“A Thousand Years” – Rev.

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Explained

Jean Cooke

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“A Thousand Years” – Rev. 20 – Explained

For many centuries there has been much ado about the phrase “a thousand years”,
referenced in Revelation 20 of the Bible. Reams have been written on the pure
assumption of the johnneys-come-lately. However, the original Revelation
authors, personified as John of Patmos, penned Revelation in strict unison, fully
integrated and entwined, with the collection of scriptural works. Revelation is a
prophetic articulation of form perceptions, drawn from of the earlier anecdotes of
the Book’s publication extracted from both Old and New Testament incidences.

Possessing the earnest spirit of elevation, the writers, with editing from time to
time, allowed the Bible set of books to be the sole interpreter. The keys once
found avoids personal interpretation. The writings are locked, “All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness...” – see 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. “For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as
they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Pet.1:20, 21. This means the
interpretation must be found from within the works.

So let’s take the will of mankind out and turn to the Bible for the inspired
interpretation, considering the Bible’s two elucidations of “a thousand years”:

- The first clue is from the Old Testament psalmist who wrote, “...For a
thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a
watch in the night...” Ps. 90:1-7.

- The second communiqué from New Testament apostles, who were members
of the resurrected Body, is written, after explaining false prophets, damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought (AGORAZO = redeemed) them,
“many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom the way of
truth shall be evil spoken of.” “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.” 2 Pet. 3:8.

Faithful scribes figuratively are saying that each day gives a person the chance of
life, consciousness is supreme in every moment, daily alertness must be treasured
as a thousand years. Vigilance is to be, as a watch in the night, otherwise time is
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missed, and opportunity squandered. Life is here and now, not yesterday, not
tomorrow. Resurrection is now daily, “I die daily” – 1 Cor. 15:31. Will-power is
not something that will wait for a thousand years to elapse before resurrection, not
something that occurs a thousand years after resurrection. The scriptural
interpretation of spirituality is for now, today, it cannot be left waiting, there may
be no tomorrow.

The Gospel writers inscribed, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must
worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24.

Missionaries to Corinthians taught, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Cor. 3:16. So listen to “the still
small voice” of your being.

“Shun profane and vane babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”
2 Tim. 21:6. Words such as post millennialism and pre millennialism (not
scriptural terms) are highfalutin gobble-de-gook if we are to believe the Scriptures
anecdotes. Illustrations allowed the Bible to be written symbolically about a
record of the Bible temple, interpreted by projecting forward the prophetic books.
Spiritually, recorded in the Gospels, and Epistles, is the story of redemption from
self-interest and meets archetype in the glorious victory of righteousness in the
Book of Revelation.

The Bible narrative, set apart (holy) from the material word, was not written to be
analysed in some labyrinth of complicated language exclusive to the
“knowledgeable.” Offered to all, it is simply, a message of the restoration of love,
charity, justice and true judgment. Firstly portrayed in type, then antitype and
finally cast for those willing to accept “grace.”

Those dedicated to the furtherance of creativity, “Study to shew thyselves

approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth.” – see 2 Tim 2:15. Happy is the man (male and female) that
findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” Pr. 3:13. “Above all
things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection.” Col. 3:14. Be ye therefore
perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:48. You can’t
delay if perfection is your goal.

The faithful see, “the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and
more until the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18, see also 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

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Attaining perfection (fig. elevation of excellence) “for the edifying of the body of
Christ,” clarifies possessing a liberated conscience. Then we are - “No more
children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine...but
speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things which is the head
even Christ.” – see Eph. 4:12-15.

The steadfast are holistically exalted and restored to original creative ability, as
eminently displayed in the beginning of the world of human concept. Before
Adam (mankind) decided to take what was not his to take, before Cain
(acquisition) was born, man had not thought to lay hold of another’s tenure. Yes,
we should be perfect without Cain, reaching the “I am” we were designed to be by
the indwelling Spirit of gradual development. Acquisition of doctrines, not
different from acquisition itself, stifles our God-given right to think.

“For to me to live is Christ (a personification of perfection) and to die is gain.”

Phil. 1:21. So “press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded.” Phil. 3:14,
15.

To the charitable, creative, perfect – “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with
thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the
grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10. Literally in form is this Old Testament
quote. We can look to a spiritual application – a spiritual resurrection during our
life-time. Then the redemption of man in the image of the Creator is fulfilled.