The Rebellion Against God by Satan and Man
God has for many eons been at war with Satan ever since Satan rebelled against his Creator's rule. After Satan rebelled one third of the angels joined the war against God when Satan used his conniving reasoning to convince them to join his side. The Bible does not tell us when Lucifer and all the angels were created; neither does it say when he (Lucifer) and a third of those angels turned against God and became His adversaries. Lucifer's name was changed to "Satan" which means adversary.
When Adam and Even were created they were given the opportunity to follow God and to choose the way that would have led to eternal life with Him, (Genesis 1:26, 2:9); but instead they too chose to follow Satan when they rebelled against God's commandment and took of the forbidden fruit. Just after Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, God called them out and placed them on trial for what they had done along with the serpent (who was Satan) who had beguiled Eve into disobeying God. God gave Adam and Eve a chance to answer for themselves as to why they disobeyed His clear command to not eat of the forbidden tree. After He heard their excuses He gave them His judgments along with a judgment for Satan. (Genesis 3:9-19)
According to God's day for a thousand years principle, mankind's judgement was that he would be allotted six thousand years to rule himself according to the dictates of his own heart influenced by Satan who would be ruler over him.
2nd Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
For the next six thousand years mankind would reap the fruits of their rebellion against God in order to learn valuable lessons; but then there would be a millennial rest comprised of one thousand years with Christ as King over all the earth.
The apostle Paul explained in his letter to the Ephesians that there are wicked principalities and rulers that have dominion over the earth at this time. These rulers are the invisible spiritual forces that mankind wrestles with that work behind the scenes leading those whom they have taken captive.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
1st John 5:19 ....and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
The seventh day Millennium will be a time when Satan is to be banished from the earth, no longer swaying the peoples and nations of the world and no longer able to wreck havoc upon God's people.
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Every Sabbath we commemorate that future one-thousand year millennium of rest which the weekly seventh day pictures. Last Sabbath we kept the last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread which also has the allegorical meaning of the one thousand-year millennial rule of Jesus Christ. The seventh day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (which is a High Holy Day) depicts the time of rest and restoration after the six thousand years of man in which all of humanity has had to suffer in one degree or another from the many consequences that have come as a result men following after the ways of Satan.
But after the six-thousand years are finished, Christ is going to return to earth and instead of a wicked king (Satan, who is the prince of darkness) ruling over humans, Jesus Christ (the Prince of Light and Peace) will replace Satan and rule forever in righteousness and justice for all people.
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Christ is going to return at the end of the six thousand years of man and He will defeat Satan and triumph over all the kingdoms and rulers of this world and then take righteous control. Jesus Christ is the Messiah that was prophesied to come when God pronounced His judgment on the serpent way back in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15).
The prophet Isaiah prophecies not only of the kind of kingdom God is going to establish, but also tells us about the "kind" of king the Messiah will be when He returns and replaces the wicked ruler of this present world. Isaiah tells of Christ's might, wisdom and of His holy and righteous character which makes Him well-qualified to effect utter peace, happiness, and abundance upon the world. The King (which is the Messiah) that is coming will rule fairly with utmost justice and for the benefit of all peoples who are living at that time.
Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 11:2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 11:5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
In the following verses Isaiah prophesies that the Son of God will be born as a human child to ultimately be mankind's Savior and Prince. Isaiah tells us that this child's name will be called "Wonderful Counselor", the "Mighty God", the "Everlasting Father", and the "Prince of Peace". The varied names in this passage describe the kind of Ruler He will be.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
The titles of the prophesied coming King show the divine attributes that He will have toward His people. Because of the kind of King this "prince of Peace" will be, His Kingdom will continue to grow and thrive and it is going to last "even for ever".
(1) "Wonderful Counselor" - a wonderful divine Counselor, a teacher of all righteousness, an instructor of how to keep all of God's laws and how to live His ways that lead to peace and harmony.
(2) "The Mighty God"- indicative that the Lord is an all powerful Warrior and is Sovereign over all and He is more than able to quickly put down any and all enemies that seek to take peace from the earth.
(3) "The Everlasting Father" - has the connotation of one who delivers, provides for, and protects those who are the children of God and He will do so for all who faithfully follow Him.
(4) "Prince of Peace" - Jesus Christ has qualified by being the sinless Son of God, the greatest man of peace Himself, and has been appointed by the Father to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords for all eternity.
As Prince of Peace, Christ will usher in peace once and for all, and with the kind government that He is going to establish, it bring about the utmost peace, abundance, and goodness over all the earth. This Mighty Prince will rule with complete righteous judgment and loving concern toward those under His care who submit to Him and His laws.
The prophet Isaiah further states that Christ's government (kingdom) will last throughout eternity and it WILL happen because of the Lord's ZEAL and PURPOSE for it to happen. God is the supreme Sovereign and nothing is going to thwart His plan. God the Father and the One who became the Lamb of God have purposed these things to happen from the foundation of the world (1st Peter 1:20).
Jesus Christ the Messiah is the totality of what it is to be Peace and the word "peace" means to "make complete" (shalam #7999); our Lord and Savior is the completeness of everything that is God, everything that is good, right and excellent, and He is the epitome of perfectness. This passage in Isaiah and many other passages woven throughout the Bible give us God's sure promise that He is going to establish a glorious, righteous, and holy society here on earth in the near future.
And what about those who will rule under Christ as leaders? Jesus Christ is our pattern of what His called-out must emulate to be the kind of kings and priests Christ will use to assist Him in bringing about peace for the rest of the world.
But as we know, God has call only a few down through the ages to learn how to reign in righteousness and peace during the six-thousand rule of man and it is to them (the overcomers of Satan's ways and mind-set) who will HELP Christ in teaching the masses how to live in peace as well.
God's kind of peace (of living righteously in all His ways) will bring about a beautiful, perfect, and righteous world with a just and loving government that will rule with the intent to bring about the very best (and for the highest good) for all of mankind living under Christ's Government of Peace.
There may have been a few noble men and leaders down through the ages, but history shows that there have not been very many; and no one has ever had the kind of power that could bring in total and lasting peace with justice/security for all along with prosperity to a nation or even a community.
Mankind has never known this kind of RULE that is coming at the end of this age. We are living in the times when this is going to happen very soon now. The end time prophecies are coming together and as we come closer and closer to the end of the six thousand years of man the world is becoming increasingly violent and corrupt. But after a time of correction and after destroying the evil-doers on earth, God's Kingdom with our Lord and Messiah at the helm will usher in a peaceful and harmonious time like no other since the time when Adam and Eve were created and before they sinned.
This will involve many resurrected saints, millions of God's holy angels with Christ as the grand overseer in the humongous project of bringing back the survivors from captivity, healing and re-educating mankind, cleaning up the earth and restoring it to its former splendor once again; with lush gardens, orchards, and wine groves that will produce nutritious and abundant food for the nations. Christ along with His helpers will also build beautiful cities with innovative, magnificent infrastructures and the third Temple in Jerusalem; all of which will show forth the majesty and splendor of what a righteous nation that has God as their King can do.
This will happen on the seventh day of the week of man's rule and God's people who look forward to this Kingdom celebrate this time of peace each Sabbath. In addition the Last Day of Unleavened Bread is an allegory of Christ's millennial reign on earth and in keeping it with joy and rejoicing, God's people look forward to the time when God's Kingdom will be established here on earth.
Isaiah 51:3 For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
Isaiah 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 2:5 O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
So we see that the weekly Sabbath (and also the Last Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread) foreshadows God's rest, the Millennium, a time when Jesus Christ comes to earth to rule as King of kings and Lord of lords for one thousand years. It will be a time of PEACE AND ABUNDANCE for all peoples (not just the rich and the elite) like no other has ever been in man's history. How we all yearn and pray for that time to come for man's rule under Satan has brought nothing but heartache and destruction to this earth; and now we are living in a time when the culmination of all the effects brought on by the sins of mankind are about to erupt in the most terrible time this world has ever witnessed.
Our sins since Adam and Eve chose Satan's rule over God's righteous loving rule has resulted in misery from violence, family breakdown, degradation, wars, human trafficking, disease and death, the pollution of God's green earth, and the destruction of everything good and wholesome; bringing pain and despair to all of the planet earth.
Paul gives us a vivid metaphor of the earth and all of creation crying out for the Kingdom of God to come because of the wretchedness that has been inflicted upon it.
Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 8:20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
In Jesus' Olivet prophecy, He told His disciples that the final years of man's rule will become so perilous that if God did not do something to intervene, all life would cease from the earth.
Matthew 24:21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
When we keep the Sabbath Day and the Holy Days that depict God's great Plan, we are looking forward to a time of the Millennial Rest which is symbolized by the Sabbath and the Last Day of Unleavened Bread.
At that time, the people that are living on earth will have to change their focus from doing their own ungodly carnal deeds done in rebellion against God and all of His commandments; to living in godliness and obedience, first in yielding to their Creator; and then in caring for and loving their fellow man, both of which will bring everlasting blessings and no more curses.
The Curses Pronounced on Adam and Eve and Their Children
In the book of Geneses we see how the world was recreated to be a beautiful habitation for Adam and Eve and for all the children who would come from them; but because the first parents sinned and by their rebellion against God's rule over their lives, they brought sin into the world which caused them to come under God's judgment. As the result of Adam and Eve's partaking of the forbidden fruit that God had warned them not to eat, the following curses were pronounced; curses that have effected all who have ever lived which all of us reading this are familiar with.
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. [Enmity between Satan and his followers, and Eve and her descendants including the "Seed" that would become Jesus Christ and all who become His faithful followers.]
3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; [Painful childbirth for women] and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee [Resulting in all kinds of marital discord and strife within families].
3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; [The soil will be cursed because of sin in the world] in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; [growing of food and trying to survive will be a struggle; life will be hard].
3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; [Introduction of thorns and thistles that choke out abundant growing making it difficult to produce food and therefore making it hard to earn a living].
3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, [Life will be hard/laborious all man's days] and till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return [Physical death and decay are introduced and will be the fate for all men and women; and if they do not repent at some point in God's Plan then they will die the spiritual death as well].
Although these curses are harsh and inescapable, a subtle promise of grace and redemption is also included within this judgement. Genesis 3:15 is often referred to as the "First Gospel" spoken of in Scriptures. For in addressing the serpent (Satan), God gives His judgement upon him which contains His Promise that He will "....put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
Here, God gives a promise that One born of a woman would be wounded (at the scourging and crucifixion of the Christ) by the Adversary. But that the "Seed of the woman" would have the final victory over Satan and would one day crush the Serpent's head. We know that this Seed is Jesus the Christ who is also called the "Messiah". Even in the midst of pronouncing the curses upon all three, (Adam, Eve, and Satan) God's gracious provision of redemption and salvation shines through God's Word and gives mankind Hope.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
1st John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Part of this prophecy has been fulfilled; the coming of Christ as a man in the flesh who would live a sinless life here on earth and then die to pay the penalty for the sins of the world of those who ultimately come to Him for forgiveness of their transgressions and then commit to do the will of the Father for the rest of their lives.
Revelation 20 and the Millennium
Let us go to the Book of Revelation to see what the Millennium will be like compared to what it has been like for the last almost six thousand years under man's rule under the sway of Satan and his demons.
In Revelation 20 we read that Satan will be taken, bound, and put into the bottomless pit (an abyss) where his influence will no longer have any effect on those living in the Millennium under Christ's rule.
Can we even imagine what it would be like to live in a world with no more Satan, no more of his temptation or influence filling mankind with his spirit and mindset of selfishness, pride and hatred.
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Just before the Millennium begins, Christ will assign an angel to bind Satan and lock him up in a bottomless pit and he will no longer be allowed to deceive the peoples of the world anymore. The veil of deception will be taken off from those who are still living, those who have been brought out of physical captivity and have come to see how vain it is to pursue after Satan's ways. They will come to see how they have been in spiritual bondage all of their lives and after repenting of their past sins, they will then begin to be taught the things of God and how to live righteously before Him.
The one that the angel binds is the same Satan that is called the Devil, the Dragon, and the old Serpent. This is the same entity who spoke to and deceived Eve in the Garden. Jesus reveals to John that Satan will not be here on the earth to tempt nor harass those who have repented and are now living according to God's way of life all during the Millennium.
And because of the peace and tranquility that will occur during the one thousand-year reign of Christ, it can be assumed that all of Satan's demons, or rebellious angels, are also imprisoned at the same time Satan is.
Isaiah 24:21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. 24:22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. 24:23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.
Christ will reign on earth without opposition; His main Adversity will be gone and the glorious Kingdom of God will be characterized by righteousness, love, peace, and prosperity for all peoples. However, after the thousand years Satan will be released for a short while.
Revelation 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
At the end of the one thousand-year Millennium, Satan will once again be released to deceive the nations. There will be a large number who fall for Satan's deceptive tactics and will join forces with him to attempt to attack God's people. (See Verses 8-9)
Satan's deceptive way of getting certain sinners to revolt against God is not revealed, but it will fit into God's plan when He destroys all rebels; which in turn will prepare the earth for the next phase in God's Plan: the resurrection of all (multitude billions) who have ever lived and died who were not called in their earlier lifetimes. We commemorate that phase during the Fall Festivals.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Verse 4 is referring to the first resurrection and those who will be reigning with Christ. The "thrones" represent the administration of the Millennial Kingdom. Those whom John sees in this verse are the saints who have been resurrected; they have come back to life and are the faithful believers who were martyred because they refused to worship the beast [by breaking God's laws and doing what Satan commands and not do what God commands].
John sees in a vision some who were martyrs for the witness of Jesus Christ and who refused to take the mark of the beast; but now they are reigning with Christ right here on earth. But, also, all the chosen resurrected saints from all generations, will reign with the Lord Jesus on earth during the Millennium and will serve physical mankind in helping them to be reconciled to the Father and then teaching them how to walk with God in all of His ways.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions [places or positions]: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
Revelation 20:5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
"The first part of verse 5 is a parenthesis, and comes chronologically after verse 11. A parenthesis is defined: A qualifying or amplifying word, phrase, or sentence inserted within written matter in such a way as to be independent of the surrounding grammatical structure." (Bible Explained)
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Who are the people who will be part of this first resurrection on which the second death has no power? These are the Firstfruits that rise up in the first resurrection to spirit and this includes:
(1) The dead in Christ.
(2) Those who are living at the time of Christ's return.
(3) Those who lived and died before Christ came to earth as a man to live a sinless life and then die for the sins of humanity as the Lamb of God. They are those who looked forward in faith that Christ's sacrifice would atone for their sins as well.
John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
1st Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
1st Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
This resurrection also includes the Old Testament patriarchs, prophets, and those who became believers and were faithful to God throughout their lives before Christ's death and resurrection. These all believed in God's promise that He would establish His righteous kingdom in the latter days. They, too, had trusted that they would be part of the Millennium on earth at that time.
Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Satan and his demons will be imprisoned in the abyss for one thousand years during the time Christ and His saints refurbish the earth and all the physical still-living people of earth are called and given a chance to become part of God's Family. Satan and his followers will have no access to the people and they will not be permitted to interfere in the affairs of the Kingdom in any way. Christ will work unopposed as complete Sovereign over the earth; just think of all that He will be able to accomplish with no adversarial influence or hindrance at all along with the resurrected saints and all the holy ministering spirits!
Revelation 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
The rest of the chapter involves what happens after the Millennium which is depicted by the Fall Festivals and we will address those events in our Newsletter and at the Blog at that time.
But what I wanted to bring out is all the wonderful aspects of the Millennial Reign of Christ as it will be an unprecedented time of rest, safety, and refreshment where God's people will "rest from their labors."
Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls...
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Not only the people who are called and have to resist the pulls of Satan (plus their own carnal nature) but all people, whether they realize it or not, are toiling against the wicked unseen elements of this present evil world and the consequences.
Satan is at enmity with Christ and His called-out, but he also has profound hatred for all of mankind as evidenced in the whole history of mankind including what is happening in our lifetime and the fact that mankind is spiraling to complete destruction as we get closer and closer to the end of his rule.
The curses placed on Adam and Eve have had their effect upon all of mankind throughout the ages with the many trials and hardships, wars, famines, pestilences, natural disasters that have ravished the earth since the time of our first two parents.
Those who are raised to spirit, and also those who live through the tribulation, will finally find rest from the toil and pain that they have had to endure all their lives. (Revelation 7:16, 21:4)
As Firstfruits who become spirit beings at the resurrection of the just and become a part of the Government of God working and participating to help Christ make restoration and beautification of the earth all happen; it will be so gratifying to see miserable, wretched, hurting peoples becoming healed and called to the true knowledge of Christ and then living in a way that brings blessings and not curses.
That will be part of the reward of the called who have been faithful and have endured to the end. As the resurrected saints we will be able to witness this and even help Christ in facilitating this wondrous transformation of the lives of men, women and children who survive through the tribulation.
Many of these people could very well be our loved-ones; our sons and daughters, brothers, sisters, unconverted mates and beloved friends who previously wanted nothing to do with God and His laws; but in the Millennium these same people will be eager to learn all they can about God and how to live for Him.
We will surly rejoice to see this finally happening, it will be like a miracle happening... for indeed it will be.
Isaiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 29:14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
Isaiah 29:18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 29:22 Therefore thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. 29:23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. 29:24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn [true] doctrine.
The curse that was put on man in the Garden after Adam and Eve sinned will be removed; never again will those who have attained to the resurrection to spirit have to contend with Satan, nor human nature; they will finally be free from the forces of evil that they have had to resist all of their lives while living in the flesh.
The human beings who are left on earth will repent and turn to God and there will be no more rebellion against God, (except for the brief time at the end as described in Revelation 20:7-10) but Christ will speedily put that rebellion down. That too will serve to remove all evil doers that still remain at the end of the Millennium and prepare the earth for what happens next with Satan and his followers out of the way...FOREVER.
Malachi 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 4:3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
Not only will the Firstfruit Saints reign on this earth with Christ for one-thousand years, but all who turn to the Lord and embrace what He has for them will live for all eternity as members of God's Family with Jesus.
Eventually all those who come to repentance and receive forgiveness of their sins will be in the presence of the Father when the New Jerusalem comes down when all things have been fulfilled to bring mankind into the Kingdom and to become the spiritual sons of God.
For all those who finally reject the Tree of the the Knowledge of Good and Evil; and instead place their lives completely under God's rule; they will be given access to the Tree of Life and will live with Jesus for evermore with spiritual riches unimaginable.
The Millennium is the beginning of God's reign on earth and eventually, when all is said and done, it will lead to the New Beginning which is what the Eighth Day commemorates.
For all those who are resurrected to life and embrace God and His way of life, THIS is what they have to look forward to:
Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Revelation 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city..
What is the Millennium? It is Christ's one thousand year reign upon David's throne which is the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, Israel and then to David. Gabriel gave this announcement to Mary when the time came for Christ to appear on earth as a human being and would begin to fulfill the prophecies.
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
The promises given to the patriarchs meant that one day Christ would be on His throne reigning from Jerusalem, ruling the world; and that the saints who had been faithful during their lives and from all generations would come back to life operating in resurrected spiritual bodies assisting Christ. Along with Christ, they will be hard at work administering His Kingdom over all nations on earth.
All evil is going be prohibited and punished immediately; Satan and his demons are locked away during that time so that they cannot in any way influence mankind or cause trouble and grief on earth.
There will be no evil of any kind allowed during the Millennium. The physical residents of God's Kingdom will have their turn to be called of the Father, given a chance to repent of all their past sins and God's Holy Spirit will be poured out on all flesh. The physical people will be those who survived the tribulation, (and also those who will be born during the time of the Millennium); all those who have turned back to God and have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and want to be a part of God's Family.
For those who sincerely desire to embrace God and all of His ways and faithfully serve Him forever rather than serve Satan, there will be no more curses. The one-thousand year Millennium will be filled with incredible blessings beyond description.
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 32:18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;
The Day of Pentecost depicts the time when the Kingdom of God on earth will begin and also when God's Holy Spirit will be POURED upon all flesh. (Joel 2)
I have wanted to go into much study on this subject for some time because that is our future reality and it needs to become even more real to us than this present world we live in. We really do need to wrap our minds on what it is going to be like and rejoice because of the knowledge we have of what God has in store for humanity for those who repent and renounce Satan and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and then to on to partake of the Tree of Life.
We know that the Gospel is not just on the coming Kingdom of God and the Millennium on earth, but it truly is an important aspect of it and looking forward to it is very comforting and encouraging.
When we have our minds fixed on our glorious future even though we are bombarded with all the bad news of today and anticipating the 3 1/2 tribulation that is coming, we are able to set our minds and hearts beyond all that. By doing so, it will help us to keep focused and motivated and not want to despair over our present reality.... which is only temporary.
There are so many amazing verses dispersed throughout the Bible that speak of the incredible blessings that are planned for the children of God; if we keep our focus on the promises contained in these passages, they can provide much hope and encouragement as we live our our time here in this life with the many trials and persecutions that we must endure.
The curses pronounced upon Adam and Eve and all their progeny are going to be removed and even reversed! What a difference it will make for those who are privileged to be alive during that time!
Next week we will study all the different kinds of blessings that come as a result of Christ's reign on earth with the nations of the world living in righteousness and at peace. I intend to do a six week series on the Millennium leading up to and culminating on the Sabbath before the day of Pentecost.
After living a lifetime in Satan's world it will be hard to imagine what the Millennium, a time of refreshing and rest from today's curses will be like, so it is good to seek to get a clearer vision of God's righteous world that is coming and of which we will have a glorious part of.... if we are one of His called and faithful children and we remain faithful to the end.
To be continued.
Constance
