Monday: In The Midst of the Millennium
Read Revelation 20:4-6 again.
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What evidence there shows us that the millennium unfolds in heaven (at least for the saved)?
A specific segment of the group who will participate in the millennium are described as “the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands” (NKJV). As Seventh-day Adventists, we understand that the Bible doesn’t teach the existence of separate, immortal, conscious souls. This text, instead, is portraying those who went through the experience of persecution as portrayed in Revelation 12:17-13:18. At the Second Advent (at which time occurs the first resurrection) these persecuted souls come back to life and, after the resurrection, reign in heaven with Christ (compare with 1 Thess. 4:15-17).
Revelation 20:4 draws our attention to another event during the millennium, when it says specifically that judgment will be given to the redeemed. Knowing that the faithful are reigning with their Lord and that the wicked were slain by the brightness of Christ’s coming, what is the nature and purpose of this judgment?
One of the three things that we focused on last week (Monday) was the judgment connected with Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary before the Second Advent. That judgment is different from the judgment in Revelation 20:4, which is really a fulfillment of Christ’s promise in Matthew 19:28, and which corresponds to Paul’s statement that the saints will judge the world (1 Cor. 6:2-3).
The concept of judgment in the Bible is rich and multifaceted. The final judgment has three phases, the first of which is the one associated with Christ’s priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Seventh-day Adventists call this the investigative phase of the final judgment. Next, there is the millennial review phase of the judgment, which is referred to in Revelation 20:4 and 1 Corinthians 6:2-3. In this phase, the redeemed will have an opportunity to examine God’s ways and judgment with regard to the agents of rebellion. The third phase of the final judgment is the executive phase, which is part of the events that will occur at the end of the millennium.
Keeping what you’ve read today in mind, read 1 Corinthians 4:5. What important hope is found here in view of the fact that we have so many unanswered questions?
We must pray our God so much in the end of this time so that he can give everyone the opportunity that we can understand his words.
What entails in the midst of the millenium is the second phase of the judgement. The redeemed will do millenial review or in other words, we will be given the opportunity to examine God’s ways and judgement. God is accountable to the redeemed to see for themselves why loved ones didn’t make to heaven and records are transparent.
Let everyone understand that our God is a Loving one in the most transparent way. In the middle of the milenium He is giving those who endured the test of time with temptation of dragon the opportunity to fully get aquinted with His judgement.
We will also get the opportunity to reign with our Creator for a thousand years. During this time God Himself will be teaching His saved one how to rule in a holistic manner
Third, we shall get time with Christ speaking to Him on one to one basis.
According to the Bible passage quoted, during the millennium judging is “committed to” the saints. Yet the lesson itself depicts this judgment as nothing more than a review of what God has already decided and carried out.
This makes no sense to me. If something is “committed” to someone, that implies real responsibility, and even authority. I’d say something is missing here.
R.G. I think we should consider all texts on the topic so here is another one that I think needs to be added, “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son” (Jn. 5:22 NKJV).
Every activities that take place during the thousand years with God in Heaven will be to the saints favor and will testified of God’s justfullness. We need not to waste precious time and effort to know it to the T. Make sure we will enter into the pearly gates of the Eternal kingdom.