Christ With His Kings and Priests: The Thousand Year Reign

[Part 1 of this Study Aired February 4, 2025]

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The Purpose of Christ’s Millennial Reign

Christ’s thousand-year reign serves as a crucial stage in fulfilling God’s eternal purpose for mankind. This purpose was first declared in Genesis 1:26: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth.” While this declaration includes dominion over creation, its deeper significance points to mankind bearing God’s image internally, following the principle that “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). The millennium demonstrates why external dominion without internal transformation cannot fulfill God’s ultimate purpose.

Looking at Genesis 2:7, we see Adam’s fundamental nature: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” This shows Adam was created from earth – natural, not spiritual. Paul confirms this in 1 Corinthians 15:45-47: “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.“

God’s eternal purposes cannot be thwarted, as Isaiah declares: “The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand” (Isaiah 14:24). This unchangeable purpose is further confirmed by Ephesians 1:11, which states that God “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.“

The millennium reveals how Christ, as the last Adam, fulfills God’s eternal purpose by bringing forth spiritual life where only natural life existed before. As Paul explains: “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44). This follows God’s order – “that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual” (1 Corinthians 15:46).

God’s work of restoration through Christ’s millennial reign follows His unchangeable pattern seen throughout scripture – the old must be removed before the new can be established. The prophet Jeremiah revealed God’s method: “See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10). Ezekiel further confirmed this pattern, declaring: “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown…I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him” (Ezekiel 21:26-27). This principle reflects the truth that “the law having a shadow of good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1) must give way to the spiritual reality it foreshadowed.

The millennium fulfills a crucial purpose in revealing the limitations of external righteousness. God establishes this period of just governance under Christ to prove conclusively that even ideal conditions cannot transform human nature. Despite experiencing Christ’s righteous rule, Satan’s binding, and enforced peace, the natural mind retains its fundamental opposition to God. John exposes this unchangeable reality: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). This truth explains why Jesus emphasized that “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). The prophet Jeremiah further revealed this internal condition: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). These scriptures together demonstrate that true transformation must occur from within, not through external circumstances, no matter how good they may appear to be.

The millennium serves as the ultimate demonstration of mankind’s need for spiritual regeneration. God previously revealed this truth through Israel’s wilderness experience, where despite daily miracles, heavenly provision, and the Lord’s visible presence, the people repeatedly rebelled. As scripture records: “Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy” (Psalm 78:41-42). Now through the millennium, God expands this lesson to encompass all nations, proving universally what He showed through Israel – that prime external conditions cannot transform the human heart. The prophet Jeremiah revealed God’s solution to this deep-seated problem: “And I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart” (Jeremiah 24:7). This work of internal transformation accomplishes what a thousand years of ideal conditions cannot achieve.

The timing of the millennium in God’s plan reveals profound spiritual wisdom. By placing this thousand-year period before the final judgment, God establishes an undeniable witness to humanity’s need for spiritual rebirth. Jesus laid the foundation for understanding this truth when He declared: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). The millennium demonstrates the full implications of this statement by showing how even the most righteous external conditions cannot elevate the flesh to spiritual life. This aligns with Paul’s revelation that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Through the millennium, God proves conclusively that transformation must come through His work alone, “for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Signs Before the Thousand Year Reign

While God reserves the precise timing of Christ’s millennial reign in His sovereign wisdom, He provides clear signs to prepare His people for these momentous events. Jesus established this principle of watching for signs while acknowledging godly timing: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). Yet He also commanded vigilance: “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42). This aligns with God’s consistent pattern of revealing His purposes progressively, as Amos declared: “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Through these revelations, God enables His people to recognize the season of His appearing, even while the exact timing remains hidden in His counsel.

As we examine the signs preceding Christ’s millennial reign, we must remember that these prophecies reveal spiritual truths about mankind’s condition and need for transformation, rather than serving as a checklist of current events to interpret. The purpose of understanding these signs is to recognize mankind’s need for spiritual rebirth, not to predict specific dates or match prophecies to world events.

The first major sign Jesus identified centers on widespread spiritual deception. This deception manifests through false claims to Christ’s authority: “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:5). This proliferation of spiritual counterfeits matches God’s revealed pattern of testing His people, as Moses warned: “For the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 13:3). The Holy Spirit further detailed this spiritual climate through Paul: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). The prophet Joel saw this period as one of profound spiritual darkness: “A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness” (Joel 2:2). This spiritual confusion serves God’s purpose of separating those who truly love truth from those who merely profess it, as Paul explained: “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

The intensification of international conflicts stands as another crucial sign of Christ’s approaching reign. Jesus provided specific details about this increasing turmoil: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:6-7). This upheaval fulfills what God revealed through Isaiah: “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” (Isaiah 24:19-20). The prophet Daniel received further insight about this tumultuous period: “And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” (Daniel 12:1). This unprecedented level of conflict serves God’s purpose of shaking all human institutions, as Haggai prophesied: “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations” (Haggai 2:6-7). Through these events, God exposes the futility of human attempts at peace apart from His rule, fulfilling Paul’s words: “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Throughout history, God has used natural phenomena to accomplish His purposes, and the approach of Christ’s reign follows this pattern. Jesus specifically identified environmental upheaval as a key sign: “And there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:7). These disturbances reflect a deeper spiritual shaking, as the prophet Isaiah foresaw: “The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 24:4-5).

These natural disruptions serve as both judgment and warning. The prophet Amos revealed this purpose: “And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest… yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD” (Amos 4:6-7). Even these judgments demonstrate God’s mercy, as He uses physical circumstances to draw people to repentance. This follows His unchanging pattern seen in Joel’s prophecy: “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful” (Joel 2:12-13).

The intensity and frequency of these events will increase as Christ’s return approaches. The prophet Joel specifically addressed this escalation: “And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come” (Joel 2:30-31). These shakings serve to remove confidence in human systems and prepare hearts for Christ’s rule.

The degradation of moral standards serves as another unmistakable sign of Christ’s approaching reign. Paul provided a detailed prophecy of this moral collapse: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good” (2 Timothy 3:1-3). This deterioration reflects what happened in Noah’s time, as Jesus warned: “But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37).

The prophet Isaiah identified a key aspect of this moral decay – the deliberate confusion of good and evil: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21). This confusion doesn’t happen by accident but results from rejecting divine standards, as Paul explained: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind” (Romans 1:28).

This moral decline particularly affects family relationships, fulfilling Jesus’s prophecy: “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death” (Matthew 10:21). The breakdown of natural affection that Paul mentioned manifests especially in family structures, demonstrating how deeply this moral decay penetrates society’s foundations. The prophet Micah saw this dissolution of family bonds: “Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother” (Micah 7:5-6).

Daniel’s prophecy about the end times specifically highlighted an unprecedented increase in knowledge and mobility: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). This explosion of information and travel capabilities marks our era distinctly from all previous generations. Yet this increase in knowledge, while fulfilling prophecy, often leads to what Paul described: “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).

The prophet Isaiah foresaw this paradox of increased knowledge without true wisdom: “The wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid” (Isaiah 29:14). This validates Solomon’s observation that “in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:18). Human knowledge, divorced from God’s wisdom, leads to pride rather than understanding, fulfilling Paul’s warning that “knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (1 Corinthians 8:1).

This technological advancement, while appearing as progress, often serves to deceive through “signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The ability to manipulate creation at increasingly fundamental levels reflects mankind’s continued attempt to usurp God’s role, echoing the tower of Babel incident where God observed: “and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do” (Genesis 11:6). Yet all this knowledge and technological power ultimately fails to address humanity’s fundamental spiritual need, proving Solomon’s wisdom that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

Israel’s restoration as a nation stands as one of the most visible signs heralding Christ’s approaching reign. Jesus used the fig tree, a consistent biblical symbol for Israel, to mark prophetic timing: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:32-33). This regathering of Israel fulfills numerous prophetic promises, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His covenants.

The prophet Ezekiel detailed this restoration with remarkable precision: “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land” (Ezekiel 37:21). Amos further specified that this restored nation would maintain permanent residence in their land: “And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God” (Amos 9:15). Isaiah foresaw this gathering happening suddenly: “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?” (Isaiah 66:8).

This restoration serves multiple purposes. First, it demonstrates God’s sovereign control over nations, fulfilling His word through Jeremiah: “For, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid” (Jeremiah 30:10). Second, it provides a visible witness to all nations of God’s faithfulness, as Ezekiel prophesied: “And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore” (Ezekiel 37:28). Finally, it prepares for Christ’s millennial reign from Jerusalem, fulfilling Isaiah’s vision: “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” (Isaiah 2:2).

These prophetic signs should stir believers to spiritual preparation rather than fear or anxiety. Paul explains this distinct position of God’s people: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5). This knowledge brings acknowledgment of God’s work, as Peter emphasizes: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). This verse shows us examining and giving account of what God is producing in us, for “it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

The prophet Isaiah provides specific guidance for this preparation: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). This internal preparation matters more than external responses. Again the prophet Isaiah describes the character God seeks during times of judgment: “but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2).

Understanding these signs should deepen our reliance on God’s wisdom rather than human understanding. As Solomon counsels: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). This dependence becomes especially crucial as deception increases, fulfilling Jesus’s warning: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).

Rather than being overcome by events, believers should find hope in seeing God’s prophecies fulfilled. As Jesus encouraged: “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). These signs confirm that God works all things according to His eternal purpose, as Paul declared: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The Preparation for Christ’s Kingdom

God orchestrates specific events to prepare for Christ’s millennial reign, each following His sovereign timing and eternal purpose. The prophet Isaiah revealed this orchestration: “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10). The first major preparatory event involves the resurrection and transformation of those who died in Christ. Paul unveils this mystery: “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” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This resurrection marks the beginning of God’s visible intervention to establish His kingdom through Christ.

The priority of this resurrection follows God’s established pattern seen throughout scripture. God commanded Israel concerning harvests: “The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God” (Exodus 23:19). This physical requirement revealed a deeper spiritual truth about God’s order of resurrection. Christ fulfilled the firstfruits pattern in His own resurrection, as Paul explains: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20-21). These resurrected saints represent the next wave of God’s spiritual harvest, following Christ the firstfruits. The prophet Isaiah glimpsed this order: “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead” (Isaiah 26:19). Hosea further confirmed this promise of resurrection: “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death” (Hosea 13:14).

Following the resurrection of the dead in Christ, living believers undergo an instantaneous transformation. Paul reveals the sequence: “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” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). He further unveils the nature of this transformation: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). This change reflects Christ’s own glorification, as John testifies: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Paul elaborates on this conformity to Christ’s image: “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3:21). The prophet Isaiah foresaw this glorious transformation: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).

The establishment of Christ’s kingdom requires the removal of all opposing spiritual influences, beginning with Satan himself. God revealed this necessity through Isaiah: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). John witnesses this purifying action in his vision: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled” (Revelation 20:1-3). This binding fulfills God’s ancient promise to crush the serpent’s power, first declared in Genesis: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head” (Genesis 3:15). The prophet Zechariah foresaw the complete purification this brings: “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land” (Zechariah 13:2). Through this action, the way is prepared for Christ’s uncontested rule over the earth.

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(We will continue the study from this section, next week Lord willing)

The Structure of Christ’s Government

The governmental structure of Christ’s millennial kingdom reveals God’s pattern of authority and administration. At its center stands Jerusalem, the city God chose for His eternal purpose. David captured this holy selection in Psalm 132:13-14: “For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.” The prophet Jeremiah further elaborated on Jerusalem’s future role: “At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem” (Jeremiah 3:17).

While Scripture provides these detailed descriptions of governmental structure, we must remember that ”the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21) and that Jesus’ words are ”spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). These prophecies and descriptions do represent profound spiritual realities rather than purely physical arrangements. Just as the law served as ”a shadow of good things to come’‘ (Hebrews 10:1), these governmental descriptions do reveal spiritual truths about Christ’s authority and rule in His people rather than merely detailing physical administrative structures. Following the principle that we should compare ”spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13), we understand these prophecies have deeper spiritual significance beyond literal physical fulfillment. While God will establish His authority through Christ’s reign, the exact physical manifestation of this government may differ from interpretations of these prophetic passages.

From this heavenly center, Christ and His transformed saints will administer righteous judgment throughout the earth. Isaiah provides a detailed picture of this worldwide government: “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” (Isaiah 2:3). This governance fulfills God’s original purpose declared through Daniel: “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” (Daniel 7:14).

The distribution of authority within this government follows principles of proven faithfulness. Christ Himself established this standard in His parable: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21). This pattern appears again when He teaches: “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17). These passages reveal that positions of authority in Christ’s kingdom are assigned based on proven character rather than natural abilities or human selection.

The structure of Christ’s millennial government includes clearly defined roles, beginning with the twelve apostles. Jesus personally guaranteed their positions of authority: “That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:30). He further confirmed this appointment with a specific promise: “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” (Matthew 19:28).

Beyond the apostles’ authority over Israel’s tribes, transformed saints exercise authority over other aspects of the kingdom. Daniel foresaw this shared reign: “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High” (Daniel 7:27). The prophet Isaiah detailed how this righteous rule would function: “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (Isaiah 32:1-2).

This government maintains order through godly power because those being ruled still possess a carnal nature requiring strict oversight. Paul explains this fundamental opposition between flesh and spirit: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). Therefore, as John reveals, Christ “shall rule them with a rod of iron” (Revelation 2:27). The prophet Isaiah describes this firm but righteous rule: “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” (Isaiah 11:4).

From Jerusalem’s throne, God’s truth and authority extend outward to encompass all nations. Ezekiel saw this expansion symbolized through an extraordinary vision of water flowing from the temple: “Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward…And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles…Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over” (Ezekiel 47:1,3,5).

This expanding river represents how knowledge and authority progressively fill the earth. The prophet Habakkuk foresaw this universal spread of truth: “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). Isaiah reveals how this instruction reaches individuals: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). Under Christ’s government, confusion about God’s will vanishes as “the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken” (Isaiah 32:3).

During this period, nations regularly journey to Jerusalem to learn God’s ways. Zechariah describes this pattern: “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” (Zechariah 14:16). Isaiah expands on this prophetic picture: “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” (Isaiah 2:3).

This millennial government serves a purpose beyond maintaining external order – it demonstrates profound spiritual truths about human nature. Just as Israel in the wilderness received perfect leadership through Moses, daily miracles of provision, and God’s visible presence, yet remained carnal in their thinking, so will the nations during the millennium experience favorable conditions under Christ’s rule while their inner nature remains unchanged. Paul recorded this crucial lesson from Israel’s experience: “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness” (1 Corinthians 10:5).

This godly administration reveals why external perfection cannot transform the inner nature of man. The prophet Isaiah described this limitation: “Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD” (Isaiah 26:10). Even with righteousness enforced and Satan bound, the natural heart remains resistant to God’s rule. Because “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).

The millennium particularly demonstrates the insufficiency of knowledge alone to change human nature. Though truth fills the earth “as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9), the prophet Amos foresaw a different kind of famine: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11). This prophecy reveals how even amid abundant spiritual light, the natural mind remains spiritually deaf and blind unless transformed by God’s power. As Isaiah explained: “And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not” (Isaiah 6:9).

Satan Loosed: The Final Testing

After a thousand years of the rulership of Christ’s, God administers a final test that conclusively reveals the true state of human nature. John describes this divine purpose: “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison” (Revelation 20:7). This release follows God’s consistent pattern of testing seen throughout scripture, serving to manifest what lies within unregenerate hearts. Moses explained this principle to Israel: “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no” (Deuteronomy 8:2).

God’s method of testing always exposes what already exists within, as Jeremiah revealed: “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:10). This final test proves definitively that even favorable conditions cannot transform human nature – only regeneration through Christ can accomplish this change. The prophet Ezekiel foretold this necessary internal transformation: “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” (Ezekiel 36:26).

This testing follows the pattern God established with Israel, where external blessings often revealed internal rebellion. As Moses warned: “But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation” (Deuteronomy 32:15). The millennium’s conditions similarly expose mankind’s continued opposition to God’s rule, fulfilling what David prophetically observed: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 53:1).

The End of the Millennial Reign

The results of Satan’s release provide conclusive evidence about mankind’s true spiritual condition. After being bound for a thousand years as John witnessed: “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season” (Revelation 20:3). This divinely determined “little season” serves God’s purpose – it is long enough to manifest what lies in unregenerate hearts, yet brief enough to demonstrate God’s complete control over evil. Despite experiencing a thousand years of just government, peace, ideal conditions, and abundant provision, the nations of the world quickly succumb to Satan’s deception. John records the astonishing scope of this rebellion: “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 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” (Revelation 20:7-8).

This rapid turning against God’s rule mirrors Israel’s pattern in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God’s miracles daily – the manna, the pillar of fire, the cloud of glory – they repeatedly rebelled. The psalmist captured this persistent ingratitude: “How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy” (Psalm 78:40-42). This pattern reveals a profound truth about human nature – external blessings without internal transformation lead to greater rebellion.

The deceived nations gather for one final assault against Jerusalem and God’s people. John describes this culminating rebellion: “And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city” (Revelation 20:9). The prophet Joel foresaw this gathering: “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up… Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about” (Joel 3:9,11). However, God’s judgment comes swiftly and decisively: “And fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them” (Revelation 20:9).

After this final rebellion is crushed, Satan faces his ultimate judgment. John witnesses this decisive moment: “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). This judgment fulfills the prophetic promise: “Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet” (Psalm 91:13). The prophet Isaiah had glimpsed this final defeat: “In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea” (Isaiah 27:1).

Then comes the great white throne judgment, where all remaining issues find resolution. John describes this awesome scene: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them” (Revelation 20:11). This judgment fulfills what Daniel foresaw: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:9-10).

At this judgment, even death itself faces final destruction: “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Revelation 20:14). This fulfills Paul’s prophecy that “The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26) and realizes God’s promise: “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces” (Isaiah 25:8).

God’s Ultimate Purpose Accomplished

These events reveal profound spiritual truths about God’s work in mankind. The millennium demonstrates what Paul explained about the natural and spiritual order: “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual” (1 Corinthians 15:46). Just as God created the natural Adam before bringing forth the spiritual Christ, He uses the millennium to prove conclusively that even exemplary physical conditions cannot produce spiritual life.

The lake of fire represents God’s method of bringing spiritual life through death, following Christ’s fundamental principle: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24). The prophet Isaiah foresaw this transformative process: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).

All these events lead to the fulfillment of God’s ultimate purpose, as Paul declares: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power… And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:24, 28). Through this sequence, God accomplishes His eternal plan of bringing all creation to spiritual life in Christ, fulfilling His original declaration about mankind: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26).

What appears as defeat serves God’s purpose of victory. The natural creation’s complete failure during the millennium, despite suitable conditions, leads to the very circumstances through which God brings forth spiritual life. As Paul reveals: “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:20-21).

The millennium and its aftermath demonstrate God’s righteous wisdom in bringing forth spiritual life. What begins with mankind’s creation in God’s image finds its fulfillment through a carefully designed process that proves one essential truth – spiritual life cannot emerge from improving the natural, but must come through death and resurrection. As Paul explains: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” (1 Corinthians 15:22-24).

This process fulfills what Paul revealed as God’s ultimate purpose: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever” (Romans 11:36). The message of Numbers glimpsed this glorious outcome: “But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD” (Numbers 14:21). Isaiah too saw this completion: “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose” (Isaiah 35:1).

Through these events, God demonstrates His sovereign control over all creation, working everything according to His eternal purpose. As Daniel declared: “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4:35). This fulfills God’s declaration through Isaiah: “The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand” (Isaiah 14:24).

The millennium thus serves its purpose in God’s plan, proving that true transformation comes only through His work. As Jeremiah prophesied: “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” (Jeremiah 31:33). Through this process, God achieves His eternal purpose of conforming all creation to the image of His Son, that Christ “might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).