A few years back we witnessed the anticipation, excitement and speculation generated concerning the arrival of a new Millennium. Of course many were quite worried and concerned as they looked around at our desperate planet. As TIME reported. And there is certainly good reason. 

Others hoped for a grand utopia where everyone is united, and build a New World Order of brotherhood and peace.  A 1000 yr. reign of the Church in the world perhaps.

No doubt this was the focus and aims of the late Pope John Paul II and the Catholic churches energies and efforts relating to the arrival of the new millennium.

Many have taught for years that the church would eventually lead the world into a 1000 year time of peace so that Jesus could reign on earth. And some believe that society will eventually correct itself, and will develop into a golden age of millennial peace.

Can you imagine how good it would be to have 1000 years of peace here on this earth? Will it ever happen on this sin infested planet? Well, I certainly wish this world would get better. But I’m afraid that’s not the picture of the future as given in Bible prophecy.

And even though many are trying desperately to make things better by every possible means, things will get much worse.

As usual much of what is heard today is exactly opposite of what the Bible says.  Lets start by taking a look at the words of Jesus – Luke 17:26
The Bible is clear – NO age of splendor, peace, righteousness before Jesus comes on this earth as we know it today.

Jesus says: “As days of Noah were.”  How were those days? Gen. 6:5,11,12 says, “God saw the wickedness of man was great, and every imagination of his heart was only evil continually.” Violence and corruption filled the land! This sad fact applies to our day as well.

God tried desperately to warn the world and prepare it for the end through His servant Noah. People weren’t interested –didn’t listen to the Word of God.

When people fail to listen to God things get worse not better. The Scriptures make it abundantly clear again in 2 Tim. 3:13 Things get worse and worse as people are being deceived. Deception is a prevailing element in our society today.

Must not try and kid ourselves by believing everything is going to get better – when even religion has become contaminated. The inspired apostle also wrote in: 2 Tim. 4:3,4 “Time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine – turn away their ears from the truth and follow fables.”

He warns us again in: 1 Tim. 4:1 “Some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. When truth is rejected this is the sure result.

In describing the last day efforts of the Antichrist he emphatically warns us of religious apostasy in the churches. 2 Thes. 2:3  There would be a “A falling away” - “apostasia” Greek - apostasy. One does not have to be a very astute observer to recognize the reality of these passages of God’s prophetic Word. The fact is today there is not much difference between the world and the church anymore.

Story about preacher kidnapped in Baltimore – “Sure we are Christians also”

Can’t expect things to get better when law of God is disregarded so flagrantly.  Word of God not read and obeyed.          

One large and fast growing denomination (that like to leave things at your door to read), has taught for years – Satan is bound today we are in the 1000 Year Millennium.  Oh, boy! What’s going to happen if he gets loose?  He must be bound with a rubber band or something that stretches from New York to San Francisco to New Orleans.

Again, we must go to Bible - see what says about millennium. And by the way, friends, the word Millennium itself is not in the Bible. Latin - “Milli” - 1000   “Anniun” -  year Although the word itself is not in the Bible there are references to the 1000 year period. Interestingly they clustered around the doctrine of resurrection of dead.

Now, we must remember Bible speaks of two Resurrections. John 5:28, 29 Jesus Indicates saved and lost not arise at same time. Two separate resurrections are described. Resurrection of the Life/Saved and the Resurrection of the Damnation/Lost.

Book of Revelation confirms this fact. Rev. 20:6 The use of term “first resurrection” is proof there must be more than one. If I say: “this first house I built” – you know I built others.

Two things established in this text – Only good people have a part in first resurrection. Word says: “Blessed”, “Holy” is he…” Verse 4 says they overcame beast – not receive mark.

Second thing we learn – Resurrection of saints begins the 1000 years.  This is also described in verses 4, 5, 6. So, there is no doubt about those who are in first resurrection - only faithful.

But in midst of the verses talking about millennial events – We see something inserted parenthetically in verse 5: “Rest of the dead did not live again until 1000 years finished.”  Obviously “rest of the dead” refers to the unsaved or lost.  They come forth from grave at end of millennium, when 1000 years are finished.

Now have a clear picture of two Resurrections - separated by 1000 years. Good people raised at beginning - wicked at the end.

When does First Resurrection which begins 1000 years take place? I Thes. 4:16,17  Here saints being raised “first” in the First Resurrection. As you know this takes place amidst the glory and splendor of Second Coming of Christ. This marks the beginning point for 1000 years.

Now fact is – When Jesus returns only four classes of people for Him to deal with.
1.  The righteous dead          3.  The wicked dead
2.  The righteous living        4.  The wicked living

Everyone who has ever lived or will live – fit into one of these categories. Now the Bible gives fascinating picture of what happens to each class when Jesus returns.
               
Righteous dead and living dealt with here in I Thes 4:16, 17 Dead rise first, then we which are alive go up together.     Picture that scene of joy and rapture - saints raised from dusty beds, given immortality.  Then the Living Righteous are translated – given same immortal bodies. I Cor. 15:51-53

Where do they go with new bodies? To Heaven of course! John 14:1-3 Go to heaven – to those mansions He has prepared for us.

There’s no doubt where Jesus ascended when He left. Some do not think people from earth will go to heaven - except certain elite group - 144,000.
This contradicts John’s description of saints in heaven. Rev. 19:1 “Voice of a great multitude of people in heaven”

This reminds me of Rev. 7:4,9,10 Talks about 144,000 then says saw great multitude which no man can number.  Talk about this later - make it plain and clear from God’s word. Now, this not the permanent home of the saved.  But surely is the place where they will spend 1000 years with Him.
 
Alright - What about the lost? Let’s find out what happens to the unsaved when Christ returns. We have already established that the wicked “lived not again until thousand years were finished.”  Rev. 20:5 So they simply remain in their graves during millennium. But what about the Unrighteous Living? 2 Thes. 1:7-10              

Notice what happens to sinners at same time saints are glorified. Sin cannot exist in God’s presence and the wicked are destroyed by His glory.
Paul makes this very clear in many other places as well. 2 Thes. 2:8

John the Revelator describes the scene as they attempt to escape. Rev. 6:16, 17 The dreadful picture of those slain by the cataclysmic fury of Second Coming again pictured.  Rev. 19:11, 21, 15

The Bible indicates that wicked dead by scattered as a result of the blazing glory of Christ’s return. Verse 15 - “Rule with rod of iron” Literally means to: “Dash to pieces like a potters vessel.”  This is a Biblical expression of rulership and power. Ps. 2:9; Ps. 110:2, 5 Remember what we learned in that foundational prophecy of Daniel chapter 2? Dan. 2:34, 44 “It shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms.”

Listen - many believe unrighteous get a second chance to repent after Jesus comes. God’s word forever settles this in the final mighty degree before He comes. Rev. 22:11, 12  Every decision will have been made for eternity.  Time for Salvation will have ended.

Jesus leaves sanctuary where interceding as our High Priest. And now returns to execute Judgment - no time to repent. Anyway dear friends, who could be saved during millennium – all who are left here will be dead. Jer. 25:33 Of course, they not gathered - no one to do it. No one to weep for them – earth entirely emptied of its’ inhabitants. The dead bodies of wicked are just scattered all over the place.

The earth itself will be totally destroyed during 1000 years as a result of the devastating earthquake, which attends the Second Coming of Christ.
Rev. 16:18, 20 Results of the great earthquake are alluded to in other places.       
Isa. 24: 1, 3, 19  Moved exceedingly – totally out of orbit. Shocks and after shocks will spread desolation to every corner of the earth.
Jer. 4:23-27 Sky scrapers leveled to the ground.

The righteous are removed and wicked are slain.  No wonder Bible says that it is a fearful thing to fall into hands of the living God. How awful to be unprepared in that day. 
 
Alright, lets review the events at the 2nd Coming.     
Now question arises - Where is Satan during 1000 years? Let’s go back to the book of Revelation find out exciting answer. Rev. 20:1, 2 What an amazing scene! – Says that Satan is bound for 1000 years and cast into bottomless pit. Now just see someone wondering – Bottomless pit?  How deep is it? Well glad don’t have to speculate about this bottomless pit.

The Greek word for this is “abussos” – from it we get English – “abyss” – meaning “a deep place” Same word used in Greek version of Gen. 1:2 (Septuagint Greek Old Test.) Gen. 1:2 The word “deep” here is word “abussos” – same translated bottomless pit in Revelation. In other words - earth here in its disorganized state. Dark and desolate – no form, design or order as yet here. During the 1000 years the earth the same way, torn up – destroyed world where Satan is bound. 

What about the chain? Must remember devil fallen angel, cannot bind him with a literal chain. Even if put him a deep pit – he has millions of other fallen angels to carry on his work. Fact is he’s bound by circumstances – Ever say; “have been tied up all day”, “got tied up at the office.” 
Reason bound – can’t deceive anymore more until 1000 years finished.  Christ taken good to heaven - wicked dead.

During the Millennium – The saved are in Heaven and the Earth is desolate.           
Remember dear ones, Revelation is a symbolic book.

Now let’s just think about old devil during this period.  What is he going to do?  Earth covered with darkness - dead bodies everywhere. For 6000 years Satan has been plenty busy, tempting, misleading and destroying lives. Now nothing – suddenly he is alone with his own thoughts. It really must be terrible punishment for Satan to suffer. You can be sure thinks of past – terrible deeds darkness.  And no doubt he thinks of the future prophecies of his own destruction.

Listen - devil a good Bible student.  Must give credit where due - knows better than you or I. Sure Bible written by holy men – but devil looked over shoulder and memorized.  And listen to me, he knows it’s all true – he was there in heaven once. He doesn’t want anyone else to know and believe.  So he works desperately to keep us from studying God’s Holy Word and obeying it grand truths. He knows once we understand his power is broken. Roms. 10:17

I can just picture him thinking of people tempted – Maybe poor alcoholic, drug addict struggling to get free. But finally believed the Gospel – laid hold on Christ’s power and was set free.  Satan knows he’s in heaven and he can never assail him again.

Then picture devil walking, kicking things.  Stumbling over the dead bodies – Perhaps he will recognize someone. Maybe one  was a good man, with a fine family.  Everybody liked him – you know he paid bills – no enemy in the world except the old devil.  But the problem is – he never made a choice to be a Christian, to follow Christ fully and obey God’s holy law.

There’s no doubt at times he felt drawn to make decision – follow the Lord all the way.  Perhaps his Wife and family pleaded and prayed. “Some day” he would say, but old devil made sure that he had plenty of excuses. Then suddenly Jesus returned and he was cut down with others who lived for self.

See Satan with a hideous smile – he knows this man is lost forever – he was successful with him. (We must confess our sins – Take a stand for Jesus and truth!) Maybe he sees a church member or two even – playing games with God – not living as they know they should.

So this is the Biblical picture during the 1000 Years. Okay now come to closing scenes of millennium.  Let’s see what dramatic development marks the end of 1000 years. Rev. 20: 7,8
Satan released – Easy to understand when we read verse 5.
The wicked dead raised - this releases the devil to deceive again. Maybe you wonder how he can deceive those already lost.
Rev. 20:8, 9 Satan leads in attack of New Jerusalem.  Deceives them into thinking they can capture city of God.
City descends from heaven following 1000 years - Rev. 21:2 This is also the time when the wicked are raised and Satan again has someone to work on. 
Maybe he tells them they are resurrected by His power. No doubt he will make offers of honor and power to those who will fight in this battle. 
I suppose great men of war there - Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin. It won’t be hard to get them into line. Satan had them then and has them again.  He says, “It’s easy to take, I once was prince there, put out unfairly, help take it back.”

How long is the battle? – I don’t know.  But no doubt they won’t be throwing rocks. Great weapons of today – the atomic arsenals.  Appears no chance for city. But God intervenes – verse 9.  Fire from God devours them. Wicked are destroyed by God.  This is the hell fire of Bible. I think the saddest picture of all time will be seen on that day. Rev. 21: 10, 11

Here speaks of the city – clear as crystal walls like glass – see through into the beautiful city inside. I think of the sad scenes that might take place – Most heart- rending scenes ever on earth.  I can just picture a man at that wall – sees glory, joy of redeemed. The angels and people radiant and happy. There is the River of Life flowing by the Tree of Life.    Streets of gold with the mansions of the redeemed on every side. And while he is held spellbound he has to think, “What a fool I was.”  Then perhaps he freezes in his tracks as he sees someone coming that he recognizes. He waves and shouts but the walls are there between. Then he remembers wife praying and pleading.  I can’t be a Christian fully and obey God. I might lose my job or friends. So, he didn’t  make the decision to follow truth.

He can’t say pray for me once more.  It’s too late.  Finally realizes what it means to be lost. No mental or physical torture ever experience that can equal this – except Jesus’ death for those inside.

I wish I could say more forcefully – be more graphic.  We all must settle things now before too late. Not let friends, job, money, nothing must influence us – but the truth of this book and death of Jesus on the Cross. Soon everything we have here will be worth nothing – We will throw our money to the moles and bats Isa. 2 says.

The apostle Peter tells us in: 2 Pet. 3:13 I want to dwell on New Earth.  How about you? The most glorious vacation spot on earth will be nothing compared to the vacation land God has prepared for the saved in the earth made new!

Who will inherit the wonderful promise? Gals. 3:29 Not only profess Christ – we are to be Christ’s We must give Jesus all of our heart.  Nothing can stand between us and the Savior.

The old Gospel Hymn says it all in “Nothing Between”

Nothing between my soul and the Savior.
Naught of the world’s delusive dream,
I have renounced all sinful pleasure,
Jesus is mine, let nothing between.

Jesus is trying to wrap things up in this world today. He wants to prepare us for the place that He is preparing for us. But, we must choose to follow Him and not the delusive dreams of a lost and desperate planet in rebellion with God. It takes courage to follow Christ when the world pulls us in so many other directions.

That’s why the Book of Revelation lists cowards along with the other rebellious people who are lost. Rev 21:8 We must be willing to obey him when the whole world is at odds with His great law of Love.

But God’s prophetic word tells us that soon God will welcome us into our heavenly home. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they who do His commandments that they may have a right to enter the gates of the city.

In Rev 22:17 Jesus gives the invitation to all! How about you? – Let’s say yes to Jesus again tonight as He invites us to surrender all to Him.