Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Close of the Millennium

The righteous dead are raised at Christ’s second coming. When will the rest of the dead, the wicked, be raised? BR-ASI9 236.1

“The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Revelation 20:5. BR-ASI9 236.2

Note.—From this we see that the beginning and the close of the millennium, or one thousand years, are marked by the two resurrections. BR-ASI9 236.3

The word millennium is from two Latin words, mille, meaning a thousand, and annus, year—a thousand years. It covers the time during which Satan is to be bound and wicked men and angels are to be judged. This period is bounded by distinct events. Its beginning is marked by the close of probation, the pouring out of the seven last plagues, the second coming of Christ, and the resurrection of the righteous dead. It closes with the resurrection of the wicked, and their final destruction in the lake of fire. BR-ASI9 236.4

What change is made in Satan’s condition at the close of the one thousand years? BR-ASI9 236.5

“After that he must be loosed a little season.” Revelation 20:3. BR-ASI9 236.6

Note.—At the close of the one thousand years, Christ, accompanied by the saints, comes to the earth again, to execute judgment upon the wicked, and to prepare the earth, by a re-creation, for the eternal abode of the righteous. At this time, in answer to the summons of Christ, the wicked dead of all ages awake to life. This is the second resurrection, the resurrection unto damnation. The wicked come forth with the same rebellious spirit which possessed them in this life. Then Satan is loosed from his long period of captivity and inactivity. BR-ASI9 236.7

As soon as the wicked are raised, what does Satan at once proceed to do? BR-ASI9 236.8

“When the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.” Revelation 20:7, 8. BR-ASI9 236.9

Against whom do the wicked go to make war, and what is the outcome? BR-ASI9 236.10

“They went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city; and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” Revelation 20:9. BR-ASI9 236.11

Note.—This is the last act in the great controversy between Christ and Satan. The whole human race meet here for the first and last time. The eternal separation of the righteous from the wicked here takes place. At this time the judgment of God is executed upon the wicked in the lake of fire. This is the second death. This ends the great rebellion against God and His government. Now is heard the voice of God as He sits upon His throne, speaking to the saints, and saying, “Behold, I make all things new”; and out of the burning ruins of the old earth there springs forth before the admiring gaze of the millions of the redeemed, “a new heaven and a new earth,” in which they shall find an everlasting inheritance and dwelling place. BR-ASI9 236.12