1. I WILL RETURN

Some years ago a sea captain remarked to his faithful wife, "One more voyage and then we'll buy a nice home in the country and settle down in comfort for the rest of our lives." But the unfortunate man sailed on a ship that never returned.

An affectionate father spoke to his five year old boy. "Stay right here, Bobbie. Daddy is going up the canyon a bit farther, but will come back for you very soon." But among the rocks ahead, tragedy overtook him; and although Bobbie waited all night long, daddy did not return.

Human promises and pledges, though made in good faith, oftentimes fail. But the promise of God will never fail. The apostle Peter declared, "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Hebrews 10:37.

From the earliest times the truth of Christ's second coming was believed and taught. For instance, Enoch, Job, Abraham, David and Isaiah all prophesied concerning our Lord's return. Read Jude14; Job 19:25-27; Hebrews 11:8-16; Psalm 102:16; Isaiah 25:9.

How certain is Christ's return?

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

John 14:3.

Read Hebrews 9:28; Acts 1:9-11.

What did Christ tell the scribes and Pharisees about His return?

"For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Mathew 23:39.

At His trial what did Christ promise about His return?

"Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."

Mathew 26:64.

What assurance did Jesus give John concerning His return?

He repeats three times the truth of His second coming. "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."; "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."; "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

Revelation 22:7, 12, 20.

Note: This uniform testimony of Christ is enough to convince all that Christ is coming again. There is no doubt here. Jesus will return.

Conclusion

The apostle Paul mentions the return of Christ in his epistles many times. In the New Testament alone there are also a large number of references containing statements attesting to the truth that Christ will return. The apostle admonishes, "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:7, 8.

2. WORLD CONDITIONS FORETELL

CHRIST'S COMING

It is not blind faith to believe in Christ's soon return. The Bible records many omens of His coming. They will occur "in divers places." Mathew 24:7. These signs of Christ's coming will be in evidence in the political, economic, scientific, and religious world thus making it possible for the whole of society to be aware of earth's closing events.

When the disciples came to Jesus with the question, "When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Mathew 24:3) what was His answer?

Note: The disciples thought the fall of Jerusalem and the end of the world were simultaneous events. Therefore Christ gave the conditions they could look for which would announce both of these events. We are concerned only with the conditions that foretell Christ's return to earth. The signs of Christ's coming will appear in the sky, on the earth, and in the hearts of men and women.

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."

Luke 21:25-27.

What three signs were to appear in the sky before the return of Jesus?

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Mathew 24:29, 30.

Note: Other texts to explore are Joel 3:15 and Revelation 6:12, 13. The period of tribulation dates from A.D. 538 until 1798 known as the Dark Ages when there was a union of church and state. There was much persecution during that time. Public persecution ceased in 1773 about 25 years before 1798. Why? This was brought about by the Reformation which gave the Bible and the gospel to the people and the opportunities for religious freedom in America.

When did the signs in heaven occur?

Jesus accurately predicted that "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light."

Mark 13:24.

Note: How correct His prediction! The first sign in the sky was to transpire after the days of persecution had ended and yet "in those days" or just before 1798. May 19, 1780, the sun was darkened. (For 24 hours there was complete darkness). This is a record in history. That same night the moon took on the appearance of blood. And as predicted the greatest meteoric shower ever to be recorded in history was observed on the night of November 13, 1833. The heavens seemed ablaze over North America and as far south as Mexico and the Island of Jamaica. Men became sober believing the day of judgment had arrived.

What were to be the conditions on the earth before Christ's second coming?

Note: Conditions of the earth fall into five categories: political, economic, scientific, religious and physical.

a. What would be the political conditions?

"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

Mathew 24:6, 7.

Read also Revelation 11:18 and Joel 3:9-14.

Note: The Bible is careful to predict that in the time of anger and preparation for war there would be many efforts toward peace. "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3. Read Jeremiah 6:14.

b. How does God describe the worldwide economic situation?

"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth."

James 5:1-4.

c. What does the Bible predict concerning scientific discoveries?

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."

Daniel 12:4.

Note: It is interesting that God designed Daniel's prophecies would be sealed until "the time of the end." During that period just before the end simultaneously people would begin to understand the prophecies of Daniel along with discovering great scientific knowledge.

d. What great signs will there be in the religious world?

Peter said there would be scoffers.

"And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment."

2 Peter 3:3, 4.

Paul mentions 19 prevalent sins.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Jesus said there would be a lack of faith and love.

"I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:8.

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

Mathew 24:12.

There will be deceptions.

"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you…And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many…For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

Mathew 24:4, 11, 24.

e. What can we expect will be taking place in the physical world?

"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

Mathew 24:7.

Conclusion

In addition to the signs in the sky and on the earth, men's hearts will be fearful. "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:26. When these world conditions are observed there is the indication that the coming of the Lord is "even at the doors." Read Mathew 24:32-34. Let us heed Christ's admonition to "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come." Mathew 24:42.

3. WILL THE WORLD BE CONVERTED?

It is evident that wickedness of all kinds is on the increase. One would have to be blind and deaf or devoid of proper mentality in order not to be aware of world conditions. The world is fast becoming comparable to the prevalent conditions of Noah just before the Flood.

What conditions prevailed in the time of Noah?

"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually...The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence."

Genesis 6:5, 11.

Prior to Christ's return what conditions can we expect to see?

"And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

Luke 17:26-30.

Is the world destined to get better or worse?

"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

2 Timothy 3:13.

What will be the attitude of many towards the truth?

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith."

2 Timothy 3:7, 8.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

How did Jesus indicate there would be no time prior to Christ's return when the world would be converted?

"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Mathew 24:30.

"And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

Revelation 6:14-17.

Note: The preaching of the gospel is not destined to bring about world conversion. The gospel is preached "for a witness." After the proclamation of truth then Christ returns. Read Mathew 24:14.

Conclusion

The inhabitants of earth in these last days may be divided into two groups. These are those who look for the second advent of but they do not expect Christ to put an end to this present world, but to rule it, offering a second chance to the nations. There are those who are looking for the day of the Lord. This is the end of the world, the second coming of Christ, a day of destruction. "The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly." Zephaniah 1:14. God help us to be ready for His appearing.

4. HOW CHRIST WILL RETURN

(No Secret Rapture)

As to the manner of Christ's coming there can be no doubt. It will not be hidden from the eyes of men. He will be seen by those living on the earth. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." Titus 2:13. The Bible emphasizes this truth that the Lord will appear openly when He comes.

Col. 3:4

1 Pet. 5:4

1 John 2:28

1 John 3:2

1 Pet. 1:7

1 Tim. 6:14

2 Tim. 4:1

Matt. 24:30

How many tribes of earth will see Christ's return?

Mathew 24:30.

Note: Christ does not appear merely to a certain class that may be expecting Him, but rather to every living soul on the earth.

What was the testimony of the two angels at His ascension as to the manner in which Christ will return?

"And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

Acts 1:9-11.

Will both the righteous and the wicked see Christ when He comes?

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

Revelation 1:7.

Note: The idea that Christ comes secretly and that His coming becomes known to the rest of mankind only by the absence of the righteous is untrue. In order for those who pierced Christ to see Him return there will be a special resurrection to make this possible.

Will Christ come in silence?

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"

1 Thessalonians 4:16.

How did Christ illustrate the visibility of His return?

"For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

Mathew 24:27.

Conclusion

Jesus looked ahead through the centuries and knew that some would be deceived as to the manner of His coming. Therefore, he uttered this warning, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not." Mathew 24:23-26. Since we know the manner of His coming we can look for Him. "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Hebrews 9:28.

5. WHY CHRIST MUST COME

The second coming of Christ is an important teaching of Scriptures. Why must Christ return? The reason for His return is nine fold.

For whom is Christ coming?

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

John 14:1-3.

Note: When Christ left this earth He went to prepare a place so all His people might someday dwell together. When the preparation is complete and He returns then His people will be gathered by the angels. "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Mathew 24:31.

When Christ comes, what will He do for the saints sleeping in death?

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"

1 Thessalonians 4:16.

Because some of God's people will be alive, never having tasted death, at the coming of the Lord what will Christ do?

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Note: Both the resurrected and the living righteous will be given immortality at the coming of the Lord. "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." 1 Corinthians 15:51-53.

What is another purpose of Christ's coming?

"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom."

2 Timothy 4:1.

How are the righteous rewarded at Christ's second coming?

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

Hebrews 9:28.

"And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."

Daniel 7:27.

At his coming what does He do to the wicked?

"And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8.

"And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."

Revelation 11:18.

What does His coming have to do with this earth?

Note: Christ has purchased the earth and it is His intention to bring it back to its original beauty.

"Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."

2 Peter 3:13.

"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."

Psalm 37:29.

What is God's plan relative to all things lost in sin?

"And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."

Acts 3:20, 21.

Note: The last two chapters of the Bible present a picture of the restored earth with the redeemed upon it. The return of Christ prepares the way for the establishment of this new earth which God's people will occupy throughout eternity. "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Mathew 5:5.

What is Christ's position when He returns?

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

Revelation 19:11-16.

Conclusion

The kingdom over which Christ will rule will endure forever. "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." Daniel 2:44. "And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:33. Since all these wonderful things will be worked out by the coming of Christ it is truly a blessed hope. We cannot help but cry out, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

6. WHY A RESURRECTION?

A hope in the resurrection has been the belief of man from the earliest times. Without a resurrection there would be no future life. The book of Job is the oldest book of the bible. The author of this book represents Job both asking and answering a question concerning a future life. He says, "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands." Job14:14, 15. Job recognized that the hope of a resurrection depended on the return of Christ to earth the second time "at the latter day." "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19:25-27.

When did David expect to have God's likeness?

"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."

Psalm 17:15.

What has God promised His sleeping saints?

"And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just."

Luke 14:14, last part.

Who is the Christian hope?

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

John 11:25, 26.

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

Revelation 1:18.

How many resurrections does Christ mention? What are they called?

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

John 5:28, 29.

Read Acts 24:15.

How important is the resurrection?

"Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."

1 Corinthians 15:12-19.

Note: The hope of the believer's resurrection is based on Christ's resurrection. The two are linked together. The resurrection of Christ is the most important event ever to have taken place. If this great truth could be overthrown then all other truth would be valueless.

What are the characteristics of those who come forth in the first resurrection?

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

Revelation 20:6.

Note: When the righteous dead are resurrected to life they become priests of God and reign with Christ for one thousand years. This is in fulfillment of Christ's promise "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Revelation 3:21.

What event marks the time for the first resurrection?

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first."

1 Thessalonians 4:16.

Note: Paul is careful to point out that all the righteous go to be with Christ at the same time. "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:15. All, the resurrected righteous dead together with the living saints, "meet the Lord in the air" at the same time. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Conclusion

God wants us to understand what can be expected concerning the righteous who are asleep in death awaiting the call of the life giver at the coming of the Lord. We need not sorrow as others. The basis for our hope and comfort is the resurrection. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14. What a wonderful prospect! Incorruption, glory, power, immortality – all this at the resurrection. Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-33. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58.

7. CHRIST'S COMING VS.

THE MILLENIUM

The millennium can never begin till Christ returns to receive His people unto Himself. The term millennium is nowhere found in the Bible. It is derived from two Latin words: Mille means one thousand. Annus means year. Therefore the term millennium means one thousand years.

Some have the idea that the millennium will be a thousand years of peace and prosperity on the earth. This is not the Bible teaching. Satan is doing all in his power to persuade people to believe what is wrong is right relative to the millennium. He even transforms himself into and "angel of light" and he has those that help him in spreading his deceptions. Read 2 Corinthians 11:14, 15.

What events take place at the beginning of the millennium?

The answer to this question is in five parts.

a. Christ comes.

"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first."

1 Thessalonians 4:15, 16.

b. The righteous dead come to life in the first resurrection.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first."

1 Thessalonians 4:16.

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

Revelation 20:6.

c. The living wicked slain.

2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8.

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming."

2 Thessalonians 2:8.

Read Isaiah 11:4.

"A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground."

Jeremiah 25:31-33.

d. All the righteous taken to heaven.

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.

Read John 14:1-3.

Read also Revelation 7:9, 10 where John pictures the redeemed standing before the throne in heaven.

e. Satan is bound.

"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."

Revelation 20:1-3.

Note: Satan is bound by circumstances. The righteous have been taken to be with Christ, and the wicked have been slain. The earth has been emptied of its inhabitants. Jeremiah declared, "I beheld, and, lo, there was no man." Jeremiah 4:25. The Jeremiah prophecies (25:31-33; 4:25) have a primary application with regards to Judah. But all such day of judgment prophecies are types of the trial and ultimate day of the Lord. What is true in principle of the latter.

Note: The term "bottomless pit" comes from the Greek word abussos from which we get "abyss." Everything will be in a state of chaos.

What are some definite facts which mark the millennium?

a. The earth is desolate.

"I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger. For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end."

Jeremiah 4:23-27.

b. The righteous will be in heaven engaged in a work of judgment.

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

Revelation 20:4.

"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?"

1 Corinthians 6:1-3.

Note: Why have a judgment after all cases are decided? At the coming of Christ He takes His people with Him to heaven. The wicked will not live until after the 1000 years have expired. They will be resurrected to receive their punishment of the second death. Should you discover that a loved one is not in heaven during the millennium you can find the reason for this by looking over the records. God has allotted a thousand years to the judgment of the wicked. He is careful to take no chance of leaving one doubt in any mind about His work in behalf of man. When the wicked receive their punishment it will be recognized by all that their punishment is deserved and God is just. During the one thousand years as the righteous sit in judgment they will learn of every effort put forth to save every person.

What definite events mark the close of the millennium?

The answer to this question is in six parts in the sequence in which the events transpire.

a. The wicked are resurrected.

"But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."

Revelation 20:5.

(These are the wicked because the righteous were resurrected one thousand years before this.)

b. Satan is loosed.

"And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison."

Revelation 20:7.

(The devil will be free to continue his nefarious work of deception among the wicked who have come to life.)

c. The New Jerusalem comes down from heaven.

"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."

Revelation 21:2.

d. Satan gathers the wicked around the city for battle.

"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. And 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 20:8, 9.

e. The wicked are destroyed.

"And 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, last part.

Note: When a person or thing is said to be devoured total destruction is pictured. This is the picture presented in Malachi 4:1, 3.

f. A new earth will be created.

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless."

2 Peter 3:10-14.