SBC: The End of Days Lesson 5

SBC: The End of Days Lesson 5

Location: Scriptura Bible Class

Date: 10/26/2025

Scripture: Revelation

1. Introduction: Why Study the Millennial Kingdom?

Purpose of the Lesson: To walk through the 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth, laying out the biblical timeline, scriptural support, theological implications, and how this future reality impacts the way we live today.

Key Verse: Revelation 20:6 (NKJV) "Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."

Doctrinal Basis:

Pre-Millennialism: Christ returns before the 1,000 years.

Literal Interpretation: A literal reign of Christ on earth.

Distinct from the Eternal State (New Heaven and Earth).

Saints reign with Christ in glorified bodies.

Mortals still live on earth.

Why It Matters:

Gives clarity on God's faithfulness to Israel.

Demonstrates Christ's authority on earth.

Serves as a bridge between human history and eternal glory.

2. The Setup: Transition from Tribulation to Millennial Reign

A. The Return of Christ (Revelation 19:11-21)

Christ returns with His saints.

Defeats the armies at Armageddon (Rev 19:19-21).

The beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire (v. 20).

Satan is bound (Rev 20:1-3).

B. Satan Bound (Revelation 20:1-3)

An angel binds Satan in the abyss (bottomless pit) for 1,000 years.

He cannot deceive the nations during this time.

The abyss is not the lake of fire; it is a temporary prison.

C. The First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6)

Those who died in Christ and those martyred during the Tribulation are raised.

They reign with Christ for 1,000 years.

This resurrection is distinct from the resurrection of the wicked, which comes later.

D. The Judgments Before the Kingdom

Sheep and Goat Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46):

Christ judges the nations.

"Sheep" (believers) enter the kingdom.

"Goats" (unbelievers) are cast into everlasting punishment.

Old Testament Saints resurrected (Daniel 12:2).

Tribulation Martyrs rewarded (Rev 20:4).

3. The Nature of the Millennial Kingdom

A. The Physical Kingdom of Christ

Christ rules from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4, 9).

Government is a theocracy with Christ as King.

No elections. No sin-corrupted politics. Righteous rule.

B. Who Will Be There?

Glorified Saints:

Raptured believers (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

Tribulation martyrs.

Old Testament saints.

These are immortal, glorified, and unable to sin.

Natural (Mortal) Survivors of the Tribulation:

Believers who did not die in the tribulation.

They repopulate the earth (Isaiah 65:20-25).

They marry, have children, and live longer lives.

C. A World at Peace

Isaiah 2:4: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares."

Micah 4:3-4: No more war, everyone dwells safely.

Isaiah 11:6-9: Animal kingdom transformed – wolves dwell with lambs.

Global justice and equity – Christ reigns with perfect righteousness.

D. Health and Long Life Restored

Isaiah 65:20: "The child shall die 100 years old."

Disease and deformity eliminated (Isaiah 33:24).

Lifespans resemble pre-flood longevity.

E. Temple Worship Restored

Ezekiel 40-48 describes a Millennial Temple.

Sacrifices offered as memorials, not for sin atonement.

Christ is physically present.

4. The Role of Believers in the Kingdom

A. Ruling with Christ (Revelation 20:4-6)

Saints reign in positions of authority.

Parable of the Talents (Luke 19:17): "You were faithful in little; have authority over ten cities."

Different levels of reward and responsibility.

B. Worship and Service

Zechariah 14:16-17: Nations will come to Jerusalem to worship.

Believers may serve as governors, judges, teachers, and worship leaders.

C. Glorified Interaction with Mortals

Believers will interact with mortals in a similar way to Jesus post-resurrection.

Teaching, guiding, ruling, loving.

The glorified and the mortal will live together—but only one group is sinless.

5. Population Growth and a Growing Tension

A. The Mortals Multiply Rapidly

With death rare and health restored, families grow exponentially.

A few million survivors could easily become billions over a millennium.

The world becomes full of people—many of whom have never trusted Christ.

B. Not All Will Be Saved

Children of mortals still have sinful natures (Ezekiel 18:20).

Salvation is still by grace through faith.

Outward obedience is enforced, but many will resist inwardly.

The Millennium proves: perfect conditions don’t regenerate the heart—only Christ does.

C. Satan’s Release Will Reveal This (Revelation 20:7-10)

At the end of 1,000 years, Satan is released.

He deceives “the nations”—not leftovers from the Tribulation, but children born during the Millennium who never truly believed.

The rebellion is vast (“like the sand of the sea”).

Final proof of human depravity.

6. The Final Rebellion and Ultimate Judgment

A. Satan’s Last Stand (Revelation 20:7-9)

Gathers people from "Gog and Magog."

Surrounds Jerusalem.

Fire comes from heaven – immediate destruction.

B. Satan Cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10)

Joins the beast and false prophet.

Tormented forever and ever.

C. The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15)

All the unsaved dead are resurrected.

Books opened; each judged according to works.

Anyone not found in the Book of Life is cast into the Lake of Fire.

7. Theological Implications

A. Christ’s Ultimate Victory

Every knee bows.

Every prophecy fulfilled.

Christ rules visibly and undeniably.

B. Man's Depravity

Even under perfect conditions, people will rebel.

External righteousness does not guarantee internal change.

Salvation is always by grace through faith.

C. God's Faithfulness to Israel

Promises to Abraham and David fulfilled.

Land, throne, blessing all given.

D. Eternal Separation and Reward

Every person ultimately belongs to one of two groups:

Those who reign with Christ.

Those cast into eternal judgment.

8. Practical Application

A. How Should We Live Now?

Matthew 6:10: "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Live with kingdom values now.

Serve Christ faithfully in anticipation of reigning with Him.

B. Evangelize Urgently

People will not "get better" with time.

Sin nature remains until Christ redeems.

Call others to faith in Christ before judgment.

C. Find Joy in Our Future Hope

This world is not our home.

We are destined to rule with Christ.

Revelation 22:5: "They shall reign forever and ever."

9. Conclusion: The Kingdom That Will Come

The Millennial Kingdom is not a fairytale or metaphor—it is the literal reign of Jesus Christ over a real earth with real people. It demonstrates His justice, His mercy, and His unwavering commitment to fulfill every promise. From the throne in Jerusalem, He will bring the world to its knees and finally prepare it for the eternal state. And as His saints, we get to reign with Him.

Next Week: The Eternal State

New Heaven and New Earth

God Dwelling With His People

The Restoration of All Things