A question for Christians who are familiar with Revelations...?

Question

This is a serious question, and not for some smart alecy atheist please...

I still have some troubles understanding exactly what is going on in Revelations. It is my understanding, especially from reading the final 3-4 chapters, as if noone will be resurrected from death until after the Tribulation and Armageddon, which would mean that we don't go straight to Heaven or Hell when we die, right? I understand though, that to the dead, this period of time would seem to be "in the twinkling of an eye"...

Also, I am not sure if I have this right, but it looks as if at least some people get another chance, that Satan is loosed to test humanity again, and that there will be people living outside of the city of God (Zion, Jeruselum, whatever it is called,) so are those people people who were lost but not totally evil, or people who were Christians, but backslidden, or what, what is going on after the Tribulation is over?

Answer 1

first - look again - there is no 's' on Revelation

When we die as Christians - we go to paradise - on the way to Heaven (note Jesus on the cross talking to the thief - "Today, you will be with me in paradise."
(the other thief did not go to paradise - but into Hell's holding area)

All those who accept Christ as Saviour before the Rapture of the church (Jesus' second coming in the air) can be called the SONS of God - very special

after the church is called away(Rapture) and Tribulation begins - the only opportunity is to become a SERVANT of God by accepting Christ as Saviour- and still go to Heaven -
yes - there is a second chance - but reduced 'status'
but, this will be a TERRIBLE time as the Holy Spirit is withdrawn from the world at the Rapture- and Satan will have free reign - a horrible time up and until the Armageddon when it all breaks loose

then will be the second physical coming of Jesus Christ to set foot on the earth, again, for a period of 1,000 years

after that - the books are opened and the judgement begins

you are either lost or saved - and God will judge the heart
(glad I don't have to)

I hope you have made the choice to accept Jesus as Saviour

here is a great site

all the best!

Answer 2

On your first question, you almost right. Its my understanding that after the tribulation is over, we will ALL be resurrected. Its at this point that the saved, and unsaved alike will receive their physical bodies. Prior to that point, believers are with God in a non-physical, or spiritual form, and non believers are apart from him in the same manner. And it will seem like a twinkling of an eye. Remember, God doesn't recognize time as we humans do. Time is infinite with him, and since we will be with Him, it will seem the same to us.
On your second point...its up to interpretation. I believe that mankind will be given a second chance. Some think that the "second chance" will only apply to the Jews...or in biblical terms, Israel. Dont forget though, that throughout the book, people, despite of what they see and hear, still continue to harden their hearts to God. So, if there are converts during this time, I feel the number may be quite small. After the tribulation, we all enjoy God in physical bodies. The difference will be that the desire to sin will vanish. The world, or heaven, depending on how you view it, will be incorruptible. Perfect. After all, Satan will be forever defeated, and we will rejoice with the Lord forever.
I hope this helps, but keep in mind, its only my take on it. I could be wrong, but I know I'm right about spending eternity with our creator.

Answer 3

The book of Revelation contains end-time prophecy. But as for noone being resurrected until after armageddon, you are forgetting the rapture of the church. Read the following scriptures :
THE RAPTURE

brings final doom to those who reject the truth : 2 Thess. 2:11, 12

rescues believers from the coming wrath : luke 21:36; 1 Thess. 1:10; 4:18; 5:2; 6:9; 2 Peter 2:9; Rev. 3:10, 11; 4:1

is imminent: Mark 13:35; Luke 12:45; Rom. 13:12; 1 Corin. 15:51; Jas. 5:9; 2 Peter 3:12

is promised by Christ: John 14:3

waiting in faithfulness for: Luke 2:25; 12:35, 42; 21:34; 1 Corin. 1:7; 1 Thess. 1:10; 3:13; 2 Tim. 4:8; Tit. 2:13; 1 Peter 4:7; Rev. 22:20

I hope these scriptures give you the hope and patience that they give me. Love in Christ Darryl

Answer 4

All I can do is give you my interpretation and it may not be the right one. Every person will see things a little differently as far as scripture is concerned. The book of Revelation in particular is very hard to understand because it is written in such symbolic terms.

First, I believe that the dead will arise and the righteous will be taken up in as you said, a twinkling of an eye. However, exactly when this will happen is a matter of interpretation. Some believe that it will be prior to the actual tribulation because it is said that believers will not suffer the wrath of God (which the latter portion of the tribulation is referred to as)(My belief) Some think it will be at the point where the anti-christ actually shows his true colors which is said to be at about the half way point. Still others believe as you do...that the resurrection of the dead and the taking up of the believers will occur after. I personally don't think it matters which one is the right one as in the end, God will do things in his own way, not according to our beliefs.

As to the people who remain on earth for that thousand year reign of Christ, I would say that they will be those who came to accept Christ AFTER the righteous were already taken up. (My view as to why it is pre-trib) In otherwords, those left behind will have to make a choice during that time whether to follow Christ or to follow the anti-christ. Those that decide to follow Christ and manage to survive the tribulation itself will be allowed to live on the earth for the thousand years as a test of their faith. It is like God wants to give them a chance to prove that they can live in a society without allowing it to go the way of Noah's time....or our time today.

Answer 5

No, people do not go some waiting place until the tribulation is over.

Hebrews 9:27
And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,

When we die, we are judged; no waiting.

The appearance of waiting in time is on this side of eternity. God created time as part of the overall creation, He Himself is above time. Now, be aware that I don't have Bible verses to support that, just a bit of logic.

No, there is no "another chance" after death. Once we die, we are judged, much to the surprise of some.
See Matt 25:33 to the end of the chapter.

If you are having trouble understanding Revelation, get back over into Matt - John.

Answer 6

Rev. 4 God says "come up hither". Most scholars believe this is the rapture since crowns and rewards are given. This can only be given when the saints are in heaven. They will be changed in the twinkling of an eye being changed from our form now to the form we will have in heaven.

Satan will be given another chance to deceive the nations once more to give the ones a chance that never heard the gospel of Christ preached. God is a merciful God.
After you have heard the gospel that is your chance. Either heaven with rewards or hell and everlasting separation from God.

Answer 7

When we are dead there is no concept of time. Time does not exists. So once the tribulation is over everyone will rise and it would seem like they had been gone for not even a split second.

This is how I think of it.

I don't know about the people outside the city of God.

Answer 8

You have a good basic grasp, on it. If you want to gain a better understanding, I suggest checking out a site called rapture ready. They answer every question you could possibly have. After we die, we are "asleep" and yes, it is as you said. The second chance or final chance, is before the end, and many will come to God. These people will be Jewish and Gentile. They are people who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah, before the rapture. Check out this site, it can answer alot better than I can.

Answer 9

The ressurrection will be when our soul is united with a perfected physical body again. Before that time, when we die we will be "absent from the body and present with the Lord" 2Cor.5:8 Look also at the earlier passages in Revelation where the martyrs are asking the Lord "How long?" it will be before their blood is avenged. They must be "alive" in some sense in order to be able to communicate with God like that.

Also look when Jesus tells the thief on the cross "this day you will be with me in paradise" etc.

You may find these sermons from my church on Revelation useful:
http://www.pbcc.org/sermons/bell/index.php

Especially this one about Revelation 20:7-15 Satan being loosed - to gather humanity for one final battle against God - which he ultimately loses, and the final judgement throne of God:
http://www.pbcc.org/sermons/bell/1534.html

Hope that helps!

Answer 10

If I understand it correctly, you are right. Adamic death is the first death. John then says that after the new heaven and the new earth are established that another chance will be offered. Then, the final death will happen.