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is the final judgment of men, demons, and angels. All of God’s enemies are thrown into the Lake of Fire forever. It is a real place of real torment. Spirits cannot die therefore they will be tormented in flames forever. Eternal torment may seem too harsh of a punishment. However, if we understood the severity of sin and the holiness of God, then we would see it is just. Our problem is that we do not see how terrible sin really is. We play with it like it is no big deal. If only we could see from God’s perspective what the results of sin are we would never think about doing it.

Notice here that only the dead are judged. We, the Church of God and saints, will not be judged here. We are written in the Book of Life and will enjoy an eternity with our Lord and our God.

The Renovation of the Earth by Fire

2Pe 3:7 But the heavens and the earth , which are now, by the same word are kept in store , reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2Pe 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ?

The Day of Judgment (v. 7) is what we just read in Revelation chapter 20. The Earth has been preserved for 7,000 years so that men could walk upon it, multiply, and live. But it was never meant to be the way it is now forever. The Earth’s atmosphere and surface are destined to be completely burned by fire. This is necessary to destroy the curse of death which permeates the very soil of our planet. Not a single living creature or germ will survive the fire. Just think of all the world’s efforts toward conservation. I think the devil has them pursuing such fruitless efforts so as to distract them from the important things like eternity with God.

This also tells me that Jesus did not spend all His time during the Millennium fixing up the earth to prepare for eternity because He knows it is to be destroyed. He spent those 1,000 years fixing men’s hearts. In fact the entire 7,000 years was used for God’s master plan to bring men to a place of decision concerning Jesus. We are so concerned about external things but God really only cares about one thing – what is your relationship toward Jesus Christ?

Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it , from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away ; and there was found no place for them.

This event of fire seems to coincide with the fire that will come down from heaven to destroy the enemies surrounding Jerusalem (Rev. 20:9-10). This is followed by all creation being taken to the heavens above the Earth to watch or take part in the Great White Throne Judgement. God the Father and His throne will come to just above the Earth to judge its inhabitants. It is the face of God the Father that causes the entire earth to catch on fire ! Why? Because His glory destroys death and the Earth is full of the death as a result of the curse of sin. Many say that sin cannot dwell in the presence of God. Well, I question that. The reason I do is because sin is an action. It has no substance of its own. The devil had rebelled against God and had iniquity in his heart but he was able to go into the presence of God in the book of Job. No, it is not the sin which cannot dwell in the presence of God it is death which cannot. Death is a substance. Go grab some soil of the earth and it is teaming with death. Anything you bury in the earth will be overrun by death because of the curse. This death is what needs to be destroyed and the only way is by fire. Death cannot dwell in the presence of God no more than darkness can dwell in the presence of light or cold can dwell in the presence of heat. As the entire Earth is being engulfed in flames, the judgment will be proceeding. We will watch as hell, death, and the enemies of God are thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Deu 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire , even a jealous God.

Deu 9:3 Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.

Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire .

His presence is a consuming fire which apparently will keep the Lake of Fire lit forever!

Isa 66:24 And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

It would seem that the Lake of Fire , where all of God’s enemies will be punished, is going to be on the New Earth and visible to those passing by. God is going to renovate the Earth with fire destroying all life. This will apparently so transform the Earth’s topography that there will be a huge opening where the inward parts of the Earth will be seen. We will forever be able to see into this place where the enemies of God will be tormented because of their hatred against the Holy One.

A New Heaven and New Earth

2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth , wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Isa 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth : and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

This is the part for which God and all of creation has been waiting – the New Heavens and New Earth completed! It is a simple thing for God to create so it should be no surprise that He destroys the old Earth’s surface and atmosphere by fire to make another. Only this one will be a literal Heaven on Earth where God’s perfect will is to be performed and no sin or death will ever again touch God’s servants. There will be no pain, no growing old, no disease or sickness. It is the paradise that even God Himself has been looking forward to because it is here that He will be able to dwell with us in person which is what He desires more than anything else. If He had tried to do so before, He would have annihilated us because of the death within our flesh. We will spend eternity with our God worshiping our Lord and King by the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

Isa 65:17 – 25 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth : and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem , and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die a hundred years old; but the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

This passage may seem a little confusing because it starts off talking about a New Heavens and New Earth but then goes on to talk about the things of the Millennial Reign of Christ. The New Heavens and New Earth spoken of here in Isaiah 65 is the same as that spoken of in Revelation which tells us that the New Heavens and New Earth are completed after the earth is renovated by fire. However, it is evident by the description of things in this Isaiah passages that the Millennial Reign is also being mentioned because it speaks of people being able to die. People cannot die in the completed New Heaven and New Earth.

So are the New Heavens and New Earth coming before the Earth is renovated by fire or after? We must conclude that the New Heavens and New Earth is a process over time that begins during the Millennial Reign and is completed after the earth is renovated by fire. It begins with Jesus setting things right in the spirit-realm, removing the principalities, the powers, the rulers of darkness of this world, and the wicked spirits in high places and putting the Church into their place during the Millennium. After the Earth’s renovation by fire and the judgment, death will be forever destroyed (Rev. 20:14; Isa 25:8; 1 Cor 15:26; Rev 21:4). Then God will create a physical New Heavens and a physical New Earth which will complete the process.

The Eighth Day, a New Beginning

1Co 15:24 – 28 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Jesus will reign for one-thousand years bringing the world in subjection unto Him. He will rule with a rod of iron until all have yielded and obeyed. As all enemies of God are thrown into the Lake of Fire, the Earth will be renovated by fire. At that point God will create a New Heavens and a New Earth which will go on forever. There will be no curse or death there. Jesus will take His dominion and give it back to the Father God. This is how the “eighth day” begins. Remember that 1,000 years equals a day so the week of 7,000 years is complete and a new week is beginning. However, this week goes on forever. It is the eighth day which represents a new beginning for all of creation.

Phi 2:9 – 11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

When Jesus subdues all authority under Him is when this phrase in Philippians comes to pass that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord. All authority in Heaven, Earth, and the Lake of Fire will submit to Jesus! The curse of death has been corrected. Sin has been eradicated. Eternal Life with and from God is what we will enjoy for the rest of our days.

New Jerusalem

Rev 21:2 – 5 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

New Jerusalem is the Holy city of God which God Himself made. He designed it to be a place where He can dwell with His creation, man. It will come down from the sky and be placed somewhere on New Earth. It will be a spectacular site. It is not the Bride of Christ; the Church is the Bride of Christ but the Church will be located in the city. In the Bible, a place is often associated by its people and its people are associated by the place. For example, Israel is a place and a nation of people. You cannot separate the two. They are always considered one. We, the Church, are considered one with this city of God . Oh, how great a thing the Lord has done for us!

Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

We see here the desires of God’s heart which is to dwell with man. Glory to God! How amazing this will be cannot be put into words.

Rev 21:4,5 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and , neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

All the things of this life will fade away. We will forget the pain, sorrow, and mourning that we experienced in this life and we will forever be anointed with the oil of joy!

Rev 21:16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

New Jerusalem will be approximately 1500 square miles. It would reach from Maine to Florida and from the Atlantic Ocean to the 600 miles west of the Mississippi river, i.e. it is over one-half the size of the United States . It is also 1500 miles tall! Does this mean the city is a big cube? No, probably not. Most likely it will be more of a pyramid with God at the top.

The city has twelve gates going in and out of it. It also has twelve precious stones that lay the foundation of it. The streets of the city are pure gold. There will be no temple in it for God Himself will be there. We only need a temple if God is not visibly present. We will be able to go right to the throne of God in the middle of the city, at the top of the mountain, and worship God in all His glory and splendor!

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

The Earth’s population will be very large so the large bodies of water like oceans and seas will no longer exist the way they do now. Not to mention, there has to be a large parcel of land to put the heavenly city New Jerusalem due to its immensity.

Rev 22:1 – 4 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

The River of Life will flow from the throne of God. The trees of Life will line the river and the streets of gold. One tree will bear twelve different kinds of fruit. Oh, how glorious it will be! If you are not sure you would make it to Heaven if you died tonight, there is a way you can be sure. Click HERE to make sure.

Marriage of the Lamb

The Bride makes herself ready here after the Millennial reign of Christ, not at Jesus’ Second Coming (Rev. 21:2,9). Here in Revelation 21 there will be a marriage in Heaven. This event will include the saints from all ages, including the martyrs of the Great Tribulation, as the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is being presented to Him as a pure, holy, and chaste virgin. The passage that describes this event is Revelation 19:

Rev 19:7 – 9 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

This passage is out of order from the regular chronology of Revelation 19 because it is a parenthetical vision that started at Rev. 17:1 and ends at Rev. 19:10. But it is to be associated with Revelation 21.

All will be gathered that are called saints. This will be a wonderful time of celebration because the Church, the Bride of Christ, will be officially united with Him in completeness and purity!

The following is some information on a Jewish wedding that could shed some light on the manner in which the Marriage Supper of the Lamb takes place. You can find the source of this information at http://www.khouse.org/articles/2003/449/

Jewish Wedding

The first step, the Ketubah, or Betrothal, 2 was the establishment of the marriage covenant, usually when the prospective bridegroom took the initiative 3 and negotiated the price (mohair) he must pay to purchase her. 4

Once the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was established, and the young man and woman were regarded as husband and wife. 5 From that moment on, the bride was declared to be consecrated or sanctified – set apart – exclusively for her bridegroom. 6 As a symbol of the covenant relationship that had been established, the groom and bride drank from a cup of wine over which the betrothal had been pronounced. 7

After the marriage covenant was established, the groom left his bride at her home and returned to his father’s house, where he remained separated from his bride for approximately 12 months. 8 This afforded the bride time to gather her trousseau and prepare for married life. 9

During this period of separation, the groom prepared a dwelling place in his father’s house to which he would later bring his bride. At the end of the period of separation, the bridegroom came – usually at night – to take his bride to live with him. The groom, the best man, and other male escorts left the father’s house and conducted a torch-light procession to the home of the bride. 10 Although the bride was expecting her groom to come for her, she did not know the time of his coming. 11 As a result, the groom’s arrival was preceded by a shout, 12 which announced her imminent departure to be gathered with him.

After the groom received his bride, together with her female attendants, the enlarged wedding party returned from the bride’s home to the groom’s father’s house, 13 where the wedding guests had assembled.

Shortly after their arrival, the bride and groom were escorted by the other members of the wedding party to the bridal chamber ( huppah ). Prior to entering the chamber, the bride remained veiled so that no one could see her face. 14 While the groomsmen and bridesmaids waited outside, the bride and groom entered the bridal chamber alone. There, in the privacy of that place, they entered into physical union for the first time, thereby consummating the marriage that had been covenanted approximately one year earlier. 15

After the marriage was consummated, the groom came out of the bridal chamber and announced the consummation of the marriage to the members of the wedding party waiting outside. 16 Then, as the groom went back to his bride in the chamber, the members of the wedding party returned to the wedding guests and announced the consummation of the marriage. 17

Upon receiving the good news, the wedding guests remained in the groom’s father’s house for the next seven days, celebrating with a great wedding feast. 18