There are many Theologians that believe and teach the idea of Premillennialism. This is the idea that Christ is coming back to set up an earthly Kingdom and reign for a thousand years with His Saints. This idea comes from their interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6. This scripture indeed speaks in terms of a thousand years. However, sound Theologians from all Christian backgrounds understand that this area of scripture is exaggerated hyperbole that speaks in symbolism for the Christians of the seven churches of Asia to whom the book was written. Christ clearly states that His Kingdom is not of this earth. This statement of Christ’s should be the end of premillennial doctrine. However, men have also had fanciful ideas and interpretations in spite of what God’s Word declares.
John 18:36 – “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”
The Bible speaks loud and clear concerning what will happen at Jesus’ return. These verses are not the full lot of the subject, but will give us an understanding. Let us look at what the Holy Scriptures say about the subject.
Titus 2:13 – looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
- Hope and glory will be realized.
- God and Jesus upheld as great .
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 – But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
- Destruction will be imminent.
- Pains as if in labor will be upon the people.
- There will be no escape.
John 5:28-29 – Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
- Resurrection and Separation.
Hebrews 9:27 – 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
- The great appointed judgement will find all men.
2 Peter 3:10-13 – 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 [a]burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
- Sudden fear will be upon the human race.
- The Earth and everything in it will be burnt and dissolved.
- Fire and smoldering red heat will be unescapable.
- The righteous will be taken care of.
1 Corinthians 15:26 – The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
- Death will be destroyed.
Colossians 3:2-4 – Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
- Those in Christ will appear with Him in Glory amen!
Matthew 24:29-31 – “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
- The sun will darken.
- Moon and stars will be disrupted.
- People of earth will mourn.
- Christ will show power and Glory.
We as Christians should keep the words of the Hebrews writer at the forefront of our minds and lives:
“ Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).