The word Millennium is derived from the Latin words “mille” (one thousand) and “annum” (year) and is defined as a period of 1,000 years. Although some attempt to interpret this time frame figuratively or as a long, undefined period, the Bible describes it as a literal 1,000 years.
The Millennial reign of Christ will begin after the Tribulation. Jesus will return to the earth at His second coming and defeat the Antichrist and false prophet at the Battle of Armageddon, throwing them alive into the Lake of Fire. He will also overthrow their kingdom of darkness and cast their rebellious armies into hell. He will bind Satan and throw him into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years, then rule and reign from Jerusalem.
Those who survive the Great Tribulation and are not cast into hell upon Jesus’ return will repopulate the earth during the Millennium, living in their natural, physical bodies. Believers from heaven who return to earth with Jesus at His second coming, including all those martyred during the Tribulation, will rule and reign with Him for these 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4, 5b-6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Millennium will be a time of peace as Jesus rules in absolute righteousness. Although Satan is bound during these 1,000 years and cannot tempt or deceive anyone, those living in their natural bodies will still have their sinful natures intact. Therefore, the Millennium will be a time of imposed righteousness with swift and just consequences administered for disobedience (Zechariah 14:16-19; Revelation 19:15).
At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be released from the bottomless pit and go out to deceive the nations. Those born during the Millennial reign will choose whether to trust Jesus and be saved or rebel to serve Satan. Unfortunately, a vast majority will revolt. Satan will then gather his followers to surround the camp of God’s people, most likely Jerusalem. He will attempt to wage war against them; however, Jesus will swiftly consume these enemies, and the earth, with fire.
Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity, and God’s judgment of all people will commence. All believers will receive their rewards during this time, and unbelievers will be sentenced to the Lake of Fire. Afterward, God will create a new heaven and earth to dwell with believers for eternity.
(See the Scripture References link at the top of the page.)
