039. Coming, The Second and the Millennium
039. Coming, The Second and the Millennium
39 THE SECOND COMING AND THE MILLENNIUM lNTRODUCTlON "Millenium," Latin ; Greek, "Chiliad ," for one thousand. The second coming and millennium have been connected down through the ages; they are not connected in the Bible.
I.Revelation 20:1-7 1. The only reference to one thousand years.
(a) A truth may be mentioned only once in New Testament, but this is very unusual. (b) No other fundamental truth or fact so treated . (c) Strange it would be mentioned in that part of New Testament that is most difficult of understanding, and then in symb olical and figurative terms. Why this?
2. Is this figurative or literal?
(a) The resurrecti on of the righte ous on e thou sand years before that of the wicked only expressed here. (b) Both in judgment together. (Verses 12, 15.) (c) Other scriptures: (Matthew 25:46 : John 5:28-29; 1 John 2:28-29.) 3. Reasons for not taking it literal.
(a) If "first resurrection" means with glorified bodies, then no need to assure them that "second death hath no power" on them. (b) Only two alternatives, have a part in "first resurrection" or be under "the power of second death;" then where shall we class all who are born and live during the thousand years? (c) It makes Christ and all his saints reign over just the wicked then living a thousand years, as the dead wicked are not yet raised. (d) "The second de ath" is the separation from God. (Revelation 20:14-15.) II. THE JUDGMENT 1. The righteous and wicked will be judged together.
(a) The proof of this is simpl e and positive. (b) He will separate the good and wicked . (Matthew 25:31-46.) (c) Both raised and judged at the same time. ( John 5:28-29.) (d) A day appointed to judge all. (Acts 17:31; Romans 14:10; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11; 1 John 4:17 .) 2. This judgment to be at his coming.
(a) When he shall be revealed from heaven. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.) (b) Bring to light all hidden things . (Romans 2:16;1 Corinthians 4:5.) (c) "The day of judgment" at his coming. (2 Peter 3:7, John 12; Revelation 20:11-15.) 3. A simultaneous judgment at his coming.
(a) No provision made for any who might live here during a millennium. (b) Hence, a universal and simultaneous judgment of all mankind at the coming of Christ.