THE UNFINISHED REFORMATION · INVESTIGATION 21

The Millennium and Final Judgment

What happens during and after the thousand years of Revelation 20?

Revelation 20 portrays a thousand-year period connected with the first resurrection, the reign of the saints, Satan’s confinement, and a later resurrection and final judgment. In the Adventist reading, the redeemed are with Christ in heaven during the millennium while the earth lies desolate. Afterward the wicked are raised, judgment reaches its final execution, and evil is destroyed forever.

Reformation principle. God’s final judgment is transparent enough that the redeemed participate in reviewing it.

SCRIPTURE TO EXAMINE

Read the biblical evidence

  • Revelation 20:1–6The first resurrection and thousand-year reign are described.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:2–3Paul says the saints will participate in judgment.
  • Jeremiah 4:23–27Prophetic imagery portrays the earth desolate under judgment.
  • Revelation 20:7–15After the thousand years come the final rebellion, judgment, and second death.
STRONGEST OBJECTION OR ALTERNATIVE READING

Examine the challenge

Premillennial, amillennial, and postmillennial Christians read Revelation 20 differently. The site’s interpretation depends heavily on the sequence between Revelation 19 and 20.

YOUR VERDICT

What event marks the beginning of the millennium in Revelation 20?

  • The first resurrection
  • Creation week
  • The fall of Babylon in Daniel 5