THE COMING MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Revelation 20:4-6
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 11:6-9, Zechariah 14:9, 1 Corinthians 15:24-25, Daniel 7:27, Micah 4:1-4
INTRODUCTION:
The millennial reign of Christ refers to the 1,000-year period during which Jesus Christ will reign as King on the earth. This period, as described in Revelation 20:4-6, will be marked by righteousness, peace, and divine order. It will follow the Great Tribulation and will serve as a time when the promises of God concerning His kingdom will be fulfilled.
Throughout history, humanity has longed for a perfect government, free from corruption, injustice, and suffering. The millennial reign will be the answer to this desire, as Christ will establish His kingdom, ruling with righteousness and justice. Satan will be bound for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2), ensuring that there will be no demonic influence during this time.
This period will also be a time of restoration, where the earth will be renewed, and the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth. The saints who have remained faithful to Christ will reign with Him, experiencing the rewards of their steadfastness. Let us examine the significance and characteristics of this glorious reign.
1. CHRIST WILL REIGN IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
Before the millennial reign, human governments have been plagued with corruption and failure. However, Jesus Christ, the righteous King, will establish a perfect government.
a) The Government of Christ – He will reign as the King of Kings (Zechariah 14:9).
b) A Kingdom of Peace – Wars and conflicts will cease (Isaiah 11:6-9).
c) Justice and Equity – There will be fairness for all (Jeremiah 23:5).
d) A Time of Divine Order – Christ will rule with perfect wisdom (Psalm 72:1-4).
e) Biblical Example: King Solomon's reign foreshadows the peace and wisdom that will be fully realized in Christ’s millennial rule (1 Kings 4:25).
2. THE SAINTS WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST
The righteous, including those who were martyred for their faith, will reign alongside Christ. They will have glorified bodies and serve in positions of authority.
a) Reward for Faithfulness – Those who overcame trials will rule (2 Timothy 2:12).
b) The First Resurrection – Only the faithful will partake in this (Revelation 20:5-6).
c) Authority Over Nations – The saints will govern with Christ (Daniel 7:27).
d) Glorified Bodies – The redeemed will live forever with Christ (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
e) Biblical Example: Joseph ruled over Egypt after his suffering, just as the saints will reign with Christ (Genesis 41:39-41).
3. THE EARTH WILL BE RESTORED
During this period, the curse brought by sin will be lifted, and creation will be renewed.
a) No More Sickness and Death – Longevity will be restored (Isaiah 65:20).
b) Harmony in Nature – Animals will live peacefully (Isaiah 11:6-8).
c) Abundant Provision – There will be no hunger or lack (Micah 4:4).
d) A Pure Environment – Pollution and decay will be reversed (Romans 8:21).
e) Biblical Example: The Garden of Eden was a place of perfection, and the millennial reign will restore such harmony (Genesis 2:8-15).
4. SATAN WILL BE BOUND FOR 1,000 YEARS
One major characteristic of this period is the absence of satanic influence.
a) Satan’s Temporary Imprisonment – He will be bound in the abyss (Revelation 20:2-3).
b) No More Deception – The nations will no longer be misled (Revelation 20:3).
c) A Time of Holiness – The people will live righteously (Zechariah 14:20-21).
d) The Final Test – Satan will be released briefly to deceive the nations before his final destruction (Revelation 20:7-10).
e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh’s downfall after his temporary victory over Israel mirrors Satan’s final defeat (Exodus 14:27-28).
5. THE FINAL PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY
The millennial reign will serve as the transition into eternity, where God's ultimate plan will be fulfilled.
a) Final Judgment – The wicked will face the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).
b) The New Heaven and New Earth – God will make all things new (Revelation 21:1).
c) The Eternal Kingdom of God – Christ will reign forever (Daniel 7:14).
d) The Saints’ Eternal Joy – There will be no more sorrow or pain (Revelation 21:4).
e) Biblical Example: The Israelites entering the Promised Land signifies the final fulfillment of God’s promise (Joshua 21:43-45).
CONCLUSION:
The millennial reign of Christ is a period of divine fulfillment, where righteousness, peace, and justice will prevail. It will be a time of great joy for the redeemed, as they will reign with Christ and enjoy the fruits of their faithfulness.
However, this glorious reign is only for those who have remained steadfast in Christ. Those who reject Him will not partake in this blessing but will face eternal separation from God. Now is the time to ensure that we are counted among the faithful who will reign with Christ.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, prepare me to reign with You in Your kingdom.
2. Father, help me to remain faithful until the end.
3. Let Your righteousness fill the earth as You establish Your reign.
4. Bind every force of darkness that seeks to deceive the nations.
5. Lord, let me live a life worthy of Your eternal kingdom.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall reign with Christ in His kingdom.
2. The Lord will count you among the faithful on the last day.
3. No power of darkness will deceive you out of God’s plan.
4. Your name shall be found in the Book of Life.
5. You will dwell in eternal joy and peace with the Lord.
