The Thousand-Year Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the New Jerusalem - Part 2

NEW JERUSALEM
1- We will Always be with the Lord - (Jo. 14:2-3,1 Thes. 4:17)

2- New Jerusalem will descend from the Heavens above. (Rev. 21:2, 10)

3- The light of the city will be like a clear, precious crystal. (Rev. 21:11)

4- The city will be bounded by a great high wall (appx. 216-240 ft. high Rev. 21:17) that will presumably be of the clear Jasper noted in vss. 11 and 18. It will have twelve gates, three on each side of the city. Each gate will be inscribed with the names of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and each gate will have an angel present. (Rev. 21:12-13) We can infer from this that individuals can come and go through the gates between earthly Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem.

5- The wall of the city has twelve foundations, each bearing one of the names of the twelve apostles. (Rev. 21:14)

　

6- The city will be roughly 1,500 miles square, that is, both length and height! (Rev. 21:16)

7- The city will be made of a gold so pure that it appears as glass, including the streets. (Rev. 21:18, 21)

8- The foundations will be composed of twelve different precious stones (Rev. 21:19-20) and the gates of pearl (vs. 21).

9- There is no temple in it, because the Lamb of God and the Lord are the temple (Rev. 21:22)

10-The Glory of God and the Lamb will be the light of the city. (Rev. 21:23) The light will be so great that the gate of the city will never be shut. (vs. 25)

11-The nations which are saved shall walk in the light of the city. (Rev. 21:24)

12-The nations shall bring their glory (praise) and honor to the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:26) Only those written in the Book of Life may enter the city. (vs. 27) It is clear that there will be some sin on the earth, as vs. 27 excludes those who have committed certain sins. This would not be the case if there was no sin on the earth during this time.

13-A pure rive of the Water of Life (Is. 55:1-5, Ezek. 47:1-9, John 4:10, 14, 7:38) will flow from under the Throne of God and of the Lamb. (Rev. 22:1)

14-The Tree of Life will grow on either side where the Water of Life flows. (Rev. 22:2) The Tree of Life will bear twelve different fruit, one for each month, and the leaves of the Tree will be for the healing of the nations. The fruit is food and presumably life-giving, but may have many other unknown qualities.

15-Believers will be “kings and priests” (or perhaps a kingdom of priests). (1 Peter 2:5-9, Rev. 1:6, 5:10, 20:6)

　

There is a difference between the earthly Jerusalem which will be renewed and rebuilt, and the heavenly New Jerusalem which will come down from heaven. The two have many similarities in scripture which point to the possibility that they are joined at the top of Mount Zion. However, the earthly Jerusalem will have a fully functioning temple, while the New Jerusalem will have no temple. Here are some similarities mentioned in prophecies below.

　

　

　

New Jerusalem	Jerusalem (Renewed)
Rev. 22:1-3, 10	Ezek. 43:7
Rev. 22:5 (King)	Ezek. 43:7,9 (King)
Rev. 21:23-24 (light)	Zech. 14:7 (light)
Rev. 22:1-2 (water)	Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18 (water)
Rev. 22:2 (Tree of Life)	Ezek. 47:12 (Tree of Life)
Rev. 21:26 (accessible to the nations)	Is. 2:2 (accessible to the nations)
Rev. 21:27 (entry only to the righteous)	Ezek. 44:9 (entry only to the righteous)
Rev. 21:4 (God will wipe away all tears)	Is. 25:8 (God will wipe away all tears)
Rev. 21:18-20 (the city is adorned with jewels)	Is. 54:11 (the city is adorned with jewels)

　

THE COMMON LINK: THE THRONE OF GOD

In scripture, the New Jerusalem and Jerusalem the earthly city would appear to be inseparable, centered around the Throne of God.

1-Both are referred to as the Throne of God. (Rev. 22:1-3, 10, Ezek. 43:7) 2-Both thrones seat a King who will live forever. (Rev. 22:5, Ezek. 43:7, 9) 3-Both throne rooms will display the Glory of God. (Rev. 21:23-24, Zech. 14:7)

4-Both thrones will have water flowing from them. (Rev. 22:1, Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18)

5-Both thrones will bring life and healing. ((Rev. 22:2, Ezek. 47:12)

6-Both throne rooms will be accessible to the nations. (Rev. 21:26, Is. 2:2)

7-They may be entered only by the righteous, while the unrighteous will be excluded. (Rev. 21:27, Ezek. 44:9)

8-Both thrones will swallow up death and wipe away tears. (Rev. 21:4, Is. 25:8)

9-Both will be adorned with costly jewels. (Rev. 21:18-20, Is. 54:11-12)

It would therefore seem safe to conclude that the New Jerusalem and the earthly Jerusalem are joined on the top of Mount Zion at the Throne of God and of the Lamb.

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE MILLENNIAL TEMPLE?
The temple is built during the 45 day restoration period mentioned in Dan. 12:11-12. The temple is described in great detail in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. As redeemed believers, we no longer have a need for the temple. Paul wrote that the purpose of the law and the original temple was to teach, not to cleanse and redeem. (Rom. 3:20) Only Jesus Christ could redeem. (Heb. 10:4, 10)

Those dwelling on the earth during the Millennial Kingdom will not all be faithful and obedient, as seen in Rev. 21:27 and Ezek. 44:9. We know that at the end of the Millennial Kingdom many on earth will rebel against God. (Rev. 20:7-9) So just as the Temple was an instrument of instruction during the period of the Mosaic law, so it will once again be an instrument of instruction to mankind teaching the need for obedience and the price of sin.

The Coming Thousand-Year Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the New Jerusalem - Part 1

This is a brief look at the coming of New Jerusalem, the celestial city from the sky, and the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on earth.  This is just an outline with some artwork added in.  I hope you will take the scriptures and study on your own.  Most of all, take firm hold of this eternal hope that belongs to all who trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

As we are told in Hebrews 11:13-16: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises,  but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly one; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city."  Let's take a look at that time period and city.

THE THOUSAND YEAR KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST
1- Satan is Restrained (Rev. 20:2-3) - This means there will be no global deception, no heresies, no false religion, and no spiritual temptation to sin.

2- Jesus Christ Reigns - (Is. 9:6-7, 62:1, Ps. 72:7, Jer. 23:5-6) - Jesus will be the only world leader. He will reign in righteousness, being just, holy and true. (Ps. 45:6-7, Dan. 2:44, Is. 11:1-5, 16:5, 32:1-5, Lk. 1:32-33) There will be no end to His government.

3- Israel will be God’s Chosen Land - (Ezek. 37:25)

4- Jerusalem will be the Capitol of the World - (Is. 2:1-5, Amos 9:11, Zech, 14:10, 16). Jerusalem will be raised up as a great mountain above the rest of the world.

5- Redemption of the Earth and all Creation - (Is. 11:6-9, 65:17-25, 66:22-24, Rom. 8:21)

6- Characteristics of the Kingdom -

Joy - (Is. 9:3-4)

Glory - (Is. 24:23)

Comfort - (Is. 12:1-2)

Full Knowledge - (Is. 11:1-2)

No Sickness (Health) - (Is. 33:24)

Immediate Answer to Prayer - (Is. 58:9, 65:24)

WHY THE 1,000 YEARS?
1- To Fulfill the Covenants of God -

Abrahamic Covenant - (Gen. 12:1-3) Unfulfilled promises to date include Israel being a great nation and their possession of all the Promised Land.

Davidic Covenant - (2 Chr. 13:5, 2 Sam. 7:12-16) Unfulfilled promises to date include that the seed of David would rule forever on the Throne of David.

New Covenant - (Jer. 31:31-34) Unfulfilled promises to date include the Lord’s promise of a spiritual rebirth of the Nation of Israel.

2- To Answer the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-10) “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done.”

3- Rewards - (Is. 40:10, Matt. 16:27, 2 Tim. 4:8)

4- To Redeem Creation - (Acts 3:21, Rom. 8:21)

5- To Rebuild the Temple - (Ezek. 40-48, Acts 5:16)

6- The Ministry of Jesus Christ - (1 Pet. 1:11)

7- Some believe this is a completion of a 7,000 year period of mankind, with the last 1,000 years representing the Sabbath rest of the Lord. This idea is not clearly stated in scriptures. (Ps. 90:4, 2 Pet. 3:8)

 

THE FIRST DAY OF THE MILLENNIUM  1- Satan will be bound and thrown into the abyss. (Rev. 20:1-3)

2- The sheep and goat judgment will occur. (Rev. 20:1-4, Matt. 25:31-46)

3- Beheaded martyrs will be resurrected. (Rev. 20:1-4)

4- The creation of the new (renewed) heavens and earth will occur. (Rev. 21:1)

5- The New Jerusalem will come down from heaven to earth over Mt. Zion (Rev. 21:2)

THE NEW (OR RENEWED) HEAVENS AND EARTH  (Is. 65:17-18, , Rom. 8:19-21, 2 Pet. 3:10, 13, Rev. 21:1) - This will be a “radical renovation”, not something new created ex nihilo, or out of nothing. (Ps. 89:36-37, Jer. 31:35-36)

The word in the Greek used in 2 Peter is kainos, which means “something new as to (the) form or quality, that is the renewing of something old. If the Lord wanted to convey the idea of a brand new thng, He would have used the Greek word neos which would have meant something that was a brand new creation, not a cleansing or re-creation.

Revelation: The Fuel Project Guide (Part 42 - The New Earth Will Be More)

No doubt, the world to come (for believers) will be more than any eye has seen, ear has heard or heart has imagined...1 Corinthians 2:9

Popular depictions of the life to come are often cartoonish and unappealing. Consequently, we can be robbed of our excitement and hope for the future as we picture an eternal life that is somehow LESS than this one. What we need to start realising however, is that the next life will be MORE. More in every sense...

The entire 3-disc, 44-part series is available here: http://bit.ly/S41KrS

Revelation: The Fuel Project Guide (Part 41 - The New Earth)

Many believe that Christians will live in a formless, cloudy heaven for all eternity but that's not what the Bible tells us. Here in Revelation we are told in detail that after he has dealt with evil, God will create a brand new earth for us. This new world will be every bit as real and tangible as the current one. With nations and cities and mountains and trees and food to enjoy. Just like the current world, the new one will have a new Jerusalem as its centrepiece. And once again, that's God's focus as he gives us a glimpse of what's to come...

The entire 3-disc, 44-part series is available here: http://bit.ly/S41KrS

Setting the Stage for the 'Isaiah 19' Highway

Charles Gardner

"In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians.
"In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, 'Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.'" -Isaiah 19:23-25

(Israel)—We may well be living in the generation to witness Jesus' return, a pastor from Singapore told a conference in Jerusalem where Arab Christians and Jewish followers of Jesus have been embracing one another in love and unity. (Photo via Israel Today)

And the 'Isaiah 19 highway' - which speaks of Egypt, Israel and Assyria (comprising much of the Arab Middle East) one day becoming a blessing to one another—would pave the way for that event just as John the Baptist had prepared the way for the Messiah's first coming.
Addressing the At the Crossroads gathering at Christ Church, within the walls of the Old City, Dr. George Annadorai spoke of the convergence of this road with another highway from the East, all the way to China and Japan, from whence the last major move of God would sweep all before it on the way back to Jerusalem.

The ancient religions of the world had all originated in the East, representing most of the world's population (five billion people) and where idol worship now predominates, whereas ideology had become the god of the West.

Annadorai said Israel has an association with the East going back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon, for which there is strong evidence—and the Solomon Islands is just one example.
Ezekiel talks of the glory of God coming from the East in advance of the Messiah's return (chapter 43) and of course the wise men came from the East.

Citing the 'Back to Jerusalem' movement of Chinese Christians taking the message of Jesus back to where it all began, he said this was good, but God would not allow them to do it on their own.

"No one person is allowed to carry the ark (representing the presence of God)," he said.

Writer's footnote: As it happens, a new highway to Jerusalem is currently under construction at great expense as huge mechanical diggers cut their way through the steep slopes ascending Mount Zion.

Read more at - http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=13905

The Gog Magog War - When Does it Take Place? - Chris White

He makes the credible Biblical claim here that the Gog-Magog war that we have all been looking for is actually a war that will occur at the end of the "next" age, the thousand year kingdom of Jesus Christ.  Well reasoned and presented.

This is an excerpt from my upcoming book "False Christ"
You can listen to most of that book in podcast form before it comes out at my website http://bibleprophecytalk.com

I show the strengths and weaknesses of the major positions about the timing of the Gog Magog war.

The Millennial Temple - Chuck Missler

Where all Christians should have their eyes focused. We seek a better country...

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.  (Hebrews 11:13-16)

The Millennial Temple - Chuck Missler

A brief overview of the coming Millennial (thousand-year) Temple in Jerusalem. 

For a deeper scripture study, check out - http://endoftheage.blogspot.com/2012/07/coming-of-milliennial-kingdom-and-new.html.  This is part one.  Part two is at  - http://endoftheage.blogspot.com/2012/07/coming-of-millennial-kingdom-and-new.html.  Somebody did a lot of work here, so I hope you enjoy it!

City of Sorrows - Fernando Ortega

The sufferings of Jerusalem will soon come to an end, when her True Savior returns, and establishes His glory on the top of mountain that will be Jerusalem...to last for a thousand years.

The Coming of the Millennial Kingdom and New Jerusalem - Part 2

NEW JERUSALEM

1- We will Always be with the Lord - (Jo. 14:2-3,1 Thes. 4:17)

2- New Jerusalem will descend from the Heavens above. (Rev. 21:2, 10)

3- The light of the city will be like a clear, precious crystal. (Rev. 21:11)

4- The city will be bounded by a great high wall (appx. 216-240 ft. high Rev. 21:17) that will presumably be of the clear Jasper noted in vss. 11 and 18. It will have twelve gates, three on each side of the city. Each gate will be inscribed with the names of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and each gate will have an angel present. (Rev. 21:12-13) We can infer from this that individuals can come and go through the gates between earthly Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem.

5- The wall of the city has twelve foundations, each bearing one of the names of the twelve apostles. (Rev. 21:14)

　

6- The city will be roughly 1,500 miles square, that is, both length and height! (Rev. 21:16)

7- The city will be made of a gold so pure that it appears as glass, including the streets. (Rev. 21:18, 21)

8- The foundations will be composed of twelve different precious stones (Rev. 21:19-20) and the gates of pearl (vs. 21).

9- There is no temple in it, because the Lamb of God and the Lord are the temple (Rev. 21:22)

10-The Glory of God and the Lamb will be the light of the city. (Rev. 21:23) The light will be so great that the gate of the city will never be shut. (vs. 25)

11-The nations which are saved shall walk in the light of the city. (Rev. 21:24)

12-The nations shall bring their glory (praise) and honor to the New Jerusalem. (Rev. 21:26) Only those written in the Book of Life may enter the city. (vs. 27) It is clear that there will be some sin on the earth, as vs. 27 excludes those who have committed certain sins. This would not be the case if there was no sin on the earth during this time.

13-A pure rive of the Water of Life (Is. 55:1-5, Ezek. 47:1-9, John 4:10, 14, 7:38) will flow from under the Throne of God and of the Lamb. (Rev. 22:1)

14-The Tree of Life will grow on either side where the Water of Life flows. (Rev. 22:2) The Tree of Life will bear twelve different fruit, one for each month, and the leaves of the Tree will be for the healing of the nations. The fruit is food and presumably life-giving, but may have many other unknown qualities.

15-Believers will be “kings and priests” (or perhaps a kingdom of priests). (1 Peter 2:5-9, Rev. 1:6, 5:10, 20:6)

　

There is a difference between the earthly Jerusalem which will be renewed and rebuilt, and the heavenly New Jerusalem which will come down from heaven. The two have many similarities in scripture which point to the possibility that they are joined at the top of Mount Zion. However, the earthly Jerusalem will have a fully functioning temple, while the New Jerusalem will have no temple. Here are some similarities mentioned in prophecies below.

　

　

　

New Jerusalem	Jerusalem (Renewed)
Rev. 22:1-3, 10	Ezek. 43:7
Rev. 22:5 (King)	Ezek. 43:7,9 (King)
Rev. 21:23-24 (light)	Zech. 14:7 (light)
Rev. 22:1-2 (water)	Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18 (water)
Rev. 22:2 (Tree of Life)	Ezek. 47:12 (Tree of Life)
Rev. 21:26 (accessible to the nations)	Is. 2:2 (accessible to the nations)
Rev. 21:27 (entry only to the righteous)	Ezek. 44:9 (entry only to the righteous)
Rev. 21:4 (God will wipe away all tears)	Is. 25:8 (God will wipe away all tears)
Rev. 21:18-20 (the city is adorned with jewels)	Is. 54:11 (the city is adorned with jewels)

　

THE COMMON LINK: THE THRONE OF GOD

In scripture, the New Jerusalem and Jerusalem the earthly city would appear to be inseparable, centered around the Throne of God.

1-Both are referred to as the Throne of God. (Rev. 22:1-3, 10, Ezek. 43:7) 2-Both thrones seat a King who will live forever. (Rev. 22:5, Ezek. 43:7, 9) 3-Both throne rooms will display the Glory of God. (Rev. 21:23-24, Zech. 14:7)

4-Both thrones will have water flowing from them. (Rev. 22:1, Zech. 14:8, Joel 3:18)

5-Both thrones will bring life and healing. ((Rev. 22:2, Ezek. 47:12)

6-Both throne rooms will be accessible to the nations. (Rev. 21:26, Is. 2:2)

7-They may be entered only by the righteous, while the unrighteous will be excluded. (Rev. 21:27, Ezek. 44:9)

8-Both thrones will swallow up death and wipe away tears. (Rev. 21:4, Is. 25:8)

9-Both will be adorned with costly jewels. (Rev. 21:18-20, Is. 54:11-12)

It would therefore seem safe to conclude that the New Jerusalem and the earthly Jerusalem are joined on the top of Mount Zion at the Throne of God and of the Lamb.

WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE MILLENNIAL TEMPLE?

The temple is built during the 45 day restoration period mentioned in Dan. 12:11-12. The temple is described in great detail in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. As redeemed believers, we no longer have a need for the temple. Paul wrote that the purpose of the law and the original temple was to teach, not to cleanse and redeem. (Rom. 3:20) Only Jesus Christ could redeem. (Heb. 10:4, 10)

Those dwelling on the earth during the Millennial Kingdom will not all be faithful and obedient, as seen in Rev. 21:27 and Ezek. 44:9. We know that at the end of the Millennial Kingdom many on earth will rebel against God. (Rev. 20:7-9) So just as the Temple was an instrument of instruction during the period of the Mosaic law, so it will once again be an instrument of instruction to mankind teaching the need for obedience and the price of sin.

The Coming of the Milliennial Kingdom and New Jerusalem - Part 1

This is a brief look at the coming of New Jerusalem, the celestial city from the sky, and the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on earth.  This is just an outline with some artwork added in.  I hope you will take the scriptures and study on your own.  Most of all, take firm hold of this eternal hope that belongs to all who trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

As we are told in Hebrews 11:13-16: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises,  but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly one; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city."  Let's take a look at that time period and city.

THE THOUSAND YEAR KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST

1- Satan is Restrained (Rev. 20:2-3) - This means there will be no global deception, no heresies, no false religion, and no spiritual temptation to sin.

2- Jesus Christ Reigns - (Is. 9:6-7, 62:1, Ps. 72:7, Jer. 23:5-6) - Jesus will be the only world leader. He will reign in righteousness, being just, holy and true. (Ps. 45:6-7, Dan. 2:44, Is. 11:1-5, 16:5, 32:1-5, Lk. 1:32-33) There will be no end to His government.

3- Israel will be God’s Chosen Land - (Ezek. 37:25)

4- Jerusalem will be the Capitol of the World - (Is. 2:1-5, Amos 9:11, Zech, 14:10, 16). Jerusalem will be raised up as a great mountain above the rest of the world.

5- Redemption of the Earth and all Creation - (Is. 11:6-9, 65:17-25, 66:22-24, Rom. 8:21)

6- Characteristics of the Kingdom -

Joy - (Is. 9:3-4)

Glory - (Is. 24:23)

Comfort - (Is. 12:1-2)

Full Knowledge - (Is. 11:1-2)

No Sickness (Health) - (Is. 33:24)

Immediate Answer to Prayer - (Is. 58:9, 65:24)

WHY THE 1,000 YEARS?

1- To Fulfill the Covenants of God -

Abrahamic Covenant - (Gen. 12:1-3) Unfulfilled promises to date include Israel being a great nation and their possession of all the Promised Land.

Davidic Covenant - (2 Chr. 13:5, 2 Sam. 7:12-16) Unfulfilled promises to date include that the seed of David would rule forever on the Throne of David.

New Covenant - (Jer. 31:31-34) Unfulfilled promises to date include the Lord’s promise of a spiritual rebirth of the Nation of Israel.

2- To Answer the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-10) “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done.”

3- Rewards - (Is. 40:10, Matt. 16:27, 2 Tim. 4:8)

4- To Redeem Creation - (Acts 3:21, Rom. 8:21)

5- To Rebuild the Temple - (Ezek. 40-48, Acts 5:16)

6- The Ministry of Jesus Christ - (1 Pet. 1:11)

7- Some believe this is a completion of a 7,000 year period of mankind, with the last 1,000 years representing the Sabbath rest of the Lord. This idea is not clearly stated in scriptures. (Ps. 90:4, 2 Pet. 3:8)

THE FIRST DAY OF THE MILLENNIUM

1- Satan will be bound and thrown into the abyss. (Rev. 20:1-3)

2- The sheep and goat judgment will occur. (Rev. 20:1-4, Matt. 25:31-46)

3- Beheaded martyrs will be resurrected. (Rev. 20:1-4)

4- The creation of the new (renewed) heavens and earth will occur. (Rev. 21:1)

5- The New Jerusalem will come down from heaven to earth over Mt. Zion (Rev. 21:2)

THE NEW (OR RENEWED) HEAVENS AND EARTH

(Is. 65:17-18, , Rom. 8:19-21, 2 Pet. 3:10, 13, Rev. 21:1) - This will be a “radical renovation”, not something new created ex nihilo, or out of nothing. (Ps. 89:36-37, Jer. 31:35-36)

The word in the Greek used in 2 Peter is kainos, which means “something new as to (the) form or quality, that is the renewing of something old. If the Lord wanted to convey the idea of a brand new thng, He would have used the Greek word neos which would have meant something that was a brand new creation, not a cleansing or re-creation.