The Millennial
THE MILLENNIAL
The interpretation of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ must of necessity be based
upon the identity of " Who is Israel." Those who are "servants", both Jews and gentiles,
we also refer to as the Family of God.
The whole Family of God is described in the seventh chapter of Revelation. In verse 3
it says that no destruction of earth will occur until the servants of God are "sealed".
Then the following verses enumerate those servants, or the "Family of God". They are
those who "stood before the Throne, and before the Lamb clothed with white robes
and with palms in their hands."
They are the 144,000 in verses 4 - 8, plus the " great multitude which no man could
number of all nations, and kindreds and peoples and tongues." (Verse 9). This is the
second part of the vision of the sixth seal.
The first part of the vision are those who have rejected Jesus Christ as they attempt to
hide from His face at the time of the return of Christ. (Rev. 6 :12 - 17).
The second part, then, shows the family of God before the Throne praising God and the
Lamb.
These two scenes of Seal #6 are in time sequence almost simultaneous. While the
family of God is complete and praising God at the end, those who rebelled against Him
are hiding in fear of the coming destruction.
ALSO:
The 144,000 are those of a specific number who were counted at the altar in Revelation
11: 1. They are from the Old Testament or Temple era of the history of mankind. They
enter as part of the Kingdom of Heaven prior to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They
enter under the Old Covenant / Old Testament era.
The Great multitude are from the New Testament or Gentile era of history. They enter
the Kingdom of Heaven after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They enter under the
New Covenant. They are from every nation, language and tribe, Jew and Gentile, as the
gospel has gone to the ends of the earth. This is concluded, as this great multitude is
described as having 'Washed their robes ------ in the blood of the Lamb'. Thus dividing
the OT temple era from the NT era -- in Christ --, both true believers / spiritual sons of
Abraham and born again believers in Christ.
Thus, from the sixth seal, we can conclude that the time will come when the 'servants' /
family of God will be gathered before the Throne, as the last generation of the
rebellious are being destroyed. We find this same scenario (Rev. 6: 12 - 17) in the
description of the end of the rebellious in Revelation Chapters 16: 19 - 21.
In Revelation 16 : 12-16 we find that the kings of the earth are gathered to the place
called Armageddon in Hebrew, for " the Battle of that great day of God Almighty."
Please note:
Those gathered to Armageddon are the kings of the " whole world", thus, all mankind.
It is "the great day of God Almighty ", thus, the day when God takes control of His
rebellious creation.
They are gathered to a place called Armageddon. The root of the word "Armageddon" is
Megiddo. We should not think that the " whole world " is gathered into the small
valley of Megiddo that is between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean sea. Rather
we should understand that Megiddo was the place in the Old Testament where the
enemies of God's people were defeated by God. (Medianites etc.). Thus, the enemies
of God's people who killed the witnesses of Revelation Chapter 11 and forced all
mankind to worship the image of the beast in Revelations 13 are gathered to
Armageddon (the whole world) to a battle that is against God.
The battle is the Lord's and the Lord God destroys the enemies of His people.
The battle begins as the seven angels pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath
resulting in the physical destruction of earth as we know it.
Then there is from the pouring of the seventh bowl ( 16:17 ) a continuing time
sequence of events through 20:3.
Revelations 17- 19:10 are various explanations that not only explain, but also justify the
complete destruction of physical creation.
Chapter 17 and 18 explain the judgments of the visionary woman on the beast.
Chapter 19:1-10 explain the rejoicing of the Family of God as they say " Hallelujah: For
the Lord God Omnipotent reigns "
After these explanations comes Jesus Christ and the armies of Heaven. ( 19:11 ).
The rebellious army against God, are set for battle in Chapter 16. Jesus Christ and His
army engage the battle in 19:11, after the explanations.
The battle of Armageddon is the greatest physical battle ever set and the shortest
battle ever fought.
Jesus Christ comes to the battle with a " sharp sword, that with it He should smite the
nation's ". (19: 15).
The beast and the false prophet are cast alive into the Lake of fire and the rest are
slain with the sword from Jesus Christ's mouth.
The sword is the Word of God. Those of the rebellious are the enemies of the family of
God -- physical mankind. In verse 21, Jesus Christ speaks and they all physically die.
The last phrase of verse 21 is a very interesting statement; " and all the birds were
filled with their flesh."
First -- This declares and verifies that the ones killed are physical humans.
Second -- It is not about hungry birds.
Third -- This is an illustration that there well be no one to bury the dead. They will all be
dead.
The above discussion was necessary to determine who reigns with Christ during the
time of the millennium.
IN SUMMERY
With the sounding of the 7th trumpet a new era begins. Whereas God had
throughout history given to mankind freedom, here God takes control. The work of the
two witnesses was finished, they were killed and then taken to heaven by act of God.
The time of God's physical creation is over -- there remains only the destruction of all
physical as we know it. The two witnesses were killed at 1260 days, and then
resurrected at 1263 & 1/2 days into the tribulation era. Then at 1335 days the final /
remaining members of the family of God are raptured / changed in the twinkling of an
eye as the dead in Christ are resurrected and meet their Lord in the air.
Also with the new era begun by the 7th trumpet, the second beast comes to power. The
rebellion of satan throughout history is explained in Rev. 12. Then Rev. 13: 1 - 10
describes the 1st beast as it gains control of mankind. Then at the time of the 7th
trumpet the second beast takes control and establishes the one world order and sets
up the image of the first beast that all the world is forced to worship.
Then in Rev. 14: 13 - 16, after an overview of the work of the family of God, (verses 1 -
13) the final believing / obedient members of the family of God are 'reaped' from the
earth by their Lord and Savior at the 1335th day after the doors of heaven were closed.
Refer to I Thessalonians 4: 16 - 17.
The message of the 7th trumpet begins at Rev. 11: 15 and continues through chapter 14
as the introduction to the 'bowels' begins with Chapter 15.
THE MAIN POINT IS -- AT THE END OF THE EVENTS OF THE MESSAGE OF THE 7TH
TRUMPET THERE WILL BE NO PHYSICAL FAMILY OF GOD ON EARTH.
The complete family of God is in heaven with their Lord -- completely protected as the
last generation of rebellious mankind are destroyed through the bowls of God's wrath
(Rev. 16) concluding with the battle of Armageddon. (Rev. 19: 11 - 21).
Then comes the millennial as the time sequence continues in Revelation 20.
Please note:
As we literally interpret the events of Revelations we find many difficulties. But
consider, God is spiritual not physical. God would not see physical death as we
humans see it. Humans see life, death and then, eternal life. God sees human live
from the beginning of conception and continuing throughout eternity without a break at
physical death . To God, physical death is not a tragedy. Physical death, for a member
of the Family of God is just one step into the Kingdom of Heaven with our Spiritual
Father.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalms 116 : 15
With the conclusion of Armageddon, (Rev. 19: 21) satan is bound and sealed for 1000
years in the bottomless pit. (Rev. 20: 1- 3)
John, the writer is then shown a vision of the millennial. The explanation of the
millennial vision is very short, only three verses, but it requires much explanation.
There are two parts to the vision.
First -- during the 1000 years there will be thrones with judges and judgments.
" And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. "
(verse 4 a).
The second part of the vision, is a scene of the "souls" of mankind, "the Family of God".
" And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and
for the Word of God," (Revelation 20:4 b).
References and explanations:
" For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with
us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now if the
righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? "
(1 Peter 4:17-18.)
Judgment must begin at the house of God, with the family of God. That is, those who
have obeyed the gospel of God. Those who did not obey the gospel of God are not
present at this first judgment. These of the millennial are the souls that followed Jesus
on "white horses " and " in fine linen, white and clean." (19:14)
Jesus told His disciples that they would be judges.
" But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a
kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My
table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. " (Luke
22:28-31)
Jesus says that because they have "continued through His trials " that they are made
judges. Thus, those who are judges at the first judgment of the House of God are
faithful and proven to be worthy as judges. The disciples will be judges of the " twelve
tribes of Israel, " or the 144,000 as enumerated in Revelation Chapter 7.
Also in Matthew 19:28 Jesus said, " Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration,
when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also
sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. "
In each reference those who are judges must be found qualified. The qualifications of
these judges are the same in the Old Testament.
In Zachariah 3:7 the Bible says, " Thus says the Lord of hosts: If you will walk in My ways,
and if you will keep My command, then you shall also judge My house, And likewise
have charge of my courts; I will give you places to walk among those who stand here. "
In Revelation 4: 4 it states, " Around the Throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the
thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of
gold on their heads."
Whereas in the above references there were judges judging the twelve tribes of Israel,
here in Revelation there are twenty-four elders sitting on thrones.
In Revelation 4:10 they " cast their crowns before the throne " of God. Through that act
they demonstrate their worthiness to judge as they give all the glory and honor to their
God and Creator.
In Revelation 5: 9-10 the twenty-four elders sang a new song saying, " You are worthy
to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to
God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have
made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth ".
The 24 elders sitting on thrones are made kings and priests to God. It would seem,
although not clearly stated, that the 24 elders would be among the judges of the
millennial time. But, take note, that in the millennial vision Revelation 20:4 there is not
a designated number of thrones.
The second part of the millennial vision shows to John " the Souls of those who have
been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the Word of God ".
Throughout history there have been many who were killed for their witness or
testimony.
The first was Able the second son of Adam and Eve. Able was killed by his brother
Cain. God had accepted Abel's offering and rejected Cain's. Because of his brother's
jealousy and anger Able was killed for his witness or testimony that God had accepted
his offering.
The last to be killed " for their witness to Jesus and for the Word of God " are the two
witnesses of Revelation Chapter 11.
In Revelation 6:9 in the vision of the fifth seal the Bible says, " When He opened the
fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the Word of
God and for the testimony which they held. "
We can understand that these martyrs from throughout history are given a special
place in heaven; " under the altar ". " Under the alter" would not be a confining place,
but a place of special protection and closeness to God's throne in the Heavenly
temple.
John says in Revelation 20: 4, " I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded."
They are not the only ones present as members of the Family of God. Because the
entire family of God had been raptured and / or resurrected from the earth in Chapter
14. Also there is a similar explanation in Revelation 7 of the entire family of God.
In Revelation 7 we are shown the whole family of God; the 144,000 and the great
multitude from all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues. In verse 13 , one of the elders
says to John, " Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from? "
Implying that he doesn't know, John answers, " Sir you know. "
The elder answers, " These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and
washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. " (verse 14).
The answer seems to point out only the last generation of Christians who have
experienced great tribulation as does the explanation of the millennium.
But the defining description is that they are " arrayed in white robes washed in the
blood of the Lamb."
This same defining " white robes " also clothed the "great multitude which no one
could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne
and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, "
(Revelation 7:9).
And the armies of heaven who follow Jesus Christ to the battle of Armageddon are
defined as 'clothed in fine linen, white and clean'.
So, -- the whole family of God, fits the same description of being clothed with white
robes.
Thus, with Chapter 7 as an illustration we conclude that, in Revelation 20: 4, the "souls"
of all the Family of God, are present. The statement, 'who had not worshiped the beast
or his image ------', simply says that the last of / last generation of the Family of God is
present -- so, all of the Family of God are there / present.
This judgment of the family of God, during the millennial reign is not a judgment of
salvation. Their salvation had already been determined or they would not be present at
the millennial and 1st resurrection. The believer, the saved, the born again Christian,
the family of God was clearly defined as they physically died and their souls were taken
to heaven. This is a judgment between members of the Family of God.
Mankind who are not of the family of God are not there. But their souls are in hell
awaiting the second resurrection and the Great White Throne judgment.
" And they lived and reigned with Christ for a 1000 years. But the rest of the dead did
not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."
(Revelation 20:4 C - 5).
So,-- the judgment of the Family of God during the millennial is a judgment between the
family members of the family of God.
Imagine -- Two persons who have a personal problem.
Imagine --- That both of them are members of the family of God.
Imagine --- That they both die without reconciling their problem.
This happens every day on planet earth!!
In heaven --- what kind of next-door neighbors would they be???
They must reconcile their problems so that heaven can be Heaven for the family
of God.
In Matthew 5: 23-24 Jesus says, " Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there
remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the
altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer
your gift. "
So,-- the judgment of the millennial reign with Christ will be the correcting of problems
among the family. Those who have had personal problems, unforgiven sins or any other
circumstance that would hinder the peace and joy of heaven will come before a judge.
The judge will help to solve all problems. Thus, heaven will be a place of true peace
and greatest joy, without the problems that were collected in our physical lives.
This 1000 year reign is also the first resurrection!!
The souls who are the family of God are also the armies of Heaven who followed Jesus
to the battle of Armageddon. These souls are those who are the last generation that
are raptured (Rev. 14: 14 - 15) and those who were resurrected from their graves and
met the Lord in the air / receiving their bodies from the dust of the earth.
(I Thessalonians 4: 15 - 18). Their resurrected bodies are like the resurrected body of
Jesus as He came out of the tomb after His death. Jesus could eat, talk, touch, appear
and disappear. He was spiritual, not physical, but He had a resurrected body.
In Romans 6:5, " For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death,
certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. "
Therefore --- The millennial is a 1000 year span of time at the end of time when God
restores His creation to its original state.
Jesus Christ will reign, "face-to-face", with His faithful servants, the Family of God.
The Family of God are judged and restored to Godly relationships.
There will be perfect peace in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.
" The wolf shall dwell with the Lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the
calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and the little child shall lead them. The
cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion
shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the
weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. 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."
Isaiah 11:6-9
In the beginning the Garden of Eden---
In the end a millennial with Jesus Christ---
That is God's perfect plan -- fulfilled ---