Okay, we've seen what we will be doing during the millennium. We've seen what our bodies will be like and we've seen a little bit about what the earth will be like. So what happens when the thousand years are over?
Then I saw an angel descending from heaven; he was holding the key of the Abyss and a great chain was in his hand. And he overpowered the dragon, that old serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. Then he hurled him into the Abyss and closed it and sealed it above him, so that he should no longer lead astray and deceive and seduce the nations until the thousand years were at an end. After that he must be liberated for a short time. Revelation 20:1-2 Amp
I'm not sure why Satan has to be released. I mean if it were up to me, I'd leave that old meany locked up forever, but I'm guessing it's because God is a God of justice and He must give those mortals born on earth during the millennium a chance to choose between God or Satan, good or evil, just like He gave every other human the choice. God doesn't want puppets. He wants us to choose Him.
Trouble is, we don't know how long Satan will be allowed to freely wander the earth. Could be days, could be months or even years. We do know that he won't have learned his lesson and he'll be back to his old tricks, deceiving people and convincing them to follow him not God.
And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his place of confinement,
And he will go forth to deceive and seduce and lead astray the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth—Gog and Magog—to muster them for war; their number is like the sand of the sea Rev 20:7-8 Amp
What baffles me is how, after living under the justice and righteousness and love of Jesus's reign on earth, anybody could willingly reject God and side with Satan!! But apparently, many do. Enough, anyway, to form a massive army and come against God and His people.
And they swarmed up over the broad plain of the earth and encircled the fortress of God’s people and the beloved city; verse 9
But unfortunately for them, they lose the battle
but fire descended from heaven and consumed them. Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages).
Okay, great! Finally! Next we are told there will be a Great White Throne judgement. This is NOT a judgement for those who follow God. This is a judgement for EVERY single person who has ever lived on earth from the beginning of time to the present time, including those alive during this huge battle, who have rejected God. Only those who didn't receive God's free gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus will be judged now.
Then I saw a great white throne and the One Who was seated upon it, from Whose presence and from the sight of Whose face earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. I saw the dead, great and small; they stood before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life. And the dead were judged (sentenced) by what they had done [their whole way of feeling and acting, their aims and endeavors] in accordance with what was recorded in the books.
And the sea delivered up the dead who were in it, death and Hades (the state of death or disembodied existence) surrendered the dead in them, and all were tried and their cases determined by what they had done [according to their motives, aims, and works].
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
And if anyone’s name was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire.
I find it really interesting that the unsaved dead are judged according to their works. I mean, why bother, if they are all going to the same place? (the lake of fire). The only logical conclusion is that there must be levels of punishment in Hell. Someone like Hitler may find themselves in a heap of torment, someone else who lived a reasonably good life but didn't believe in God, may be in a more tolerable environment. I really have no idea and the Scriptures do not say. But we do know God is just.
I want to make an important point here. God doesn't send anyone to Hell. In fact, He didn't create it for people at all. It was created for Satan and his angels. People get sent to Hell by their own choice. They choose to not receive God's free gift of salvation. God offers it to everyone. He wants everyone to receive it. But some people don't. Because God is just, He gives them what they want. A world without God. A world of darkness and evil and torment. Even people who have never heard the name Jesus have an opportunity to know the Creator of the world. They may not know his name, but they know Him and follow Him.
I would imagine this Great White Throne judgement will be a very serious, sorrowful occasion to witness. I believe it will break God's heart.
Okay. And after that?
Then I saw a new sky (heaven) and a new earth, for the former sky and the former earth had passed away, and there no longer existed any sea. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, all arrayed like a bride beautified and adorned for her husband;
Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God.
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away. Rev 21: 1-4 Amp
The Scriptures go on to describe this New Jerusalem as being made of pure gold, having 12 gates carved from a single solid pearl, jewels for foundation stones and a sparkling river of life flowing through the city like crystal!
And after that? God only knows!! But I guarantee it will blow your mind!
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
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