A reader asked me a very good question about the beheading of saints in the Great Tribulation:
Tim,
I was just reading Rev. 20:4 where John describes faithful followers of Christ who were beheaded in part for not worshiping the beast or taking his mark. Here’s my question: If the faithful have been led to a safe place by the end-times Elijah, then who are all those that get beheaded for being faithful in the face of the Antichrist’s onslaught?
Derrel
Who is Left Behind For the Antichrist to Behead?
To see my answer to his question, read the following article I wrote on why faith is required to escape the end times.
Tim
Tim, I understand Rev. 20 to represent the martyrs that were slain for their belief in the Word of God (Old Testament); for their testimony of Jesus ( New Testament); and those who did not take the mark of or worship the beast ( Tribulation)-on going at the time John was viewing. These would be resurrected to reign with Christ in the Millennium. The rest of the dead(saved and unsaved) were not raised until this time is past to face judgement at the Great White Throne. During the tribulation, the believers will be given a place of refuge while the wrath of God is visited upon the world. Otherwise who will come out and dance in the ashes afterward and rejoice as Malachi indicates.
Actually, everyone in the first resurrection is saved along with everyone in the rapture. Rev 20 lists those martyred groups but it is not exclusive list as we know from Paul’s writings on the first resurrection: all the “dead in Christ,” not just martyrs. Plus, I think you misinterpreted them. There are no OT saints among them. Every group listed are those alive during the Tribulation who resist the Beast.
Therefore, the “rest of the dead” in the 2nd resurrection are only unsaved.
What confuses me is that in Rev. 20:6 it say’s Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. why did he say that?
Also in Luke in every Bible version for Luke 21:36 it say’s Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the son o man. except ESV. which uses the word (strength)Luke 21:36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.†why is that one the only one worded different?
Luke 21:36 like some verses in the Bible has differing readings in the surviving Greek manuscripts. Newer versions favor the “have the strength” over the KJV “be accounted worthy”
Rev 20:6 is about the firstfruits, the Bride of Christ who are born again with spirit bodies so they can rule the Kingdom of God on earth for the 1000 year Millennium. They can’t die after that. Does that answer you question? See http://www.escapeallthesethings.com/the-millennium.htm for more on the Millennium and also my prophecy glossary http://www.escapeallthesethings.com/bible-prophecy-glossary.htm