Contradictions and Paradoxes in Revelation 20:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Revelation 20:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Revelation 20:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, he saw special seats for people who were brave and kept loving Jesus, even if it was hard and scary. These people got to be with Jesus and helped him rule for a really long time, like a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4: And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Contradiction with John 5:28-29

These verses describe a simultaneous resurrection of the just and unjust, contradicting the separate resurrections implied in Revelation 20:4.

John 5:28-29: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

Contradiction with Matthew 25:31-32

These verses suggest a single judgment event, which contrasts with the separate thrones and judgments in Revelation 20:4.

Matthew 25:31-32: When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:52

This verse speaks of the transformation at the "last trumpet," implying a single event rather than multiple occurrences as suggested by Revelation 20:4.

1 Corinthians 15:52: In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Contradiction with Hebrews 9:27

This verse indicates that humans die once and then face judgment, differing from multiple resurrections or judgments suggested in Revelation 20:4.

Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Paradox #1

One potential theological conflict with this verse is the interpretation of what happens to souls after death, specifically concerning the concept of resurrection and judgment. Some interpretations suggest that this verse might not align with the idea of immediate entrance into heaven or hell after death, as it describes a period of reign on Earth before the final judgment. This could conflict with beliefs that emphasize an immediate reward or punishment after death rather than any intermediate phase.

Paradox #2

The verse involves themes of resurrection and reign that some interpret differently. Historically, Christians have debated whether this passage should be understood literally or metaphorically. The conflict arises over interpretations of time periods, the nature of resurrection, and who specifically is involved. This has led to varying beliefs about end times and millennial reign doctrines, such as premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism.

Paradox #3

Revelation 20:4 talks about people reigning with Christ after being martyred. A contradiction or conflict might arise for some people concerning the idea of rewarding violence or martyrdom. They might see inconsistency in a message that seems to celebrate peace and forgiveness, yet highlights a scenario where those who suffer violent deaths for their faith are specifically honored. This could be seen as at odds with the idea of valuing all lives equally, regardless of their experiences or sacrifices.

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