Let’s spend some time discussing the ‘Millennium’ and how it relates to the return of Jesus Christ. I briefly touched on the Millennium during our discussion of Revelation chapter 20 - but I feel we need to spend some additional time on this subject of Bible prophecy - because the Millennium answers a very big question for us.
When we reviewed the prophecies concerning the ‘rapture’, you will remember that although many Bible scholars today believe in a ‘secret’ rapture that will precede a ‘seven year tribulation’ period - we were able to show that the Bible does not support this interpretation of prophecy. The Lord definitely tells us that He will return at the end of this evil age - but His return will be visible to all.
The question that I mentioned above relates to Matthew chapter 24 verses 40 and 41. These verses in Matthew are giving us information regarding the return of Jesus. These verses make it clear that the return of Jesus will be a surprise to many worldly people - similar to what happened when Noah entered the ark. The question that I could not answer until now is this - what happens to the people who are left? It is clear that Jesus returns and takes his true followers with him at the end of this age - but what about the people who are not taken? Where do they go? As we’ve discussed, there is no seven year tribulation period - and we’ve also seen that these people who remain after the Lord returns are not given another chance at redemption (as many believe). Let’s take a look again at these verses.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:36-41)
I believe that the reference to Noah isn’t just a simple analogy. There is a serious warning for us here. Most Bible scholars believe that it took Noah around 100 to 120 years to build the ark. During this time - he most likely endured all types of insults and slander - for building the ark and for preaching repentance. This evil generation laughed at Noah and rejected God’s Word - for a very long time. To them - God’s prophecy was foolish and Noah was foolish for believing it. They refused to humble themselves and seek the truth - and doomed themselves.
Disregarding the evil world around him and focusing on God - Noah patiently built the ark while enduring ridicule from everyone outside his family. Imagine if you were Noah after finishing the ark. He most likely took one last look out of the ark, said a quiet prayer - and closed the door.
Now imagine that you are the wicked people outside the ark. You have ridiculed this guy Noah for a very long time. You have rejected his call for repentance and you continue to embrace your wicked life in this evil world. As Noah finishes the ark and closes the door - maybe you even say a toast to the crazy old man who built this huge boat - when the sun has been shining the entire time. Who builds a boat in his backyard? You and your friends laugh and revel in your worldly intelligence. You have ridiculed this man who seemed to lose his mind. There’s not a cloud in the sky - where’s this God you talk so much about? You laugh and continue with your wicked lives - and then it starts raining.
I imagine that things got very uncomfortable when the rain started. It must be a coincidence - no one can predict the future - right? When the waters continued to rise - did these wicked people flock to the ark? Did they beat on the door? When they realized the catastrophic error of their ways - what do you think was going through their minds? God gave them every chance to repent - but they refused - and were condemned.
In the verses above the Lord is telling us that the same scenario will take place at the end of this evil age. The Lord will have preached repentance to the world through His teachers and prophets for a very long time. Unfortunately, many will reject His call. Once Jesus returns for the 2nd and final time - the door will close. Those who remain on earth will face a similar situation as those during Noah’s time.
Does Jesus ever refer to the ‘door closing’? Absolutely. The parable of the ten virgins is described in Matthew chapter 25 verses 1-13.
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:1-13; emphasis added)
The message here is to repent now – and start following the Lord. When the door closes – you can knock on the door all you want – you will remain outside. We do not know the time – so prepare yourself and be ready. Also remember – who was affected by the flood? The entire world. The entire world will also be affected at the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The ‘Millennium’ is the answer to the puzzle of what happens to those who remain on earth - it gives us clues to what people will face on Earth after Jesus returns.
Once again - we go to the teachings of Steve Wohlberg for an accurate interpretation of Bible Prophecy. Steve has published a booklet entitled “The Millennium: Shocking Facts About a Misunderstood Prophecy and Your Eternal Destiny” - the following are excerpts from his book.
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A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth puts on its shoes. - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Massive confusion exists within Christian churches about the ‘millennium’, a unique thousand year period depicted in the book of Revelation. Some teach that this period is entirely symbolic and not worth fretting over. Others say we’re in the millennium now, and that it began when Jesus Christ defeated Satan by His death and resurrection. Most prophecy teachers contend that this apocalyptic period is still future, that it will immediately follow the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and will be a time of universal peace on earth as Jesus Christ governs all nations from Jerusalem.
What is the truth about the 1,000 years? Ton discover the answer, we must carefully examine the only authoritative source where it’s taught, the Bible, especially the book of Revelation, chapter 20. Let’s see what Revelation 20 specifically says, and doesn’t say.
Here’s Revelation 20 in its entirety:
1And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
7When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Let’s look at a brief summary of each verse:
1. An angel descends from heaven with a key and a chain.
2. Satan is bound for 1,000 years.
3. During the 1,000 years Satan can no longer deceive the nations.
4. Martyrs are resurrected to reign with Jesus Christ for 1,000 years.
5. The rest of the dead will be raised at the end of the 1,000 years.
6. Those in the first resurrection will reign with Jesus for 1,000 years.
7. Satan will be released at the end of the 1,000 years.
8. After the rest of the dead are raised, Satan deceives them again. There will be billions of them, like the sand of the sea. They are called Gog and Magog, and Satan gathers them for a final battle.
9. Satan and his host surround God’s City. Fire descends and devours them.
10. Satan, the Beast and the False Prophet are cast into the lake of fire.
11. Before this fire falls, a final judgment occurs.
12. All the resurrected lost are judged.
13. Another description of the resurrected lost being judged.
14. Death and Hell are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
15. All the lost are cast into the lake of fire.
Here is an even shorter summary of the entire chapter: there is a good resurrection (called “the first resurrection”) at the start of the 1,000 years (verses 4-6), whereas “the rest of the dead” are resurrected at the end of the 1,000 years (verse 5). Satan is bound during the entire 1,000 year period (verse 3), but is loosed “when the thousand years are expired” and “the rest of the dead” are raised (compare verses 5 & 7). Satan gathers the lost for a final battle against God’s City (verse 8). A final judgment occurs, and then the lost are punished in the lake of fire (verses 9, 14 & 15). Then the old earth passes, and the new earth comes (21:1).
The above points are undeniable, for this is exactly what Revelation 20 says. Two significant facts should be noted:
1. Revelation 20 doesn’t say there will be peace on earth during the millennium.
2. Revelation 20 doesn’t say Jesus Christ will rule during the millennium from the present city of Jerusalem.
Although these common doctrines (points 1 & 2) are being taught worldwide, they are absent from Revelation 20, the only place in God’s Book that specifically mentions the 1,000 year period. Now let’s go deeper.
The Two Resurrections
Two defining bookends mark the beginning and the end of the thousand years – the two resurrections (verses 4-6). Let’s take a closer look at them.
Jesus Christ declared, “Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29, KJV). Paul agreed when he wrote, “There will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15). Thus both Jesus Christ and Paul taught two resurrections, the first being “the resurrection of life” for the saved, the second being “the resurrection of damnation” for the lost.
Revelation 20 revolves around these two resurrections. As we’ve already seen, verses 4-6 reveal that one takes place at the beginning of the 1,000 years, the other at the end. The Word says, “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (verse 6). This is the good, or “first resurrection”, at the start of the 1,000 years. Those in it need not fear the second death. “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the 1,000 years were finished” (verse 5). This is the bad or second resurrection, at the conclusion of the 1,000 years. Jesus Christ called it “the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29).
Thus it is plain that there are two resurrections – one at the beginning of the millennium, in which true believers in Christ are raised to eternal life; and one at the opposite end of the millennium, in which the “unjust” awake to something else entirely.
The Second Coming
If the 1,000 year period begins with the resurrection of the saved, the question is, when does this good resurrection take place? When we find the answer, we’ll understand what initiates the 1,000 years.
Scripture teaches that the return of Jesus Christ results in the resurrection of His saints. In 1 Corinthians 15:23, 51, 52, Paul tells us plainly that it is at “His Coming”, when “the trumpet will sound”, and when “the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Paul also wrote, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).
According to Paul, “the dead in Christ will rise first.” This is “the first resurrection” depicted in Revelation 20:6.
In summary, Revelation 20:4-6 begins the 1,000 years with the resurrection of the saints. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 teach that the resurrection of the saints, who are called “the dead in Christ”, occurs when Jesus Christ returns. Thus, it is the return of Jesus Christ, when His saints are resurrected, that marks the beginning of the millennium.
Left Behind
Jesus returns, the righteous dead are raised, and along with the righteous living, they are all “caught up” to meet the savior in the air. This is great news for true believers!
But what about those who are not “caught up”, those who are left behind? Popular teaching says they will have a second chance during a seven year tribulation period, and idea heavily promoted in the wildly popular Left Behind novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Although those books have sold by the millions, the important concern for us should be whether or not this theology is truly biblical.
Immediately after Paul describes the righteous being “caught up”, he declares, “The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them….And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). Thus, according to Paul, those who are not “caught up” will reap “sudden destruction” and “not escape”.
Does this sound like the “second chance” so graphically depicted in the Left Behind novels and films? Hardly.
It gets worse. How widespread is this “sudden destruction”? Jesus Himself explained it: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17: 26-30, emphasis added).
In Noah’s day, all who refused to enter the ark were left behind, destroyed in the deluge. In Lot’s day, everyone except Lot and his family were consumed by falling fire. Jesus Christ said, “Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”
Other texts make it clear that when Jesus returns, those left behind will be destroyed, not given another chance during some hypothetical “seven year Tribulation” (which, by the way, is nowhere specifically referred to in the Bible). Here are just a few texts describing the global desolation that follows Christ’s return.
· 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. When Jesus returns in flaming fire, the lost will be destroyed.
· Revelation 16:16-19. At Armageddon, cities crumble around the world.
· Revelation 6:14, 16:20. Every island sinks, and all the mountains disappear.
· Jeremiah 4:23-26. Planet Earth is totally devastated, with ‘no man’ left alive.
· Jeremiah 25:30-33. Those slain by God lie dead, unburied, all around the world.
· Revelation 19:17, 18, 21. Birds eat the flesh of every lost human being worldwide.
These verses teach that those not “caught up” when Christ returns will be destroyed, and the destruction will encompass the earth, as it did during Noah’s flood. Jesus Himself taught this. “The flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:39).
The Rest of the Dead
The last sentence in Revelation 19 describes birds feasting upon the flesh of all people (verse 21, compare with verse 18). Immediately following is Revelation 20, which depicts the binding of Satan “so that he should deceive the nations no more” during the 1,000 years (20:1-3). Why not? The answer’s easy – there’s nobody left alive on earth to deceive! Those in the first resurrection were ‘caught up’ to be with Jesus, and the rest, those left behind, were slain.
This helps explain what follows (read carefully): “that he [Satan] should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished” (20:3). Notice these three little words “no more till”. What do they tell us? They teach that those “nations” are entirely Satan’s nations. Satan is deceiving them now, but can’t continue deceiving them during the millennium, “til” a certain time.
What time is that? When the 1,000 years are over, obviously. Now put two and two together. At the end of the millennium, “the rest of the dead” (those who missed “the first resurrection”) are raised back to life. Then Satan deceives them once more. Look again at God’s Word, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise:
· Verse 5 – “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.”
· Verse 7 – “When the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison.”
At the end of the 1,000 years, “the rest of the dead” are raised, and Satan is “released”. Therefore, the raising of the “rest of the dead” is what “releases” the devil. Satan then swoops into these resurrected nations (now alive in the four corners of the earth), deceives them again, and then gathers them for the grand finale (verses 8, 9).
What does all of this mean? The answer will come shortly after we examine a few more crucial points. What should be clear so far, however, is that popular teachings about the millennium leave much to be desired. In fact, most are completely bogus.
The Bottomless Pit
Crucial to understanding the millennium are the first texts of Revelation 20, verses 1 and 2. According to these verses, Satan is bound with “a great chain” and confined to “the bottomless pit” for 1,000 years. The expression, “a great chain,” doesn’t mean a literal chain. Even today all of “the angels that sinned” with Lucifer are described as being in “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4). These words do not refer to actual clinking and clanging metal, but to circumstances of darkness that these angels find themselves in after having been booted out of heaven.
During the 1,000 years, Satan is represented as being bound with a chain because his new circumstances prevent him from deceiving the nations during the millennium (Revelation 20:2). Again, what are those circumstances? Everyone left on earth is dead.
What is the “bottomless pit”? In the Old Testament, the word “pit” often refers to a grave, a cemetery, or to the place of the dead.
· Psalm 55:23 – Evil men will go “down to the pit of destruction”.
· Numbers 16:32, 33 – “the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up…into the pit.”
· Ezekiel 32:23 – “Her graves are set in the recesses of the Pit….all of them slain.”
· Psalm 28:1 – David prayed not to “become like those who go down to the pit.”
· Psalm 69:15 – “Let not the pit shut its mouth on me.”
Isaiah 14 contains one of the Old Testament’s clearest prophecies about Lucifer. He was kicked out of heaven (verse 12) for exalting himself (verse 13) and will eventually be brought down “to the lowest depths of the Pit” (verse 15). Isaiah 14:18-20 parallels the prophecy in Revelation 20:1-3. “All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory [kings are given an honorable burial]. Everyone in his own house [the grave]; But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch. Like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who do down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial [at the Second Coming]” (Isaiah 14:18-20).
These verses predict a time when the kings of the earth lie silently in their graves, yet Satan “will not be joined with them in burial”. Instead, the prince of darkness will be left to wander among earth’s ruins. Notice carefully: “Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, thou inhabitant of the earth…..The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be moved like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be visited” (Isaiah 24: 17-22, KJV, emphasis added).
This is a prediction of a destroyed and devastated earth. Its inhabitants are gathered as prisoners in the pit [the grave]. When Revelation 20:1-3 describes Satan as bound with a chain for 1,000 years, this means that a chain of circumstances will prevent him from deceiving the nations. The major circumstance is the return of Jesus Christ in “flaming fire” (2 Thessalonians 1:8), the “sudden destruction” of sinners (1 Thessalonians 5:3), the largest earthquake in history (Revelation 16:18), the crumbling of cities worldwide (Revelation 16:19), the disappearing of mountains and islands (Revelation 16:20), and the total depopulation of Planet Earth just like “it was in the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). This “day of the Lord” will come “as destruction from the Almighty” (Joel 1:15). “And at that the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth. They shall not be lamented, or gathered, or buried [those slain at the Second Coming]; they shall become refuse on the ground” (Jeremiah 25:33).
Earth will then be like one gigantic bottomless pit, a huge cemetery. Jeremiah predicted: “I beheld the earth, and indeed it was without form, and void; and the heavens, they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, and the hills moved back and forth. I beheld, and indeed there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens had fled. I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land was a wilderness, and all its cities were broken down at the presence of the Lord, by His fierce anger” (Jeremiah 4:23-26, emphasis added). As Satan and his angels behold their kingdom in ruins, they can only wander about, counsel together, and contemplate with trembling the final events to occur at the end of the 1,000 years.
Yet it doesn’t end here. We must not forget the last section of Isaiah 24:17-22, which predicts that those who lie dead in their graves will “be visited” (Isaiah 24:22, KJV). What could that possibly mean other than what we’ve seen in Revelation 20:5? “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.” It’s what Jesus was talking about when He warned about the “resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). This occurs at the end of the millennium.
Therefore, instead of being a time of pristine earthly glory when Jesus reigns from the present city of Jerusalem, the millennium is a time when earth lays waste, in desolate ruins, a prison house for Satan and his demons.
The Saints of Heaven
If discovering earth’s true state during the millennium doesn’t sound inviting, it’s because it isn’t supposed to be inviting. It’s a time of chaos, desolation, and ruin, when sin takes another step toward its horrific end. The millennium is not some idyllic era of peace and goodness upon this old earth, with Jesus ruling from Jerusalem, but a time of utter devastation and judgment.
What about God’s people? What about those who participated in “the first resurrection”, who were “caught up” to Jesus as opposed to being left behind? What happens to them during the millennium?
Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus told His followers that He was going to heaven, where He would be preparing mansions for His children (John 114:1, 2). When He returns, He will take us to Himself. “that where I am, there you may be also” (verse 3). When He comes, Jesus will take us to the place where He is now, the New Jerusalem (see Revelation 3:12; 21:10). As we saw earlier, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 tells us that at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ we shall be “caught up”. Thus we are going up to glory. In perfect agreement with this is Revelation 19:1-2 which teaches that immediately after Mystery Babylon’s destruction (Revelation 18:8-24), John beheld God’s saints in heaven. “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her’” (Revelation 19:1-2).
According to Revelation 20:4, 6, the saints will reign with Jesus for 1,000 years. Contrary to popular opinion, Revelation 20 does not say they will reign on earth during that time. Why would Jesus and His people rule over a devastated world anyway? The Bible says we will ascend when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:17), that He will take us to the New Jerusalem (John 14:1-3), and that we will then be in heaven praising God (Revelation 19:1-2).
Some might wonder how we can reign for 1,000 years if we’re in heaven. Don’t we have to be on earth to reign over others during this time? Not necessarily. The Bible also says the saints will “reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). This implies that we will be in some position of authority, just as Adam originally exercised dominion over the earth, that’s all.
Now, if Planet Earth is depopulated, with no survivors (except Satan and his angels), and the saints are in heaven, then what is the purpose of the 1,000 years?
A few possibilities exist:
1. It gives the loyal universe an opportunity to behold the terrible results of Satan’s rule.
2. It gives the saints in heaven an opportunity to go through heaven’s records and to have all of their questions answered about why some of their loved ones are there and some are not.
3. It provides a period of time when Jesus and the saints together can make decisions about the just punishments to be carried out upon the lost at the end of the 1,000 years (see 1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
4. It also gives the saints a period of time to prepare mentally for the events at the end of the millennium, at which time many of their loved ones will resurrected, judged and sentenced to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:5, 11-15).
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Steve concludes his review of the millennium with a discussion on Satan’s final assault on Jesus and His followers at the end of the 1,000 years. While I agree with Steve up to the end of the millennium, I’m not sure that his interpretation of the final battle (Gog and Magog) is accurate. At this time – I don’t have an alternative view – but I’m not sure I agree that Satan and the resurrected lost will somehow be able to make a physical assault on the “new Jerusalem”. I guess I’m not sure why God would allow this – God always has a plan (a reason) for the things He does. So, if Satan and the lost are allowed to assault God’s saints one last time – what is the reason for this?
The battle of Gog and Magog may be a representation of the anger and resentment of the lost – who are most likely aware of their fate. I will continue to pray and research this final battle.
Regardless, we know everything we need to know at this point on God’s prophetic timeline to make correct, Godly decisions. We now know the beasts of Revelation 13 – who they are, what they are currently doing and what they will do in the future. We now know the real reasons behind the earth’s climate change and what it means for our future. Most importantly, we have learned what it takes to know God and His Son Jesus Christ. To those with true faith, the end is not fearful – we are simply moving towards the time when this fallen world will end – and our eternal lives in the kingdom of Heaven will begin. We have much to do before we leave this world – but our faith and our hope remain focused on the Lord’s kingdom - always.
The question you must ask yourself is this – when the Lord closes the door for the final time in the near future – will you be inside with Him? Contrary to popular beliefs, we have learned that once He returns – there will be no more chances for any of us. Do you have the faith required to stand against our enemy and his forces in this world? Do you truly know Him or are you deceiving yourself?
As I’ve said before – the weapons of this world are of no use against our true enemy. Allow God to arm you with spiritual weapons and you will no longer fear this world or the things in it. If you want to become His warrior – there is only one way – and it begins with humility and repentance.
jg
When we reviewed the prophecies concerning the ‘rapture’, you will remember that although many Bible scholars today believe in a ‘secret’ rapture that will precede a ‘seven year tribulation’ period - we were able to show that the Bible does not support this interpretation of prophecy. The Lord definitely tells us that He will return at the end of this evil age - but His return will be visible to all.
The question that I mentioned above relates to Matthew chapter 24 verses 40 and 41. These verses in Matthew are giving us information regarding the return of Jesus. These verses make it clear that the return of Jesus will be a surprise to many worldly people - similar to what happened when Noah entered the ark. The question that I could not answer until now is this - what happens to the people who are left? It is clear that Jesus returns and takes his true followers with him at the end of this age - but what about the people who are not taken? Where do they go? As we’ve discussed, there is no seven year tribulation period - and we’ve also seen that these people who remain after the Lord returns are not given another chance at redemption (as many believe). Let’s take a look again at these verses.
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (Matthew 24:36-41)
I believe that the reference to Noah isn’t just a simple analogy. There is a serious warning for us here. Most Bible scholars believe that it took Noah around 100 to 120 years to build the ark. During this time - he most likely endured all types of insults and slander - for building the ark and for preaching repentance. This evil generation laughed at Noah and rejected God’s Word - for a very long time. To them - God’s prophecy was foolish and Noah was foolish for believing it. They refused to humble themselves and seek the truth - and doomed themselves.
Disregarding the evil world around him and focusing on God - Noah patiently built the ark while enduring ridicule from everyone outside his family. Imagine if you were Noah after finishing the ark. He most likely took one last look out of the ark, said a quiet prayer - and closed the door.
Now imagine that you are the wicked people outside the ark. You have ridiculed this guy Noah for a very long time. You have rejected his call for repentance and you continue to embrace your wicked life in this evil world. As Noah finishes the ark and closes the door - maybe you even say a toast to the crazy old man who built this huge boat - when the sun has been shining the entire time. Who builds a boat in his backyard? You and your friends laugh and revel in your worldly intelligence. You have ridiculed this man who seemed to lose his mind. There’s not a cloud in the sky - where’s this God you talk so much about? You laugh and continue with your wicked lives - and then it starts raining.
I imagine that things got very uncomfortable when the rain started. It must be a coincidence - no one can predict the future - right? When the waters continued to rise - did these wicked people flock to the ark? Did they beat on the door? When they realized the catastrophic error of their ways - what do you think was going through their minds? God gave them every chance to repent - but they refused - and were condemned.
In the verses above the Lord is telling us that the same scenario will take place at the end of this evil age. The Lord will have preached repentance to the world through His teachers and prophets for a very long time. Unfortunately, many will reject His call. Once Jesus returns for the 2nd and final time - the door will close. Those who remain on earth will face a similar situation as those during Noah’s time.
Does Jesus ever refer to the ‘door closing’? Absolutely. The parable of the ten virgins is described in Matthew chapter 25 verses 1-13.
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:1-13; emphasis added)
The message here is to repent now – and start following the Lord. When the door closes – you can knock on the door all you want – you will remain outside. We do not know the time – so prepare yourself and be ready. Also remember – who was affected by the flood? The entire world. The entire world will also be affected at the second coming of Jesus Christ.
The ‘Millennium’ is the answer to the puzzle of what happens to those who remain on earth - it gives us clues to what people will face on Earth after Jesus returns.
Once again - we go to the teachings of Steve Wohlberg for an accurate interpretation of Bible Prophecy. Steve has published a booklet entitled “The Millennium: Shocking Facts About a Misunderstood Prophecy and Your Eternal Destiny” - the following are excerpts from his book.
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A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth puts on its shoes. - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Massive confusion exists within Christian churches about the ‘millennium’, a unique thousand year period depicted in the book of Revelation. Some teach that this period is entirely symbolic and not worth fretting over. Others say we’re in the millennium now, and that it began when Jesus Christ defeated Satan by His death and resurrection. Most prophecy teachers contend that this apocalyptic period is still future, that it will immediately follow the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and will be a time of universal peace on earth as Jesus Christ governs all nations from Jerusalem.
What is the truth about the 1,000 years? Ton discover the answer, we must carefully examine the only authoritative source where it’s taught, the Bible, especially the book of Revelation, chapter 20. Let’s see what Revelation 20 specifically says, and doesn’t say.
Here’s Revelation 20 in its entirety:
1And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
7When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Let’s look at a brief summary of each verse:
1. An angel descends from heaven with a key and a chain.
2. Satan is bound for 1,000 years.
3. During the 1,000 years Satan can no longer deceive the nations.
4. Martyrs are resurrected to reign with Jesus Christ for 1,000 years.
5. The rest of the dead will be raised at the end of the 1,000 years.
6. Those in the first resurrection will reign with Jesus for 1,000 years.
7. Satan will be released at the end of the 1,000 years.
8. After the rest of the dead are raised, Satan deceives them again. There will be billions of them, like the sand of the sea. They are called Gog and Magog, and Satan gathers them for a final battle.
9. Satan and his host surround God’s City. Fire descends and devours them.
10. Satan, the Beast and the False Prophet are cast into the lake of fire.
11. Before this fire falls, a final judgment occurs.
12. All the resurrected lost are judged.
13. Another description of the resurrected lost being judged.
14. Death and Hell are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
15. All the lost are cast into the lake of fire.
Here is an even shorter summary of the entire chapter: there is a good resurrection (called “the first resurrection”) at the start of the 1,000 years (verses 4-6), whereas “the rest of the dead” are resurrected at the end of the 1,000 years (verse 5). Satan is bound during the entire 1,000 year period (verse 3), but is loosed “when the thousand years are expired” and “the rest of the dead” are raised (compare verses 5 & 7). Satan gathers the lost for a final battle against God’s City (verse 8). A final judgment occurs, and then the lost are punished in the lake of fire (verses 9, 14 & 15). Then the old earth passes, and the new earth comes (21:1).
The above points are undeniable, for this is exactly what Revelation 20 says. Two significant facts should be noted:
1. Revelation 20 doesn’t say there will be peace on earth during the millennium.
2. Revelation 20 doesn’t say Jesus Christ will rule during the millennium from the present city of Jerusalem.
Although these common doctrines (points 1 & 2) are being taught worldwide, they are absent from Revelation 20, the only place in God’s Book that specifically mentions the 1,000 year period. Now let’s go deeper.
The Two Resurrections
Two defining bookends mark the beginning and the end of the thousand years – the two resurrections (verses 4-6). Let’s take a closer look at them.
Jesus Christ declared, “Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29, KJV). Paul agreed when he wrote, “There will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15). Thus both Jesus Christ and Paul taught two resurrections, the first being “the resurrection of life” for the saved, the second being “the resurrection of damnation” for the lost.
Revelation 20 revolves around these two resurrections. As we’ve already seen, verses 4-6 reveal that one takes place at the beginning of the 1,000 years, the other at the end. The Word says, “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (verse 6). This is the good, or “first resurrection”, at the start of the 1,000 years. Those in it need not fear the second death. “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the 1,000 years were finished” (verse 5). This is the bad or second resurrection, at the conclusion of the 1,000 years. Jesus Christ called it “the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29).
Thus it is plain that there are two resurrections – one at the beginning of the millennium, in which true believers in Christ are raised to eternal life; and one at the opposite end of the millennium, in which the “unjust” awake to something else entirely.
The Second Coming
If the 1,000 year period begins with the resurrection of the saved, the question is, when does this good resurrection take place? When we find the answer, we’ll understand what initiates the 1,000 years.
Scripture teaches that the return of Jesus Christ results in the resurrection of His saints. In 1 Corinthians 15:23, 51, 52, Paul tells us plainly that it is at “His Coming”, when “the trumpet will sound”, and when “the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” Paul also wrote, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).
According to Paul, “the dead in Christ will rise first.” This is “the first resurrection” depicted in Revelation 20:6.
In summary, Revelation 20:4-6 begins the 1,000 years with the resurrection of the saints. 1 Corinthians 15:51-55and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 teach that the resurrection of the saints, who are called “the dead in Christ”, occurs when Jesus Christ returns. Thus, it is the return of Jesus Christ, when His saints are resurrected, that marks the beginning of the millennium.
Left Behind
Jesus returns, the righteous dead are raised, and along with the righteous living, they are all “caught up” to meet the savior in the air. This is great news for true believers!
But what about those who are not “caught up”, those who are left behind? Popular teaching says they will have a second chance during a seven year tribulation period, and idea heavily promoted in the wildly popular Left Behind novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. Although those books have sold by the millions, the important concern for us should be whether or not this theology is truly biblical.
Immediately after Paul describes the righteous being “caught up”, he declares, “The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them….And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). Thus, according to Paul, those who are not “caught up” will reap “sudden destruction” and “not escape”.
Does this sound like the “second chance” so graphically depicted in the Left Behind novels and films? Hardly.
It gets worse. How widespread is this “sudden destruction”? Jesus Himself explained it: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed” (Luke 17: 26-30, emphasis added).
In Noah’s day, all who refused to enter the ark were left behind, destroyed in the deluge. In Lot’s day, everyone except Lot and his family were consumed by falling fire. Jesus Christ said, “Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.”
Other texts make it clear that when Jesus returns, those left behind will be destroyed, not given another chance during some hypothetical “seven year Tribulation” (which, by the way, is nowhere specifically referred to in the Bible). Here are just a few texts describing the global desolation that follows Christ’s return.
· 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. When Jesus returns in flaming fire, the lost will be destroyed.
· Revelation 16:16-19. At Armageddon, cities crumble around the world.
· Revelation 6:14, 16:20. Every island sinks, and all the mountains disappear.
· Jeremiah 4:23-26. Planet Earth is totally devastated, with ‘no man’ left alive.
· Jeremiah 25:30-33. Those slain by God lie dead, unburied, all around the world.
· Revelation 19:17, 18, 21. Birds eat the flesh of every lost human being worldwide.
These verses teach that those not “caught up” when Christ returns will be destroyed, and the destruction will encompass the earth, as it did during Noah’s flood. Jesus Himself taught this. “The flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:39).
The Rest of the Dead
The last sentence in Revelation 19 describes birds feasting upon the flesh of all people (verse 21, compare with verse 18). Immediately following is Revelation 20, which depicts the binding of Satan “so that he should deceive the nations no more” during the 1,000 years (20:1-3). Why not? The answer’s easy – there’s nobody left alive on earth to deceive! Those in the first resurrection were ‘caught up’ to be with Jesus, and the rest, those left behind, were slain.
This helps explain what follows (read carefully): “that he [Satan] should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished” (20:3). Notice these three little words “no more till”. What do they tell us? They teach that those “nations” are entirely Satan’s nations. Satan is deceiving them now, but can’t continue deceiving them during the millennium, “til” a certain time.
What time is that? When the 1,000 years are over, obviously. Now put two and two together. At the end of the millennium, “the rest of the dead” (those who missed “the first resurrection”) are raised back to life. Then Satan deceives them once more. Look again at God’s Word, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise:
· Verse 5 – “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.”
· Verse 7 – “When the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison.”
At the end of the 1,000 years, “the rest of the dead” are raised, and Satan is “released”. Therefore, the raising of the “rest of the dead” is what “releases” the devil. Satan then swoops into these resurrected nations (now alive in the four corners of the earth), deceives them again, and then gathers them for the grand finale (verses 8, 9).
What does all of this mean? The answer will come shortly after we examine a few more crucial points. What should be clear so far, however, is that popular teachings about the millennium leave much to be desired. In fact, most are completely bogus.
The Bottomless Pit
Crucial to understanding the millennium are the first texts of Revelation 20, verses 1 and 2. According to these verses, Satan is bound with “a great chain” and confined to “the bottomless pit” for 1,000 years. The expression, “a great chain,” doesn’t mean a literal chain. Even today all of “the angels that sinned” with Lucifer are described as being in “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4). These words do not refer to actual clinking and clanging metal, but to circumstances of darkness that these angels find themselves in after having been booted out of heaven.
During the 1,000 years, Satan is represented as being bound with a chain because his new circumstances prevent him from deceiving the nations during the millennium (Revelation 20:2). Again, what are those circumstances? Everyone left on earth is dead.
What is the “bottomless pit”? In the Old Testament, the word “pit” often refers to a grave, a cemetery, or to the place of the dead.
· Psalm 55:23 – Evil men will go “down to the pit of destruction”.
· Numbers 16:32, 33 – “the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up…into the pit.”
· Ezekiel 32:23 – “Her graves are set in the recesses of the Pit….all of them slain.”
· Psalm 28:1 – David prayed not to “become like those who go down to the pit.”
· Psalm 69:15 – “Let not the pit shut its mouth on me.”
Isaiah 14 contains one of the Old Testament’s clearest prophecies about Lucifer. He was kicked out of heaven (verse 12) for exalting himself (verse 13) and will eventually be brought down “to the lowest depths of the Pit” (verse 15). Isaiah 14:18-20 parallels the prophecy in Revelation 20:1-3. “All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory [kings are given an honorable burial]. Everyone in his own house [the grave]; But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch. Like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who do down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial [at the Second Coming]” (Isaiah 14:18-20).
These verses predict a time when the kings of the earth lie silently in their graves, yet Satan “will not be joined with them in burial”. Instead, the prince of darkness will be left to wander among earth’s ruins. Notice carefully: “Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, thou inhabitant of the earth…..The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be moved like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be visited” (Isaiah 24: 17-22, KJV, emphasis added).
This is a prediction of a destroyed and devastated earth. Its inhabitants are gathered as prisoners in the pit [the grave]. When Revelation 20:1-3 describes Satan as bound with a chain for 1,000 years, this means that a chain of circumstances will prevent him from deceiving the nations. The major circumstance is the return of Jesus Christ in “flaming fire” (2 Thessalonians 1:8), the “sudden destruction” of sinners (1 Thessalonians 5:3), the largest earthquake in history (Revelation 16:18), the crumbling of cities worldwide (Revelation 16:19), the disappearing of mountains and islands (Revelation 16:20), and the total depopulation of Planet Earth just like “it was in the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37-39). This “day of the Lord” will come “as destruction from the Almighty” (Joel 1:15). “And at that the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth. They shall not be lamented, or gathered, or buried [those slain at the Second Coming]; they shall become refuse on the ground” (Jeremiah 25:33).
Earth will then be like one gigantic bottomless pit, a huge cemetery. Jeremiah predicted: “I beheld the earth, and indeed it was without form, and void; and the heavens, they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, and the hills moved back and forth. I beheld, and indeed there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens had fled. I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land was a wilderness, and all its cities were broken down at the presence of the Lord, by His fierce anger” (Jeremiah 4:23-26, emphasis added). As Satan and his angels behold their kingdom in ruins, they can only wander about, counsel together, and contemplate with trembling the final events to occur at the end of the 1,000 years.
Yet it doesn’t end here. We must not forget the last section of Isaiah 24:17-22, which predicts that those who lie dead in their graves will “be visited” (Isaiah 24:22, KJV). What could that possibly mean other than what we’ve seen in Revelation 20:5? “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.” It’s what Jesus was talking about when He warned about the “resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). This occurs at the end of the millennium.
Therefore, instead of being a time of pristine earthly glory when Jesus reigns from the present city of Jerusalem, the millennium is a time when earth lays waste, in desolate ruins, a prison house for Satan and his demons.
The Saints of Heaven
If discovering earth’s true state during the millennium doesn’t sound inviting, it’s because it isn’t supposed to be inviting. It’s a time of chaos, desolation, and ruin, when sin takes another step toward its horrific end. The millennium is not some idyllic era of peace and goodness upon this old earth, with Jesus ruling from Jerusalem, but a time of utter devastation and judgment.
What about God’s people? What about those who participated in “the first resurrection”, who were “caught up” to Jesus as opposed to being left behind? What happens to them during the millennium?
Near the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus told His followers that He was going to heaven, where He would be preparing mansions for His children (John 114:1, 2). When He returns, He will take us to Himself. “that where I am, there you may be also” (verse 3). When He comes, Jesus will take us to the place where He is now, the New Jerusalem (see Revelation 3:12; 21:10). As we saw earlier, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 tells us that at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ we shall be “caught up”. Thus we are going up to glory. In perfect agreement with this is Revelation 19:1-2 which teaches that immediately after Mystery Babylon’s destruction (Revelation 18:8-24), John beheld God’s saints in heaven. “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her’” (Revelation 19:1-2).
According to Revelation 20:4, 6, the saints will reign with Jesus for 1,000 years. Contrary to popular opinion, Revelation 20 does not say they will reign on earth during that time. Why would Jesus and His people rule over a devastated world anyway? The Bible says we will ascend when Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 4:17), that He will take us to the New Jerusalem (John 14:1-3), and that we will then be in heaven praising God (Revelation 19:1-2).
Some might wonder how we can reign for 1,000 years if we’re in heaven. Don’t we have to be on earth to reign over others during this time? Not necessarily. The Bible also says the saints will “reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). This implies that we will be in some position of authority, just as Adam originally exercised dominion over the earth, that’s all.
Now, if Planet Earth is depopulated, with no survivors (except Satan and his angels), and the saints are in heaven, then what is the purpose of the 1,000 years?
A few possibilities exist:
1. It gives the loyal universe an opportunity to behold the terrible results of Satan’s rule.
2. It gives the saints in heaven an opportunity to go through heaven’s records and to have all of their questions answered about why some of their loved ones are there and some are not.
3. It provides a period of time when Jesus and the saints together can make decisions about the just punishments to be carried out upon the lost at the end of the 1,000 years (see 1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
4. It also gives the saints a period of time to prepare mentally for the events at the end of the millennium, at which time many of their loved ones will resurrected, judged and sentenced to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:5, 11-15).
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Steve concludes his review of the millennium with a discussion on Satan’s final assault on Jesus and His followers at the end of the 1,000 years. While I agree with Steve up to the end of the millennium, I’m not sure that his interpretation of the final battle (Gog and Magog) is accurate. At this time – I don’t have an alternative view – but I’m not sure I agree that Satan and the resurrected lost will somehow be able to make a physical assault on the “new Jerusalem”. I guess I’m not sure why God would allow this – God always has a plan (a reason) for the things He does. So, if Satan and the lost are allowed to assault God’s saints one last time – what is the reason for this?
The battle of Gog and Magog may be a representation of the anger and resentment of the lost – who are most likely aware of their fate. I will continue to pray and research this final battle.
Regardless, we know everything we need to know at this point on God’s prophetic timeline to make correct, Godly decisions. We now know the beasts of Revelation 13 – who they are, what they are currently doing and what they will do in the future. We now know the real reasons behind the earth’s climate change and what it means for our future. Most importantly, we have learned what it takes to know God and His Son Jesus Christ. To those with true faith, the end is not fearful – we are simply moving towards the time when this fallen world will end – and our eternal lives in the kingdom of Heaven will begin. We have much to do before we leave this world – but our faith and our hope remain focused on the Lord’s kingdom - always.
The question you must ask yourself is this – when the Lord closes the door for the final time in the near future – will you be inside with Him? Contrary to popular beliefs, we have learned that once He returns – there will be no more chances for any of us. Do you have the faith required to stand against our enemy and his forces in this world? Do you truly know Him or are you deceiving yourself?
As I’ve said before – the weapons of this world are of no use against our true enemy. Allow God to arm you with spiritual weapons and you will no longer fear this world or the things in it. If you want to become His warrior – there is only one way – and it begins with humility and repentance.
jg
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