GOD'S PLAN
The Millennial Kingdom
1. What is the Millennial Kingdom?
The Millennial Kingdom is the period of time on earth following the Great Tribulation, the Time of Jacob’s Trouble. At the end of that period, Jesus returns and conquers all the armies of the nations of the world. Jesus then establishes His earthly reign. This period lasts for 1000 years, as mentioned 6 times in Revelation 20:2-7. During this period, Jesus reigns as King of kings and Lord of Lords, as per Revelation 19:16 (KJV), which says, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Then it says in Revelation 20:4 (KJV), “…and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Amillennialism
There are many philosophies and theories that try to make this period allegorical and not literal. Some people even theorize that this Biblical text is only philosophical and takes place in the heart and not the body. This thinking is referred to “Amillennialism” and is embedded in many denominational churches today, including in Catholicism. Amillennialism is the name given to the belief that there will not be a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ.
The issue with this thinking is it does not reflect what the scripture literally says. To believe in an Amillennial viewpoint, you have to discredit the Bible and that is NEVER recommended. The Millennial Kingdom is described (not specifically by name) in the books of Psalms, Isaiah, Jerimiah , Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Micah, Zephaniah, Zechariah, Matthew, Luke, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, 2 Timothy, and, of course, Revelation.
There are many types of speech used in the Bible, such as parables, allegories, similes, metaphors, literal and on and on the list goes. The thing is, when the Bible wants you to interpret something as not literal, it uses language, such as “like” or “as” to let you know it isn’t literal. For example, in the vision Daniel has of the four beasts in Daniel 7:4 (KJV), he says “The first was like a lion…” and so on to describe the four beasts. He is letting us know this is not to be taken literally. In all of the references to the period of Christ’s reign on earth, it never uses any such qualifiers.
We aren’t suggesting you use a single scripture to verify this, there are a large number of you investigate each of the books listed above and all of the scriptural references listed in the lesson. Doing so will give you over 30 biblical references to the Millennial kingdom and all of them are to be taken literally, based on the language used. None of them have the “like” or “as” language, or any other such language that would cause a reader to not take it literally.
Those who are Amillennialists need to carefully consider why they do not take the Word of God seriously. To claim it says something it doesn’t is to commit the crime Jesus said not to do in Revelation 22:19 (KJV), which says, “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” To take away the meaning that is clearly presented in this book is to commit this crime against God.
Post Millennialism
This is a philosophy that says Christ will return only after the believers setup His Kingdom on earth, or at the end of the 1000 year period. The issue with this is that it had absolutely no biblical basis. Where Amillennialists think the Word will come to pass allegorically, the Post Millennialist stand in opposition to the Word of God and flat out says all the references about Christ reigning on earth 1000 years are not true. See the warning given by Christ above!
Pre-Millennialism
This is the belief that Christ will return at the end of the Great Tribulation, conquer His enemies, establish His kingdom on earth and reign for 1000 years. This approach takes the Word of God at its word and assumes what is written, as it is written is true. Although some things seem absurdly impossible, God delights in making the impossible possible. Luke 18:27 (KJV) says, “And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
For example, at the end of World War 2, there were very few people who thought it was even a remote possibility that Israel would be reestablished. Yet, just a few years later that happened. That was the first time in WORLD history that a nation has been resurrected from the dead. Not only was Israel gone as a nation, but it had been gone almost 2000 years! The rebirth of Israel was a miracle. That was followed up by the 6-Day War in 1967 in which the greatly outnumbered army of Israel had a miraculous victory over it’s attackers in a war it had absolutely no business winning.
To think that Jesus will physically return and reign on earth for 1000 years may seem crazy to some, but not to God. If you look back at the prophecies about Jesus’ first coming, of which there are more than 300, ALL of them were fulfilled literally (See the lesson on Prophecies for more information). Why would the prophecies about His second coming be any different? The authors of this website take the Bible seriously, and as such, hold a Pre-Millennialist viewpoint.
2. What is its Purpose?
There are three primary purposes for the Millennial Kingdom. The first is to fulfill the promises God has made, be it through His covenants with the patriarch and Israel, or the prophecies made through the prophets. The second is to demonstrate God’s mercy and glory for the world to see. Finally, it is to complete the educational process for humanity by showing us what it is like to live with God and live without the influences of Satan for 1000 years. This is the final stage in the school of life. Let us look at each of these in greater detail.
To fulfill the promises and covenants previously made
- Abrahamic Covenant – God promised that his descendants would have the land forever (Genesis 13:15 and Ezekiel 16:60)
- The Palestinian (Land) Covenant – God promisedvery specific lands to the Israelites, most of which had at one point in time been controlled by them, but not yet al of it (Genesis 15:18-20, Numbers 34:1-12 and 1 Kings 4:21-24). This will be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom.
- Davidic Covenant – God promised David’s line would live forever and David’s heir would sit on the throne of Israel eternally (2 Samuel 7:16).
- New Covenant – Jeremiah 31:33 (KJV) says “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This has yet to be fulfilled but will be in the Millennial Kingdom.
To demonstrate God’s glory
Isaiah chapter 60 deals with a glorified Zion. In Isaiah 60:1-3 (KJV) we read, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
In 1 Peter 1:11 (KJV), we see, “Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”
An in Psalms 72:19 (KJV) we also see, “And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.”
And again in Isaiah 40:4-5 (KJV), we read, “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.”
There are many other verses like these that demonstrate God showing the world His glory. God is doing exactly what He said he would do.
To complete the educational process for humanity by showing what it’s like to live with God and without Satan for 1000 years. This is a transitionary stage to life in eternity.
When Jesus Christ returns in all His glory, with His saints, He conquers His enemies and establishes His reign on earth. In doing so, He puts Satan in a time-out for the 1000 year kingdom (more on this in the next section). That gives humanity the “Sabbath” rest it needs. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:8 (KJV), “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”
If we trace back all the biblical timelines and combine that with the best information available from archeological discoveries, we can approximately date the time of Creation to around 4000 BC. That was about 6000 years ago. All indications are that we are close to the end times, which means if the Millennial Kingdom was to start in the near future, would not that be an interesting coincidence that it would be the 7th 1000 year period? God and coincidence do not go together in the same sentence. There are no coincidences with God.
The Millennial Kingdom provide humanity a rest from the sinful influence of Satan and takes humanity to the next step in it’s growth by having the Lord Jesus be in charge on earth with everyone knowing and acknowledging Him as Lord over all. This will be the best, hands on training program we will have ever had as a race. It safe to assume it was amazing to be a disciple of Christ at His first coming, but this time He will be in charge of all and there will be no real opposition to Him. Those who want to do good can and will and will not be opposed. Those who want to be selfish and prideful can, and will be punished swiftly and firmly. It says Jesus will rule with an “iron rod” in Revelation 2:27.
The great teacher Jesus will be showing us how to do it and be present to help make sure we do it right. This period greatly focused on learning to live in God’s presence.
3. Satan is Bound for 1000 Years
In Revelation 20:2 it says, “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,” This is followed a few verses later with Revelation 20:7, which tells us, “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,”
Why is Satan bound up for the period of the Millennial Kingdom and then let out? Read the next verse for more insight. Revelation 20:8 says, “And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.”
After 1000 years of having Jesus in charge of the earth and no influence from Satan, the people still have sin in their hearts. There are still many people that turn from God and fall for the deception of Satan. The serpent, or dragon is used as a tool to cleanse the earth of those who do not believe, for one last time.
At the end, “…fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” (Revelation 20:9 – KJV) and Satan was “cast into the lake of fire and brimstone…forever” (Revelation 20:10 -KJV).
At this point, it might still be confusing as to who it is that is being deceived by Satan and getting killed during this time. Aren’t we are saved believers? No, not everyone is. That leads us to the next section.
4. Life During the Millennium
Revelation 19:11-21 detail the return of Christ with His saints (the believers) and the defeat of the armies of the nations of the world that gathered together to war with God at Armageddon. In this it is told that the antichrist and the false prophet are cast into the Lake of Fire. Along with them, “the remnant” were slain with His sword. The remnant mentioned in Revelation 19:21 is referring to those who had taken the mark of the beast and not yet perished in the great tribulation. They were destroyed as part of the end of that period.
Ephesians 1:10 (KJV) states, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” This gives us clear intent that Jesus brings the Heavenly realm, Himself and his resurrected believers with Him to live in the world with those still living in their natural, non-glorified bodies.
Christ is King on Earth
Jesus has just conquered His enemies and is back on earth with a large group of “saints”, which means believers. Jesus is now in charge of the whole world. All nations are told to bend the knee to Jesus. Psalm 86:9 says this, “All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.” Psalms 22:28 (KJV) adds, “For the kingdom is the LORD’S: and he is the governor among the nations.” Jesus is the “Governor”. He is not just the Chief Priest, which He indeed is, He runs the government. That is a true one world order that is worth being a part of.
To drive the point home, Philippians 2:10-11 (KJV), says, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
To add one more for good measure, Psalms 72:11 (KJV) says, “Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.”
A Remnant Survives the Great Tribulation
When Jesus was giving His Olivet Discourse, He was explaining how periolous it is to be living in the last days. In Matthew 24:22 (KJV), He says, “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” He makes it clear there are survivors, whom He refers to as the “elect”. Who are the “elect”? These are the few people who managed to survived the Great Tribulation and not take the mark of the beast. These include the Jews who fled into the mountains when Jesus told them to, which was when they saw the abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15). Or it could be those who became believers after the Rapture and managed to avoid believing the strong delusion (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
According to Isaiah 4:3 and 10:20, a remnant of Israel will survive and return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah 31:2 (KJV) says, “Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.” Joel 2:32 (KJV) says, “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.” Some will survive in the wilderness and the Lord will call them home.
Zechariah 14:16 (KJV) makes it clear in saying, “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.”
Psalms 102:15 (KJV) says, “So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.” Heathens means those who are of the earth, non-glorified people with their natural bodies. These people are those who have not died or been raptured, but survived. They will have lives similar to ours now, but not exactly the same. There is more on this in the section on Characteristics Specific to the Millennial Kingdom.
The concept of a “remnant” is not new to the Millennial Kingdom. It was a very small remnant of humanity that survived the flood. In fact, it was only 8 people in total (Genesis 8:18-19). Next, following the Exodus, over 600,000 men of fighting age left Egypt, but none of that generation, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb were able to enter the Promised Land. Of all the Jews that were taken captive by both the Assyrians and the Babylonians, only a relatively small numbered returned to Jerusalem to rebuild it after the exile was over (see 2 Kings 24 and 25, 2 Chronicles 36, Jerimiah 52 and Daniel 1).
The Believers Live with Glorified Bodies During the Millennial Kingdom
We will start with 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV), “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” These verses are talking about The Rapture. Those believers who have passed away prior to it are “called up” to Christ in the air first, followed by the believers that are still alive. The key point here is we will be forever with the Lord.
In Revelation 20:4-6 (KJV), we read, “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. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Glory be to God! The believers will clearly be alive throughout the entire millennium. More importantly, the second death, which is talking about the Great White Throne of Judgement (Revelation 20:11-15) where those who are not believers are judged on their works, does not apply to us!
We see in Matthew 19:28 (KJV) a glimpse into what we will be doing. “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Jesus used the term “regeneration”. That means receiving a new, glorified body. Once we get that body, we will be overseeing the world of the “natural” people (those who survived the great tribulation).
Jesus’ parables also give us some clues. In Matthew 25:23 (KJV), we read, “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Christ’s joy is the time of His reign. He is giving those who were obedient in this life power in the Millennial Kingdom over many things.
Again this is illustrated in Luke 19:17 (KJV), where it says, “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” Here Jesus gives his faithful servants power over 10 cities. This implies we will be ruling over, or overseeing the people. We will be part of the governmental structure.
To clarify this point, 1Corinthians 6:2-3 (KJV) says, “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” We will be in roles of judgement over both the people of this world, but also of angels!
1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (KJV) talks about the glory we will have. “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” We will have spiritual bodies, raised in incorruption, glory and power. We will be among those who still have their “natural”, or earthly bodies.
5. Characteristics Specific to the Millennial Kingdom
As believers, the Millennial Kingdom is where we will be spending 1000 years with Jesus, so it is important to understand what it is going to be like. Below are a list of characteristics specific to this dispensation. We will return from Heaven to this earth and reign with Christ here, not in Heaven. What will it be like? Is it the same as now, only with Jesus in charge, or are things different? The Word of God has the answers.
A Time of Learning
The Millennial Kingdom is a continuation of the educational process. In Micah 4:2 (KJV) we learn, “And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
We, the believing saints, will be priests to help those of the natural bodies to learn God’s ways. See Isaiah 61:6 (KJV), which says, “But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.”
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” We will educate the remnant on the glory of the Lord.
Worldwide Justice
The Book of Isaiah talks al lot about what life will be like in the Millennial Kingdom. Justice is a big topic. We wil start with Isaiah 9:7 (KJV), “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Our Lord will establish His kingdom and sit on David’s throne (He has yet to do that but will soon). He will judge with justice. Isaiah 11:4 (KJV) adds, “But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.” It is with righteousness that He shall judge. Notice there will be wicked people still.
In Isaiah 42:4 (KJV) we see, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.” Jesus will be the Supreme Court of the world. All of these verses imply those of the “natural body” will, just like us, have the option to sin. As we saw earlier, Satan will be bound up, but that doesn’t keep people from making poor choices, be it out of old patterns or selfish desires. Everyone has to learn to live righteously, even in the Millennial Kingdom.
Unprecedented Peace
Our world will finally get the opportunity to rest from war. Isaiah 2:4 (KJV) tells us, “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” We won’t need weapons. We will be at peace.
In Isaiah 11:9 (KJV) it says, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” We will all be aware of Jesus and will know that He will punish those who sin.
We will be able to live in peace and not fear one another. Isaiah 32:17-18 (KJV) tells us, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” Our homes will be secure and we will not have to stress over anything. This is an early glimpse of Heaven, but it is not Heaven.
Fullness of Joy
We the believers will have 1000 years of peace and rest. We already have assurance of our salvation. Isaiah 12:3 (KJV) reads, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
Isaiah 14:7-8 (KJV) tells us, “The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.” We will be happy and the natural ones as well. We will be joyously singing the praises of our Lord.
We no longer have to worry about death. Isaiah 25:8 (KJV) says, “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” As redeemed saints, we will not have any reason to fear death or stress over anything in life.
We will be the bride of Christ. Isaiah 61:10 (KJV) tells us, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” We will rest in being one with our Lord.
Healing
In this period, we will have access to miraculous healing. Isaiah 29:18 (KJV) tells us, “And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.” The deaf will be able to hear and the blind will receive their sight.
Per Isaiah 33:24 (KJV), “And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” Sickness will be a thing of the past.
Isa 35:3-6 (KJV) says, “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” We see that God will heal us of our sickness.
Longevity of Life
For those of the natural body, not yet redeemed, their lifespans will be much longer. Isaiah 65:20 (KJV) tells us, “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.” This is telling us that if a person dies at 100, they will be considered a child. Someone who dies at 100 will be considered cursed.
Another example of this is found in Isaiah 65:22 (KJV), which says, “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” People will live as long as trees!
Labor
In this time, we will build our own houses and grow our own food. Isaiah 65:21 (KJV) says, “And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.“
Isaiah 62:8-9 (KJV) adds, “The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.” We will be able to produce for ourselves and keep for ourselves.
For the wine lovers, this verse should be pleasing, Jeremiah 31:5 (KJV) says, “Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant and shall eat them as common things.” Vineyards will be commonplace.
Prosperity
During the Millennial Kingdom, there will be plenty to go around and the world will be returned to a state similar to the Garden of Eden. We see in Zechariah 14:14 (KJV) it says, “And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.” After the battle at Armageddon, there will be an abundance of wealth for those who remain and return with the Lord from all the billions of people who perished by the end of the great tribulation.
Isaiah 30:23-25 (KJV) tells us, “Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures. The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.” The earth will produce abundantly and we will have everything we need.
The great multitude of Gentiles will shower Jesus with adoration and gifts (Isaiah 60:1-14).
Joel 3:18 (KJV) gives us a similar look at things. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.”
Ezekiel 36:29-30 (KJV) also tells us, “I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.” This verse is vital in understanding, what we are looking at in all of these verses does not apply to the entire world, but to the believers. The unbelieving “heathen” are left out of this blessing.
Here is the proof, Zechariah 14:18-19 (KJV). “And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.”
There Will Be A One-World Government
Jesus is in charge of the world in this age and forever more. Isaiah 2:4a (KJV) says, “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people…” Zechariah 14:9 (KJV) says, “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” And again, Isaiah 33:22 (KJV) says, “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.”
Jesus runs the one world government. He is not president, He is KING! He is the lawmaker (our Congress), the ruler (our President) and the judge (our Supreme Court). He is the ultimate monarchy, whose reign will never end.
Peace with the Animal Kingdom
We can see that during this age, things revert back to the way they were before the flood, as far as nature is concerned. We already saw how the produce of the ground becomes plentiful. Now we will look at how the interactions with animals reverts back to an earlier time.
In Isaiah 11:6-8 (KJV) we see, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.” This shows that the fear animals have of humans (Genesis 9:2) is now gone. This fear happened at the time Noah and his family were told they could now eat meat. Does that mean since we are going back to the way things were before this, that we are now all vegetarians again? That is only a conjecture, but it may be a fairly safe bet.
Isaiah 65:25 (KJV) says, “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” The animals will not only get along with humanity, but with each other. If they are vegetarians, most likely, so are we.
Israel Will be Given a Heart for God
Israel is God’s chosen people. He chose to make them His example and He promised to raise them up. God always keeps His promises. We see that in these verses.
Isaiah 1:26-27 (KJV) shows us, “And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.” Zion, Also known as Jerusalem or Israel, will be the shining example promised.
Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV) says, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” This is a well known verse that shows God will help them realize He is God.
Zechariah 13:8-9 (KJV) tells us, “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 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.” The tribulation will be their fire and they will be tested. Only 1/3 of them will survive, but they will call on the name of the Lord!
Israel Will Repent
The Jews that survive will turn to God and accept Christ. Zechariah 12:10 (KJV) says, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” They will at last realize that Jesus is the Messiah.
Ezekiel 36:31 (KJV) tells us, “Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.” They will realize how wrong they were for the last 2000 years!
Hosea 3:5 (KJV) says, “Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.” They will worship Jesus as the Messiah.
Israel Exalted Above All Nations
God will raise up Jerusalem for His own glory. Isaiah 2:2-3 (KJV) tells us, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Everyone will go to Jerusalem and worship God there. They will seek the Israelites out to learn their ways.
Isaiah 4:5 (KJV) tells us, “And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.” Every dwelling place in Zion will have a cloud by day and fire by night. That is where we will be! When we are joined in marriage to our Lord, we become one with Him. He will be in us and us in Him. 1 John 4:13 (KJV) tells us, “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” In the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus is both present physically and with each of the redeemed believers spiritually.
Here are some other verses that tell of how Jerusalem will be glorified. Joel 3:20 (KJV) says, “But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.” Micah 4:1 (KJV) says, “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.” Zechariah 8:3 (KJV) says, “Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.” And finally, Zechariah 8:22-23 (KJV) tells us, “Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.”
Only the Redeemed Will Dwell in Zion
How do we know it is only the redeemed that will live in Zion? Read Isaiah 52:1 (KJV), which says, “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.” Those who are not redeemed are considered unclean.
Joel 3:17 (KJV) tells us, “So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.” Those who are not redeemed are considered strangers.
6. Worship During the Millennial Kingdom
Ezekiel 40-48 describes in great detail the Millennial Temple and the worship that takes place during this period. Some people try to argue that this is the temple that was rebuilt after the exile, known as Herod’s Temple, but it doesn’t have the same measurements or characteristics and many of the things described in these chapters have not yet happened. Since Herod’s Temple was destroyed in 70 AD, we can conclude Ezekiel’s temple is the one Jesus will have built during His reign.
The Temple
Ezekiel 40 through 42 describe the dimensions and construction of the temple in detail. If you compare these to Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 3) and to the second, rebuilt temple after the exile (Ezra 6), the dimensions of Ezekiel’s temple are not the same. See the image below (provided by Logos Bible Software).
The structure and size are drastically different. There is no comparison. Ezekiel’s Temple is far larger and more ornate.
God’s Presence in the Temple
Ezekiel 43 describes the glory of God filling the Temple. It also describes the Altar of Sacrifice and the offerings that are to take place. Ezekiel 44 describes the ordinances, or the laws that must be observed in the temple. Ezekiel 45 provides more details on how the temple will be used.
There will be a river of life flowing out of the temple. Ezekiel 47 describes this river and how it’s water provide abundance of fish and feed the trees so they are always producing fruit. The waters bring life to all that touch it. The leaves of the trees on the river bank provide medicine (Ezekiel 47:12).
All people will be required to keep the Feast of Tabernacles every year (Zechariah 14:16-19). Isaiah 66:23 (KJV) tells us, “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.” The temple will be used for worship on the new moons and on the sabbaths, as well as on feast days. Weekly worship will be taking place on the SABBATH, not Sunday. This is a commandment from God that is eternal. This is made clear in Exodus 31:16 (KJV), which says, “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.”
The Lord will have His own portion of land set aside for Him. Ezekiel 45:1-6 describes this. He will have a home in Jerusalem and live with us on earth! We will get to be in His presence!
7. Summary
The Millennial Kingdom is a very exciting topic that is worthy of a detailed review. It is where we, as believers, will be spending the next 1000 years after we die or are raptured. It is a time in which Heaven meets Earth and God comes to live with the world. He brings the redeemed believers back with Him and we live among the natural people that have not been redeemed.
They live longer life spans than we do today. The world is very different in that Satan is locked up until the end of the period and people live in peace and security. The animal kingdom reverts back to the pre-flood environment, and the earth produces a much more plentiful bounty.
Jesus is in charge of the world, and we are judges and priests over the natural world. Jesus uses this period to fulfill His promises, demonstrate His glory and complete the educational process for humanity. He shows the natural world what it is like to live with God in harmony.
Even though they get to see this, some still turn away from God in the end when Satan is released. Satan and those who turn away are then cast into the lake of fire. When this period ends, the White Throne of Judgement takes place for those who have not accepted Christ as their savior. They are thereby judged on their works. None of them will be redeemed and all are cast into the lake of fire along with Satan. They all get to spend eternity without God, just as they desired in their lifetime. It will be too late for them to change their minds.
God is just and merciful and will give you what you want. Do you want to spend eternity with God, or without God? That concludes God’s school of life and brings God’s Plan to a final conclusion. This school will be officially closed. Next up, eternity in a New Universe and a New Jerusalem.
