MILLENNIAL STUDIES

 by

Robert C. Brock

 

The name "miIlennium" comes  from two Latin words "Mille" (1000) and "annum" (year). It is not a Bible word but it does mean 1000 years. The Bible word that best describes this time is the word "Kingdom". This is what our Lord taught His disciples to pray for "Thy Kingdom come" (Matt.6:10) . The period of time of 1000 years is  found only in one passage of Scripture Revelation 20. It is mentioned six times, in verses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. It is to be understood as a liberal, real 1000 years, and is not to be spiritualized to mean something else. The 1000 years can also be seen in the OId Testament under 3 different phrases representing a period of time:

1. Hosea 6:2 - THE THIRD DAY. See 2 Peter 3:8 a day equals I000 years.
2. Isaiah 24:22 - the phrase "MANY DAYS" refers to the 1000 year reign of Christ. The fallen angels of verse 21 are those in prison in verse 22. This corresponds to Rev. 20:2,3, the abyss.
3. Psalm 72:7 - the phrase "TN HIS DAYS" refers to the 1000 year reign of Christ. Psalm 72 gives a complete vision of Messiah’s Kingdom.

Even though rnost of the information concerning the Millennium is contained in the Old Testament, yet the specific time element is veiled by the use of general terms. It is not until we come to the last book of the Bible that the time element is definítely mentioned as being 1000 years. This is one example of why we need to believe in the doctrine of progressive revelation. Divine truth was revealed by God over a rather long period of time. There is another passage of Scripture in the Old Testament which also teaches of a  future Kingdom for Israel. This is Daniel 2: 34,35,44,45. Christ is the Stone. Matt. 2:42-44), and this Stone Kingdom conquers the whole earth. Just as the four previous Kingdoms were literal, so the Millennial Kingdom is also literal.

The Kingdom is to e set up at Christ’s second coming. The Lord gave a preview of His second coming to His disciples as recorded in Matt. 16: 27-17:8; Luke 9: 27-36. The Greek word for “altered”in Luke 9: 29 is HETEROS, which means “another”or a differend kind. Our Lord’s face was of a different kind; a face that belonged to a resurrection body of glory (Phil 3:2).

OTHER NAMES FOR THE MILLENNIUM

1 THE WORLD (age) TO COME (Matt. 12:32 - the Greek word for "world" is AION age, which is only used once in this verse but understood twice. This is why the second use of "world" is in italics; Mark I0:30 - "world" is AION - age; Ephesians 1:21).

2  THE KINGDOM OF GOD - Mark 14:25; Luke 19: 11; John 3: 1-5

3  THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - Matt. 18:1-4. This title is used only in Matthew, some 33 times.

4 THE KINGDOM - Acts I:6. The Greek has the article, referring to a specific Kingdom. Also notice how the Lord let Peter be the spokesman for the Nation in Acts 3: 12-26 instead of Himself in Acts 1.

5 IN THE REGENERATION - Matt. L9:28. The Greek word for "regeneration' means "renewing again" re-creation "the making of all things new"; is used only two times in the New Testament. here and in Titus 3:5 of believers in this Age of grace.

6 THE TIMES OF RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS- Acts 3:2L. The Greek word for "restitution" means "restoration", and signifies a complete restoration of the Kingdom. It is used only here and in Acts 1:6. The prophets speak of the restoration of Israel to the land, and of the Theocracy under David's greater Son.

7  EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST 2 Peter I :11.

 It is " everlasting ' because the Divine principles of the Kingdom will continue into the new earth  of Rev. 2L:1. We need to remember this because "for ever" and "everlasting" are used of the Kingdom and of the New Covenant in some verses (Heb: 13:20; 2 Sam. 7 : 16; Psalm 89:35-37; Luke 1: 33) . The amillennialist uses these verses to refute the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth. This everlasting Kingdom begins with the Second Coming of Christ to earth.

8 THE STONE KINGDOM Daniel 2:44,45

9 THE TIMES OF REFRESHING - Acts 3:19 . The Greek word for "refreshing" means "cooling" and is only used once in the New Testament. It speaks of Messianic blessedness.

 

PART I - ISRAEL'S COVENANTS AND THE MILLENNIUM

God made 5 covenants with the Nation of Israel. Only 4 of them are related to the Millennial Kingdom. The 5th Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, was not related to prophecy and was only a temporary Covenant until the New Covenant should come in (Heb. 8:13). The death of Christ abolished the Old Covenant, another name for the Mosaic Covenant (Eph. 2:15; CoI. 2: 14) . The purpose of the Mosaic Covenant was to show the Hebrews how to live a life pleasing to Jehovah God. The 4 Covenants that are related to the Millennium are the Abrahamic, Davidic, Palestinian, and New Covenant. They are classed as unconditional covenants, which means that their fulfillment depends on God and not on the Nation of Israel. There is an inter-relationship between these Covenants, with the Abrahamic beíng the foundational Covenant. The Covenant made with Abraham falls into 3 major parts:

1 The promise of a national land - Gen- 12:1; 13:14-18; 15:18

2 The promise of many descendants to form a great nation Gen. 12.2, 13:16; 17:2-6

3  The promise of redemption national and universal-Gen. 12:3, 22: 15-18; Gal. 3:14-16

 

1 The Palestinian Covenant develops the land promises of the Abrahamic Covenant  

Deut. 30:3-5; Ezek 20L 33-37, 42-44.  This covenant gave Israel Particular assurance of final, permanent restoration of the land.

2 The Davidic Covenant has to do with promises of dynasty, nation and throne- 2 Sam.7:12, 13 ,16; Jer. 33:20-21. The Messiah’s kingly rights come from this covenant.

3 The New Covenant has particularly to do with Israel’s spiritual blessings and redemption - Jer. 31: 31-40 ; Ezek " 36 : 26 ,27 i Heb. 8: 6-13 .

The relationship of these covenants can be diagrammed like this:

                        

                                   ABRAHAMIC                                                     COVENANT

                                  Land/Promise   Great Nation/promise  Redempt/promise

                                    Palestinian                Davidic                                   New

                                    Covenant                  Covenant                           Covenant

 

 

 

 

The covenant that has caused the most confusion among believers in Christ is the New Covenant. This is because of its emphasis on redemption and the spiritual blessings from that redemption.

The writings of Peter, James, and John, who were pillars of the Jerusalem Messianic Church (Gal. 2:9), are in relation to Israel's New Covenant. This is the only way to view these epistles. This is the only way they make sense. And when this is understood, they harmonize beautifully with tire New Covenant. Peter said in his 2 epistle that there were some things in Paul's writings that were hard to understand. This was a normal reaction from Peter because he did not receive Pauline doctrine. Paul did!  Paul wrote about the New Covenant. We read about the New Covenant in Heb. 8:7-13; Rom.11:26,27; and in 1 Cor.11: 25. His use of the word 'covenant' in 2 Cor. 3:6 is questionable, because the basic meaning of the Greek word for 'covenant'  which is DIATHEKE, is 'arrangement' and 'will’.  Both meanings fit in 2 Cor. 3:6. PauI really means that God made them able ministers of a New Arrangement - the Revelation of the Mystery. We know from Eph.1 and Col. 1 that the mystery is God's new WiIl for the human race in thís Age of grace.

The New Covenant will be God's standard of righteousness in the Millennium. It will be based on the death of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt ". 26:28). It will be the basis for a definite spiritual emphasis in the Millennium. The HoIy Spirit will be poured out on many people (Joel 2:28,29; Zech. 12:10) .

There are  4 major viewpoints of the New Covenant:

1   That the church is a continuation of the Nation of Israel and so is fulfilling the New Covenant during this Age of grace. This is the vjew of Covenant Theology, and is the predominant view in Roman Catholic and Protestant churches today.

2 The view of J.N Darby (around 1850 - a brethren preacher) that there is only one New Covenant and it was made with the houses of Israel and Judah. It will be completely fulfilled in the Millennium and the Church has no relationship to it in any way. This is the correct view.

3. The view of C.I. Scofield, who agreed with Darby in its relationship to the Nation of Israel, but added the idea that there is a. two-fold application of this Covenant: one to Israel in the future and one to the Church now. This is in respect to spiritual blessings, and is the more popular view of dispensationalists
4. The view of L.S. Chafer, who believed and taught that there are two New Covenants: one for Israel- and one for the Church. This is tauqht in his 8 volume Theology.

His main passage of Scripture for this is 2 Corinthians 3.

So then, these four Covenants made with Israel will be completely and Iiterally fulfilled during the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth.

            

 

 

THE PERSON OF CHRIST AND HIS MINISTRY IN THE MILLENNIUM

The Lord Jesus Christ is the central Person in the Millennium.  Everything will revolve around Him. The entire age of 1000 years depends upon the personal manifested presence of the Messiah of Israel. His ministry can be seen by the names and titles that are given to Him in the Scriptures. His Person of being God the Son can be seen by the fulfilling of some of the Divine attributes during His reign on earth. None of the names and titles and attributes could be fulfilled by a mere son of Adam. His Deity is indicated throughout the followinq notes.

 

A    NAMES AND TITLES GIVEN TO CHRIST IN THE MILLENNIUM

The names and tites of our Lord reveal much truth concerning His manifold relationships in the Millennium

1. KING - this title indícates regal authority and looks back to the Davidic Covenant. He will rule from Palestine (Psalm 2:6). He will sit on the throne as David's heir (Psalm 89:20-37; Isaiah 32:22, 33:22 44:6). He came at His first coming as a King (Luke 1:32,33); He was rejected as a King (Mark 15:12,13,18) ; He died as a King (Matt. 27:37; Mark 15:26); and when He comes at His second coming, it is as a King (Rev. 19:16). He will be a King of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1); King of Israel (John 12:13), and King over all the earth (Zech. 14:9). This is one of His most important titles
2. MESSIAH THE PRINCE – Daniel 9: 25, 26. The Hebrew for ‘Messiah’ is equivalent to the Greek word for ‘Christ’.
3. THE JUDGE - Isaiah.11:3,4; 33:22; 16:5; Micah 4:2,3. This is part of a King's duty, to judge when occasion demands. Compare 1 Cor. 6:2,3 by way of contrast.
4. REDEEMER- Isaiah 59:20; is in reference to bringing salvation to all those who believe the Gospel message as being a part of the New Covenant.

5  THE LIGHT - Isaiah 60:1-3; John 8:12; 9:5; also refers to salvation.

6 THY GOD - Isaiah 52:1, refers to His Deity (compare Romans -10:15). This and other names show that Christ is truly God, so that His reiqn may rightly be called a Theocracy - God ruling on the affairs of men on earth in a very personal way.

7    THE LORD OUR RIGHTIOUSNESS - Jer. 23:6

8    THE ANCIENT OF DAYS Dan. 7:9

9    JEHOVAH – Zech 14:9, Isaiah 40: 9-11

10 SON OF ABRAHAM - Matt. 1: 1, ín relation to the Abrahamic Covenant section of the Land promise

11  SON OF DAVID – Matt 1:1, in relation to the Davidic Covenant and the throne.

12  SON OF MAN -  Dan. 7:13, refers to His humanity.

13. THE BRANCH- used in a 4-fold way:
14. The Branch of Jehovah Isaiah 4:22 the Immanuel character of Christ. (Isa. 7:14; Matt 1:23) - Represents Deity and is equivalent to the Gospel of John.
15. The Branch of David - Isa. 11: 1; Jer. 23:5; 33:15 -  presents the messianic side of Christ; is equivalent to the Gospel of Matthew.
16. Jehovah's Servant, the Branch - Zech. 3 : 8 - Messiah's humiliation; ís equivalent to the Gospel of Mark.
17. The Man whose name is the Branch - Zech. 6:12,13 has to do with Him being the Son of Man, His humanity; represented by the Gospel of Luke.
18. THE STONE - Isa. 28:16; I Peter 2 z 4-8; Rom. 9 :32 ,33 Israel stumbled OVER Christ (1 Peler 2:8) the Church is built UPON Christ (1 Cor. 3:11) Gentile world-dominion will be broken BY Christ (Dan. 2:45)
19. SHEPHERD- Isa. 40:10,1I; Psalms 22, 23 and 24 - the good shepherd, the great shepherd, and the chief shepherd; John 10:11
20. TEACHER - Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2
21. PROPHET - Deut.18:15,18; Acts3:22,23
22. LAWGIVER - Isaiah 33:22; Gen. 49:I0

 

1. DIVINE ATTRIBUTES WILL BE MANIFESTED BY CHRIST.

1   OMNISCIENCE, meaning ‘all knowing’- Isaiah 66: 15-18; example, John 1:46-48

2  OMNIPOTENCE, meaning ‘all powerful’ – Isaiah 41: 10, 17-20; promises that will be fulfilled in the Kingdom  (Psalm 46: 1)

3   HOLINESS – Isaiah 6:3. Holiness will pervade everything and will be manifested  by the Messiah; Joel 3:17; Isaiah 35:8

4   TRUTH- John 14:6; Isaiah 25:1, 61:8

5   RIGHTEOUSNESS – Psalm 45:4, 7; Daniel 9:24; Isaiah 63:1

6   MERCY – Psalm 89: 1, 2; Isaiah 54: 7-10

7   GLORY – Matthew 24:30; Psalm 72: 19; Isaiah 40:4, 5

 

PÀRT 3 THE SPIRITUAL CHARACTER OF THE KINGDOM

Covenant theologians accuse dispensationalists of presenting a 'carnal', 'material' Kingdom. They view this as very 'unspiritual' and insist that the Kingdom is 'spiritual' and exists NOW in the hearts of believers. But this is false!  The idea that it exists now in the hearts of men is based on a bad translation of Luke 17:21, with the phrase 'the Kingdom of God is within you'. (The NIV also translates it this way) . The Greek word for 'within' is ENTOS, and means 'in the midst', so that the phrase should be ‘the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you'. This is to be understood to mean that the Kingdom is in their midst in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ - the King. Jesus spoke these words to unbelieving religious Jews, not to believing Jews as is commonly supposed.

However, the Kingdorn is characterized by spiritual qualities; and these qualities will be produced by the Holy Spirit. The Millennium can be called a spiritual Kingdom without detracting from the material and earthly blessings that will be worldwide.

1. RIGHTEOUSNESS - With God ruling on earth in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the righteousness of God will cover the earth (Isaiah 6I:11). Righteousness will pervade everything. OnIy the righteous wiII enter the Kingdom (Matt. 25:37) . This is in relation to the Gentiles. Israel is referred to in Isaiah 60:21; 26:2. Righteousness will be synonymous with the Messiah (Malachi 4:2; Isaiah 46:13; 51:5) . His priesthood will be characterized by righteousness (Hebrews 6:20; 1:2). Psalms 85:10 and 72:1-7 will then be fulfilled. Jerusalem will be the source of all righteousness (Isaiah 1:26,27; 62:1,2) . The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) wilI have its complete fulfillment in the Millennium Matt. 5: 6 ,10 ) .
2. OBEDIENCE - Adam and Eve were created obedient human beings. They were to do God's will at all times. They remained obedient until Satan tempted them and since then, all members of the human race (except One) have become disobedient to God. Salvation is the only way to correct this condition. But during the Millennium, beinq obedient to the will of God will be of the utmost importance. According to the New Covenant, God will CAUSE His people to walk in His ways (Ezekiel 36:27,28)  Even the Gentiles will honor the name of Jehovah God and be obedient to Him (Malachi 1:11; Psalm 22:27,28) . The knowledge of God will cover the earth (Isaiah11:9) .
3. HOLINESS - This is another outstanding feature of the Kingdom. Christ will reign from a throne of holiness (Psalm 47:7,8). Jerusalem will be holy (Joel 3:17; Zech. 14:27). There will be a highway of holiness to Zion (Isaiah 35:B-10). A 50 square mile piece of land in Palestine called 'The Holy Oblation ‘will be set apart for the new city of Jerusalem and for the site of the holy temple for worship of Jehovah God (Ezek. 48:10,12,20). See part 9 for more details.
4. TRUTH There is going to be a full manifestation of the truth of God in the Millennium. Our Lord said that He was the way, The TRUTH,  and the life (John 14:6)  and the Kingdom will experience a complete fulfillment of that verse. The city of Jerusalem will be a city of truth (Zech 8:3). The remnant left from the great Tribulation will stand upon the truth of God (Isaiah 10:20-22; Zech. 8:8) . There is going to be an abundance of truth (Jer. 33:6; Psalm 85:10-13) . The Messiah will rule from the throne in truth (Isaiah 16:5; Psalm 96;13).
5. THE FULNESS OF THE HOLY SPTRIT - It is to be understood that the ministry of the Holy Spirit will- have a greater manifestation in the Kingdom than in any previ-ous dispensation. The prophecy of Joel 22:28,29 will be literally fulfilled. Acts 2 was just a foretaste. The 'aII flesh' of both passages takes in more than the human race. Paul said in I Cor. 15:39 that ‘all flesh' is not the same flesh; and then mentions men, beasts, fish, and birds. The Holy Spirit will have an effect on the whole creation of God, something we cannot comprehend with our finite minds. A preview of the filling of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom is given in the early chapters of the book of Acts, where it is mentioned 6 times that the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; 6:3,5; 7:55) . The ministry of the Holy Spirit will be according to the New Covenant (Ezek. 36: 26,27 ; 37 :14; 39 :29; Isaiah 32:15; 44:3) . Of course we know that the filling of the Holy Spirit today in this Age of grace is according to the Revelation of the Mystery made known to the Apostle PauI by the risen Lord Jesus Christ. The Mystery and the New Covenant are not to be confused. The Lord Jesus Christ, in His Iast words to the disciples, mentioned a prophecy concerning the future work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom. This is found in John16:7-15. It is in two parts, and was partially fulfilled in the beginning chapters of the book of Acts.

• Concerning verse 8 the Holy Spirit will reprove (other meanings are 'convict' , 'convince' ) the world of (the Greek preposition is PERI, which means 'in respect to, concerning, in relation to' ) the sin of unbelief. This does not mean that everyone is goingto be saved. This was partially fulfilled in Acts 2:37; 5:33; 7:54. The 'world' (Greek KOSMOS) is the world of people. Revivals have been few and far between, so you can't really say that this verse has been fulfilled in this Age of grace.

 Concerning verse 9, the Holy Spirit will convict sinners in respect to the Son of God, because He was the only righteous person to have lived on this earth. He will bring about a sense of guilt (Acts 3:14,15).

Concerning verse 11, Satan is the prince of this world and will be cast into the bottomless pit (Rev. 20: 2,3) . The Lord had said in John 12:31, 'Now is the judgment of this worId, now shall the prince of this world be cast out'. This has not been fulfilled  yet and will be fulfilled at the beginning of the Kingdom. This ministry will be a part of the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom, mentioned in Matthew 24:I4 and in Isaiah 52: 7.

Verses 7-11 are to be taken as a unit, and since the judgment of Satan has not been completely fulfilled yet, this would indicate that the other verses about the Holy Spirit have not been fulfilled either.

 (2.), During the Kingdom, the Holy Spirit will glorify Christ and will guide believers into all the truth. We need to learn a lesson, here. The aspect of the Holy Spirit's mini-stry, that of glorifying Christ, is a principle that does not change with the dispensations. And when we find believers today, who go overboard in their preaching of the Holy Spirit and the qifts, they are placing the emphasis in the wrong place. The emphasis is to be placed on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, which includes the revelations He gave to the Apostle Paul. This is how the Holy Spirit works today, according to the mystery.

PART 4 OTHER CONDITIONS EXISTING WITHIN THE KINGDOM

Besides those already mentioned.  Like holiness, righteousness, truth, obedience, glory, mercy, and the Holy Spirit, there are a number of other characteristics mentioned in the Old Testament that also will prevail during the Millennium. Some are material and some are spiritual. They are as follows:

1. PEACE. There will be no more war. It will not be necessary to spend millions of dollars for bombs, bullets, and guns. There will not be any armies or navies. The various nations will not have any defense departments. National and individual peace will be the fruit of Messiah's reign Isaiah 2:4; 9:7; 32:17,18; 54:13; 55:1-2; 60:18; 66:12; Ezek. 28:26; 34:25-28; Hosea 2:18; Micah 4:3; Zech. 9:10. These verses show that peace is a major theme of the prophets.
2. JOY. The fulness of joy will be a distinctive feature of the Kingdom age. AIl of these conditions will bring rejoicing to those who are living at that time Isaiah 12:3; 14:7,8; 42: 10-12; 52:9,10; 61:10 ; 65:18,19; 66:10; Zeph. 3:18-20
3. COMFORT. The Messiah will personally minister to every need, so that there will be the fulness of comfort in that day Isaiah 12:1; 40:1,2; 49:13; 51: 3; 66: 13,14; Zeph. 3:18-20.
4. JUSTICE. Perfect jutice will be administered to every individual . Justice is righteousness in action Isaiah 9:7; 11:3-5; Jer.23:5.
5. FULL NOWLEDGE. A knowledge of God and His ways will cover the earth. The Bible will be in existence at that time. The Holy Spirit will be greatly involved in this tremendous undertaking (John 16 :13) - Isaiah 11:2,9; 54:13; Hab. 2:14. This last verse is an example of progressive revelation, for it is an advance in the truth of Isaiah 11:9. Habakkuk emphasizes the 'glory' of the Lord and this cannot be until the Kingdom is brought it. See also 1 John 2:20, 27.

6  INSTRUCTION. The King will give instruction concerning the knowledge that will be worldwide Isaiah 2:2,3; 11:2; 29:18; 30:20,21; 32:3,4; Jer. 23:.3,4; Micah 4:2.

7  THE REMOVAL OF THE CURSE.The original curse placed upon creation wilI be removed (Gen. 3:17-19), so that there will be abundant productivity to the earth. The animal creation will be changed. The promise of Gen. 1:28 will be restorecl - the riqht of man to have dominion over the animals – Isaiah 11:6-9; 35: 1,6,7 ,9;  41 :18, 19; 51: 3; 65: 25 .

8   SICKNESS REMOVED. The ministry of the Messiah as a healer will be evident throughout the Millennium. Sickness will be removed  - Isaiah 33:24; Jer. 30:17; 33:6; Ezek. 34:16; Matt. 8:16,17. There wifl be no need for doctors or hospitals and the need for drugs will cease.

9. HEALING OF TIIE DEFORMED. The Messiah’s healing ministry will include those who are deformed in any way - Isaiah 29:17-19; 35:3-6; Jer. 31:8,9; Zeph. 3:19. 10.

10 PROTECTION. There will be a supernatural work of preservation of life in the Millennial age through the King Isaiah 56:5; Jer. 31:3,35,36; Amos 9:15. Israel will always be in existence. Jer. 31:28; Ezek. 34:28.

11. FREEDOM FROM OPPRESSION. There will be no social, political, or religious oppression in that day - Isaiah 14:3-6 ; 49:8,9; 65:21-23.

12  NO IMMATURITY. The suggestion seems to be that there will not be the tragedies of feeble-mindedness nor of dwarfed bodies in that day (Isaiah 65:20). Longevity will be restored.

13. REPRODUCTION BY THE LIVING PEOPLES. Those who survive the Tribulation period and go into the Millennium will be able to beget children for many years. The earth’s population will soar to many billion. These born at that time will have a sin nature, and so salvation will be required – Jer. 30:19,20; Ezek. 47:22; Zech 10:8 (‘hiss’ means ‘to signal’) ; Ezek 37:26
14. LABOR. There will be a perfect economic system in which labor in that system , under the guidance of the King. There will be a fully developed industrialized society, providing for the needs of the people. Idleness will be a thing of the past – Isaiah 62: 8,9; 65: 21-23; Jer. 31:5.  Agriculture and manufacturing will be the main employers.
15. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY. The perfect labor situation will produce economic abundance, so that there will be no want or shortage. This will be the Golden Age. There will be no strikes, unions , or inflation - Isaiah 35:1 ,2,7; 30:23,24; Ezek. 34:26 ,27; Zech 8:12; Amos 9:13-15.
16. INCREASE OE LIGHT. There will be an increase of solar and lunar light during this age. This increased light will have a major impact on the productivity of the earth - Isaiah 30;26 17.
17. UNIFIED WORSHIP. All the world will unite in the worship of God the Father and of God the Son- Micah 4:2,5; Zech 14:16; Isaiah 45:23; 66:18,23; Malachi 1:11
18. GOD WILL BE MANIFEST AMONG THEM. Believers will be able to fellowhip GOD the Father and of God the Son - Zech. 2:10-13; Iizek. 37;27,28. Our Lord was in the midst of His own people during His earthly ministry.

It is interesting and informative to notice that the word 'grace' is used only once in the Old Testament in reference to the Millennium,  and this word is a part of a title of the HoIy Spirit (Zech. 12:10). But there are some verses in the New Testament which teach that the grace of God will have a place in the Kingdom. Grace is used in the context of the Second Coming of Christ. These aspects of 'grace' are PROPHESIED, like Zech. 12:10, just mentioned. Other verses which fall into the category of PROPHESIED grace are John 1:16 with Romans 11:12; 1 Peter 1:10,13; 4:10. Acts 4:33 gives a preview of grace in the Millennium.

 

PART 5 -  THE BINDING OF  SATAN

Immediately following  our Lord’s Second coming to earth, satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for a 1000 years. This is seen in Rev 20:1-3. The Greek word for ‘bottomless pit’ is ABUSSOS, and means ‘bottomless, unbounded, the abyss’. It describes  an immeasurable depth, and is used 9 times in the New Testament (Luke 8:31 -deep; Romans 10:7-deep; Rev. 9:1,2,11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3).

The abyss is the abode of dem ons and in verse 3 the phrase ‘set a seal upon him' means that the abyss will be sealed so that Satan cannot escape. It will be shut tight. The abyss will be Satan’s prison.

Now because of this, human beings will have a tremendous advantage in the Millennium. Satan will not be around to tempt them, and therefore, cannot be blamed for anything wrong. Any form of evil and sin will come from the Adamic nature that we are born with. The Kingdom is really a test of fallen humanity under the most ideal conditions. Divine righteousness will be displayed against all forms of rebellion and sinfulness. The result will be that man is just as guilty in the Kingdom as in all other ages in the past. The human heart is desperately wicked (Jer 17:9) , even under the best conditions. This means then, that salvation will be absolutely necessary. The New Covenant in all of its aspects will be preached throughout the world so that people can be saved (Mark 16 : 15, 16 ) .

 

PART 6 - THE GOVERNMENT IN THE MILLENIUM

 

A  THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE A THEOCRACY, A theocracy is a government in which God personally rules through a Divinely chosen representative who speaks and acts for Him. It is a rule which has especial reference to the human race, although it eventually embraces the universe; and its mediatorial ruler is always a member of the human race. A true theocracy was established at the creation of Adam and Eve. God was sovereign and delegated His authority to Adam who was to rule over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:8,15, 19,20) . But sin ruined it. And God determined to restore that dominion in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is seen in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3, which traces the line of Christ all the way back to Adam.

B  MESSIAH IS THE KING IN THE MILLENNIUM. Scripture is very clear in teaching that the government of the Kingdom is under the control of the Messiah of Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:6; Isaiah 9:6,7; Jer. 23:5,6; Zech. 14:16, 17; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16). He will sit on David’s throne (Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30). The reign of Christ will be over the whole earth, not just Palestine (Dan. 7:13,14; 2:35; Psalm 2:8). His rule will be absolute in its authority and power. All those who oppose Him will be destroyed (PsaIm 2:9; 72: 9-11; Isaiah 11:4). This is in keeping with His person and majesty. His reign will be according to righteousness and justice (Isaiah 11:3-5). There will be no hidden sins, and open sin will not go unpunished. This world reign of the Messiah will mean that there will be only ONE GOVERNMENT in the Millennium, affecting every nation on earth. There will be no dictatorships.

C DAVID WILL BE REGENT IN THE MILLENNIUM. Some passages of Scripture teach that David is going to rule in the Kingdom (Jer. 30:9; Ezek. 34:23, 24, 37:24,25; Hosea 3:5). David will be raised up with all the Old Testament saints at the Secon Coming. He will have a resurrection body like our Lord had during His 40 days on earth after His resurrection.

The idea of David ruling during the Kingdom has caused some controversy among dispensationalists. The question is whether the Lord will exercise the government over Palestine directly or indirectly through a regent. Dr. Harry Ironside taught that the term ‘David’ is used typically and refers to Christ. This cannot be, for Christ is never called ‘David’ in the Scriptures. Our Lord is called Son of David, Seed of David, Root of David, the Branch unto David, but never David. There is the teaching that David refers to ‘a literal son of David ‘who will sit on the throne. The passage that seems to be the strongest support of this is Ezek. 46:16,17m where the ‘prince’ (who is thought to be David) has sons.

Now David will have a resurrection body that will not be capable of procreation, that is, he will not be able to produce offspring. So where do the ‘sons ‘come from? However, no Jewish man can bring legal documentary proof that he is of the tribe of Judah and lineage of David because the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. So literal interpretation demands that David means David, and nobody else.

David, then, is going to be raised along with other Old Testament saints, and given the place as regent over the land of Palestine, and will be the ‘prince’ mentioned in Ezekiel 37: 25; 48: 21.

D NOBLES AND GOVERNORS WILL REIGN UNDER DAVID. The Messiah will be KING of kings and LORD of lords. This indicates sovereignty over many subordinate rulers (Jer. 30;21; Isaiah 32:1). Some of these rulers are mentioned in the New Testament. The 12 apostles are going to govern the land of Palestine, each one ruling over a tribe of Israel (Matthew 19:28; Rev. 20:4. The word ‘judging’ in Matthew 19:28 really means ‘governing, for a basic part of government is the performance of judgment, if necessary.
E MANY LESSER AUTHORITIES WILL ALSO RULE. There seems to be a subdivision of minor rulers that is based on the parable of the 10 pounds in Luke 19:11-27. Those who used the money to good advantage would be rewarded with authority over 10 cities and 5 cities, depending on how much they were given by the Lord. When the Lord comes back, He will bring rewards with Him (Rev. 22:12; Isaiah 40:10). Many will ‘reign’ with Him (Rev. 20: 4, 6).

F JUDGES WILL BE RAISED UP. Just as there were judges in the Old Testament by Divine appointment, there will be judges in the Theocratic Kingdom (Isaiah 1:26).

So then, there will be at least 5 levels of government in the Millennium, as taught  in the Scriptures.

                                     

PART 7 -THE SUBJECTS IN THE KINGDOM

The Scriptures teach that only those who are saved or declared righteous will enter the Kingdom. This would be all the saved of Israel, and all the saved from the Gentiles at the Second coming of Christ.

The purpose of the Tribulation period is to purge out of the human race all rebels against God. This purging begins with the Nation of Israel and extends to the Gentiles (Ezek. 20:38; Zech. 13:8,9). In Matthew 25: 31-46, the Messiah is going to judge the nations (Gentiles) at His second coming. Only the saved enter the Kingdom. This is seen also in Matthew 13:30 and in 13:49, that only saved go into the kingdom. This seems to present another way of salvation. We do know that the Gospel of the Kingdom is going to be preached how the Lord Jesus Christ  is going to use this gospel message at the time He judges the Gentiles who managed to survive the Tribulation period. All the past evidence in the Bible seems to indicate that God has used some kind of gospel message to Gospel of the Kingdom will play a part in the final determination of those who go into the Kingdom.

A ISRAEL IN THE KINGDOM. There have been 3 dispersions and 2 regathering’s of the Nation of Israel. All 3 dispersions were prophesied. The first dispersion was to Egypt (Genesis 15: 13-16) from which they were regathered. This began with 40 years in the wilderness.

The second dispersion was to Babylon (Jer. 25: 11, 12), and remnants of the 12 tribes gradually found their way back to Palestine. This is the second regathering.

The third dispersion took place in 70 A.D. when the Roman General sacked the city of Jerusalem, and the Jews were dispersed worldwide (Luke 21:20-24). Israel is still in this third dispersion.

 

1 THE REGATHERING OF ISRAEL. Israel’s third and final regathering back to the land of Palestine is a major theme of prophecy (Matt. 24:30, 31; Isaiah 43: 5-7; Ezek. 20:42; 28: 25, 26; Joel 3:1; Amos 9:14, 15; Zeph 3:20) This will take place during the final months of the Tribulation period.

2 THE CONVERSION OF ISRAEL.  At the second coming of Christ Israel is going to experience the salvation of the Lord (Isaiah 4: 3, 4; 45; 17-25; Jer. 23: 6; 24: 7; Joel 2:32; Micah 7: 18,19; Zech. 13: 1, 9; 12:10). A nation will be born in a day (Isaiah 66:8). This salvation will be according to the New Covenant (Jer. 31: 33, 34; Ezek. 36: 25, 2). Even the apostle Paul recognized this fact in Romans 11: 26, 27.

3. ISRAEL AS THE KING’S SUBJECTS. Israel will be reunited as a nation of 12 tribes, not 10 tribes and 2 tribes like they were for many years (Jer. 3:18; 33:14; Ezek. 37:21, 22). The nation will again be related to Jehovah by marriage (Isaiah 54: 5, 6; 62: 4, 5; Hosea 2: 16-23; Rev. 19:7-9). The first marriage of God to Israel is found in Ezek. 16:8. The divorce is mentioned in Jer. 3:8, and Israel is still divorced from God until Rev. 19: 7-9 is fulfilled. The formation of Israel as a state in 1948 has no relationship to Old Testament prophecy. Prophecy was not fulfilled in 1948. Israel is going to be exalted above the Gentiles (Isaiah 60: 14-17; 61:6). Israel will be the Head of the nations (Deut. 28:13). Israel will be God’s witnesses during the Millennium (Isaiah 43: 10, 12; 44: 8). Israel will be beautiful to bring glory to Jehovah (Isaiah 62:3; Jer. 32:41; Hosea 14:4-6; Zeph. 3: 16,17)

 

B THE GENTILES IN THE KINGDOM.   The Abrahamic Covenant also concerned the Gentiles, and this will be fulfilled during the Kingdom. The Gentiles participation in the Kingdom is promised according to the following prophetic Scriptures (Isaiah 2:4; 11: 10-12; 19: 16-25; 42:1; 49:6, 22; 60: 1-14; 62:2; 66: 18,19; Jer. 3:17; 16: 19-21; Amos 9: 11, 12; Zeph. 2:11; Zech. 8: 20-23; 9:10; 14:16-19; Romans 15: 8-12). The so called ‘great commission’ that our Lord gave to His disciples after His resurrection is based on the passages from Zechariah and Romans.

The Gentiles in the Kingdom will be blessed though the salvation of Israel (Zech. 8: 20-23). Today in this Dispensation of Grace, Gentiles are being blessed through the FALL of Israel (Romans 11: 11, 12). This is a very important distinction that needs to be taught to believers. God is NOW working among the Gentiles according to the Revelation of the Mystery revealed to the apostle Paul. Old Testament prophecy concerning the Gentiles has been temporarily postponed until the Kingdom program begins after the rapture of the Body of Christ.

The Gentiles will be Israel’s servants during that Age (Isaiah 14:1,2; 49: 22, 23; 60:14; 61:5). There will be a reversal of supremacy, in that Israel will be supreme over the nations.

As noted earlier, in Matt. 25:31-46, the Gentiles will experience some kind of conversion upon entering the Kingdom. Some Old Testament passages teach this also (Isaiah 19: 19-21; 55: 5-7; 60:3; Jer. 3:17; 16: 19-21). We need to remember that the Gospel of the Kingdom is going to be preached during the Tribulation period (Matt. 24:13, 14) and not doubt this will have an effect on the Gentile nations in respect to Israel. The hope of the Gospel of the Kingdom is the 1000-year reign of Christ, and our Lord did say in Matt. 25:34 that the Kingdom was prepared for them also.

PART 8 - PALESTINE  AND JERUSALEM IN THE  MILLENNIUM

Palestine and Jerrusalem play an important part in the prophetic Scriptrures because of the covenants God made with Israel .

A. PALESTINE IN THE KINGDOM. The land of Palestine will be greatly enlarged because of the promise God made to Abraham (Gen. 15:18) . The land of Palestine is going to be divided into 3 parts:

1. The northen part is going to be divided  among 7 of Israel's 12 tribes - Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Mannaseh, Ephraim, Reuben and Judah (Ezek. 48: 1-7)

  2. The southern part is qoing to be divided among the remaining  5 tribes - Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad (Ezek. 48:23.-27)

3. The middle portion is going to be devoted to the worship of Jehovah God, and this area is calledl the Holy Oblation (see chart 2) . It is described as a square 25,000 reeds on each side or the equivalent of 50 square miles (see part 9 - Worship) .

The topography of Palestlne will be greatly altered. The mountains will make way for a great fertile plain, so that Palestine will be a fairly level country (Isaiah 54:10; Zech. 14:4,10; 4:7; Micah 1:3,4). The Dead Sea will be raised up so that its waters can flow Lo the Red Sea and to the Mediterranean Sea. Many expositors believe that this will be caused by a great earthquake (Ezek. 38 : 19 ,20; Rev. 16 :18) . There will  be renewed fertility and procluctivity in the land (Isaiah 32: 15; 51: 3; 412: 18-20; 55: 13; Ezek 34: 25-27; 36: 29, 30, 34, 35; Joel 3:18).  See also part 4.  There will be abundance  of rainfall. it is a sign  fo God's blessing (Joel 2: 23, 24; Zech. 10:1; Ezek 34: 26; Isaiah 30: 23-25; 35: 6,7). There will  be no more deserts on the earth. the land will be cleansed after being ravaged during the Tribulation period (Ezek 39: 9-16)

  B    JERUSALEM IN THE KINGDOM. The city will be completely rebuilt  and will be relocated in the Holy Oblation (Ezek 48; 15 - see chart 1). It will be 9 square miles (5,000 reeds on each side), and surrounded  by suburbs. The Hebrew word for 'profane' in verse 15 means 'common'. On both sides  of the city  are areas 10 by 20 milse which will  be farmland  to serve the city of Jerusalem for food (Ezek. 48: 18). Jerusalem  will become the center  of the Millennium  earth  (Isaiah 2: 2-4; Micah 4: 1, 2; Zech 2: 8-12). She will become  the apple of God's eye. This in turn , means that Palestine  will be the center  of the whole earth. Jerusalem will also b e the center of kingdom rule. Messiah  will rule from Jerusalem  (Zech  8: 1-8; Micah  4:7). Jerusalem  will be a glorious  city, bringing honor to Jehovah God ( Isaiah 52: 1-12; 60: 14-21; 62: 1, 7).  Jerusalem  will become the center  of the worship  of that Age (Zech 8: 20-31). 

 

PART 9  WORSHIP IN THE MILLENNIUM

The Lord Jesus Christ is going to be worshipped as God as never before. Worship is going to be centered in Palestine, in the temple that is going to be build according to the master plan as given by the prophet Ezekiel in his book, chapters 40-48. This also includes the division of the land of Palestine. This  Temple is going to be more glorious than Solomon's temple (Haggai 2:6-9). The reason for it to be built is the fact that anti-christ will have defiled the Jews' temple during the Tribulation period (2 Thess. 2:4). This means that that temple will have to be destroyed and a new one built; and the One who is going to superintend the building of the Millennial temple is none other than Israel's Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ (Zech. 6:12-15) .

I  THE KINGDOM TEMPLE 

The new temple that is going to be built will be }ocated in the middle of the Holy Oblation, an area that is  approximately 50 square miles. The area for the temple or Sanctuary will be about 1 square miles ( 500 reeds  on a side, with one reed equalling 10,5 feet - Ezek  42: 16-20; 40:5). Please notice that this Kingdom Temple will not be built in Jerusalem  but is placed alone  in an area  accessible to all nations, where there will be plenty or room for many people to worship God. It will be about 14,5  miles north of the rebuilt city of Jerusalem. A highway is going  to be built from the city of Jerusalem to the Temple  (Isaiah 35:8). See chart 1.  The description  of this Kingdom  Temple and its surroundings is given in Ezekiel 40: 5-43: 18.  This description  has never been fulfilled.  The Jewish  temples in the Old Testament did not fit the dimensions given in Ezekiel's prophecy. The best way to visulize what Ezekiel  wrote about is to outline these 4 chapters and provide  a chart of what makes up the Sanctuary, as it is also called. This will be the religious center of the Millenial earth. See chart 3. 

A  The Gates and Courts surrounding the Temple  (40: 5-47).

The entire  area is enclosed by a wall  (40:5) that is 1 reed hight  (10,5 feet) and 1 reed thick (10,5 feet).  The wall- is 500 cubits square, a distance that is not specifical1y mentioned, but arrived at from other dÍmensions stated in the text. The purpose of this outer  wall is to separate that which would defile, like unsaved people, for example. The wall is not used for defensive purposes .

1. The outer courtyard where the people gather is describecl in 40:6-27 . This is enterecl by 3 gates:

a. EAST GATE (40:6-16) which is 25 by 50 cubits (40:21) . A cubit is 18 inches. The approach contains steps or stairs (v. 6). This is where the Shekinah glory enters theTemple (43:1-6) which is kept closed (44 :2 ,3) .

b. NORTH GATE (40:20-23) entered by 7 steps (40:22)

C  SOUTH GATE (40 :24-27 ) entered by 7 steps (40 :26)

1. Each gate has 6 small chambers, 3 on each (40:7-10) . There is no gate on the west side because it is the back of the sanctuary. 

d. Around the outer court are 30 chambers, 5 on each side of each of the gates, arranged around the northern, eastern, ancl southern walls (40:17-19) 

I. There is a pavement before these chambers that extends around three sides of the area 

2  The  inner court is described in 40: 28-47, an  area, 100 cubits on each side (40:47) where the priests minister 

a. There are 3 gates, each directly opposite the gates in the outer wall, and 100 cubits frorn the outer wall (40:28-37) . b. The inner court is reached by 8 steps (40:37) so that it is elevated accordingly above the outer court.

c. In the area of the north gate there are 8 tables for the preparation of the sacrifices (40:40-43) 

d. There are also chambers for the ministering priests (40:44-46) D on the chart

e. In the center of the inner court is the ALTAR where sacrifices are offerecl (40:47; 43:13-17 ) A on chart

B. THE TEMPLE ITSELF (40: 48- 43:6)

1 a The porch is described first. It is 20 cubits by 11 cubits (40:48,49)   It is reached by steps, so that this area is elevated above the inner court (40:49) P on chart

b   The porch leacls into the holy place (41 :1, 2) , an area 40 cubits by 20 cubits. H on the chart. This will have a double door (41:23)

c    Beyond this is the inner part of the Temple , or most holy place, a chamber 20 cubits by 20 cubits ( 41 : 3 ,4 ) . M H on the chart. This will also have a double door (41:23) .

d    Surrounding the wall of the temple are rooms on 3 levels, 30 on each level (41-:5-11), concerning whose use the prophet does not speak. The rooms increase in size on each lerzel (41:7) .

e    The Temple is surrounclecl by an area called 'the separate place' (41:13,14) which is 100 cubits long.  This coupled with the 100 cubits long of the Temple, makes the temple area 200 cubits long. It is 100 cubits wide.

2   The interior of the Temple (41:15-26)

a    It is to be paneled with wood (41:16) and ornamented with palm trees and cherubim (41:18)

b    The only article of furniture is the ALTAR of wood (41:22) that answers to the table of shewbread in the old temples of the Old Testament. There is no mention of an ark, or mercy seat , or veil, or tables of stone, or cherubim above the mercy seat.

3    Tlre Throne is mentioned in 43:7-9. It is the very seat of authourity in the Kingdom. This is  where the Shekinah glory will dwelI (43:4,5) .

C. OTHER BUILDINGS

There seems to be 2 other buildings located in the outer court, north and west of the temple.

1   The building just west of the Temple (B on the chart) is mentioned in 41:12, 15. The purpose  of this building is not given.

2   The building just north of the Temple (R on the chart) is mentionecl in 42: 1-14,  and is for the priests. It is  3 stories high and contains many rooms. It's purpose is mentioned in 42:13,14, where the priests eat the offerings that will be brought by the people.

II. THE PRIESTHOOD AND SACRIFICES

Scattered among chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel are references made to priests, sacrifices, and reast days. 

A. THE PRIESTHOOD

The New Covenant contains a priesthood that is going to serve God in the Temple worship. This priestIrood will be related to the order of Melchisedec , of which the Messiah is a Priest (Hebrews 7:17-21) . The Aaronic order of priesthood, which was a part of the Mosaic  Covenant, is not re-established because the Mosaic Covenant has been abolished by the death of Christ. Also, there are a number of differences between the  Millennial New Covenant system and the Aaronic system.

1. There are CHANGES in the dimensions of the Temple. OnIy one family from the whole Levitical line  will be priests, and that from the sons of Zadok (43:19; 44: 15-31; 48: 11) . Zadok was high priest during David and Solomon's reigns. He remained faithful while the rest of  the Levites apostasized. This is God's way of rewarding that family for their faithfulness. Another  important change concerns the ministry of 'the prince' during the  Kingdom Age. This person is  going to offer sacrifices as a priest (45:17) . This was not possible under the Old Covenant. It was mentioned in part 6 that this person is the resurrecbed King David. In 45:22 it is stated that he offers a sin offeríng for himself and for Israel. This certainly proves that  the prince cannot be Christ Himself.

2. Much of the  Aaronic system is LEFT OUT of the Millennial system. There is no ark of the Covenant, no tahles of the Law, no pot of manna,  no Aaron's rod to bud, no cherubim, no mercy seat, no golden candlestick, no shewbread, no veil. The only thing that is mentioned is the Altar of wood (41:22) .

B. THE SACRIFICES

Under the  Millennial system of the New Coveuant, the priests will  offer 6 great offerings, like  what was done under the Mosaic Covenant. However, the reason for these offerings is different. Their purpose will  be MEMORIAL in character. They will look back to the cross and what that cross accomplished -  salvation for all who believe. During the O1d Testament,  the sacrifices looked forward to the cross, but in the Millennium they wíIl constantly remind the people of the earth of Him who died for Israel, who paid the redemption price for all creation, and that salvation can be found only in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is one way in which the Kingdom gospel will be set forth during the Kingdom Age.

The 6 offerings are:  

1. the burnt offering - 40:39; 43:24

2. the sin offering - 40:39; 43:19-22,25

3. the trespass offering - 40:39; 46: 20

4. the peace offering 43:27; 46:2

5. the meal offerinq 44:29; 46:5

6. the drink offering - 45: 17

All of these sacrifices point to Him, the Lamb of God Who took away the sin of the world  (John 1: 29).

C. FEAST DAYS

The sacrifices are only a part of the total system of worship under the New Covenant. Also mentioned in Ezekiel 45:17 are the feasts, the new moons, and the sabbaths. As far as I know, only 2 feasts are going to be observed. The Passover is mentioned in Ezek. 45:27-24, but no Passover lamb will be offered because the Messiah fulfilled that type. The other feast is the Feast of Tabernacles mentioned in Zechariah 14 :16-19 . This will be observed by all the Gentiles.

      In summing up this part of the worship system of the Kingclom Age, we should notice the following facts concerning the NEW COVENANT:

1  It contains a priesthood with many hundreds of príests

2. There are 6 kinds of offerings and sacrifices which are for a memorial, looking back to the cross of Christ

3. There are 2 feast days

4. There are the new moons,  days in which offerings were made in the Old Testament

5. There are the sabbaths, and there were a number of them in the OId Testament in relation to the festival observances.

6. There will be a gospel message preached during the Kingdom Age. It will be a message of salvation and will contain the following Divine truths:

a. a new heart and how to obtain one (Ezek. 36:26)

b  a new spirit and how to obtain  it Ezek 36:26

c   the law of God written  on the heart  (Jer. 31:33). This will be in relation to the New Covenant

d  The forgiveness of sins and how to receive  this blessing  from God  (Jer. 31:34)

e  water baptism  by sprinkling  (Ezek. 36:25)

These are the truths that Nicodemus should have understood when the Lord  told him that 'except a man be born of water  and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom  of God' (John 3:5, 10)

The writings of Peter, James and John will play an important in the teachings  of the New Covenant as they relate  to the Millennium. We ust not forget two things:

1 That the Bible will be on earth during the Kingdom Age, and the Holy Spirit  will shed much light on it. This light will be accepted by God's people (Isaiah 11;9). It is not this way today, in this Age of Grace, for God's people  reject a lot of Pauline truth which the Holy Spirit has made known through some of Christ's faithful servants. 

2 The 12 Apostles are going to be governing the 12 tribes of Israel, which will add importance to their writings. 

The New Covenant cannot be in operation during this present Dispensation of Grace. The Apostle Paul warned the believers in the Galatian  churches against the keeping  of days, months, times, and years (Gal 4:10), things  that are clearly related  to Israel's mode of worship. This warning  is for all believers in the Body of Christ. Today the Lord Jesus Christ is to be preached according to the Revelation  of the Mystery (Romans 16:25) that was revealed to the Apostle Paul  and to him ALONE. This is God's standard of righteousness in this Age of Grace. The New Covenant has no place in God's plans for this Dispensation. 

III THE HOLY OBLATION

The Land of Palestine  is going to be greatly enlarged when the Millennium  begins. The promise made to Abram in Genesis 15:18 concerning the boundaries of the land will be completely fulfilled when the Kingdom is set up by God. . A goodly portÍon of this land is going to be set aside for  the Lord. This is going to be called the 'Holy Oblation (Ezek . 45:1-7; 48: 8,20) . The size of the HoIy Oblation is 25,000 reeds square, that is, 25,000 reeds on all 4 sides, making an area about 50 miles square. A reed is 10,5 feet. In the exact middle of the Holy Oblation is the Temple area of 1 square mile or 640 acres. See chart 1. The HoIy Oblation is divided into 3 sections:

1. The Levites portion, which is 25,000 reeds by 10,000 reeds (Ezek. 45:5). This is the upper portion of the Holy Oblation

2. The Priests portion, an area 25,000 reeds by 10,000 reeds (45:4; 48: 10-12). This is in the middle of the lloly Oblation

3. The City's portion, the rest of the Oblation, is an area  25,000 reeds by 5,000 reecls (45:6; 48:15-19) . This is the southern portition of the Oblation. The city's portion of the land is divided into 3 areas:

a. The new city of Jerusalem is in the middle of this area (48:15) . The city and its suburbs cover an area of 5,000 reeds square, which is about 10 square miles. The city itself is 9 miles square, with the suburbs occupying the other 1 mile around the city (48:17).

b. On both sides of  the city are areas that are of equal size - 10,000 reeds by 5,000 reeds. These are known as the Possessions of the City (45:6). They are set aside for food production for the people of the city of Jerusalem.

On both sides of the Holy Oblatio are huge areas 25,000 reeds wide, that is called the Prince's Portion (45:7,8). It extends from the west border (Mediterraanean Sea) to the east border (the Euphrates River) . It is located between the borders of Judah (north side) and Benjamin (south side - 48: 21, 22) . This land area will belong to the one who is the Prince in the Millenniums.

FOOTNOTE

There were  different measurements of the cubit in use during ancien times. Bible teachers have not agreed as to what cubit Ezekiel had in mind when writing  his prophecy. M.F. Unger, in his Bible Dictionary, believes that the cubit was 14.4 inches long, which would make the reed 7.2 feet lonq. The HoIy Oblation would then be  34 miles square. Clarence Larkin, in his Dispensational Truth, believed that the cubit was 18 inches long. which would make the reed 10,5 feet long. The Holy Oblation would then be 50 miles square. This is Lhe measurement used in this study. E.W. Bullinger, in his Companion Bible, believed that the cubit was 25 inches long (a great cubit), which would make the reed 12,5 feet long. The IIoIlz Oblation would be 60 miles square. Of course, there is supposed to be good arguments for viewpoint" Take your pick.

IV. THE RIVER OF THE SANCTUARY.

According to 3 passages of Scripture, there is going to be the creation of a new river: in Palestine (Ezek. 47: 1-12;  Joel.  3:18; Zech. 14:8) . Plesse notice some of the details about this river:

1. This river oriqinates from under the Altar in the Temple (Ezek. 41 :1, Joel 3:18) . Most of us know that there are great rivers of water and many springs under  the land we live on  The land of Palestine is going to experience earthquakes and geological changes in the earth's surface (Isaiah 40:4), and God is going to cause a spring of water to issue forth from under the Altar.

2. The river heads east ancl then turns south to Jerusalem, where it splits into  two parts (Zech. 14:8) , one part flowing  into the Dead Sea (which is the south of the Temple area), and the other part flowing west into the Mediterranean Sea. 3. Trees will be planted on both sides of this river (Ezek . 47:7, 12) .

4. The waters of the river will heal the waters of the Dead Sea (Ezek. 47:8) so that fishing will become a major industry of the Dead Sea (Ezek. 47:10). It will no longer be called a 'Dead Sea'

5. It is possible  that along this river , from the Temple to Jerusalem, will be built the Highway of Holiness mentioned in Isaiah 35:8, 9. This highway will be about  14 miles long, and would  be the main thoroughfare into the Temple ares.  Whether it is a part of the highway mentioned in Isaiah 19: 23 is hard to say. No doubt there will be a tremendous road system all through the Middle East so that millions of people from around the world can worship Israel's Messiah during the Kingdom Age.

 

PART 10 THE NEW JERUSALEM

A study of this kind would not be complete without an investigation of the New Jerusalem that is mentioned in Revelation 21. Many Bible teachers believe that the New Jerusalem is a vital part of the Millennium.  There are also many Bible teachers who believe that the New Jerusalem is related tothe new earth of Revelation 21:1 rather than to the Millennium. The following is a brief discussion of the two viewpoints concerning the New Jerusalem.

I. REASONS FOR THE NEW JERUSALEM TO BE IN THE MILLENNIUM

1 So that the resurrected Old Testament saints will have a place to go to while in their resurrection bodies. This is the place they looked forward to (Heb. 11:10,16; 12: 22; Rev. 3:12) . The New Jerusalem will hover over the earth, and only those with resurrection bodies will  have access to this great city. This view does believe that the New Jerusalem will go into the eternal state.

Reply:  This view presupposes that there is no mingling of resurrected people with those who go into the Kingdom in natural bodies. Our Lord mingled and lived among His own for 40 days after His ressurection, and he ate, talked, and walked around in a resurrection body that was mistaken  for a natural body.  (Luke 24: 13-31) 

In the Kingdom  Age, resurrected saints are going to be able to perform functions for the glory of God, such as governing the 12 tibes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). What they will do beyond their duties is not revealed in the Scriptures, but I am sure the Lord will be able to take care of them and that their happiness will be eternal. 

2  The healing of the nations in Rev. 22: 2.

Reply: The word for healing basically means 'service' rendered by anyone to another. It is translated 'household' in Luke 12:42 and in Matt. 24:45, referring  to the staff of servants. It contains the idea of  'maintenance', and the leaves of the tree of life will be available for many uses by the peoples fo the earth.

3. The existence of nations in Rev. 21: 24-27. There will be many nations in the Millennium. 

Reply: The peoples who make up the nations on the new earth are the Gentiles who were saved during the Millennium . Their reward will be that of living forever on the new earth in bodies  fitted for that purpose. 

4. The ministry of the vial angel of Rev. 21:9. It is assumed that the angel mentioned in Rev. 21:9 is the same angel mentioned in Rev. 17:1 because of the similarity of language used in describing  two different cities. 

Reply: Angels are mentioned in 19 of the 22 chapters of Revelation, chapters 4, 6, 13 not containing the word 'angel'. Angels were the bearers of specific revelations from God, and the mention of one vial angel on a good mission for God cannot prove that the New Jerusalem is related to the Kingdom Age.

II REASONS FOR THE NEW JERUSALEM TO BE RELATED TO THE NEW EARTH

I per:sonally believe that tlie Bible does not reveal anything about eternity itself , but that revelation from God which is contained only in the Bible covers just the ages of time. The Bible starts out with the creation of the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1), and ends with a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1) . This is all related to time. 

The Apostle PauI rnentioned a dispensation in Eph. 1:10 that has not been fulfilled yet, a period of time called  'the Dispensation of the fulness of times'. The Holy Spirit guided the Apostle John to record a little bit of information in regards to that future Dispensation, and this record is contained in Rev. 21:  1- 22 :5 . There 4 reasons why the New Jerusalem is related to the new earth.

1. The New Jerusalem is mentioned in connection with the new heaven and the new earth (Rev. 21 :1,2) . IIence, it is related to this time period rather than to the Millennium. It is called the Holy Jerusalem in |Rev 21:10, and is described in great  detail in verses 11-23. It would  be confusing to have two New Jerusalems in the Kingdom Age. 

2. The New Jerusalem descends from God out of heaven and rests on the new earth instead of hoverinq over it. How do I know this? Because many peoples will go in and out of it (Rev. 21:24-26) , and a pure river of water will proceed from it (Rev 22:1) , All the details assume that it will be on earth. Even though the Bible does not say that it will rest on the new earth, I believe it is a valid conclusion based on spiritual common sense. If it should hover over the earth, then a lot of construction would seen to be necessary, especially to move the water from the city to the earth. But this would be speculation, and that can lead to a lot of fanciful ideas that are outside the realm  of Biblical revelation, and that is not good. 

3. The length of the reign  of those on the new earth  is said to be for ever and ever (Rev. 22:5). The Millennial reign is for a 1000 years (Rev. 20:4). 

4. Because of the one characteristic mentioned in Ephesians  1:10, that God is going to gather together  in one the all things in Christ. There is a unity, here, that is greater than what will be experienced  during the Millenniu. The two words 'all things' has the article before it is in the Greek , and should be translated  'the all things', specific all things, referring to all the redeemed: those in heaven- the Body of Christ; those on the earth -Israel and the Old Testament saints; and the millions of saved Gentiles from the Millenniu. In  a wonderful way, God the Father is going to bring  them, to gather the, to head them all up in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, the sovereign God of the universe. 

Another name given to this perfect time of the new heaven and new earth is Paradise. Paradise is mentioned only 3 times in the New Testament (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7) - It is always referred to as a definite place. The Septuagint, which is the translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek, referred to the Garden of Eden as P;rradise. Of crourse, we know this was the place where Adam and Eve had sweet communion with Jehovah God. Paradisee was lost in Genesis 3 because of sin. It was promised to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43), showing that it was still in existence at the time of our Lord's earthly ministry.

The apostle Paul was caught up in a vision to Paradise (2 Cor 12: 4) but was not allowed to say anything about it at that time. Paradise  was also promised to the overcomers in the church of Ephesus (Rev. 2:7), and it is this last verse which connects it to the new heaven and new earth of Rev. 21 and 22. The tree of life mentioned in Rev. 2:7 'is in the midst of the Paradise of God'; and the tree of life is mentioned in Rev. 22:2 and in verse 14, along with the New Jerusalem and the new earth. 

So the name of Paradise can be rightfully used of the time period covered by Rev. 21 and 22. It will be a wonderful time for all the redeemed from all ages as they have sweet communion with Jehovah God and His wonderful Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY  

Things To come, by J. Dwight Pentecost

The Revelation  Record, by Henry M. Morris

Dispensational  Truth, by Clarence Larkin

The Millennial Kingdom, by John F. Walvoord

The Companion Bible, by E.W. Bullinger

The Apocalypse, by E.W. Bullinger

The Greatness of the Kingdom , by Alva J. Mclean

Unger's Bible Dictionary, by Merrill F. Unger