Biblical Events During the 1000 Year Millennium

During the 1,000 years, the earth remains in a state of total desolation and chaos while the redeemed reign with Christ in heaven and Satan is confined to this world as his prison. 🕊️

The State of the Earth: A Silent Prison

At the commencement of this period, the second coming of Christ brings about a total change to the planet. The presence of the Lord is so powerful that the earth is made empty and waste Isaiah 24:1.

• Total Desolation: The earth is brought back to a state of primeval chaos, described as being "without form, and void," with no light in the heavens and no man remaining Jeremiah 4:23-25. 🌑

• The Bottomless Pit: This chaotic state is the "bottomless pit" or abyss Revelation 20:1. Just as darkness was upon the face of the "deep" at the beginning of creation Genesis 1:2, the earth again becomes a dark, uninhabited wasteland Jeremiah 4:26-27.

• Satan’s Confinement: Satan is bound by a "great chain" of circumstances; because the wicked are slain at Christ's coming 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 and the righteous are taken to heaven 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, he has no one left to deceive Revelation 20:2-3. He is forced to contemplate the ruin he has caused for 1,000 years.

The Experience of the Redeemed in Heaven

While the earth sits in darkness, those who had part in the "first resurrection" are enjoying a glorious reality in the presence of God. ✨

• Reigning with Christ: The saints, having been caught up to meet the Lord in the air 1 Thessalonians 4:17, live and reign with Him for the duration of the millennium Revelation 20:4, 6.

• A Work of Judgment: During this time, thrones are set, and judgment is given to the saints Revelation 20:4. They participate in a cosmic review, judging the world and even falling angels 1 Corinthians 6:2-3. This is not to determine who is saved, but to vindicate the justice of God in His dealings with those who rejected His grace.

• Before the Throne: The redeemed stand upon the "sea of glass" before the throne of God in heaven, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb Revelation 15:2-3+1.

The Condition of the Wicked

The Bible is very clear that there are two resurrections separated by this 1,000-year span John 5:28-29.

• A State of Death: While the righteous are in heaven, "the rest of the dead"—the wicked—do not live again until the 1,000 years are finished Revelation 20:5.

• The Earth as a Charnel House: The slain of the Lord lie ungathered and unlamented from one end of the earth to the other Jeremiah 25:33.

The Close of the Millennium

As the 1,000 years expire, the final events of the great controversy unfold.

• The Second Resurrection: At the end of the period, the wicked are raised Revelation 20:5. This provides Satan with subjects once more, and he is "loosed out of his prison" for a little season Revelation 20:7.

• The Holy City Descends: The New Jerusalem comes down from God out of heaven to the earth Revelation 21:2. 🏰

• The Final Conflict: Satan gathers the resurrected wicked, a multitude as the "sand of the sea," to attack the beloved city Revelation 20:8-9. However, before they can prevail, fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them, which is the "second death" Revelation 20:9, 14-15.

• A New Beginning: This fire not only destroys sin and sinners but purifies the earth, melting the elements with fervent heat to make way for the "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" 2 Peter 3:10-13.