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This passage has traditionally been thought to be symbolic in nature, and represented the restoration of the nation of Israel after the two thousand-year exile. However if viewed in the light of the first resurrection passage in Revelation 20:4-6 it is seen to be the same event.
The beast is given authority for three and a half years, and he is given power to make war against God's holy people. See Revelation 13:5-7.
Also see: Daniel 7:25, Daniel 8:12, Daniel 11:35-35
My fellow student of God's Word, know that God is able to do what he says he will do. Know also that the Bible clearly says that there will be a literal resurrection of the dead martyrs of the beast's reign.
Please Read Matthew 22:23-33 - Did the Sadducees believe that
God could raise the dead?
- HINT: Matthew 22:23, 29
- Did Jesus believe that God could, and would, raise the dead?
- Note: The resurrection that Jesus is referring to
here is the second resurrection, but my point is still valid. God said
he was going to do it and he has the power to do it.
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (NIV)
Romans 6:3-4
Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (NIV)
- As a Christian we live in Christ, (see Romans 8:1.)
- Water baptism is symbolic of our having been buried with Christ in his tomb and then as we come up out of the waters of baptism we are symbolically being resurrected with Christ. The Christian isn't ever going to be resurrected again because we have already been resurrected.
- Note: The resurrection that Jesus is referring to
here is the second resurrection, but my point is still valid. God said
he was going to do it and he has the power to do it.
