The subject now before us is a deeply solemn one, and we would earnestly entreat, you, beloved reader, to sit down as in the very presence of God, Bible in hand, and study carefully Rev. 20.
As we have before seen from Scripture, the Lord Jesus may return at any moment for His saints. Yes, His shout may be heard this very night. His own blessed testimony at the close of the Word of God is this: "SURELY I come quickly, Amen." May the ready response of our hearts be, "Even so, COME, Lord Jesus." (Rev. 22:20.) In one moment, in the twinkling of an eye, we may be caught up to meet our returning Savior in the air; He will then take us to the Father's house, where we shall be at home with Himself in the glory. A short interval will then elapse, during which time in heaven the saints will be manifested before the judgment-seat of Christ, and during which time also on earth will be taking place all the judgments described in the Book of Revelation, from chapters 6 to 19. Heaven will then open again (Rev. 19:11), and the Lord, followed and accompanied by all His saints, will once more come forth; He will come with, His saints to the earth, and will execute judgment upon all those then alive on the earth who oppose themselves to Him. At this time also, as we have seen, the living nations will be judged according to Matt. 25:31, &c. All evil will then be put down, every enemy destroyed, and all things shall be subdued unto Him. The length of time during which He will reign is said to be 1000 years, hence called the "millennium" (which simply means 1000 years), and during this time the glorified saints live and reign with Him. (Rev. 20:4.)