INTRODUCTION

Isaiah 9:6,7
God’s Word teaches that Christ’s Millennial Reign is the literal one-thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth, ushered in by His return with ten thousands of His saints. At that time, He will judge the nations that dwell upon the earth (Jude 14-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). During this period, Satan will be bound (Revelation 20:2-3). It will be a reign of peace and blessing (Isaiah 11:6-9; Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 14:9-20; Isaiah 2:2-4).

The term “millennium” is derived from Latin — meaning “a thousand years.” Christ’s Millennial Reign thus represents a thousand years of the full manifestation of God’s glory, following the Great Tribulation — a time of intense suffering upon the earth.

According to God’s prophetic timeline, the Church will suddenly be taken away in the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This will be followed by seven years of great tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22). At the end of that period, Jesus will return with the Church to establish His divine government (Jude 14). The rebellious kingdoms of this world will resist, but Christ will triumph at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:15-21). Satan will be bound and imprisoned for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3), and “the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15; Daniel 2:44).

SUB TOPICS:

1. ESSENCE OF THE MILLENNIAL REIGN

   Christ’s Millennial Reign will be the period when God’s purposes for mankind are fully realized on earth. A divine theocracy — the government of God — will be established. Christ, as the divine Representative of the Godhead, will rule with absolute power and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 45:4; Isaiah 11:4; Psalm 72:4). He will declare God’s law and justice among all nations (Isaiah 2:3-4; 33:21-22; 42:4; Acts 3:22).

   This reign will also fulfill God’s covenant with David, whose throne will never end (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 72; Isaiah 11:10). Divine mercy, goodness, and truth will abound through Christ, and the glory of His deity and righteousness will be made manifest. The sinful Gentile world system will be replaced by a kingdom of holiness, peace, and justice. Satan, having been bound, will no longer deceive or tempt humanity (Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 19:28; Ephesians 5:25-27).

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MILLENNIUM

   One, it shall be an era of universal peace and harmony. Wars will cease as nations unite under Christ’s reign (Isaiah 2:4). Two, joy unspeakable will fill the earth (Isaiah 9:3-4; Jeremiah 30:18-19). Three, holiness will be the standard (Ezekiel 43:7-12; Isaiah 1:26-27). Four, glory will be revealed (Isaiah 24:23; 60:1-9). Five, comfort and justice will abound (Isaiah 12:1-2; 9:7; 11:5). Six, knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth as waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:1-2, 9; Habakkuk 2:14).

   Furthermore, the curse placed upon the earth at creation will be lifted, bringing agricultural and environmental abundance (Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:9; 65:25). Sickness will vanish (Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 30:17), and even the disabled will be healed (Isaiah 29:17-19). There shall be long life, divine preservation, and freedom from oppression (Isaiah 41:8-14; 62:8-9; Zechariah 14:10-11).

3. PARTAKERS OF THE MILLENNIAL REIGN

   One, the glorious Church (Ephesians 5:25-27), purified and triumphant — excluding the apostate church allied with the world (Revelation 17:1-7). Two, the poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3), who humbly receive salvation through faith in Christ. Three, the watchful and prayerful saints (Hebrews 9:28; Matthew 25:34).

   “Have you been washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you made kings and priests unto God?” (Revelation 1:5-6). “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” — 1 John 3:3.