Let’s start with the 1000 years mentioned in Revelation 20. This is often referred to as the “millennium,” and it represents a period of time after Christ’s second coming when He will reign on earth for 1000 years.
Revelation 20:4-6 says, “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.”
During this time, Christ will reign with the resurrected saints, and the righteous will be given the opportunity to judge the wicked. This is referred to as the “judgment of the living,” and it is an important aspect of the millennium.
Now, let’s talk about the events that happen after Christ’s return. First, there will be the resurrection of the righteous dead. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says, “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
After the resurrection, the righteous will be taken to heaven to spend the millennium with Christ, as we discussed earlier.
Meanwhile, on earth, Satan will be bound for the 1000 years, and the wicked will be left alive but without anyone to tempt them. This is referred to as the “desolation of the earth.”
Revelation 20:1-3 says, “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.”
At the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released and will lead one final rebellion against Christ.
But he will be defeated, and the wicked will be destroyed in the lake of fire. Then, God will create a new earth, where the righteous will live with Him for eternity.
Lesson 12 Study Guide by Amazing Facts:
The 1,000 years in Revelation 20 and the events after Christ returns.
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