• Having established His kingdom in power, the Lord will “return” to heaven from where He will rule over the whole world (Psa. 7:7; Psa. 22:28; Psa. 47:5, 7-8; Psa. 103:19; Zech. 14:9; Rev. 7:15; 22:3).
• The Lord will sit on His throne in the heavens as a Priest and King, as the true “Melchizedek” (Zech. 6:13; Psa.103:19; Psa. 110:4; Heb. 5:5-6).
• He will reign in peace for one thousand years. This is called the Millennium (Rev. 20:4; Lev. 23:33-44*–“the Feast of Tabernacles.”
The Two Spheres in the Kingdom
• Christ’s kingdom will have two spheres; the heavenly sphere, called “the kingdom of the Father,” and the earthly sphere called “the kingdom of the Son of Man” (Matt. 13:41-43; 26:29; Dan. 7:13-14). The kingdom of the Father will consist of all the saints from Old Testament times, the Church (the bride of Christ), and the martyred portion of the Jews and Gentiles during the Tribulation. They are heavenly saints. (In short, it is comprised of all who have been raptured, or who have had part in the first resurrection.) The kingdom of the Son of Man is the earthly sphere. It will consist of the spared portion of the remnant of Jews who will be preserved through the Tribulation, the re-gathered tribes of Israel, and the Gentile nations (Rev. 7; Gen. 22:17; Dan. 7:22).
The Day of Christ
• The Lord will display His bride (the Church) to the world. She will have a place of nearness to Him in His reign over the earth. He will be glorified and admired in His heavenly saints as the world looks on. This is called “the day of Christ” (2 Thess. 1:10; Rev. 21:11–“shining;” Phil. 1:6, 10; 2:16; 1 Cor. 1:8; 3:13; 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; John 8:56).
• The Lord, having taken His inheritance (every created thing) by power (Mark 9:1), will share it with the Church, His bride (Eph. 1:11-23; Rom. 8:17; Psa. 2:8; 1 Cor. 3:21-23).
• The Christians’ rewards received at the judgment seat of Christ will be manifested before the whole world in “the day of Christ.” There are going to be degrees of glory given to them in relation to the service that they rendered for Him when they lived on earth (Matt. 25:19-23; 1 Peter 1:7).
The Heavenly City—Jerusalem
• Heavenly Jerusalem, which is the Church—the bride of Christ—will be seen in the heavens. The description of the city given in Revelation 21:9–22:5, is symbolic of the Church’s place in the administration of the world to come—the Millennium.
• The heavenly city will have “a wall great and high,” of “jasper” (diamond). A “wall,” in Scripture, speaks of separation. The clear shining of a “diamond” speaks of the glory of God. Hence, the city will be characterized by the exclusion of everything that is inconsistent with the glory of God. All that is not in accordance with the holiness of God will have no admittance there (Rev. 21:12, 18).
• The heavenly city will have “twelve gates” of “pearl” (Rev. 21:12-13, 21). A “gate,” in Scripture, is the place of administration and judgment (Gen. 19:1, 9; Deut. 25:1, 7; Josh. 20:4; Ruth 4:1, 10-11; Prov. 31:23) The number “twelve” signifies administrative perfection (Matt. 19:28; 26:53; Rev. 12:1). This indicates that the rule and administration of “the world to come” will be under Christ and the Church (Eph. 1:10–“the Christ.”). We will assist the Lord in the government of the world (Luke 19:16-19; Matt. 24:47; Heb. 2:5-8). The “pearl” indicates that the Church will be displayed as the object of preciousness to the heart of Christ (Matt. 13:45-46). Hence, the world will learn in that day that Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25). The world will also know that the Church is loved of the Father, even as the Father loves the Son (John 17:23).
• The names of “the twelve tribes of the children of Israel” will be inscribed in the gates (Rev. 21:12). This does not mean that Israel will become part of the Church, but that restored Israel will be under the administration of heavenly Jerusalem. (Note: they are not said to be in the city, but are on the gates outside the city.) The carrying out of the government of God on earth will be through Israel (Mic. 5:8), and the twelve apostles will have a special place in that administration (Matt. 19:28).
• The heavenly city will be as “pure gold” and “clear glass” (Rev. 21:18). This indicates that it will be wholly of God (of which pure gold speaks), and being “pure” means that all the dross in the saints will be gone then. Being “clear as glass,” means that their state will be that of fixed holiness and purity.
• The “foundations of the wall of the city” will be of various “precious stones” (Rev. 21:19-20). There will be a variety of stones in the city, but all are precious. This speaks of the various individuals having their own distinctive (reflected) glory.
• The measurement of the heavenly city will be “foursquare,” as a cube, which if taken literally, is 1379 miles each way. This would be approximately 2.6 billion cubic miles! However, the book of Revelation is to be interpreted symbolically (Rev. 1:1–“signified”). It indicates that the universal government of the heavens and the earth will be executed with administrative perfection (Rev. 21:15-17).
• There will be no temple in the heavenly city because “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (Rev. 21:22).
• There will be a “street” of “pure gold” in the city (Rev. 21:21). A “street”—which is the means by which men pass to and from one another’s company—speaks of inter-communion and fellowship. In the heavenly city there will be only one street. This means that the fellowship and inter-communion there will be divine (“pure gold”). Worldly and fleshly topics will not be the subject of discussion there.
• In the heavenly city there will be “a river of the water of life” (Rev. 22:1). This speaks of the abundance of blessing flowing out to all.
• In the middle of the street there will be “the tree of life” (Rev. 22:2). This indicates that Christ will be the food of life for the city. He will sustain each one with all that is needed for perfect joy and happiness. The “leaves” of the tree will be for “the healing of the nations.” This means that the blessing will not be confined to the heavenly city. The nations on earth will receive blessing from Christ too. The nations that have been at war and strife for thousands of years will be healed of strife and contention in that day.
• There will be “no night” in the heavenly city. It will have no need of created light (“the sun”), or borrowed light (“the moon”), or artificial light (“a candle”), because the uncreated glory of God will be the light there. The city will be resplendent of divine glory (Rev. 21:23-24; 22:5).
• The heavenly saints will reign over the earth (Dan 7:18, 22; Heb. 12:22; 2 Cor. 5:1).
• The heavenly saints will be like the Lord morally because their fallen sinful natures will be gone (1 John 3:2).
• The heavenly saints will also be like the Lord physically (Phil. 3:21). Their bodies will be glorified like His. Since He will be in “the dew of His youth,” and they will be made like Him, they will be restored to the prime of life (Psa. 110:3). The aged saints, whose mental and physical faculties were once failing, will have their youthful vitality renewed and greatly improved in their glorified bodies. They will never see death or corruption again (1 Cor. 15:42-57; 2 Cor. 5:1-4).
• Being glorified, the heavenly saints will have their physical and mental capabilities greatly increased. They will be able to visit the earth from the heavens and go through the earth in a moment, as demonstrated by the Lord when He rose from the dead (Luke 24:30-35). They will also have the capability of passing through physical objects such as walls. (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-29). They will not, however, have omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent attributes, which belong to deity alone.
• The Lord will be seen (visibly) and worshipped by those in the heavenly city (Rev. 22:4).
• Heavenly Jerusalem will be visible over earthly Jerusalem (Isa. 4:5-6; Rev. 21:9-22:5).
Earthly Jerusalem
• An area on earth in the land of Israel of approximately 50 miles in diameter—“from Geba” on its northern border (Josh. 21:17) “to Rimmon” on its southern border (Josh. 15:32)—will be leveled into a large elevated plain. This area will be the site of earthly Jerusalem and the millennial temple (Psa. 68:29; Psa. 122; Zech. 14:10-11). It will be “lifted up” in the mountains of Judea and will make Jerusalem extremely prominent in the earth. The broad plain will also provide the necessary space for the nations to visit Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. The whole area will be called “the mountain of the Lord’s house” or “the Holy Oblation to the Lord” (Isa. 2:2-3; Mic. 4:1-2; Ezek. 40:2).
• The earthly city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt and inhabited again after its destruction during the Indignation (Isa. 61:4; Jer. 30:18; 31:38-40; Am. 9:14).
• The measurement of the city of Jerusalem that will be built on this elevated plain, will be 4500 x 4500 (great) cubits. This is about 2 miles by 2 miles square (Ezek. 48:15-19).
• Earthly Jerusalem will have 12 gates (three on each side of the city) as will heavenly Jerusalem. These gates will never be closed again (Isa. 26:2; 60:11; Ezek. 48:30-35; Zech. 14:11).
• Jerusalem will be the capital city of the world; it will be the metropolitan center of the earth (Isa. 2:2; 62:6-7; Psa. 48; Ezek. 5:5; Jer. 3:17; Psa. 87:1-3).
• Every inhabitant of the city of Jerusalem will be righteous in that day (Isa. 52:1; 60:21).
• Children will play safely in the streets of Jerusalem (Zech. 8:3-8).
Political Changes
• The Lord Jesus Christ will reign as “King of Kings” over the whole universe (Zech. 14:9; Rev. 19:16; Psa. 24:7-10; Psa. 47:7; Psa. 2:6-8; Psa. 8:1-9; John 1:3).
• The Lord will establish one universal government over all the earth wherein righteousness will reign (Rev. 11:15; Psa. 72:1-7; Isa. 9:6-7; 11:4; 16:5; 32:16-18; 61:11).
• There will be world peace (Psa. 46:9; Psa. 72:6-8; Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:3; Hos. 2:18; 1 Kings 5:4;* Isa. 60:18; Psa. 147:14).
• The administration of all things in heaven and earth will be headed up in Christ and the Church—”the Christ” (Eph. 1:10).
• The dominion of the kingdom of Christ on earth will extend from sea to sea (Psa. 72:8; Zech. 9:10; Psa. 2:8).
• The duration of His kingdom will be without end (2 Sam. 7:12-16; Dan. 2:44; 7:14; Luke 1:32-33; Psa. 145:13).
• Righteousness will reign throughout the kingdom of the Son of Man (Isa. 9:7; 11:4; 16:5; 32:15-20; 61:11; Psa. 72:1-7; Psa. 45:6; Psa. 98:9; Acts 17:31).
• The Church (the Bride of Christ) will be involved in the administration of the earth. In the measure in which Christians have learned administration and righteousness while on earth, they will be granted the privilege of sharing in the administration of “the world to come” (the Millennium). They will reign from their place in the heavenly city (Rev. 20:4; 1; Cor. 6:2; Luke 16:9-12; 19:11-19; Matt. 24:45-47; 25:14-23).
• The twelve apostles will be given a special privilege of assisting in the administration of Israel (Matt. 19:28; Rev. 21:14).
• The heavens and the earth will be reconciled to God. There will be harmony and inter-communion between the heavens and the earth (Hos. 2:21-23; John 1:51; Gen. 28:12-15*).
• While the heavenly saints reign over the earth from heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22; Dan 7:18, 22; Rom. 8:18-19), Israel will reign on the earth. Jerusalem will be the seat of the Lord’s governmental operations on the earth (Psa. 45:9-16; Psa. 2:6; Psa. 110:2; Isa. 2:1-4; Psa. 149:5-9).
• Israel will be established as “head” of all nations on earth according to God’s original purpose for them (Deut. 26:18-19; 28:1; Isa. 2:1-5; 60:14; Dan. 3:29-30; 7:27; Psa. 18:43; Psa. 47:3; Acts 1:6-7).
• As “head” of the nations, all the earth will be tributary to Israel. They will “suck” of the abundance of the Gentiles and will be the wealthiest country on earth beyond compare (Isa. 60:5-6, 9-11, 16-17; 61:4-6; 2 Chron. 32:23;* Psa. 72:10; 1 Kings 4:20-21;* 10:14-15; Zech. 14:14; Matt. 17:27*–a fish from the sea gives Peter a piece of money).
• The Gentiles will serve Israel. They will feed their flocks, plow their fields, and keep their vineyards, as Israel attends upon the ministry of the Lord (Isa. 14:2; 61:5-6).
• The nations that will not serve Israel will be cut off (Isa. 60:12).
• Judges will be set in the land of Israel to exact righteousness and to maintain the rights of Christ on earth (Isa. 1:26; 60:17; Mic. 5:6-8; Ezek. 45:9; Psa. 149:6-9).
• In that day, to be a Jew will be an honour and a privilege. The Jews will be famous in the earth. “I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.” (Zeph. 3:18-20; Isa. 60:14; 61:9; Zech. 8:20-23).
• The many nationalities of people that have lived in the Western nations will return to their native lands. The countries in the West will no longer have mingled nationalities (Isa. 13:14; Jer. 50:16).
• After the war judgments are ended, and the Millennium begins, there will be many more women on earth (at least in the land of Israel) than men (Isa. 4:1).
• People in the Western nations will be as scarce as gold. This will be on account of the angels of God passing through these lands and taking the wicked out (alive) and casting them into the lake of fire—the Harvest judgment. The number will be further decreased by many of the remaining ones (after the angels have exercised their selective judgment) returning on their own volition to their national homelands (Isa. 13:12; 14:23; 24:6; Jer. 50:3, 39; 51:2; Rev. 6:3-8; Matt. 13:41-42; 24:36-41).
• After the Harvest judgment, the great cities of Europe and America will remain virtually uninhabited throughout the Millennium. The beasts of the field will roam through the houses and buildings of the desolate cities (Isa. 13:19-22; Jer. 50:3, 39-40; 51:26, 29, 43).
• Diverse languages of the nations will continue in the Millennium (Zech. 8:23; Isa. 19:18; 66:18).
• Egypt and Assyria will be leading nations next to Israel in the Millennium (Isa. 19:24-25).
• Inter-continental highways will be constructed leading into the land of Israel. They will be used, firstly, by any remaining Israelites still returning to the land, and secondly, for the nations to come up to Jerusalem. There will be a highway from North Africa through Israel into Asia (“Egypt to Assyria”), and a highway from China (“Sinim”) through the desert (which will then be blossoming–Isa. 35:1) to the land of Israel (Isa. 11:16; 19:23; 35:8; 49:11-12; Psa. 84:5—J.N. Darby Trans.)
• The land of Israel will be cleared of the dead who have fallen in the awful carnage. A large graveyard, called “Hamon-gog,” will be constructed for the burial of the Russian hordes and the armies of the nations that followed them into battle, and for the apostate Israelites who will be judged in the Winepress judgment. Its location will be in a huge valley on the east side of the Dead Sea (Ezek. 39:11).
• It will take seven months to bury the dead and seven years to burn the weapons of war! (Ezek. 39:9-10).
• The whole land of Israel will be rebuilt again after its desolation (Isa. 61:4; Ezek. 36:10, 33-35; Jer. 30:18; Amos 9:14).
• The full extent of Israel’s inheritance will be from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates River. The increased area of their land will be approximately 300,000 square miles. The area west of the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea will be divided into parallel bands across the country according to the twelve tribes of Israel (Ezek. 47:13-48:35). These divisions will probably be used for residential purposes; the area extending eastward to the Euphrates will probably be used for pasture lands (Psa. 47:4; Gen. 15:15-18; Ex. 23:31; Josh. 1:4; Isa. 26:15–J. N. Darby Trans. footnote; Isa. 54:1-3; Mic. 7:11).
Religious Changes
• The Lord will make a “new covenant” with Israel (Jer. 31:31-34). This new relationship will be under the figure of a marriage. “It shall be at that day saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi” (“My Husband”) (Isa. 54:4-5; 62:4-5; John 2:1-11; Psa. 45; Song of Songs 3:6-5:1–the third canticle; Hos. 2:16-20).
• In that day, Israel will be called by the name of the Lord—”Jehovah-tsidkenu”—His name will be their name (Jer. 23:6–marginal reading; Jer. 33:16–marginal reading).
• The posterity of Israel through the Millennium will all be righteous (Isa. 45:25; 59:21; 65:23; 66:22; Jer. 31:34).
• The Lord will rejoice over Israel with singing and will rest in His love for them (Zeph. 3:17).
• There will be one world religion at last! It will not be Christianity, but Judaism under the “new covenant” principles of grace that God will have for Israel. Things on earth will return to the Judaic order. Believers who will populate the Millennial earth will not be Christians; they will be God-fearing Jews and Gentiles under a Judaic economy. The Sabbath will be universally observed again—not the first day of the week as in Christianity (Isa. 66:23; Matt. 24:20; Ezek. 44:24, 45:17).
• Idolatry will be utterly abolished from the earth along with every false religion. This means that Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., will be expunged from the earth. Idolaters will be ashamed of their idolatry in that day of Christ’s manifested glory (Isa. 1:28-31; 2:18; Ezek. 37:23; Hos. 14:8; Mic. 5:12-14; Zech. 13:2-6; 14:9).
• The law of Jehovah will be kept again with its statutes and judgments (Ezek. 36:27; 37:24; 44:24).
• In the area of the great elevated plain in the land of Israel, an “oblation,” or “heave-offering,” will be offered by Israel to the Lord. It will be a holy portion of land, measuring 25,000 x 25,000 great cubits (Ezek. 40:5; 41:8) or 8.3 x 8.3 miles (69 square miles). The oblation will have an area for the priests and their families, for the Levites and their families, and for the city of Jerusalem (Ezek. 45:1-6; 48:8-20; Zech. 14:10).
• A new temple (sanctuary) will be built and situated in the oblation area, a few miles north of Jerusalem. It will be a “house of prayer for all people” (Ezek. 40-42:20; 45:1-5; 48:8; Isa. 56:7; Rev. 7:15; Psa. 68:29).
• There will be an area around the temple complex of 500 x 500 reeds (a reed is 10½ feet–Ezek. 40:5) which is an area of about one square mile. This is enough room for 575 football fields! (Ezek. 42:15, 20; 45:2).
• The temple complex within the area of 500 x 500 reeds will be 500 x 500 cubits. This is enough room for almost 16 football fields! (Ezek. 40-42).
• The temple may not be constructed with gold and silver like the first temple built by Solomon (1 Kings 5-8). Gold and silver are not mentioned in the plans of the millennial temple. Some have thought that it may be white, which would exemplify the purity and righteousness that will mark that day (Ezek. 40-48).
• Israel and the Gentile nations will work together in the building of the temple (Isa. 60:10; Zech. 6:15; 1 Kings 5:1-10*).
• There will be only three gates into the temple complex (the outer court); there will be no west gate. Likewise, there will be only three gates into the inner court where “the great altar” is located (Ezek. 40).
• There is a marked absence of the veil in the plans for the millennial temple. There will be, instead, two-leaved doors in the entrance (Ezek. 41:24). This signifies a greater degree of access into the presence of God than what Israel knew in Old Testament times when they had a veiled entrance into the presence of the Lord (Ex. 26:31). However, it will be less than the full unhindered access Christians enjoy now by the Spirit through the rent veil (Heb. 10:19-22).
• There will be no “Ark of the Lord” in the temple, because the glory of the Lord’s presence—which the Ark symbolizes—will be there (Ezek. 48:35). A representation of Him will not be necessary then (Jer. 3:16).
• The Shekinah glory (the visible presence of the glory of the Lord) will return to the temple and will be seen again (Ezek. 43:1-6; Isa. 4:5-6).
• There will not be an earthly high priest from among the descendants of Aaron officiating in the temple, because the presence of the Lord, the Great High Priest, will be there (Zech. 6:13; Heb. 4:14; 5:5-6; 7:17-24; Ezek. 48:35).
• The earth will shine with the Lord’s glory (Ezek. 43:2; Num. 14:21; Hab. 2:14; Psa. 72:19).
• The Millennium will be one long nightless day. The light of the glory of the Lord will shine so brightly, that at nighttime it will not be totally dark. Also, the light of the moon will, apparently, shine as brightly as the sun! (Zech. 14:6-7; Isa. 4:5-6; 30:26; 60:19-20; Rev. 21:23-24; Ex. 13:21*).
• Israel will praise the Lord (Psa. 99; Psa. 145; Psa. 146-150–the Great Hallelujah Psalms; Isa. 12).
• The aid of musical instruments will once again be used for the worship of the Lord on earth (Psa. 68:25, Psa. 149-150).
• Levitical sacrifices will be offered again. These sacrifices will be commemorative—a remembrance of the finished work of Christ (Ezek. 44-46; Isa. 56:7; Jer. 33:18; Zech. 14:16-21; Mal. 3:3-4).
• There will be a perpetual morning sacrifice as in the days of old (Num. 28:34), but no evening sacrifice because there will be no more night (Ezek. 46:13-15; Zech. 14:6-7).
• Only three of the seven yearly feasts of Jehovah, given in Leviticus 23, will be kept — “the Passover,” “the Feast of Unleavened Bread,” and “the Feast of Tabernacles.” The “Feast of First-fruits” and “the Feast of Pentecost” (feasts celebrated on the first day of the week) will not be kept. Typically, they speak of the Christian era which is not connected with Israel’s earthly blessing. The “Feast of Trumpets” and “the Day of Atonement” will no longer be observed either. This is because once Israel is restored to their land (of which the Feast of Trumpets speaks) and their sin of departing from the Lord is judged and confessed (what the Day of Atonement refers to), the Lord will never again bring up the question of their unfaithfulness. It will all be forgiven and will not be remembered any more (Ezek. 45:18-25; Zech. 14:16).
• Israel will summon the earth to praise the Lord (Psa. 34:3; Psa. 86:9; Psa. 96; Psa. 100; Psa. 117; Psa. 148).
• Universal worship of the Lord Jesus Christ will be established (Psa. 66:4; Psa. 145-150; Psa. 86:9).
• Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord (Zech. 2:11; Psa. 47:9–J. N. Darby Trans.; Isa. 56:6).
• The worship of the Lord Jesus Christ will also be monthly and weekly. This will be from Sabbath (the seventh day of the week) to Sabbath, not from Lord’s Day (the first day of the week) to Lord’s Day, as in the Christian era (Isa. 66:23).
• There will be constant praise day and night in the temple on earth, from both Jews and Gentiles, as they worship together (Rev. 7:15; Isa. 56:6-8; Psa. 134:1).
• All nations will come to Jerusalem yearly to worship the Lord and to pray. All flesh will worship the Lord (Zech. 8:20-23; 14:16; Psa. 22:27; Isa. 2:18, 66:23).
• The nations who will not come to Jerusalem to worship and keep the Feast of Tabernacles will bring upon themselves governmental judgment from the Lord. Their lands will experience plagues and drought (Zech. 14:17-19).
• In every nation incense will be offered to the “name” of the Lord as a memorial (Mal. 1:11).
• An altar and a pillar unto the Lord will be built in Egypt (Isa. 19:19).
• Jerusalem will be the center for learning the Word of God. All nations will go up to it for this purpose (Isa. 2:2-3).
• The priests will teach Israel the knowledge of the Lord. Israel will in turn teach the nations; and as a result, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Ezek. 44:23; Psa. 145:11-12; Mal. 2:7; Isa. 2:3; 11:9; 61:6; Hab. 2:14; Jer. 31:33-34).
• The power of the Holy Spirit will be poured out on Israel in signs and miracles (Joel 2:28-30), and they will use their power to be a blessing to the whole world (Gen. 47:7;* Mic. 5:6-8).
Moral Changes
• Resulting from the nations learning the ways of the Lord and walking in them (Isa. 2:2-3, Zech. 8:22-23), there will be vast moral changes on earth. The corruption, violence, immorality, lying, stealing, cursing, etc., will cease. There will be strict enforcing of uprightness, honesty, and clean living.
• Holiness will characterize every aspect of life in Israel. “Holiness unto the Lord” will be written on the bells of the horses (depicts public life), on the pots of the Lord’s house (depicts religious life), and on the pots of Jerusalem and Judah (depicts private life) (Zech. 14:20-21).
• Locks and keys will not be necessary in the Millennium. (Zech. 5:3-4; 14:11)
• If evil should manifest itself during the reign of Christ in the Millennium, it will be judged openly as it appears. Those who sin will do so without a tempter, because Satan will be bound at this time. A flying roll of judgment (symbolic) will go out from the Lord over the face of the whole earth and fall upon any who do evil—the acts of sin, not the thoughts of sin. This cleansing of the earth of sinners will take place “every morning” throughout the thousand year reign of Christ (Psa. 101: 3-8–J. N. Darby Trans.; Zeph. 3:5–margin; Zech. 5:14; Psa. 34:12-16; 1 Kings 2:36-46*).
The Curse Reversed
• Creation itself will be released from its bondage and curse. The earth will sing (figuratively speaking) as it enjoys its Jubilee (Rom. 8:19-22; Isa. 35:1-2; Psa. 65:13; Zech. 14:11–J. N. Darby Trans.; Rev. 22:3).
• The blind, deaf, dumb, and lame, etc. will all be healed (Isa. 35:5-6; Psa. 146:8).
• There will be no more sickness or disease. This means that there will be no more colds, flu, cancer, etc. Consequently, there will be no further need of doctors, dentists, nurses, etc. (Isa. 33:24; Psa. 103:3).
• Antediluvian (pre-flood) longevity will be restored in the millennial age. With the curse reversed, death will be held back, and those who enter the Millennium on earth will live throughout its full duration of 1000 years, if they do not sin. Those who do sin, will die for their own sin under the judgment of God (Zech. 5:1-4; Psa. 101:8; Zeph. 3:5, etc.), but if they are a hundred years old, they will still not be regarded as being aged. They will be considered as being a child at that age (Matt. 25:46–refers to “life eternal” on earth; Psa. 128:6; Psa. 133:3–“life for evermore;” Dan. 12:2–“everlasting life” on earth; Isa. 65:20; Psa. 92:14; Zech. 8:4).
• There will be no more tears for those on earth. People will be happy (Rev. 7:17; Isa. 25:8; 30:19; 35:10; 65:19, 22-23; Psa. 144:15).
• People on earth will enjoy large families (Psa. 107:41; Psa. 128; Psa. 144:12; Isa. 60:22; 65:23; Zech. 8:5).
Animal Kingdom Changes
• Connected with the curse being lifted from the earth, God will cause the savage and killer instincts in the animals of the lower creation to be changed. The wolf and the lamb will live together. Children will play with lions and snakes and will not be hurt. Men will be able to sleep in the woods and not be harmed (Isa. 11:6-9; 35:9; 65:25; Ezek. 34:25).
• The diet of carnivorous animals will be changed. “The lion shall eat straw like the ox” (Isa. 65:25).
• Man will apparently return to a vegetarian type of diet as in antediluvian times (Gen. 1:29). However, they will eat fish (Ezek. 47:9-10), but probably not other types of meat.
• There will be no more hunting (Hos. 2:18)
Agricultural Changes
• Also resulting from the curse being lifted from the earth, there will be a tremendous increase in the fertility. Agriculture will flourish. The earth will bring forth crops in a way that it has never known before (at least since the fall of man–Gen. 3) (Psa. 65:9-13; Psa. 67:6; Psa. 144:13-14; Isa. 27:6; 35:1-2, 7; Joel. 2:21-27; 3:18; Amos 9:13-15; Mic. 4:14; Zech. 3:10).
• There will be a new river (with healing waters) flowing out from under the temple into the center of Jerusalem. It will part into two heads: one to the east, emptying into the Dead Sea, and one to the west, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. It will flow down the new valley that the feet of the Lord made when He came to the Mount of Olives. Since this river will have healing properties, it will enrich and fertilize the earth (Ezek. 47:1-9; Zech. 14:4, 8; Psa. 65:9-10; Joel 3:18).
• No weeds, thorns, or briars, will exist—except in the land of Edom. This will greatly help the fertility of the soil (Isa. 34:13, 55:12-13).
• The desert will blossom like a rose. (Isa. 35:1-2, 7)
• The most unlikely places on earth, such as the peaks of mountains, will bring forth crops abundantly (Psa. 72:16).
• The fields and meadows of the earth will be clothed with flocks, and the valleys will be covered with corn (Psa. 65:13; Psa. 144:13-14).
• Weapons of war will be made into useful farming tools (Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:3).
• The harvests will be so great that they will not have enough time to get the crops off the fields before it will be time to sow again. “The plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed.” (Amos 9:13).
• Farmers will enjoy amazing results from their flocks. A young cow (generally not able to produce large quantities of milk) will produce such an abundance of milk that the owners will be able to make butter with the overage (Isa. 7:21-22).
• The land of Israel will be so fertile that it will be like the Garden of Eden (Ezek. 36:35).
• Israel’s enormous flocks of sheep and cattle will fill the land to the point that they will overflow into the streets of the cities (Psa. 65:10-13; Psa. 144:13-14; Isa. 30:23-24).
• Along the shores of the new river that flows out from under the temple will grow all kinds of fruit trees. They will be so productive that they will bring forth fruit every month, not annually, as the case is today (Ezek. 47:12–J. N. Trans.; Deut. 33:14).
• The Dead Sea will be healed and its waters will be filled with a multitude of fish of numerous varieties. Fishermen will line the shores (Ezek. 47:9-10).
• Some isolated marshy places in the Dead Sea will not be healed (Ezek. 47:11).
• Herbal medicines will be made from the leaves of the trees that will line the shores of the Dead Sea, and they will be used for healing bruises and cuts etc., that people might incur (Ezek. 47:12).
• Resulting from such abundance, there will be no more poverty. The poor man will cease from the earth. Provisions will be made for the needy, the fatherless, and widows (Psa. 132:15; Isa. 41:17; 65:21-23; Psa. 146:7).
• The land of Edom, however, will lie in a perpetual desolation from generation to generation throughout the Millennium. Thorns and brambles will grow over its desolate land. This will be a constant reminder to all nations of the consequences of hating the Lord and His people Israel (Isa. 34:9-15; Jer. 49:13, 17-18; Joel 3:19; Mal. 1:3).
• The four seasons will remain in the earth (Psa. 104:19; Psa. 147:15-18; Zech. 14:8; Gen. 8:22).
• The sun will apparently shine seven times clearer, but not, of course, hotter (Isa. 30:26).
Economic Changes
• A direct result of the reversing of the curse is that there will be a great change in the commercial and economic conditions on earth. The complex commercial world that we know today will collapse in the Great Tribulation and it will not be built again (Rev. 8:9). However, some commercial trade will be established, but it will be used exclusively for the service of the Lord. This is signified in the re-building of Tyre (Isa. 23:17-18).
Topographical Changes
• There will be vast topographical changes in the earth (Isa. 41:15-20).
• New rivers will spring forth in the earth (Isa. 30:25; 35:6-7; 41:18).
• The Euphrates River, the Nile River, and the River of Egypt, will each be dried up and no longer used (Isa. 11:15; 19:5-8; 27:12; Rev. 16:12).
• The “tongue” of the Red Sea (probably the left fork of the Sea crossed by Israel at the time of their exodus from Egypt) will also be dried up (Isa. 11:15).
• Some mountains and valleys will be leveled. This, perhaps, will be the result of the Lord shaking the earth with earthquakes, volcanoes, and other natural catastrophes (Psa. 97:1-5; Mic. 1:2-4; Isa. 2:21; 40:4; Ezek. 38:20).
The Last Rebellion
• Although the glory, power, and majesty of the Lord will be manifested throughout the earth, many of the world’s population will still only yield feigned obedience to the Lord (Deut. 33:29–J. N. Darby Trans.; Psa. 18:44; Psa. 66:3; Psa. 81:15–marginal reading); 2 Sam. 19:18-23*).
• As the 1000-year reign of Christ (the Millennium) draws to a close, Satan will be loosed from the bottomless pit to test the inhabitants of earth (not those in heaven) for a short season. He will deceive those who have yielded feigned obedience in the kingdom and will gather them together in rebellion against the beloved city of Jerusalem (Rev. 20:7-9).
• When the revolters, led by Satan, come up against the holy city Jerusalem, the Lord will rain down fire from heaven and destroy them (Rev. 20:9-10).
Satan Cast Into The Lake of Fire
• Satan will then be cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:9-10; Matt. 25:41).
• Satan’s angels who have been confined to the bottomless pit for the duration of the Millennium will be also cast into the lake of fire (Isa. 24:22–“after many days shall they be visited”).
• The heavenly saints will assist the Lord in the judgment of the angels (1 Cor. 6:3).
The Heavens and Earth Dissolved
• At this time, the Lord will cause the heavens and earth to dissolve with great heat (Job. 14:12; Psa. 102:26; Heb. 1:12; 2 Peter 3:10-12; Rev. 20:11; 21:1).
The Second Resurrection
• The “second resurrection” will then take place. It is also called “the resurrection of damnation,” or “the resurrection of the unjust” (John 5:29; Acts 24:15). All who have died in their sins, without faith throughout the whole range of time, from Cain to the end of the Millennium, will be raised to stand before the Lord at His “great white throne” to be judged. This is the judgment of the (wicked) dead (Job 14:12; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Peter 4:5; Rev. 20:11-15).
The End of Time
• Time ends (1 Cor. 15:24).
• The Lord will turn the kingdom over to God the Father that He might devote Himself fully to His Bride. Although He turns over the kingdom, He does not turn over His Manhood. He will remain a Man for all eternity. As Man, the Son will be subject to the Father forever (1 Cor. 15:24-28; Ex. 21:6*).