Thru the Bible – Revelation 20:9-13

Host: Steve Schwetz
Teacher: Dr. J. Vernon McGee
Date: March 25, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. J. Vernon McGee continues the study of Revelation 20:9-13, focusing on the final rebellion after the millennium, the ultimate defeat of Satan, and the solemn events leading to the Great White Throne Judgment. The discussion explores the deceptive nature of the human heart, the realities of final judgment and hell, and the absolute necessity of salvation through Christ. Stories from listeners about how the program impacts spiritual lives set the stage for these weighty topics.

Listener Impact Stories (01:29–04:32)

Highlights:

• Letters from Bosnia and Herzegovina underscore the power of Bible teaching in spiritually dark regions.
• Listeners share about how the show has helped them and their families grow closer to God and one another:
  • “Each episode reminds me how close God is, even in the most ordinary moments.” (02:23, Listener)
  • "Since we listen together, we often discuss what we heard... These conversations have brought us a new closeness.” (03:22, Listener)
  • “Now I feel like I’ve spiritually awakened... now I truly feel like I understand [the Bible] for the first time.” (03:42, Listener)
  • "Now I feel as if someone is patiently explaining it to me. Now when I read, everything feels a little closer and clearer.” (04:05, Listener)

Prayer (04:32):

"Father, thank you for encouraging us... that as we fling your seed, you do the work and you reach people in their personal lives in deep ways." – Greg

Main Teaching: Revelation 20:9–13 (05:01–24:58)

The Final Rebellion and the Nature of the Human Heart

• Context: After a thousand years of Christ’s reign (“the millennium”), Satan is released for a short time and leads a final rebellion (Gog and Magog).
• Key Point: This rebellion, despite perfect conditions, demonstrates the “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9) nature of the human heart.

  “You and I do not really know how vile we really are... The carnal mind... is enmity against God.” (06:20, Dr. McGee)

• Even with Christ as ruler, many people join Satan, showing human nature cannot be reformed by environment alone.

Gog and Magog: Two Distinct Rebellions

• The rebellion in Revelation 20 is often confused with Ezekiel 38–39, but McGee clarifies:

  “This is not possible at all. For the conditions described are not parallel as to time, as to place or participants. Only the name is the same.” (07:15, Dr. McGee)

• Comparison to World War I & II: Same name, different conflict.

The Divine Judgment of Evil and Satan’s Fate

• Satan cast into the Lake of Fire: (v.10)

  “The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... and they shall be tormented day and night, forever and ever. Now, this is a most solemn statement and it’s rejected by this lovey dovey age in which we live today.” (10:25, Dr. McGee)

• False notion: The devil is not currently in hell, but in power over the world (Ephesians 2:2).
• Satan is not the first in hell; the Beast and False Prophet arrived 1,000 years earlier.

The Reality and Symbolism of Hell

• Hell described as “a lake of fire and brimstone”—Jesus spoke most solemnly about this.

  “To me that fire is a picture... the best symbol that could be used of the reality...” (13:20, Dr. McGee)

• The fire and darkness: Hell is both separation from God and a place of real torment.
• Story of the father who led his son to hell—emphasizing the gravity and finality:

  “Can you think of any fire that would be hotter than for a man to be in hell and to hear the voice of a son of his say, ‘Dad, I followed you down here.’” (14:50, Dr. McGee)

The Great White Throne Judgment (v.11–13)

• All unsaved (“the dead, great and small”) stand before Christ, “from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away.”
• Jesus is the judge, not the Father (cf. John 5:22–29).
• This is not a judgment for believers; only the lost are judged here.

  “Your life is on tape. And he happens to have the tape. And when he plays it back, you’re going to be able to listen to it. And it’s not going to sound good to you by any means.” (20:18, Dr. McGee)

• Imagery: Good deeds brought as a “sad looking bunch of flowers” that cannot save; only Christ’s righteousness suffices.

  “You need a Saviour to stand into his presence. You need to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.” (20:58, Dr. McGee)

• The absolute justice of God: Everyone is judged according to their works, but none can be justified by works alone.
• Resurrection details: Even those lost at sea or whose bodies are long gone will be raised; God will reassemble them all for judgment.

Clarification of Judgment Types

• Believers’ judgment: Already occurred at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
• Great White Throne: Solely for the lost; no believers present.

  "If you’re saved, you don’t go before this judgment... This is the judgment of the lost." (22:45, Dr. McGee)

Memorable Quotes & Analogies

• “You know yourself, don’t you? You know things that you’ve covered up and smothered that you wouldn’t have revealed for anything in the world. Well, the Lord Jesus is going to bring them out.” (21:27, Dr. McGee)
• “We like to compare ourselves with other people… I’m as good as the Joneses down the street. Sure you are. But you ought to know about the Joneses.” (21:13, Dr. McGee)
• On the futility of works: “Your little works will seem so puny that they don’t amount to anything at all.” (21:08, Dr. McGee)

Closing Tease (24:58–25:27)

“I can’t wait to go to heaven next time. It’s going to be an amazing study because we’ll see Jesus in the new Jerusalem and... all evil will finally, finally be removed from the earth.” – Steve Schwetz

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Listener Impact Stories (Bosnia and Herzegovina) | 01:29 | | Greg’s Prayer | 04:32 | | Dr. McGee’s Teaching Begins | 05:01 | | Nature of the Human Heart & Last Rebellion | 06:20–09:00| | Gog and Magog Distinction | 07:15–09:30| | Satan’s Fate and the Lake of Fire | 10:25–13:20| | Symbolism and Reality of Hell | 13:20–16:50| | Great White Throne Judgment | 17:30–22:45| | Analogy: “Sad looking bunch of flowers” | 20:58 | | Judgment types clarified | 22:45–24:35| | Preview of Heaven/New Jerusalem | 24:58 |

Key Themes & Takeaways

• The Heart’s Depravity: Even in a perfect world, humanity rebels when given a chance; proof that our need is inward, not circumstantial.
• No Salvation by Works: Only Christ’s righteousness can save; all human efforts are insufficient.
• Reality of Judgment: God’s record is exact, and every person will give account—outside of Christ, this is a fearful thing.
• The Final Defeat of Evil: Satan and all evil are eternally judged, ending the problem of sin and rebellion.
• The Hope of the Believer: Believers are not judged at the Great White Throne but have hope in Christ; a joyous study of heaven awaits next.

This episode blends biblical exposition, real-life impact, and stirring warnings about judgment, all in Dr. McGee’s distinct, personable style. It ends with anticipation for the next study on the glory of heaven and the new Jerusalem.