## The Millennium

## Revelation 20:1-10

Tonight we have come to the seventh and final dispensation. The millennium or kingdom age which refers to the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ on this earth.

At the close of the tribulation Jesus Christ literally will return to this earth. Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. And Jesus will then establish His kingdom and will begin His 1000 year rule.

It is necessary for Christ to establish the kingdom in order to fulfill all of the covenant promises God made to Israel. Tonight we want to consider what the Millennium will be like.

I. The Government.

A. It will be a Theocracy

1. That means that God will rule the people.

2. No more democracy, socialism, nor communism.

B. Jesus Christ will be the King.

1. "...For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among the nations..." cf. Is. 2:3b-4a

2. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people..." cf Dan. 2:44

3. In the announcement to Mary in Luke 1:32-33 we read, "...And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

C. Other shall rule under the Messiah.

1. Is. 32:1, "Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment."

2. To His disciples Jesus said, "...When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." cf Mt. 19:28

3. In our text tonight John reveals that we will "reign with Him a thousand years". cf Re. 20:6b

D. The subjects of the kingdom.

1. Israel in restoration. cf Mt. 24:30-31 and Jer. 12:15

2. Gentiles in servitude. cf Is. 60:14 and Is. 61:5

3. We, the saints of God.

E. The scope of His reign.

1. Everyone and everything on earth will be under His authority.

2. Note: Daniel 7:14 & Ph. 2:9-11

3. Jesus Christ will have total dominion over the earth and all who inhabit it.

4. He will govern every inch of this world.

II. The Character of the Millennial Kingdom.

A. Peace.

1. "For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river..." cf Is. 66:12

2. "...And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." cf. Is. 2:4

3. For the first time since the fall of man, people will live in peace with one another. 4. The Prince of Peace will be on the throne.

B. Righteousness.

1. Note: Isaiah 11:3-5

2. The curse shall be removed and with the enemy bound, righteousness will flourish. cf Is. 11:6-9

3. Note that age-old enemies will be at peace with one another in v8.

C. Universal TRUE Worship.

1. According to Is. 11:9b, "...The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

2. Everyone will worship the King, not just the Jewish people. cf Zech. 14:16

3. As a result, Jerusalem, which has been known for weeping and sadness, will become a place of joy. cf. Is. 65:18

4. "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name." cf. Ps. 66:4

III. Man's Failure in this Dispensation.

A. Note: Revelation 20:7-9

1. Satan will be loosed for a "little season".

2. A short period of time, but long enough to deceive men who are unsaved.

3. Enough to mount a final rebellion against Jesus Christ.

4. The reference to "Gog and Magog" is probably symbolic of the worldwide enemies of Christ.

B. God's final judgment will fall.

1. The rebellion is judged as fire from heaven falls upon them and devours them.

2. Satan is judged by being cast into the lake of fire where he is to remain for ever and ever!

3. All unbelievers are judged at the Great White Throne.

Conclusion: Once again in this dispensation we have seen the responsibility of mankind, his failure, and the judgment of God. The failure of man in millennial kingdom proves once and for all that unregenerate man has a fallen nature and changing his environment will not produce change in his character.