Burial of Jesus
Great White Throne
Behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for God’s Kingdom:
I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
this man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.
I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
He took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.
The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them.
It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near.
They were judged, each one according to his works.
The women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid.
Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
They returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn,
I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.
Millennial Reign: Great White Throne
- October 2, 2023
- | Jim Tallman
Millennial Reign: Great White Throne
- October 2, 2023
- | Jim Tallman
Before the Throne
I’ve found that the bible is not linear. Rather, it seems to be written in loops. That’s where one story ends, wraps around, and begins again. The Great White Throne scene in Revelation is a great example.
That’s what you see here. Remember, the thief asked, “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Now we see the Kingdom at work, a great white throne.
Standing
Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus’ body, which, by the way, still stands on the cross. The revelation shows the dead, standing before the throne.
On the day of Jesus’ death, I believe only two people stood before the throne for judgment. Christ, and the repentant thief. Many more will follow.
In and Out
I love the contrast of these two passages. Joseph takes Christ’s body, wraps it in a linen cloth, and places it, “in a tomb.” Death and hades, “gave up” the dead who were in them.
The story is simple. Jesus entered the tomb so we can exit.
Come Near
A new day is “drawing near,” or literally, is about to dawn. The dead are judged according to their works.
I believe this judgment has already taken place, for Christ. Right before the dawning of a new day.
In and Out
This is where the bible’s design begins to reveal itself even more. The followers of Christ have “come out” of Galilee. Death and Hades are “thrown into” a lake of fire.
Souls are coming out of the fire. Enemies are being thrown in.
Returning
The followers of Christ are not thrown out. In fact, they return. They prepare spices and ointments for Christ’s body. It will not be necessary.
Those not found written in Jesus book of life do not return. They too are cast out of the new Kingdom. In fact, they join Satan and his angels.
Something New
A new day begins to dawn. A new heaven and earth are seen. Like a new Kingdom.
This is where the story wraps around and begins again.
A New Place
I believe the “first day” of the resurrection describes the first day of a new eternity. It’s a new place, in a new time, beyond the world as we know it.
The next passage shows its coming. Click the right arrow, or “New Heaven & Earth” link to continue.
- Millennial Reign
- Millennial Reign: Come to Life
- Millennial Reign: Great White Throne
- Millennial Reign: New Heaven & Earth
- Millennial Reign: All Things New
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