What's Next? Revelation Series With Skip HeitzigSample

Heaven on Earth

Path

Though Satan has exercised temporary authority over God's creation for several millennia, the story isn't over; Jesus will return to rule for a thousand years. And it won't just be a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of His followers. This will be a literal dominion over a renewed earth.

Points
The Extent of It (vv. 1-6)

• Both the Old and New Testaments state the precise amount of time: 1,000 years.
• Incarceration: an angel bearing a key of God's authority will seize Satan and bind him for 1,000 years.
• Administration: Jesus will set up His kingdom on earth and give certain groups authority to rule:
  • Tribulation saints (see v. 4)
  • Old Testament saints (see Jeremiah 30:9; Daniel 12:13)
  • Twelve apostles (see Matthew 19:28)
  • New Testament saints (see 1 Corinthians 6:2-4; Revelation 5:9-10)

The Explanation of It (v. 2)

• Three views of the kingdom:
  • Premillennial: Jesus will return before the millennium and then rule physically from Earth.
  • Postmillennial: Jesus will come after believers have Christianized the world in a golden age and presented it to Christ.
  • Amillennial: there is no literal 1,000 years, and the book of Revelation is figurative and spiritual. This view says that the church age we live in now is the kingdom age.
• What will the kingdom be like?
  • The animal kingdom tamed (see Isaiah 11:6-8)
  • A lush biosphere (see Isaiah 35:1-2, 6-7)
  • Disabilities healed (see Isaiah 35:5-6)
  • Great longevity of life (see Isaiah 65:20-22)

The Essentiality of It (v. 3)

• The millennium is essential for three key reasons:
  • To redeem creation from judgment--to release us from the curse of Genesis 3:15; it's God's answer to the prayer "Your kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2)
  • To realize God's promises to Israel, especially concerning David's throne (see 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89)
  • To reveal man's true nature; even under perfect conditions, those born after the kingdom is set up will sin, showing once and for all that sinful man needs a Savior

Practice

Connect Up: Read Luke 19:11-27. How does God expect you to serve Him in this life? How will that be rewarded in the kingdom? Because Christians will reign with Christ, how are you preparing now for life during the millennium?

Connect In: Consider how living under Christ's direct rule in the kingdom will be more satisfying than living in our current world.

Connect Out: Are you seeking the kingdom? Will you be part of God's kingdom? In what ways can you better serve and reach out for the cause of Christ?