Who will be present in the millennial kingdom?

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TL;DR:

The millennial kingdom will be a 1,000-year reign of Christ, where those who are raptured, those who are resurrected, and tribulation saints will live. The reality of the millennial kingdom calls us to live faithfully for Him in preparation for His return.

from the old testament

  • Ezekiel 37:12–14 appears to note that believers in the Lord prior to Jesus's death, resurrection, and the start of the Church on the Day of Pentecost will dwell in the Promised Land with the Lord.
  • Isaiah 65:20–25 states that there will be some in the millennial kingdom who are alive, will live long lives, marry, and have children.

from the new testament

  • Revelation 20 describes a millennial kingdom, a literal 1,000-year period during which Jesus will reign from His throne in Jerusalem.
  • In some cases, it is clear who will be with Jesus in this millennial kingdom. First Thessalonians 4:17 notes that the believers in Jesus Christ who join Him during the rapture will be with Him forever. Therefore, every Christian from the time of Jesus's life on earth to the rapture will be in the millennial kingdom.
  • Those who are resurrected after Christ returns to earth will also be there. Revelation 20:4–6 describes these individuals. Revelation 20:4 notes, "Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." This means the millennial kingdom includes people who will come to faith in Jesus after the rapture and die during the tribulation period.
  • Those who become believers during the seven-year tribulation and do not die will enter the millennial kingdom alive (Matthew 25:31–46). These believers will live long lives, marry, and have children (see Isaiah 65:20–25).
  • All of these people will live with the Lord during this time period. During this time, Satan will be bound, offering a time of peace in the Promised Land. Though the curse of sin will not completely be removed until the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21–22), many of the effects of sin will be changed, as people have longer life spans, peace exists, and Satan is bound during this time.

implications for today

During the millennial kingdom, many details remain mysterious, but what is certain is that God's people will experience unparalleled peace, justice, and the direct reign of Christ (Isaiah 11:6–9; Revelation 20:4–6). This promise offers hope amid the uncertainty of our present world, reminding us that God's plan leads to ultimate restoration. Our greatest responsibility now is to ensure that we have a genuine relationship with Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 5:13), living in obedience to His commands and reflecting His love in our daily lives. Additionally, since this future kingdom is a reality for all who trust in Him, we are called to actively share the gospel, so others may also partake in His coming reign. By living faithfully today, we follow God’s purposes and prepare for the glorious future He has promised.

understand

  • Raptured believers, resurrected saints, and tribulation survivors will be in the millennial kingdom.
  • Those who believed before Christ’s death will also be present in the millennial kingdom.
  • The millennial kingdom will bring peace and justice under Christ's reign.

reflect

  • How does the promise of Christ's return and His reign during the millennial kingdom shape the way you live today?
  • What steps can you take to ensure that you are faithfully preparing for the coming kingdom?
  • How can you share the hope of the millennial kingdom with others as you live out your faith?

engage

  • How does the millennial kingdom challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty and justice?
  • What does it mean to experience peace under Christ’s reign, and how can we anticipate it today?
  • How might the idea of living with Christ in the millennial kingdom influence how you view suffering and trials in the present?