The 1,000 years (or millennium) begins with the second coming of Christ. At this time, Satan and his fallen angels are chained. Read Revelation 20:1–3 along with Jeremiah 4:23–26. During the millennium, what is the state of the earth? In what way is Satan bound by chains?
- The chaining of Satan is symbolic, because spiritual beings cannot be physically bound. Satan is bound by circumstances. The plagues have desolated the earth and killed off its evil inhabitants, bringing it into a chaotic condition resembling the earth before Creation ( Gen. 1:2). In such a state, the earth functions as Satan’s prison during the millennium. Because there are no human beings to tempt and harm, all that Satan and his demonic associates can do is contemplate the consequences of their rebellion against God.
- Read Revelation 20:4–6 . Where are the redeemed during the millennium? Revelation shows that God’s people will spend the millennium in the heavenly places that Christ prepared for them (see John 14:1–3). John sees them sitting on thrones as kings and priests, judging the world. Jesus promised the disciples that they would “ ‘sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel’ ” ( Matt. 19:28). Paul stated that the saints would judge the world ( 1 Cor. 6:2, 3).
- This judgment concerns the fairness of God’s actions. Throughout history Satan has raised doubts concerning God’s character and His dealings with the beings He created. During the millennium, God allows the redeemed to access the records of history in order to find answers to all questions concerning the fairness of His decisions regarding those who were lost, as well as questions dealing with His leading in their own lives.
- At the conclusion of the millennium, all questions regarding God’s justice are forever settled. God’s people are able to see beyond a shadow of doubt that Satan’s accusations were unfounded. They are now ready to witness the administration of God’s justice at the final judgment of the lost.
- What is the order of resurrection and according to what does God judge men? 1 Thess 4:13-18: ““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.” In summary, at Christ’s 2nd coming, the righteous dead and righteous living join Him in the clouds to spend the millenium and eternity with Jesus. At Christ’s 2nd coming also, the evil dead remain dead, except a few of the evil Pharisees Jesus said will see Him return (Mark 14:62); but they will nevertheless die alongside the evil living who will all be quenched by the brightness of His coming. Rev 20:7-15 tells us however that after the millenium, these evil ones will all rise again to 1) try attack the new Jerusalem, 2) to be ”judged by God according to their works” (v. 12), and 3) be thrown into the lake of fire alongside satan and his goons, ‘forever’ (i.e. till the fire has completely destroyed them all). 🔥😢
Source reference: SDA 1Q19 Quarterly
The Langford Files 