The Third Phase of Christ's Kingdom
By H. A. St. John
The Kingdom of Christ—No. 3
The Third Phase of Christ's Kingdom
THE third phase of Christ's kingdom has a definite and glorious beginning, but no ending. It will stand forever. It can never be moved. The second phase of His kingdom is generally known as the millennium. It is bounded at both ends by a resurrection. Blessed and holy are they that have part in the first resurrection. They shall not be hurt with the second death; on them it can have no power. The period of their millennial reign will be one of inexpressible joy and unalloyed bliss. Nevertheless, they will be ever looking forward with joyful anticipations to the coming of the third and last phase of Christ's kingdom, when their dominion will be greatly enlarged, and they will enter upon their eternal reign. As evidence of their hope in this regard, harken to one strain in their happy songs: "We shall reign on the earth." Rev. 5:10. Only six simple words of one syllable each; but O, how full of meaning! At the end of the one thousand years' reign in the holy city in heaven, the New Jerusalem will come down and locate on a beautiful purified plain, made by the leveling of several mountains of sacred memory. Outside of this holy city, the redeemed of the Lord will behold all the works of Satan, completely and forever destroyed by that fire that shall burn as an oven. When the last flickering flame has consumed the originator of rebellion, when all the works of Satan, sin, and the curse are utterly consumed, when all the enemies and the last enemy of Christ's kingdom have forever perished, then will all His glorified subjects hear Him say: "Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations He hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth. . . . Be still, and know that I am God." Ps. 46:8-10. The redeemed, in silence, will take one long look at the great battle-field where will have just closed the greatest, longest, and most bitter controversy of all the ages. What a scene of desolation! Then they5will hear the same musical voice, in tones loud and clear, saying, "Behold, I make all things new." Rev. 21:5. Then will the inexpressibly glorious new heavens and new earth be unfolded—in six successive days, for aught we know—in all their pristine beauty and loveliness. Then will the morning stars sing together, and all the sons of God will shout for joy. Then the saints of the Most High take and possess the kingdom under the whole heavens, and reign with Christ in this the third and last phase of His everlasting kingdom. Of this kingdom and peace there shall be no end. O, what will it be to be there!