Understanding the Millennium: Satan's Binding and the Saints' Reign

During the millennium, a definitive period of one thousand years, the earth undergoes a transformative state while the saints participate in a solemn work of judgment in heaven Revelation 20:4SITI April 7, 1887, page 215.1.

The Condition of the Earth and Satan

The millennium begins with the first resurrection, which is the resurrection of the righteous Revelation 20:5-6. At this time, the following events occur:

• The Binding of Satan: An angel from heaven binds Satan and casts him into the bottomless pit for the entire thousand years Revelation 20:1-3. This prevents him from deceiving the nations until the period is finished Revelation 20:3SITI April 7, 1887, page 215.1.

• The State of the Wicked: The rest of the dead, specifically the wicked, do not live again until the thousand years are over Revelation 20:5.

• A Desolate World: During this time, the triumph of the beast and his image is already pastTMR 12.1. The earth remains in a state of rest from the presence of the wicked, who await their final judgment Revelation 20:12-13MPC 135.2.

The Work of the Saints in Heaven

While the earth is desolate and Satan is confined, the righteous are engaged in significant activities in the presence of God:

• Reigning with Christ: Those who have part in the first resurrection live and reign with Christ as priests of God and of Christ for the thousand years Revelation 20:4-6ARSH April 18, 1854, page 102.24.

• Executing Judgment: Judgment is given into the hands of the saints Revelation 20:4MPC 135.2. They sit upon thrones and judge the world, including fallen angels 1 Corinthians 6:2-3.

• Examining the Records: The books are opened, and the dead are judged according to their works based on what is written in those records Revelation 20:12MPC 135.2.

The Close of the Millennium

At the end of the one thousand years, several major events conclude this epoch:

• The Resurrection of the Wicked: The wicked are raised from their graves to receive their final judgment Revelation 20:5+1ARSH April 18, 1854, page 102.24.

• The Loosing of Satan: Satan is loosed for a "little season" to go out and deceive the resurrected nations, gathering them for a final battle against the camp of the saints Revelation 20:7-9.

• The Final Destruction: Fire comes down from God out of heaven to devour the wicked and the devil, resulting in the "second death" Revelation 20:9-14.

• The Restoration: After the destruction of sin, the children of faith inherit the lost Paradise and live in a world where the destroyer's power is broken foreverHvn 13.1.