Interpreting Revelation 20:1-9

[Doug]

When interpreting the prophecy contained in these verses, it is well to remember the comment by the apostle Peter, about what the meaning of "a thousand years" may be in prophecy. Peter exhorted the saints to give heed to the prophets, in each of his epistles. In the second epistle he wrote:

2 Peter 3:1-2, 8
1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
...
8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The phrase "a thousand years" has a special meaning. It can be any period of time, from a single day, to a thousand years, according to the above statement of Peter. The phrase can thus be considered a variable; a definite time, representing an unknown period of time. And similarly, a "day" may also refer to an indefinite time period.

In Revelation 20, if in the first 9 verses the words "period of time" are substituted for "thousand years," we may see the prophecy in a new light. This is consistent with what Peter said about the significance of the phrase, "a thousand years."
   
Another point to note is that in Revelation 20:1-9, the references to "a thousand years" need not be referring to the same "period of time" in each case. For example the "thousand years" in verse 6 need not be the same as the "thousand years" in verse 7. Each may be quite separate and independent, if the words "thousand years" are considered a variable, or a symbol. This may help when interpreting the prophecy. In verse 6, the period in which each believer lives and reigns with Christ may vary. This may depend on variable human life spans, and the age at which a person comes to believe.

Doug

[Dallas]

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

That does not mean that....

Peter is saying that God is outside of time. Where else does your great decoder ring establish this pattern?