Revelation 20:14 – The Lake of Fire: Symbolizing the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Revelation 20:14 is a powerful and symbolic verse that has captivated the minds of theologians and believers for centuries. It states, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” In the context of Full Preterist New Covenant Creation belief, this verse takes on a profound meaning, symbolizing the destruction of Jerusalem and its Second Temple. Let’s explore this interpretation and find similar scriptures that depict the concept of the “lake of fire.”
The Lake of Fire as Symbolism:
In the Full Preterist perspective, the “lake of fire” is seen as a symbol of the cataclysmic events that unfolded in 70 AD when the Roman armies laid siege to Jerusalem and ultimately destroyed the city along with its Second Temple. This interpretation is grounded in historical evidence and aligns with the belief that the end-time prophecies of Christ found their fulfillment during this era. Read The Jewish War
Book by Flavius Josephus for historical context.
Similar Scriptures Depicting the Lake of Fire:
1. Matthew 13:40-42 (KJV):
“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
This passage portrays a vivid image of separation and judgment, akin to the concept of the lake of fire. It reflects the idea of purging and separation of the righteous from the unrighteous.
2. 2 Peter 3:10-12 (KJV):
“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…”
While not explicitly using the term “lake of fire,” this passage speaks of a profound transformation and judgment by fire, similar to the symbolic destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in Revelation 20:14.
3. Revelation 21:8 (KJV):
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
This verse directly links the “lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” to the “second death,” reinforcing the idea of judgment and purification, consistent with the Full Preterist interpretation.
Let’s delve into the Old Testament to find scriptures that align with the symbolism of the “lake of fire” and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD:
1. Ezekiel 22:18-22 (KJV):
“Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because ye are all become dross, behold, therefore I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you.”
This passage from Ezekiel uses the metaphor of a furnace to describe the purification and judgment of the people in Jerusalem. It is reminiscent of the symbolic language used in Revelation 20:14, where the “lake of fire” represents judgment and purification.
2. Zechariah 13:9 (KJV):
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.”
This verse from Zechariah speaks of refining and purifying a remnant through the fire, a process analogous to the Full Preterist interpretation of the events of 70 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
3. Malachi 3:2-3 (KJV):
“But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”
This passage from Malachi illustrates the idea of God refining and purifying His people through a refiner’s fire. It echoes the concept of purification and judgment that is symbolically represented by the “lake of fire.”
Conclusion:
Revelation 20:14, with its depiction of death and hell being cast into the lake of fire, carries profound symbolism that aligns with the Full Preterist perspective. This interpretation suggests that the “lake of fire” symbolizes the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 AD. While the term “lake of fire” may not be used explicitly in all similar scriptures, they convey the themes of judgment, purification, and transformation, further supporting this interpretation. These passages remind us of the significance of historical events in understanding biblical prophecies and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
The Old Testament contains scriptures that employ metaphors of fire and purification, similar to the symbolism of the “lake of fire” in Revelation 20:14. These passages emphasize the idea of divine judgment, purification, and transformation. When viewed through the Full Preterist lens, these Old Testament verses complement the interpretation that the “lake of fire” in Revelation 20:14 symbolizes the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD, as well as the spiritual transformation and judgment that took place during those events.