Millennial Kingdom: Identifying False Assumptions
I. REVIEW: THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM (JESUS’ 1,000-YEAR REIGN ON EARTH)
A. The Millennium is a literal 1,000 year period in which Jesus will rule the whole world from Jerusalem in righteousness
and peace. The Kingdom of God will be openly manifest worldwide affecting every sphere of life (political, social,
agricultural, economic, spiritual, educational, law enforcement, family, media, arts, technology, athletics, environment,
social institutions, etc).
4 I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness…they reigned with Christ for 1000
years… 6 They shall be priest…and shall reign with Him 1000-years. (Revelation 20:4-6)
B. Jesus as King of Kings, will personally govern a worldwide Kingdom from Jerusalem in partnership with resurrected
saints. All the kings of the earth will worship Jesus (Psalm 72:11; 102:15; 138:4; 148:11; Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 21:24)
and base their governments on God’s Word.
17 Jerusalem shall be called the Throne of the LORD, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name
of the LORD, to Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 3:17)
C. The centerpiece of God’s purpose is for Jesus to establish His Kingdom over all the earth as He joins the heavenly
and earthly realms together that the Father may live with man (Revelation 21:3). God purposefully created the universe in
two distinct realms. Heaven speaks of the supernatural spirit realm where God’s power and presence is openly manifest.
Earth speaks of the physical realm where human process, emotions and physical sensation reach their fullest expression.
9 Having made known to us the mystery of His will…10 that He might gather together in one ALL things in
Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
D. There will be three types of people when Jesus appears in the sky: the redeemed will be raptured; the reprobate
who took the mark of the Beast will be killed; the resistors or the unsaved survivors of the Tribulation who refused to
worship the Antichrist will repopulate the earth.
II. IDENTIFYING COMMON FALSE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM
A. It is important to identity the false assumptions that we have about the Millennium and then replace them with true
principles that help us clearly understand many related Scriptures.
B. The challenge in understanding the Second Coming is in getting right paradigms for the End-Times. We all
naturally have false assumptions that point us in the wrong direction. We must carefully review the details that Scripture
gives about the End-Times. As we prayerfully read them over and over the truth eventually comes into focus. We must
be committed to not hold to any traditional views without making sure that they agree with the testimony of Scripture.
C. A primary premise: God will use the same principles in His leadership of life on planet earth at the Second Coming
of Christ that He used at His first coming. The burden of proof is on those who propose that that God will order life in an
essentially different way at the His Second Coming than He did during His first coming.
III. FALSE ASSUMPTION #1: THE SECOND COMING IS THE SAME AS THE RAPTURE
A. The common false assumption is that Jesus will just appear in the sky to rapture the saints without actually coming
to earth to set up an earthly government.
B. True principle: Jesus’ appearing in the sky (to begin His Second Coming procession) and the rapture happen at
the same time. However, the Second Coming describes what Jesus does when He “comes” to earth and the rapture
describes what the saints do at the Second Coming.
C. Jesus is coming back (Matthew 10:23; 16:27; 23:39; 24:27; 25:31; Jn. 14:1-3; Acts 1:6-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:2;
2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:3; Hebrews 10:37). In what sense is He coming? He is not merely making a temporary
appearance in the sky, but He is literally coming to earth to stay permanently to establish His Kingdom. It is a common
mistake to conclude that Jesus is only “appearing” in the sky to catch up the saints without actually “coming to earth” to
accomplish a long-term mission.
IV. FALSE ASSUMPTION #2: THE NATURAL PROCESSES WILL BE SUSPENDED
A. The common false assumption is that Jesus will supernaturally establish the infrastructures to support life and
government without human involvement and natural processes.
B. True principle: Jesus will rule the earth with the natural human processes not suspended, yet significantly
enhanced by the supernatural dimension of the Spirit especially with Jesus and the saints having a resurrected body.
We see aspects of the natural and the supernatural dimensions operating together when Jesus appeared with His
resurrected body (John 20-21; Acts 1).
C. Jesus will rule with hands-on governmental leadership to establish infrastructure for every sphere of life in every
city and village in every nation. This infrastructure will include replacing the governmental leaders from the Antichrist’s
worldwide government with new people at every level of public life in every city, life support systems (food, water,
electricity), building projects (buildings, highways, bridges, etc.), economic systems (currencies, banking, investments,
etc.), spiritual life (worship centers, Bible schools, etc.), education (from elementary to university levels), law enforcement;
agriculture (equipment, distribution), media and arts, technology, environment, social institutions, etc.
V. FALSE ASSUMPTION #3: SOCIAL IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE INSTANTANEOUS
A. The common false assumption is that social improvements or the healing of the nations will be instantaneous at
Jesus’ coming without it requiring a lengthy process of time.
B. True principle: There will be progressive social improvements (healing of the Millennial nations) in all areas of life.
This will take much time to accomplish. Learning and applying what is learned is emphasized in Millennial passages. As
wisdom is gained and applied then many areas of life improve progressively (vegetation, economy, longevity of life,
relationship with animals, etc.).
C. Jesus will set up training institutions to teach all nations His ways (political, economic, spiritual, educational,
agricultural, family, media, arts, technology, etc.)
3 Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the House of
the God of Jacob; He (Jesus) will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." Out of Zion shall go
forth the law…the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (Isa. 2:3)
D. The Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem will be ministered to the leaders of the nations in a way that will promote
the healing of their nation. It may take decades for all healing of the land and the governments of the earth to occur.
There is a dynamic relationship to the environment of a geographic area and the righteousness of those who live in
that region.
2 Tree of life...the leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2)
2 The Sun of Righteousness (Jesus) shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow
fat like stall-fed calves. 3 You shall trample the wicked… (Malachi 4:2-3)
E. The healing process will be related to the river from the Millennial Temple in Jerusalem.
8 Then he said to me: "This water flows toward the eastern region…when it reaches the sea, its waters are
healed. 9 It shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very
great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live
wherever the river goes…11 But its swamps and marshes will not be healed…12 Along the bank of the
river…will grow all kinds of trees used for food…they will bear fruit every month…and their leaves for
medicine." (Ezekiel 47:8-12)
F. It may take many decades before all the lands and the governments of the earth are completely restored. After
the Great Tribulation, many of the cities of the earth need to be rebuilt (Ezekiel 36:36-38). Population growth with take
time (Isaiah 65:20; Jeremiah 30:20; Ezekiel 47:22; Zechariah 10:8).
4 They shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the
ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:4)
21 They shall build houses…they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. (Isaiah 65:21)
G. The process of healing people physically will be accelerated in the Millennium.
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the
lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. (Isaiah 35:5-6)
H. Jesus’ rule will progressively increase until all the institutions of the nations are fully discipled by His teachings
(Isaiah 16:5; 60:3; Jeremiah 23:5; Psalm 89:4; 132:17-18). The infrastructure He establishes will increase in capacity,
quality and size as the leaders grow in skill development. The saints (resurrected) will have a dynamic role in training
the leaders (non- resurrected).
7 Of the increase (expansion) of His (Jesus’) 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. (Isaiah 9:7)
I. A process will be involved in war tribunals (court of justice to judge crimes) to judge the kings of the earth and then
execute many of them (as in the Nuremburg trials in 1945-46).
6 He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of
many countries. (Psalm 110:6)
4 He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people... (Isaiah 2:4)
21 In that day that the LORD will punish…the earth the kings of the earth. 22 They will be gathered together,
as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and will be shut up in the prison; after many days they will be
punished. (Isaiah 24:21-22)
31 When the Son of Man comes….He will sit on the Throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered
before Him, and He will separate them...(Matthew 25:31-32)
VI. FALSE ASSUMPTION #4: WHAT EXISTS ON EARTH IS AUTOMATICALLY IRRELEVANT
A. The common false assumption is that what exists on earth now is automatically irrelevant and disregarded when
Jesus returns because there is no continuity between our work now and then.
B. True principle: A dynamic continuity exists between life now and what happens then. There is continuity from this
age to the next wherever the Kingdom of God truly exists.
26 Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven. 27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the
removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be
shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12:26-27)
C. All that is unrighteous will be torn down and re-established in righteousness. Where righteousness currently exists
on earth, it will remain, not needing to be replaced. Works or accomplishments in society that are built on justice and
righteousness will last beyond the fires of the Great Tribulation judgments and the Judgment Seat of Christ.
17 Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish
the work of our hands. (Psalms 90:17)
D. Continuity of our labors in spiritual warfare (the impact of our intercession will last), character development (eternal
rewards), relationships (friendships will be remembered) social impact (righteous legislation, financial and social institutions)
and natural accomplishments (buildings, highways, scientific and technological developments) are a relevant part of the
destiny of those who bear fruit that remains. We cannot interpret the full significance of our labors by only understanding
their impact and value in this age.
16 I chose you that you…bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain... (John 15:16)
E. An expression of continuity will be seen in the fact that evil leaders will be judged after the Second Coming related
to their behavior in government.
F. There is a continuity of our natural body with our resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:35-46).
G. There is continuity between what we do in this life and the glory we possess in the next life. Our authority and
function in the Millennium is determined by how we live now. Mary of Bethany’s devotional life remained with impact
beyond her earthly life.
42 Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42)
9 We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that
we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:9-10)
H. Some businesses with financial resource will survive Jesus’ return (Isaiah 60:1-14). God maintains some of our cause
(purpose) with some expression in the Millennium. Prosperity (Isaiah 4:1; 35:1-2; 30:23-25; 62:8-9; 60:1-14; 65:21-23).
Labor (Isaiah 62:8-9; 65:21-23; Jeremiah 31:5; Ezekiel 48:18-19).
35 Then hear from heaven their prayer…and maintain their cause…39 Then hear from heaven Your
dwelling place their prayer…and maintain their cause... (2 Chronicles 6:35-39)
5 O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance...You maintain my lot. (Psalm 16:5)
12 The LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor. (Psalm 140:12)
I. The work of the OT saints was made complete (not disregarded) by the work of the NT saints.
40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
(Hebrews 11:40)
38 Others have labored, and you have entered into their labors." (John 4:38)
VII. FALSE ASSUMPTION #5: RESURRECTED SAINTS FULLY CO-MINGLE
A. The assumption is that resurrected saints will fully co-mingle with those in natural bodies.
B. True principle: Inhabitants on the Millennial earth (with non-resurrected bodies) will work closely with saints with
resurrected bodies. The resurrected saints will occupy the highest position of government in the Spirit on the Millennial
earth and will live (and office) in the New Jerusalem and not in a “glorified mansion” on the Millennial earth.
VIII. FALSE ASSUMPTION #6: ALL ARE CONVERTED INSTANTLY & AUTOMATICALLY
A. The common false assumption is that that all get converted instantly and automatically
B. True principle: it takes time to convert people individually and then disciple the nations.
18 I will gather all nations…and they shall come and see My glory 19...Among them who escape I will send
to the nations…who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the
Gentiles. 20 Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the LORD out of all nations…says
the LORD. (Isaiah 66:18-20)
IX. FALSE ASSUMPTION #7: ALL WILL AUTOMATICALLY OBEY GOD
A. The common false assumption is that all will automatically obey God and all nations will automatically be discipled
and that only the righteous will live on the Millennial earth without any unbelievers to convert and disciple.
B. True principle: People living on the Millennial earth will voluntarily choose to accept Jesus.
2 The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! 3 Your
people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power. (Psalm 110:2-3)
C. Sin and even false prophets will continue in the Millennium. They will be punished (Psalm 2:9, 72:9-11; Isaiah 11:4;
66:20, 24; Zechariah 13:2-4; 14:16-19)
3 It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother… will say to him, 'You shall
not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the LORD.' (Zechariah 13:3)
X. FALSE ASSUMPTION #8: GOD WILL RELEASE HIS AUTHORITY WITHOUT PRAYER
A. The false assumption is that God will release His authority without night and day prayer.
B. True principle: Our prayers have a continuation of impact into the Millennial reign. The primary government of
the universe will continue to be in the prayer room. The long lasting accumulative power of the prayer movement is a
dynamic reality. The highest impact and authority of prayer will be seen in the Millennium. The prayer movement will reach
its highest place of power involving resurrected saints and non-resurrected saints. The elders fall down before the Lamb,
each having a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. The prayers of all saints work
together through history (Revelation 5:8; 8:3). This will continue.
XI. FALSE ASSUMPTION #9: JESUS WILL APPEAR EVERYWHERE SIMULTANEOUSLY
A. The assumption is that at Jesus’ return, He will appear everywhere worldwide simultaneously.
B. True principle: Jesus will return and then will lead a global procession that will take time.
7 He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the
earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7)
30 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... (Matthew 24:30)
XII. FALSE ASSUMPTION #10: THE NEW JERUSALEM WILL ONLY DESCEND ONCE
A. The false assumption is that The New Jerusalem will only descend once (after the Millennium).
B. True principle: There will be two descents of New Jerusalem one at the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom and then
after it (Revelation 21:2, 10; 3:12).