Revelation 20:4-5

REVELATION—NOTE ON Revelation 20:4 I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Premillennialists argue that “coming down from heaven” (v. Revelation 20:1) and the reference to “the nations” (v. Revelation 20:3) show that these “thrones” are on earth (during Christ’s millennial reign). Amillennialists argue that the echoes in these verses from Daniel’s vision (compare Daniel 7:9, Daniel 7:22) indicate the thrones are in heaven. John sees the souls of those who had been beheaded... and those who had not worshiped the beast. These are the faithful believers who came to life. Premillennialists think deceased believers will experience bodily resurrection at the beginning of the millennium, and that is what is meant by this is the first resurrection. Amillennialists think “they came to life” and “the first resurrection” means their souls entered into the presence of God in heaven after they died. Their deaths were their victory over the dragon and beast (Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2). They will be given new bodies at the final resurrection (Revelation 20:12). Some postmillennialists agree with the amillennial view of “the first resurrection.” Other postmillennialists think it refers to the future victory of Christianity in the world after its earlier persecution. and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Premillennialists think this means that these resurrected believers will assist with Christ’s thousand-year reign as righteous King over the whole earth. Amillennialists think this means deceased believers are “reigning” with Christ from heaven now. Postmillennialists see it as a future triumph of Christianity in the world.