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Introduction The graphic above depicts the sequence of seven future spiritual events. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with each event in the graphic. • The center horizontal line represents time. • Each event occurs globally and is driven by spiritual influence. • Each spiritual event depicted: o Is sequentially numbered. o Does not represent the length of time for the event. • The key transitional event is the forth event: the final judgment. o This is when all persons will be judged by God for what they had done during their life. o God’s judgment will separate the wheat from the tares. ( Matthew 13:24-30 ) ▪ Those whose names are in the Book of Life (wheat) will dwell with God for eternity. ▪ Those whose names are not in the Book of Life (tares) will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. • God will then: o Replace the present Heaven and Earth with a new Heaven and Earth. o Introduce a new Jerusalem. o Eternally dwell with those who love Him. What is especially revealing is the seventh and final event—which provides a revelatory insight into the purpose of the six preceding events, all that has occurred throughout time, and facilitates a broader understanding of the Old and New Testament—for it all declares God’s desire for our reciprocal love, and to dwell amongst us—which has been His plan from the beginning of time, "…for God is Love.” 1 John 4:8 Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment. His response declared the one objective in life that should supersede all others: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37, Mark 22:30, Deuteronomy 6:5 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19 Each of the seven events are described in greater detail in this lesson. Note: The Rapture is not included in this lesson because the Bible is deliberately vague about when it will occur. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36 However, it is safe to say the Rapture will likely occur before or during the Tribulation. For information on the Rapture read “Rapture: Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Pre-Wrath, or Post-Trib” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. 1. The 7-Year Tribulation The 7-year Tribulation is divided into two 3½ year segments. The first segment begins when the beast makes a covenant with Israel to resume sacrifices and offerings, and to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. The second half begins when the beast (indwelled by Satan) stands in the Temple proclaiming to be God. ( Rev. 13:5- 7 ) Jesus stated that when this occurs, it will be a period of great tribulation that has never occurred in the past, nor ever shall be. ( Matthew 24:15-22 ) The 7-year Tribulation will conclude upon the return of Jesus. This is when He will: • Destroy all of Israel’s enemies and cast the beast and the false prophet into the lake of fire. ( Rev. 19:19-21 ) • Bind Satan and cast him into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years. ( Rev. 20:1-3 ) • Sit on His earthly throne to begin His millennial (1,000-year) reign over the Earth. For more information on the Tribulation, go to the category of Last Days on UniqueBibleStudies.com. 2. The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ (the Messiah and Anointed One), is God’s long-awaited fulfillment of His promises to His chosen people: the Nation of Israel. It is a thousand-year period that will occur after the 7-year Tribulation. The Millennium is not heaven. However, it may be considered “Heaven on Earth” for those who live in Israel during this period of time. 1. People will survive the Tribulation and enter into the Millennium Reign of Jesus ( Mat. 24:22; Isaiah 24:6, 65:8-10; Zech. 14:16 ). Plus, God sealed and protected 144,000 ( Rev.7:1-8, 14:1-5 ). 2. There will be persons who survive the Tribulation but will not be allowed to enter into the Millennium Reign of Jesus ( Mat. 24:45-25:46 ). 3. Those who enter into the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ will have a sinful nature, mortal bodies, and a free will. 4. Satan will have no power or influence upon Earth until the end of the Millennium. This is when he will be set free for a short time to deceive. ( Revelation 20:1-3 ) 5. The Millennium will fulfill the promises God made to the Nation of Israel. • He remembers His covenant forever “To give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit.” Modern-day Canaan includes Israel, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, the western part of Jordan and southwestern Syria. ( Genesis 17:8; Psalm 105:8-11 ) • God will bring the Jewish people back to the land He gave their forefathers. ( Jer. 30:3; Isaiah 62:1 ) • The wicked will no longer oppress the Jewish people, they will have a home of their own, and they will never fear harm again. ( 1 Chron. 17:9; 2 Sam. 7:10; Zep. 3:15 ) • God will destroy Israel’s enemies, restore the remnant of Israel, and will dwell among them. ( Zep. 3:8-20; Zech. 8:1-23, 10:6-9; Ezekiel 36:10-11, 22- 28, 37:22-28, 39:27-29; Isaiah 60, 61, 62 & 65: 17- 25; Amos 9:11-15 ) 6. The Earth will be physically and radically different from what we know today. It will be greatly changed during the Tribulation as a result of the outpouring God’s wrath. When the seventh bowl of God’s wrath is poured out a great global earthquake—one that has not occurred since man has been on Earth—and will cause the entire surface of the Earth to change as: • The Earth is violently shaken and distorted. • Cities across the globe will fall. • Islands will disappear and mountains will flatten. • The inhabitants upon Earth will be scattered. ( Isaiah 24; Rev. 16:18-19 ) An earthquake will occur when Jesus touches His foot on the Mount of Olives to assume His throne causing: • The Mount of Olives to split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. • Living waters will continually flow out from the city. • Half toward the eastern sea and half toward the western sea. ( Zech. 14:4, 8; Isaiah 44:1-5 ) The Mount of Olives is where: • David fled when he escaped Absalom ( 2 Sam 15:30 ). • Jesus was before He began His triumphal entry into Jerusalem ( Mat 21:1, Mark 11:1, Luke 19:29 ). • Jesus and the disciples went after The Last Supper ( Mark 14:26 ). • Jesus spoke to the disciples ( Matt 24, 25; Mark 13 ). 7. Jesus Christ—the Messiah and Anointed King—will reign from His throne over the Earth and all of its inhabitants. Jesus Christ will: • Bring unity to all things in Heaven and on Earth under Himself. ( Ephesians 1:10 ) • Reign on David’s throne. ( Jer. 23:5-6; Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33 ) • Rule with a rod of iron. ( Psalm 2:9; Rev. 2:26-27, 12:5, 19:15 ) • Execute justice and righteousness over the twelve tribes of Israel. ( Jer. 23:5-6; Mat. 19:28; Daniel 7:13-14, 27; Isaiah 9:6-7, 24:23; Zech. 14:9; Micah 4:3 ) 8. Jesus Christ will employ a hierarchical structure of power and control. • Those who follow Jesus will sit on thrones. ( Mat. 19:28; Luke 22:29-30; Rev 3:21, 5:10 ) • Those who had been beheaded because of their faith and testimony of Jesus will live and reign with Jesus Christ for the thousand years. ( Revelation 20:4 ) 9. Global peace will occur • War and instruments of war (and associated fear) will no longer exist. ( Zech. 9:9-10; Isaiah 2:4; 9:7; Micah 4:3-4 ) • Carnivorous animals will no longer hunt for meat. Animals will no longer hunt, hurt, nor destroy, and will eat vegetation. ( Isaiah 65:25, 11:6–9 ) 10. Worship • Persons will be required to go to Jerusalem celebrate and participate in the Festival of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles is a week- long fall festival commemorating their liberation from Egypt (and 40-year pilgrimage) by the hand of God—including His salvation, shelter, provision and trustworthiness. ( Zechariah 14:16 ) • Persons who do not comply will be punished. Persons living at this time can make choices, and will understand the consequences. ( Zechariah 14:17-19 ) • People will recognize and understand that all earthly possessions are from God (His provided provisions), and are holy unto God. ( Zechariah 14:20-21 ) • People will travel to Jerusalem to learn of God’s ways and to walk in His paths. ( Isaiah 2:3 ) 11. Daily life • People will raise families, build their own homes, plant their own food and enjoy the work of their hands. People will not create work for other’s use or consumption, and their labor will be fruitful. ( Isaiah 65:21-23 ) • Life expectancy will greatly increase. A person that dies at 100 years of age will be considered a youth. ( Isaiah 65:20 ) 12. Salvation during the Millenium reign of Jesus Although life will be significantly improved for those who are living during the Millenium—all will have a sinful nature and a free will just as we have—but they will not experience Satan’s various means of influence that magnifies our sinful nature. As such, they will still need a means for salvation. However, there is no biblical scripture that defines the means by which persons may be saved during the Millenium. In addition, the Bible does not specifically define when God’s grace (forgiveness of our sins) by faith in the sacrificial death of His Son will come to an end. As such, when there are not absolutes in the Bible regarding a topic such as this, there are different attempts (via human logic) to form opinions that “fill in the blanks.” For example, some believe: • God’s grace by faith in His Son will end after the seventh seal is opened—when God’s pours out His wrath upon Earth via the seven trumpets and bowls. ( Rev. 8, 9, 15, 16 ). • God’s grace by faith in His Son will continue throughout the Millenium. • Salvation will be obtained through faith and obedience to behavioral mandates defined by Jesus. Regardless of opinions, given Jesus will rule with a “rod of iron,” I have faith that all persons will fully understand what is required to receive eternal life. Given God’s desire for our faith and obedience...faith and obedience will likely be a foundational component of salvation during the Millenium. Plus, this is an excellent thought-provoking topic for a collaborative group discussion. 3. The Day of the Lord A cataclysmic event will occur after the millennial reign of Jesus Christ that will: • Complete God’s objective for all that He created upon the Earth. • Cause the: o Termination of all life. o Present Heaven and Earth to “ pass away .” Jesus declared: ▪ “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Matthew 24:35 ▪ “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18 “Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine.” Isaiah 13:9-10 Satan, who has been bound by chains during the millennial reign of Jesus, will be released and allowed to deceive the nations (as he has throughout the ages) for an undefined short period of time. Thereafter, Satan will receive his final punishment for his delusional attempt to overthrow God. (Isa. 14:12-15; Eze.28:12-18) • “And he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.” Revelation 3:3 • “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelation 20:7-10 God first destroyed the Earth by water ( Gen. 6-9 ), and He can use fire to destroy the Earth ( Gen. 19:24; Ex. 9:22-24; 1 Kings 18:36-40; Lev. 10:1-2; Num. 11:1 ). However, He may allow Satan to deceive the nations into using nuclear weapons. The scripture below reveals God will destroy the Earth by a means that will create a great noise and will cause the elements to melt with a fervent heat—which was humanly impossible until recent times. The first atomic weapon was dropped upon the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945. The sound generated by the explosion is estimated to be more than 210 decibels at the epicenter, with a generated heat of approximately 18,000 degrees (10,000 degrees Celsius). However, the power of and number of nuclear weapons has greatly increased to a point where it is possible for all life upon Earth to die by a global nuclear war. If there are survivors, they will soon die thereafter by radiation fallout and/or by the devastating environmental impact of a long nuclear winter. “The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat ; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which t he heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat ?” 2 Peter 3:6-12 All life upon Earth, the Earth itself, and the heavens have passed away. Now it is time for the final judgment. 4. Final Judgment All persons (in their spiritual state) will be required to give an account of their lives to God. • “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36 • “Each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 • “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 For those who think our memory is physical...think again...for it is a spiritual component of our soul. Consider the following...How is it possible for our physical brain—which does not function and decomposes after we die—provide us with memories to give an account about what we had done while living? For additional information read “Memories” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. The Bible reveals there will be two judgments: • The Great White Throne Judgment • The Judgment Seat of Christ The Great White Throne Judgment There are some who believe Christians will not go through the Greate White Throne Judgment, and there are some who believe all persons (saved and non-saved) will be judged during this event. It is my personal opinion (right or wrong) all persons who have lived throughout time will be judged during the Great White Throne Judgment. My opinion is based upon prayer, a logical consideration of God’s fairness, the reason for (and the process of) His final judgment, and the following scriptures: • “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 • “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15 All truths will be revealed as each person gives an account of what they did and did not do. Those whose names are not in the Book of Life will fully recognize and understand the reasons for God’s judgment, and why they will receive eternal agonizing punishment in the lake of fire. Those whose names are written in the Book of Life will fully experience the depth and breadth of God’s love and grace, because they are forgiven. (In my opinion) each person will then sit before the Judgment Seat of Christ to determine if spiritual crowns (rewards) have been earned.   The Judgment Seat of Christ This judgment is for the determination of recognition and rewards (and not entry into Heaven). “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.” 1 Corinthians 3:9-14 As we grow in Christ, the accurate truth of Jeremiah 17:9 becomes more evident: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” Because of our sinful nature and the deceitfulness of our heart...there are some Christians whose names are written in the Book of Life, and has done “works for Jesus” that may have been based upon the wrong reasons (i.e. to glorify self, obtain various forms of earthly personal gain/recognition, and so forth). These types of works correlate to wood, hay and straw (which are easily burned when tested by fire). Works that are not based upon self—especially those that may have involved various forms of personal sacrifice—that were done for the glory of God and His Kingdom—correlate to gold, silver and precious stones (which will endure fire). Therefore, the motivation behind the works of all Christians will be tested by fire. Those works that endure will be rewarded. For more information about heavenly rewards, read “Heavenly Crowns” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. 5. New Heaven and Earth Appears The present Earth will likely be inhabitable due to God’s devastating judgment poured out during the Tribulation by the trumpets and bowls, combined with the annihilation that occurred during the Day of the Lord. • “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” Rev. 21:1 • “Behold, I make all things new.” Revelation 21:6 • “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13 The new Heaven and Earth will be an eternal dwelling place for those whose names are written in the Book of Life. God has provided us with a small “glimpse” of the new Heaven and Earth. For example, the following will not exist: sea, death, sorrow, crying, pain, curse, and night. ( Rev. 21:1, 4, 22:3, 5 ) “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, and her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people; the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” Isaiah 65: Take a moment and attempt to envision the degree of the wonderous existence we will experience in the new Heaven and Earth. Now whatever you are able to visualize...now realize...the new Heaven and Earth will be far beyond anything our human imagination can conceive—because it will be so glorious it will cause us to no longer remember nor consider our present life upon this planet. For this is the desire of our loving God—to remove all caustic negativity that exists within us—so that we can love Him with a pure heart. 6. New Jerusalem Comes Down Out of Heaven From God “Let not your heart be troubled; you 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 to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3 A revelation of spiritual understanding occurs when we realize God’s immeasurable love and eternal intent towards His church—which is comprised of His faithful and loving bride who has been forgiven and transformed by His word. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27 “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Rev. 21:2 The Glory of the New Jerusalem “But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it.” Revelation 21:22-26 God’s transformation will return all back to the beginning...by including the perfect foundational attributes of the garden that God designed for Adam and Eve...the way that God originally intended it to be. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7 “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5 7. God Dwells With His People It has always been God’s desire to dwell in a loving relationship with His human creation. God dwelt with the Israelites in a tabernacle (a portable tent like structure that the Israelites carried with them as they travelled in the wilderness ( Exodus 40:34-38 ). Thereafter He dwelled within Solomon’s Temple ( 2 Chron. 7:1-3 ). After Jesus died for our sins, God sent His Holy Spirit to indwell within those who believe in His Son ( 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19-20 ). And after all has been completed, God will dwell with His righteous faithful. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Rev. 21:3 These words declare our reasons why we decide to place our hope, belief, faith and trust in Jesus: to spend eternity in the presenc e of God, and to experience an overwhelming filling of His peace, His joy and His love. “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” Rev. 21:5-7 It is my prayer that you thirst for the righteousness of Jesus; that you overcome by faithful obedience to the Holy Spirit; and that you obtain and inherit all that God desires to give unto you. All for His Glory! Harold D. Thomas Thought-Provoking Questions The purpose of the questions is to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Bible, this Bible study topic, and ourselves. The questions may be answered by each reader, or used by a Bible study group leader, or church pastor. The questions should be answered or discussed after reading the lesson. In addition, the questions are designed to enhance learning via the determination of personal opinions and discovering how the lesson content relates to our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided. Questions What do you think is God’s overall objective in allowing the 7-year Tribulation to occur? What do you think are the three most significant changes that will occur during the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ? Why do you think God would allow the release of Satan at the end of the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ? Are there similarities to the activities and demise of Satan at the end of the 7-year Tribulation and at the end of the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ? What words would you use to describe the Day of the Lord to someone who has never heard of it before? Do you think all persons will go through the Great White Throne Judgment, or only those who are destined to the lake of fire? Explain. Jesus was aware of the excruciating physical pain from the torture and death He was about to experience. “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:41-44 • What was the motivation of His heart when He prayed to God, “Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from Me.” ? • Who benefited by His obedience, and was this a determinate factor in Him praying for God’s will be done? • When evaluating the underlying motivation of our heart for things we do for God...is it prudent to identify who will benefit from our works? If yes, why? Based upon your ability to visualize what God’s word has promised, how would you describe three attributes of the new Heaven and earth that reveal God’s love for us? Identify aspects of the New Jerusalem that are amazing to you. The lesson states that it has always been God’s desire to dwell within a loving relationship with His human creation. As you consider this declaration...does it change your perceptional understanding of history, the present, the future, and most important...your relationship with God? You may download a PDF version of the questions by clicking this button.