The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ – 17 Questions Answered

In my last post in the Last Days series, we looked at the Second Coming of Christ. We ended with Satan being bound, and the Antichrist and False Prophet cast into the Lake of Fire. Then came the Sheep and Goat Judgment (Mat. 25:31-46). We will now focus on the actual Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Speaks of the Kingdom of God in the New Testament

All through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus’s focus was the Kingdom of God.

According to a search of the NKJV using the Blue Letter Bible, I found that the phrase “Kingdom of God” is mentioned 69 times in the New Testament. Similarly, the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” is mentioned 31 times in the New Testament.

Moreover, using the Blue Letter Bible, the “Kingdom” is referenced 150 times throughout the New Testament.

Read the 128 Kingdom References here.

The Millennial Reign of Christ will be a Time of Restoration

We find that the 1000-year millennial reign of Christ will be a time of restoration for the earth, creation, and mankind.

Both Matthew and Luke record the future aspect of Christ’s rule. Jesus says this rule will be “in the regeneration.” (Mat 19:28). The earth is renovated following the destruction of the Tribulation in preparation for the Millennial Kingdom. We are not talking about a spiritual regeneration but a physical reconstruction of the earth after His Second Coming.

#1 – What Will be Restored in the Millennial Reign of Christ?

• Creation:

Isa 11:6-9 – “In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat.
The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. 7 The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. 8 The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. 9 Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.” (see also Isa 65:25)

• Restoration of God’s people 

Jer 3:18 – “In those days the people of Judah and Israel will return together from exile in the north. They will return to the land I gave your ancestors as an inheritance forever.”

Mic 4:6-8  – “In that coming day,” says the Lord, “I will gather together those who are lame, those who have been exiles, and those whom I have filled with grief. 7 Those who are weak will survive as a remnant; those who were exiles will become a strong nation. Then I, the Lord, will rule from Jerusalem as their king forever.”

• Blessings for God’s People

Joel 3:16-17 – “Then you will know that I, the Lord your God, live in Zion, my holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy forever, and foreign armies will never conquer her again.”

Amos 9:11 – “In that day I will restore the fallen house of David. I will repair its damaged walls. From the ruins, I will rebuild it and restore its former glory.”

#2 -What is the Purpose of the Millennial Reign of Christ?

There are many reasons for the reign of Jesus during the millennium. Listed below are just a few of them.

First, The Main Purpose of the Millennial Reign Is the Restoration of Israel. 

 “In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this will be its name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness” (Jer 33:16).

“But afterward the people will return and devote themselves to the Lord their God and to David’s descendant, their king. In the last days, they will tremble in awe of the Lord and of his goodness” (Hos 3:5). 

“In those coming days,” says the Lord, “the people of Israel will return home together with the people of Judah. They will come weeping and seeking the Lord their God” (Jer 50:4). 

Second, God Has Yet to Fulfill Many Old Testament Promises.

God has yet to fulfill many Old Testament promises which require such a kingdom. The reign of Jesus is mentioned and described so many times by the Hebrew prophets that the Bible would not make sense unless there is a literal kingdom.

In fact, if there is no kingdom, God’s Word cannot be trusted, and many of the promises of God to both Israel and the Gentile nations would go unfulfilled.

Third, Jesus Promised His Twelve Disciples Would Rule on Thrones with Him during the Millennial Reign.

“Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mat 19:28).

Fourth, There Are Still Unconditional Covenants to Be Fulfilled.

Biblestudytools.com states: There are still four unconditional covenants, God made with Israel to be fulfilled. The unfulfilled (as of this date) covenants [Abrahamic, Land, Davidic, New Testament] of God are unconditional and rely solely on God for their fulfillment and not on Israel. Since God is the One who keeps His promises, they must be fulfilled in the future. They can only be fulfilled within the framework of a messianic age or a millennial kingdom.

Other Reasons for the Millennium Reign of Christ

Other Reasons	Scripture Reference
End the present age.	(2Pe 3:10,12)
Destroy all evil and opposition to God’s kingdom.	(2Th 2:8) See also (1Co 15:24-26; Rev 20:10,14)
Separate the wicked from the righteous.	(Mt 25:31-32) See also (Mt 24:40-41)
Judge all people and nations according to their deeds.	(2Ti 4:1)
Resurrect all who belong to Him.	(1Co 15:22-23) See also (Jn 5:28-29; 1Co 15:52; 1Th 4:16)
Bring final salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.	(Heb 9:28)
Transform the saints into his likeness.	(Php 3:20-21)
Reward believers.	(Mt 24:46-47; 2Ti 4:8) See also (Lk 12:37;  1Pe 5:4; 1Jn 3:1)

#3 – When Will the Millennial Reign Take Place?

There are three different views concerning when and if the Millennium will take place. They are:

• Premillennialism
• Postmillennialism
• Amillennialism

The Premillennial View

Christ returns before establishing His literal kingdom on earth. He will reign with his saints in fulfillment of OT and NT prophecy. The reign on earth will last for 1,000 years.

The Postmillennial View

Christ will return after the 1,000 years which represent a golden age of unspecified duration. This age is ushered in by the triumph of the gospel as the world converts, in large part, to Christianity through the efforts of the church.biblestudytools.com

The Amillennial View

There is no literal reign of Christ over an earthly kingdom. Christ is presently reigning over a spiritual kingdom in either:

1. the hearts of men
2. heaven or
3. the church

The 1,000 years is a symbol representing an extended period of time. Many amillennialists believe that the fullness of the kingdom has already arrived on earth and we are presently in the age between the first and second resurrections. This view holds that Christ will return in His second coming and immediately usher in the new heaven and the new earth with no intervening thousand-year reign.

Consequently, from my study of Scripture I agree wholeheartedly with the premillennial view.

According to the bible study tools commentary: The earliest Fathers who were only a generation or two away from John held to the same basic premillennialists view. They interpreted God’s promises literally and understood a coming kingdom of God on earth which did not correspond with the Church age. Therefore, we see that the premillennial view was the first view of the Church.

#4 – What Type of Government Can a Person Expect in the Millennial Reign?

Do Not Expect a Democracy

Of all the worldly governments, our democracy in the USA has been the best government ever established on earth. Here are two reasons which helped make our country the envy of the world.

• First and foremost, we feared our Creator God and set up our country to reflect His morals and values as outlined in the Bible.
• Second, would be the Constitution and the Bill of Rights our founders put into place.

Unfortunately, today we see both God and our Constitution being ignored and twisted more and more. However, as good as a democracy can be, it does come with a few defects.

• One such defect is its fundamental and major principle of “majority rule.”
  • In essence, the problem with democracy (rule of the people) is the vote of many can be the wrong vote. It is possible for the people, to legitimize immoral values, desires, beliefs, aspirations, and preferences. Thus, when our laws contradict the teachings of God, we are on dangerous ground.

• Another weakness of democracy is that it is not absolute.
  • Its concepts and laws can change like the wind. It can be easily influenced by the changing culture. Because citizens can be so easily manipulated, they can be induced to abandon their rights and transfer them to the government. Remember what we willingly gave up after 9/11? Now we are willing to give up even more due to Covid?

The Government of Jesus Christ During the Millennial Reign Will be a Theocracy

Goodbye legislators! The government of the world under Jesus will be a theocracy. Jesus will be both the spiritual and governmental leader. The offices of priest and king will be combined in him.

Consequently, we can rest assured that our righteous and benevolent King will take care of His citizens. We will not need to fear His care and rule.

Also, no king is wealthier than the King of kings because He owns everything everywhere in both the natural and supernatural realms.

Moreover, no citizen of any previous government has even come close to prosperity than do citizens of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  This righteous and benevolent King is committed to the fullest and greatest welfare of His people.

A Reading of Micah 4:1-3 Reveals:

1. The mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains.
2. It shall be exalted above the hills.
3. Many people shall flow to it.
4. Many nations shall go up to the mountain of the Lord.
5. Jesus will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.
6. Out of Zion, the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
7. He shall judge between many peoples.
8. And rebuke strong nations afar off.
9. Nations shall not fight other nations.
10. Neither shall they learn war anymore.

Moreover, A Reading of Isaiah 11:4-9 Reveals:

1. Jesus will be known for His Righteousness and faithfulness.
2. He shall judge the poor.
3. He will decide with equity for the meek of the earth.
4. He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth.
5. And with the breath of His lips, He shall slay the wicked.
6. Animals will become docile.
7. Children will not need to fear the animals.
8. The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.

#5 – Will King David Reign as a Prince Under Christ?

“But I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness, I cannot lie: His dynasty will go on forever; his kingdom will endure as the sun. It will be as eternal as the moon, my faithful witness in the sky!” (Ps 89:33-37).

“And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David. He will feed them and be a shepherd to them. 24 And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David will be a prince among my people. I, the Lord, have spoken” (Eze 34:23-24).

“My servant David will be their king, and they will have only one shepherd. They will obey my regulations and be careful to keep my decrees. 25 They will live in the land I gave my servant Jacob, the land where their ancestors lived. They and their children and their grandchildren after them will live there forever, generation after generation.
And my servant David will be their prince forever.” (Eze 37:24-25).

We see that the answer per the scriptures above is yes.

#6 – WIll the Apostles Judge the Twelve Tribes of Israel during the Millennial Reign?

Per the below scriptures, Jesus does confirm that the Apostles will judge the tribes of Israel.

“So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Mat. 19:28).

“But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:28-30).

#7 – Will the Glorified Saints Also Rule with Christ?

We were created to reign over God’s earthly creation. The Lord will once again restore us to that position that was unwittingly given to Satan in the Garden of Eden. (see Genesis 3)

“Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them, the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years” (Rev 20:6).

“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground” (Gen 1:26-28).

Jesus Christ is Obligated to Fulfill His Word

In a kingdom, the King and his word are the same, and when he speaks, his word becomes the constitution. Therefore, when a king’s word is spoken (or written down), the king is obligated to carry it out.

That is why the Bible states that whatever God says, He will do and whatever He promises, He will bring to pass. Once the King of kings speaks, it is as good as done. God cannot fail to keep His Word, for if He did, He would cease to be God.

“Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:7)

• Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. (Ps 119:89)
• Long ago I learned from Your statutes that You established them to last forever. (Ps 119:152)
• But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth. (Jer 9:24)
• Christ shall reign and prosper, executing judgment and righteousness in the earth. (Jer 23:5-6).

Read the Kingdom of God Series for a better understanding of God’s kingdom.

The Nations Must Keep the Feast of Tabernacles during the Millennial Reign

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18 If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zech 14:16-19).

#8 – What Will Living Conditions be Like in the Kingdom?

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing, And her people a joy. 19 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. 20 “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.

21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat for as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labor in vain, Nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, And their offspring with them. 24 “It shall come to pass That before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.

25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, The lion shall eat straw like the ox, And dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,” Says the Lord” (Isa 65:17-25).

Peace and security. 

“In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all — the most important place on earth.
It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship.
3 People from many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. 4 The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore” (Isa 2:2-4).

“And this righteousness will bring peace.  Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in safety, quietly at home. They will be at rest” (Isa 32:17-18).

“The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. 4 Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise” (Mic 4:3-4).

Righteousness and justice 

“Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him” (Isa 32:1)

“He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.
He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them” (Ps 72:12-13).

“His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen” (Isa 9:7).

“He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. 4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word,
and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. 5 He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment” (Isa 11:3-5).

Universal Acknowledgment of the Lord

“In that day Jerusalem will be known as ‘The Throne of the Lord.’ All nations will come there to honor the Lord. They will no longer stubbornly follow their own evil desires” (Jer 3:17).

“In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of all—the most important place on earth.
It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship” (Isa 2:2-3).

“In the end, the enemies of Jerusalem who survive the plague will go up to Jerusalem each year to worship the King,
the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters” (Zech 14:16)

Can You Imagine Heaven on Earth?

Like the popular song “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me, one can only imagine what these 1000 years under the rule of Jesus Christ will be like. However, Pastor John MacArthur asks us to imagine a world:

• Dominated by righteousness and goodness.
• A world where there is no injustice.
• Courts renders just verdicts where everyone is treated fairly.
• Every aspect of life is marked by what is true, right, and noble.
  • including interpersonal relations, commerce, education, and government.

Imagine a world where:

• There is complete, total, enforced, and permanent peace.
• Joy abounds and good health prevails.
• People live for hundreds of years.
• The curse is removed.
• Our environment is restored to the pristine purity of the Garden of Eden.
• Peace reigns even in the animal kingdom. (Isa 11:6-9)

Imagine a world ruled by a perfect, glorious Ruler, who instantly and firmly deals with sin. Humanly speaking, that description may seem far-fetched, a utopian fantasy that could never be reality. Yet it accurately describes conditions during the future earthly kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. (John MacArthur)

Wouldn’t you want to be part of this kingdom? You can be!

#9 – Who Populates the Millennial Kingdom?

There will be two distinct groups occupying the Earth during the millennial kingdom.

• First, there will be those with glorified bodies who are,
  • The Saints (the bride of Christ) from the Church Age (1 Thes 4:13-18; 1 Co 15:21-23, 51-53).
  • Tribulation martyrs and,
  • Old Testament saints resurrected at the Goat and Sheep Judgment.

• Second, there will be those Tribulation saints who escaped death and were preserved through the Tribulation to go into the kingdom of our Lord (Matt. 24:13; 25:10, 30, 32-34; Rev. 14:1: Rev 20:4-6).
  • According to many promises in the Old Testament, these will be both Jews and Gentiles who followed Christ during the Tribulation period.
  • These believers will have mortal bodies like ours today.

#10 – Will There Be Marriage in the Millennium?

Yes, there will be believing Tribulation saints who live to the end of the Tribulation. They will enter the Kingdom as natural men and women. Life will carry on just as it does now minus the influence of Satan.

#11 – Will There Be Children in the Millennium?

An aspect of the Millennial Kingdom which some initially find surprising is the continuance of birth and death. However, It is clear when we read Isaiah 65:20-23 that children will continue to be born. Abortions will not an issue in the kingdom.

#12 – Will People Die During the Millennium?

Death will also occur during the millennium for those with natural bodies. However, life spans will greatly increase.

#13 – Will People Be Capable of Sinning During the Millennial Reign?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. The heart of man is going to be no different during this millennial period.

Sin will be less because Satan and his demonic hoards will be restrained, but there will still be sin and rebellion in people’s hearts because we are born with a sin nature. Even without the influence of Satan, the fallen nature is inherent with in mankind. Even with the personal and glorious presence of Christ, some will rebel. (see Isa 65:20)

According to Jesus, the evil that is in the world comes from within man. All Satan does is multiply it through temptation. Therefore, as children are born during the Millennial period, they will also need to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior by faith.

#14 – What Type of Occupations can be Expected in the Kingdom?

We have seen previously that those with Glorified bodies will reign with Christ. “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev. 3:21)

Therefore, we would reign as administrators, as mayors, governors, and kings, while others will reign as judges. Jesus will give the law and we will teach it and enforce it.

Likewise, Many will serve as teachers as part of the worldwide educational system. We will be serving as shepherds and priests of God.

• Amos 9:13-14 indicates there will be plenty agricultural work.
  • “Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us” (Ps 67:6)
  • “The time will come,” says the Lord, “when the grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested. Then the terraced vineyards on the hills of Israel will drip with sweet wine! I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine” (Amos 9:13-14).
• Isa 60:5 indicates that commerce will continue in the millennium.
  • “Your eyes will shine and your heart will thrill with joy for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands.“
• Isaiah 58:12 states:
  • “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.“

I believe that most legal occupations of today will continue. Whatever our role in the millennium will be fulfilling and rewarding.

#15 – What Happens at The End of the Millennial Reign?

The Bible says that at the end of the thousand years there will be a rebellion against the Lord from many of those living on the earth. Consequently, those who rebel will join Satan for the last revolt under his final deception at the end of the Millennium.

“Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 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” (Rev 20:7-8).

#16 – Why Would God Release Satan After the Millennial Reign?

As unbelievable as it may seem, even with the personal and glorious presence of Christ, some will rebel. (see Isa 65:20)

Earlier we discussed that the heart of man is going to be no different during this millennial period. Sin will be less because Satan and his demonic hoards will be restrained. However, there will still be sin and rebellion in people’s hearts because we are born with a sinful nature.

The flesh wants all the illicit pleasures of the world. But these things would not be allowed under Jesus’ rule of the rod of iron. Any attempt to indulge the flesh would be met with swift and sure justice.

Moreover, violators would be tried and there would be no appeal. People may say, “We praise you, Jesus!” However, secretly there will be seething rebellion in their hearts. The release of Satan is going to expose that rebellious spirit.

However, this will be man’s last revolt against God.  

“Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 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. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city” (Rev 20:7-9a)

Satan’s Last Stand

“And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 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” (Rev 20:9b-10).

#17 – What is the Great White Throne Judgement?

God will resurrect and judge all the unrighteous who have ever lived whether in Old Testament times, the Church Age, or the Millennium. This judgment is called, the great white throne judgment.

All those who ever lived and died outside a faith relationship with God will be judged of their works to determine their eternal destiny. And since no man can be justified before God by his works, all those who come before the great white throne judgment, all of them, will be condemned to the Lake of Fire, to experience what the Bible calls, the second death.

“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. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:11-15).

And then…

All Things Will Be Made New

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “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. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

5 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.”

6 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. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev 21:1-8).

Born Twice, Die Once

We see in Revelation 20:14 that those who die outside a saving faith relationship with Jesus will be condemned to what the Bible calls the second death. All of us experience natural birth, and all of us will experience natural death if the Lord doesn’t return first.

However, the Bible says that no one can be saved and expect to live eternally with God unless they are born again. This is what is meant by being born twice.

^“Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

This happens when you put your faith in Jesus as your Savior, and your spirit which is dead to sin is rejuvenated. If you are born again, the only death you will ever experience is physical death. (Born twice, die once).

Born Once, Die Twice

However, if you refuse to put your faith in Jesus and you remain dead in your sins, you will one day be resurrected, judged, and condemned to Hell, where you will experience what the Bible calls the second death. The second death is eternal separation from God. (Born once, die twice).

Moreover, there are diseases that cause physical death, and they are called terminal. Likewise, there is a disease of the soul that leads to this second death. That disease is called sin. And no amount of positive thinking, turning over new leaves or pop psychology can make the slightest difference in that condition.

However, there is a remedy. God has provided an answer for our condition and that answer is in the death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. Jesus took all the penalty of our sins on Himself at the cross, and He says that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Therefore, it is imperative that you repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ, and receive Him as your Savior today. It is as easy as ABC.

The A is for Admit

You must admit that you are a sinner. What does a sinner need? A sinner needs a Savior.

Romans 3:10 says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.”
Romans 3:23 tells us why “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.“

In fact, the word “sinned” means missing the mark. It is an archery term. If an archer, shot the arrow into the target and missed the bull’s-eye, they would say he sinned.

All of humanity except Jesus Christ missed the mark. We have all fallen short of the perfect bull’s-eye standard of God’s righteousness.

Imagine standing in a courtroom before the Judge of the universe. The jury has found you guilty and now it is time for the Judge to hand down the sentence for your crime. The Judge of the universe sentences you to death. Because “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a).

However, just as the guards begin to lead you away to carry out the sentence, Jesus Christ stops them. He then tells the Judge of the universe that He will give His life in your place.

This is what took place with His death on the cross. He paid a debt He did not owe, so you could spend eternity in the Kingdom of God. It was His gift. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our, Lord” (Romans 6:23b).

The B is for Believe

You must make the choice to accept or refuse this precious gift. To accept the gift, you must believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord.

 “Because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 AMP). [emphasis mine]

The C is for Confess

Finally, the C is for call upon the name of the Lord, or as Romans 10:10 states: “For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation” (Romans 10:10 AMP). [emphasis mine]

“For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

If you accept the gift then it is case closed! You are free to go because of the gift of eternal life that Jesus Christ paid in full with His blood on the cross.

Resources Used

• Kingdom Principles by Myles Munroe
• Insurgence by Frank Viola
• neverthirsty.org
• Christ in Prophecy
• www.biblestudytools.com
• gotquestions.org
• Bible.org
• ligonier.org
• John F. Walvoord, The Revelation of Jesus Christ 
• The MacArthur New Testament Commentary