THE MILLENNIUM (1)

1. The Future World

a) Men have always had a story of a golden age in the past, or a dream of one in the future. Most important, God's inspired prophets told of a wonderful time to come when all men will be blessed. From the Bible, we know that all blessings come through God the Son. So the "Golden Age" is really the Kingdom of Christ.

2. The Millennium

a) In Revelation 20:4 we read of Christ's reigning for a thousand years. This period is called the Millennium. What will Millennium be like?

i) The earth was put under a curse because of Adam's sin, Genesis 3:17-18. Instead of a garden, the ground now brings forth many ugly and useless plants. But God's garden will be restored, Revelation 2:7. The desert will bring forth flowers, Isaiah 35:1. Wild animals will no longer kill others, Isaiah 65:25. The whole animal world will not have to suffer any more, Romans 8:19-22.

ii) The nations of the world will be richer than they have ever been before. There will be no more war, no end to peace, Isaiah 9:7. Think of the money needed for police forces and armies even in times of peace! With Christ on the throne, these things will be no longer needed.

iii) Also today very much money is spent by people who follow false religions. In Revelation 18 and 19 we see that this will also come to an end.

iv) Very few people will be sick or die. People will become very old, Isaiah 65:20. There will be many more people in the world than there are now. Yet Christ the King will see to it that there is plenty for all.

v) All who enter the Kingdom will be sons of God. Yet their children will need to be born again. Perhaps most will believe. Even those who do not believe will have to act righteously or be punished, Isaiah 11:4-5. Satan will be bound for a thousand years, Revelation 20:2.

vi) Israel will be the leading nation of the world, Isaiah 60:12. This place will be given to her by the King of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostles will join Him in ruling Israel, Matthew 19:28. Others will also share in ruling Israel, but will have less important jobs to do, Luke 19:17, 19. These rulers will be Jews who have been faithful to Christ when He was rejected. Christians are members of Christ's body. As His bride, they will go wherever He goes. His desire is that where He is, there they may be also, John 14:3.