“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound prophetic truths of Revelation 20:4, exploring the millennium as a pivotal period of divine judgment, the desolation of earth, the fate of the wicked, Satan’s confinement, the second resurrection and final deception, God’s love manifested in judgment and restoration, personal faith and obedience, responsibility to share the gospel with urgency and compassion, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness in God’s plan of salvation.

PROPHECY POWER!

Friends, brothers, and sisters, we stand at a pivotal juncture in human history, where the prophetic visions of the Bible illuminate the path before us. Today, we delve into the heart of Revelation 20:4, the cornerstone of our understanding of the millennium, that thousand-year period of divine judgment and restoration. Our goal is to unpack the profound truths embedded within this chapter, to understand the desolation of the earth, the fate of the wicked, and the ultimate triumph of God’s righteousness. This essay is designed to guide us through these complex themes, ensuring that we grasp the significance of this period and prepare our hearts for the glorious return of our Lord. We seek not just to understand the text, but to apply its lessons to our lives, ensuring that we are found faithful when He comes. 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, KJV). 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. (2 Peter 3:10, KJV). 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. (Matthew 24:27, KJV). Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 24:44, KJV). Ellen G. White, in The Adventist Home, page 344, 1952, emphasizes the importance of understanding these prophecies: “The Lord would have our minds stirred up, wakened, quickened, by the holy work that is being done in this part of His great moral vineyard.” She further states in Counsels to Writers and Editors, page 23, 1946, “The Lord has a time appointed when He will bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” These quotes highlight the importance of grounding our understanding of the millennium in the Bible and the inspired writings. But what lies ahead in this thousand-year reign, and how does the desolation of earth fit into God’s plan?

SAINTS RULE RUINS!

The millennium is definitively brought into view by Revelation 20:4, which speaks of those who lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. These are the souls of those martyred for their faith, those who refused the mark of the beast, and those who remained loyal to God. This verse reveals that they will participate in a divine judgment, a period of ruling with Christ. The earth, however, will not be a paradise during this time. Rather, it will be a desolate wasteland, as depicted in Revelation 6:14-17 and 16:17-21, where the seventh plague brings about a cataclysmic earthquake and cosmic upheaval. Jeremiah 4:23-27 echoes this, describing the earth as without form, and void. For the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. (Joel 2:1-2, KJV). Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. (Isaiah 13:9, KJV). Ellen G. White, in The Adventist Home, page 344, 1952, describes this desolation: “The earth looked like a desolate wilderness. Cities and villages, shaken down by the earthquake, lay in heaps.” She further emphasizes in Prophets and Kings, page 727, 1917, “The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old.” This desolation is a direct consequence of God’s judgment upon the wicked, a stark reminder of the wages of sin. This period is not one of earthly peace, but of divine reckoning, a time when the earth reflects the chaos and destruction brought about by rebellion against God. The stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven 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. (Matthew 24:29-30, KJV). Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched. (Jeremiah 7:20, KJV). But how does this devastation leave only one inhabitant wandering the ruins?

WICKED PERISH ALONE!

Jeremiah 25:33 declares that the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth. This verse highlights the comprehensive destruction of the wicked at Christ’s Second Coming. The righteous are either resurrected or translated, while the wicked are left dead, their bodies strewn across the earth. For the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. (Psalm 37:20, KJV). For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. (Psalm 37:9, KJV). Ellen G. White, in The Adventist Home, page 541, 1952, describes Satan’s state during this period: “Confined to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds to tempt and annoy those who have never fallen.” She further states in Education, page 304, 1903, “The earth looked like a desolate wilderness.” These quotes emphasize Satan’s confinement and suffering, a stark contrast to his previous freedom and power. This utter depopulation leaves only one inhabitant: Satan. Revelation 20:1-3 describes an angel binding Satan and casting him into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. This bottomless pit is the desolate earth, where Satan is left to wander amidst the ruins, unable to deceive the nations. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day: And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day. (Amos 8:9-10, KJV). And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. (Zephaniah 1:17, KJV). This period serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate futility of rebellion against God. Yet what happens when Satan’s chains are loosed at the millennium’s end?

SATAN’S LAST STAND!

Revelation 20:4-6 reveals that the righteous dead are raised at Christ’s second coming, while the rest of the dead, the wicked, are raised at the end of the thousand years. This second resurrection marks the end of Satan’s confinement. Revelation 20:3 states that he is loosed out of his prison at the end of the millennium. As soon as the wicked are raised, Satan, true to his nature, immediately begins to deceive them, as depicted in Revelation 20:7, 8. He gathers them into a vast army, Gog and Magog, and leads them against the Holy City. This final act of rebellion reveals the depth of Satan’s hatred and his unrelenting desire to oppose God. This moment is a test of the resurrected wicked, revealing whether their hearts have truly changed. Alas, their response confirms their continued allegiance to evil. This culminates in the ultimate confrontation, where fire from God consumes them, as described in Revelation 20:9, 10. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelation 20:14, KJV). And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (Revelation 20:13, KJV). Ellen G. White, in Education, page 304, 1903, describes the deception of the wicked: “The whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God on the charge of high treason against the government of heaven.” She further states in Prophets and Kings, page 543, 1917, “Satan’s work of ruin is forever ended.” These quotes highlight Satan’s last desperate attempt to deceive and the ultimate acknowledgment of God’s authority. The devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10, KJV). And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15, KJV). But how can such destruction align with a God of love?

LOVE’S JUST JUDGMENT!

One might perceive the desolation and destruction as mere wrath, however, God’s actions are always rooted in love and justice. God’s love manifests in His unwavering commitment to righteousness. The destruction of the wicked and the binding of Satan are not arbitrary acts of violence, but necessary steps to purge the universe of sin and suffering. The very fact that Satan is bound for a thousand years shows God’s patience, delaying the final destruction to allow time for the full manifestation of evil. He offers the raised wicked one last chance to reveal their hearts, and the fire destroys them because the disease of sin is incurable. God’s plan ensures a complete and total healing. The creation of the New Earth, free from sin and sorrow, where the righteous can dwell in eternal communion with Him, demonstrates His ultimate love. This is a love that seeks the highest good for His creation, a love that is willing to endure pain and suffering to achieve ultimate restoration. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:11, KJV). The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (Psalm 103:8, KJV). Ellen G. White, in Education, page 57, 1903, explains God’s love in the context of judgment: “God does not destroy; He educates.” She further states in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 77, 1896, “God’s love is represented in our poor, perishing world by a golden chain, which links earth to heaven above.” These quotes highlight that God’s love is not simply a feeling, but a principle that guides His actions, even in judgment. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. (Romans 9:15, KJV). Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (Psalm 106:8, KJV). But how do we respond personally to this divine love and prepare for the first resurrection?

FAITH FUELS OBEDIENCE!

We must strive to maintain unwavering faith and obedience, remembering that the ultimate test is loyalty to Him. The description of the martyrs in Revelation 20:4, who remained faithful even in the face of death, serves as a powerful example. This calls for a daily commitment to studying His Word, prayer, and living according to His commandments. Understanding the fate of the wicked should inspire a deep sense of urgency in my spiritual journey. We must actively work to purify our hearts, rejecting any compromise with sin. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10, KJV). For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4, KJV). Ellen G. White, in Education, page 253, 1903, emphasizes the importance of obedience: “Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love.” She further states in Christ’s Object Lessons, page 312, 1900, “The faith that works by love, and purifies the soul, is the only genuine faith.” These quotes highlight the connection between love for God, obedience, and the principles of His law. God’s love is not just a passive feeling, but an active force that demands a response of love and obedience. As Deuteronomy 30:19-20 states, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” This choice for life is a choice for God, a choice for obedience and a life lived in His presence. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2, KJV). This transformation is a lifelong process, one that requires constant vigilance and a willingness to surrender to God’s will. But how can we extend this preparation to those around us?

URGENT GOSPEL CALL!

Understanding the desolation and suffering that await the unrepentant should compel us to share the gospel with urgency. The urgency should be as heavy on our hearts as God’s love. We need to do God’s work. We should be patient. We should teach God’s words, not our own. Understanding the binding of Satan shows the danger of his power to deceive and the need to protect the vulnerable. The love shown by Christ towards us compels action towards our fellow humans. It encourages a community that helps one another grow closer to Christ. This responsibility calls for acts of kindness and mercy that reflect the love of Christ. This means that we should never turn our back on one that is lost. We are called to be our brother’s keeper, as illustrated in the story of Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:9 records God asking Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother?” and Cain’s response, “I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” This question echoes through the ages, challenging us to take responsibility for the well-being of others. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Romans 10:13-14, KJV). And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. (Hebrews 10:24, KJV). Sr. White, in Education, page 57, 1903, states, “The law of Christ bids us look upon the things of others. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves.” She further emphasizes in Testimonies for the Church Volume 9, page 19, 1909, “True goodness is the outpouring of the heart in loving ministry to others.” These quotes highlight the importance of loving service and compassion towards others as an expression of our love for God. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, KJV). This burden-bearing is a tangible expression of love, a way of demonstrating the compassion and empathy that Christ has shown to us. But how do these truths shape our daily lives and final reflections?

LIVE PURPOSEFULLY NOW!

The millennium, as depicted in Revelation 20:4, is not just a distant event; it is a lens through which we should view our present lives. The desolation of the earth after the seventh plague should remind us of the temporary nature of this world and the importance of seeking eternal values. The fate of the wicked should drive us to a deeper appreciation of God’s mercy and a greater commitment to living a life of righteousness. The binding of Satan serves as a reminder that evil, though powerful, has its limits. God’s ultimate triumph is assured. The second resurrection and the final judgment should inspire a holy fear, prompting us to examine our hearts and ensure that we are ready for Christ’s return. This understanding compels us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that our choices have eternal consequences. As Hebrews 9:27 states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” This verse underscores the gravity of our choices and the certainty of judgment. We must live each day as if it were our last, making the most of every opportunity to serve God and our fellow man. For the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. (Joel 2:1-2, KJV). Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. (Amos 4:12, KJV). Sr. White, in Education, page 253, 1903, reminds us, “We are living in the great day of atonement.” She further states in Prophets and Kings, page 727, 1917, “Every man’s work will be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” These quotes emphasize the importance of living in preparation for the judgment and the revealing nature of God’s final assessment. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV). This accountability before Christ should motivate us to live lives of integrity and faithfulness, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. But what is the millennium’s role in the grand plan of salvation?

SALVATION SECURED FOREVER!

The millennium is a crucial component of God’s plan of salvation. It is a period of divine judgment and restoration, a time when the universe will be purged of sin and prepared for the new earth. The righteous will reign with Christ, the wicked will face their final judgment, and Satan will be forever silenced. Let us strive to live lives that reflect the love and righteousness of God, that when we face the end of all things, we may be found worthy to enter into His eternal kingdom. May we all be faithful. Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” This endurance is not passive resignation, but an active perseverance in faith and obedience, even in the face of trials and temptations. Let us also take to heart the words of Revelation 22:12, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” This promise of Christ’s imminent return and His reward should inspire us to live lives of dedicated service and unwavering faithfulness. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14, KJV). He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7, KJV). Sr. White, in Education, page 57, 1903, reminds us, “The Lord would have our minds stirred up, wakened, quickened, by the holy work that is being done in this part of His great moral vineyard.” She further states in Christ’s Object Lessons, page 312, 1900, “The faith that works by love, and purifies the soul, is the only genuine faith.”

“For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:19, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths of the millennium, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes of the end times to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the millennium in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil in the millennium?