13.6 Summary
The Triumph of God’s Love: Hope, Justice, and the Final Destiny

Lesson 13 highlights the triumph of God’s love over sin and death by examining biblical prophecies and their fulfillment in the final events of human history.

1. Hope in Difficult Times (Revelation 22:11-12; Daniel 12:1-2; Jeremiah 30:5-7):

   • These verses describe the intense trials humanity will face before Christ’s return. God’s people will endure this time of tribulation by trusting in His promises and remaining firm in their faith. The assurance that God will not forget His people provides comfort and hope.

2. Preparation for Tribulation (1 John 3:1-3; 8:29; 14:30):

   • The only adequate preparation for the coming time of tribulation is a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship should be characterized by purity, trust, and the desire to please Jesus in all things.

3. Comfort and Confidence (John 14:1-3; Titus 2:11-14):

   • The promise of Christ’s return and eternal life offers comfort and confidence, especially during times of tribulation. This hope motivates believers to lead holy lives and eagerly await Christ’s appearance.

4. The Millennium on Earth (Revelation 20:1-3):

   • During the millennium, Satan will be bound on a desolate earth, unable to deceive anyone. This period serves to highlight the just punishment for sin and confirm God’s justice.

5. The Final Judgment (Jeremiah 4:23-26; 25:33):

   • These prophecies describe the complete destruction of the earth and the end of human civilization as we know it. God’s justice will be revealed, and the final destruction of the wicked shows that sin and rebellion have no place in God’s kingdom.

6. Two Eternities (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-11; Revelation 20:11-15):

   • At the end, humanity faces one of two eternities: eternal life for the righteous and eternal death for the wicked. The resurrection and judgment of the wicked demonstrate God’s justice and affirm that everyone must bear the consequences of their choices.

Lesson 13, dealing with the triumph of God’s love and the final events of human history, has profound implications for our daily lives and faith. Here are some connections and applications:

1. Hope and Confidence:

   • Daily Challenges: Knowing the ultimate triumph of God gives us hope and confidence amid our daily challenges and trials. We can remember that despite all difficulties and sufferings we experience, God is in control and will ultimately prevail.

   • Future Perspective: This perspective helps us view our current problems in the light of eternity. It reminds us that our sufferings are temporary and that a better future awaits us.

2. Trust in God’s Justice:

   • Justice in Daily Life: The teachings about God’s final judgment and His just reign strengthen our trust in His justice. This can help us cope with injustices and inequalities in our lives, knowing that God will ultimately set everything right.

   • Patience and Forbearance: Knowing God’s patience and forbearance encourages us to be patient and forbearing, especially when enduring injustices or waiting for God’s intervention.

3. Responsibility and Holiness:

   • Life Conduct: Recognizing that our decisions and actions have consequences and that we will give an account to God motivates us to live a life of holiness and obedience to God’s commandments.

   • Daily Decisions: This teaching reminds us to live consciously and responsibly, striving for purity, justice, and love in all our daily decisions and interactions.

4. Evangelism and Witnessing:

   • Sharing Hope: The urgency of the message of two eternities—eternal life or eternal death—encourages us to actively share the gospel. We should strive to tell others about God’s love, justice, and plan of salvation.

   • Being a Witness: Our lives should be a testimony to the faith and hope we have in Christ. Through our behavior and words, we can inspire others to accept Jesus as their Savior.

5. Community and Encouragement:

   • Strengthening the Community: Studying and reflecting on God’s plan together can strengthen our faith community. We can encourage and support each other, especially in difficult times.

   • Prayer and Intercession: The teaching about the final judgment and eternity reminds us of the importance of prayer and intercession for others. We should pray for the salvation of our fellow humans and support them in their faith.

6. Gratitude and Worship:

   • Gratitude for God’s Grace: Understanding the depth of God’s love and grace as revealed in His plan of salvation should lead us to deep gratitude. We can be thankful every day for Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope of eternal life.

   • Worship and Praise: This gratitude should be expressed in our daily lives through worship and praise. We can praise God for His justice, love, and the promises He has given us.

Summary:

Lesson 13, which deals with the triumph of God’s love, offers profound insights that influence our daily lives and faith. It gives us hope and confidence, strengthens our trust in God’s justice, motivates us to live a holy life, and encourages us to share the gospel. It strengthens our community and encourages us to be thankful and worshipful. By integrating these teachings into our daily lives, we can lead a fulfilled and meaningful life that honors God and prepares us for eternal fellowship with Him.

Our only hope for eternal life lies in the righteousness of Jesus, who saves us by His grace and spares us from the deserved wages of sin.

1.Why has God allowed sin to continue for so long? Yet, no person in this world suffers longer than their own life span. How short is a human life compared to the thousands of years of sin? How can this perspective help us deal with the difficult question of evil?

The question of why God has allowed sin to continue for so long is a profound and complex theological issue that has troubled many. Several aspects can help us understand this question:

1. Free Will and Freedom of Choice:

   • God created humans with free will, which includes the ability to choose between good and evil. This freedom of choice is an expression of God’s love and respect for His creatures. Without the possibility of rejecting God, genuine obedience and love would not be possible.

2. Revelation of the Nature of Sin:

   • The long duration of sin demonstrates the destructive and devastating nature of sin. Throughout human history, it becomes clear how terrible the consequences of sin are, causing suffering, pain, and death.

3. Justice and Grace:

   • God’s plan for redemption and justice involves patience and long-suffering. He gives people time to repent and accept His grace. This patience shows God’s love and His desire that no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

4. Demonstration of Divine Justice:

   • The long duration of sin allows God to reveal His justice and how He deals with sin before the entire universe. In the end, it becomes evident that God’s judgments are just and that He did everything to save humanity.

No person suffers longer than their own life:

The fact that no person suffers longer than their own life is a significant comfort. A human life, however long or short, is finite. Suffering in this world is temporary and ends with death. This perspective emphasizes the transience of earthly existence.

Comparison of a human life to the thousands of years of sin:

1. Transience of Life:

   • A human life is very short compared to the thousands of years of sin. This perspective helps us recognize that our time on earth is limited and that suffering, no matter how intense, is only temporary.

2. Eternal Perspective:

   • The Bible teaches that the eternal life God promises to those who believe in Him is infinitely longer and better than earthly life. This eternal perspective helps us endure present sufferings and look forward to future glory (Romans 8:18).

3. Trust in God’s Plan:

   • The long duration of sin shows that God has a comprehensive plan beyond our understanding. Trusting in God’s wisdom and plan helps us endure present challenges and the evil in the world.

How this perspective can help us deal with the difficult question of evil:

1. Patience and Hope:

   • Knowing that our suffering is limited and that God has an ultimate plan to overcome evil can give us patience and hope. We can trust that God will ultimately turn everything to good.

2. Trust in God’s Justice:

   • Understanding that God’s justice will be fully revealed in the end helps us trust that God sees all and will judge righteously in the end, even in times of suffering and injustice.

3. Focus on the Eternal:

   • Focusing on eternal promises and the coming kingdom of God can help us put the difficulties of the present life in perspective and direct our gaze to the larger picture.

4. Encouragement to Repentance and Faith:

   • Recognizing that our time is limited and that God gives us the opportunity to repent should motivate us to strengthen our faith and live a life in accordance with God’s will.

These perspectives can help us better understand and endure the existence of evil and suffering in the world by relying on God’s plan and His ultimate justice.

2.How does the thousand-year period known as the Millennium fit into the plan of redemption? Reflect on what it says about God’s character that the final judgment of the lost will come only after all the redeemed have had the opportunity to recognize God’s justice, fairness, and love.

The Millennium Period in the Plan of Redemption and God’s Character

Fitting the Millennium into the Plan of Redemption:

The thousand-year period known as the Millennium is a significant part of God’s plan of redemption. It is described in Revelation 20 and follows the return of Jesus Christ. Here are the key aspects and how they fit into the plan of redemption:

1. Second Coming of Christ and Resurrection of the Righteous:

   • The Millennium begins with the second coming of Christ, during which the righteous are resurrected and reign with Christ in heaven (Revelation 20:4-6). This marks the start of a time when the redeemed are rewarded for their faithfulness and are with Christ.

2. Satan Bound:

   • Satan is bound for a thousand years and is confined on a desolate, depopulated earth (Revelation 20:1-3). This prevents him from deceiving anyone and demonstrates God’s power and justice over evil.

3. Judgment of the Lost:

   • During the Millennium, the judgment of the lost takes place. The redeemed have the opportunity to review the books and see God’s justice (Revelation 20:4). This ensures that God’s decisions are recognized as fair and just.

4. Final Destruction of Evil:

   • After the Millennium, the wicked are resurrected, and Satan is briefly released to deceive them one last time. This leads to a final rebellion, which is ended by fire from God out of heaven (Revelation 20:7-10). The final destruction of evil and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth follow (Revelation 21:1).

What the Millennium Period Says About God’s Character:

1. Justice:

   • God’s decision to hold the final judgment of the lost only after the Millennium shows His justice. He gives the redeemed the opportunity to understand His decisions and see the justice of His judgments. This confirms that God acts justly and no one is condemned without a fair examination.

2. Fairness:

   • The transparency of the judgment process demonstrates God’s fairness. The redeemed can review the books and recognize that all judgments are just and fair. This eliminates any doubt about God’s fairness and ensures that the entire universe accepts His decisions.

3. Love:

   • God’s love is shown in His patience and long-suffering. He gives all people ample opportunity to repent and be saved. The Millennium period allows the redeemed to fully understand the depth of His love and the efforts He made to save humanity.

4. Patience:

   • God’s patience is evident through the long period of the Millennium. He does not rush to judgment but gives all involved time to recognize and accept the reasons for His decisions. This shows His deep patience and His effort to remove all doubt.

5. Sovereignty:

   • The Millennium period demonstrates God’s complete control and sovereignty over all creation. It shows that God ultimately defeats evil and establishes His just reign. The redeemed can trust that God’s plan is perfect and that He controls history and the universe.

Summary:

The Millennium period is a central part of the plan of redemption that reveals God’s justice, fairness, love, patience, and sovereignty. During this time, the redeemed have the opportunity to understand God’s judgments and recognize His justice. This removes all doubt about God’s fairness and love and prepares the way for the final destruction of evil and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. By understanding these aspects of the Millennium, we can strengthen our trust and confidence in God’s plan and His perfect reign over the universe.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-triumph-of-gods-love-13-6-summary/

13.5 Two Eternities
The Final Destiny of the Righteous and the Wicked

Read 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-11; and Revelation 20:11-15. Why are the wicked raised to life again according to these verses?

2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

Romans 14:10-11: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Revelation 20:11-15: “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

Why are the wicked raised to life again?

The wicked are raised to life again to face God’s final judgment. This resurrection serves several important purposes:

1. Revelation of God’s Justice and Fairness:

   • Transparency of Judgment: By resurrecting the wicked and subjecting them to judgment, God’s justice is revealed before the entire universe. Every person, deed, and decision are laid bare and examined before the great white throne.

   • Comprehensive Justice: It becomes clear that God’s judgments are just. Each person receives a fair reward or punishment according to their deeds, underscoring God’s fairness and justice in dealing with sin.

2. Acknowledgment of God’s Righteousness:

   • Bowing of All Knees: Romans 14:11 and Philippians 2:10 emphasize that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess God’s righteousness and sovereignty. Ultimately, even the wicked will acknowledge God’s justice and authority.

   • Condemnation of Rebellion: Even Satan and his followers will recognize and admit that their rebellion against God was unjustified. This will be made evident before the entire universe.

3. Fulfillment of Divine Justice:

   • Judgment According to Works: Revelation 20:12-13 explains that the dead are judged according to their works. This highlights personal responsibility and the consequences of each decision.

   • Final Verdict: The judgment on the wicked is eternal death, as described in Revelation 20:14-15. This final destruction shows that sin and rebellion have no place in God’s eternal kingdom.

4. Resolution of the Problem of Sin:

   • Complete Closure: The resurrection and judgment of the wicked are necessary to fully resolve the problem of sin. It demonstrates that sin and rebellion are inseparably linked to death and destruction.

   • Universal Insight: Ellen White describes that the wicked will recognize every sin and the consequences of their actions during the judgment. This leads to a universal understanding of the destructive nature of sin and the necessity of its permanent eradication.

Summary:

The resurrection of the wicked at the end of the 1000 years serves to fully reveal God’s justice and fairness in the great controversy between good and evil. It shows that God’s judgments are just and that sin and rebellion have no place in God’s eternal kingdom. This revelation ensures that evil will never arise again and affirms God’s love, justice, and wisdom before the entire universe. The insight the wicked gain during this judgment process leads to a universal acknowledgment of God’s righteousness and the final eradication of sin.

Read Revelation 20:9; Psalm 37:20; and Malachi 4:1-2. What insights do these verses give us about the final destruction of sin and sinners and the reward of the righteous?

Revelation 20:9: “They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.”

Psalm 37:20: “But the wicked will perish: Though the Lord’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.”

Malachi 4:1-2: “‘Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.’”

Insights into the Final Destruction of Sin and Sinners:

1. Destruction, Not Eternal Torment:

   • Revelation 20:9 describes fire from heaven devouring the wicked. This indicates complete destruction, not eternal torment.

   • Psalm 37:20 confirms that the wicked will perish and vanish like smoke, reinforcing the image of total destruction.

   • Malachi 4:1 emphasizes that the coming day will burn like a furnace, reducing the wicked to stubble and leaving neither root nor branch. This underscores the final and complete destruction of sin and sinners.

2. Context and Meaning of “Eternal”:

   • The expression “forever and ever” in Revelation 20:10 should be understood in a biblical context, often meaning “until a complete end” (cf. Exodus 21:6; 1 Samuel 1:22, 28; Jude 7; 2 Peter 2:4-6). The destruction of the wicked is eternal in its consequences, not in an ongoing act of destruction.

   • This shows that God is not an eternal tormentor but that the punishment for the wicked is complete and final destruction.

Reward of the Righteous:

1. Safety and Healing:

   • Malachi 4:2 describes that for those who fear the Lord’s name, the “sun of righteousness” will rise with healing in its wings. This symbolizes complete healing and restoration for the righteous.

   • The righteous will be rewarded with safety, peace, and joy, depicted by the image of “frolicking like well-fed calves.”

2. Eternal Joy and Fellowship with God:

   • The righteous will not only be spared from destruction but will also receive eternal life and fellowship with God. This contrasts with the final destruction of the wicked and shows God’s great grace and love toward His faithful followers.

Summary: The verses in Revelation 20:9; Psalm 37:20; and Malachi 4:1-2 provide clear insights into the final destruction of sin and sinners. This destruction is complete and final, and the punishment is not eternal torment but eternal destruction. This demonstrates God’s justice and His refusal to be an eternal tormentor. Instead, He rewards the righteous with healing, safety, and eternal joy. This hope motivates us to live faithfully and reverently before God, trusting in His ultimate justice and the complete restoration of His creation.

At the end, we all face one of two eternities. The lost, unfortunately, receive the “wages” they have earned—eternal death. Why, then, is our only hope to trust in the righteousness of Jesus so we do not receive what we deserve, which is death?

1. The Consequence of Sin:

   • Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse clarifies that sin inevitably leads to death. All have sinned and are therefore guilty of death (Romans 3:23).

2. Our Inability to Save Ourselves:

   • Isaiah 64:6: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Our best efforts are insufficient to save us from the penalty of sin. We cannot save ourselves through our own works or righteousness, as they are always imperfect.

3. The Righteousness of Jesus as Our Only Hope:

   • Romans 3:21-22: “But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” These verses emphasize that the righteousness that counts before God comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

   • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus took our sin upon Himself and gave us His righteousness. This substitutionary righteousness is the only thing that can save us from death.

4. The Grace and Love of God:

   • Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Our salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not the result of our efforts. This grace was made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

   • John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love and grace are the reasons He offers us salvation through Jesus Christ.

Summary:

Our only hope lies in the righteousness of Jesus because our own righteousness is insufficient, and we deserve the wages of sin—death. Through faith in Jesus Christ and His substitutionary sacrifice, God’s righteousness is credited to us, and we receive the gift of eternal life. This is the core of the gospel: we can do nothing to save ourselves, but through God’s grace and the finished work of Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Therefore, we must place our full trust in Jesus and His righteousness to avoid what we deserve and receive what God wants to give us through Christ.

1. Seriousness of Decisions and Responsibility:

   • Awareness of Consequences: Knowing the two possible eternities—eternal life or eternal death—should give us a deep awareness of the consequences of our decisions in daily life. Every thought, word, and deed ultimately matters for our eternal destiny.

   • Responsibility in Action: This awareness should motivate us to live our lives in alignment with God’s will. Responsible action in daily life is reflected in love for God and others, adherence to His commandments, and following Jesus.

2. Hope and Comfort in Difficult Times:

   • Comfort through Justice: The promise of ultimate justice—that evil and sin will be completely destroyed—provides comfort in times of injustice and suffering. We can be assured that God will set all things right in His time and way.

   • Hope for Reward: The promise of reward for the righteous—healing, joy, and eternal life—gives us hope and encourages us to remain steadfast and trust in God’s promises even in difficult times.

3. Humility and Gratitude:

   • Recognizing Our Insufficiency: The realization that we cannot be righteous on our own and that our only hope is in the righteousness of Jesus should lead us to humility. We recognize our daily need for God’s grace and guidance.

   • Gratitude for God’s Grace: This realization should also lead to deep gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s grace. Gratitude can shape our daily lives as we thank God for His immeasurable love and mercy.

4. Active Faith Life and Evangelism:

   • Active Faith: Our knowledge of the end times and the two possible eternities should motivate us to live an active faith life. This means regularly reading the Bible, praying, fellowshipping with other believers, and living out our faith in daily life.

   • Evangelism and Witness: The urgency of the message of two eternities should spur us to share the gospel with others. We should strive to make others aware of God’s love and justice and encourage them to accept Jesus as their Savior.

5. Trust in God’s Plan:

   • God’s Wisdom and Justice: Understanding that God will ultimately bring about justice and defeat evil strengthens our trust in His wisdom and justice. Even if we don’t have all the answers to our questions in life, we can be assured that God has a perfect plan.

   • Peaceful Life: This trust can bring us peace and calmness in daily life. We can rely on God’s guidance and know that He will work all things for good.

Summary:

The teaching of two eternities—eternal life or eternal death—has profound implications for our daily lives and faith. It reminds us of the importance of our decisions, provides comfort and hope in difficult times, leads to humility and gratitude, motivates us to an active faith life and evangelism, and strengthens our trust in God’s plan and justice. By integrating these truths into our daily lives, we can live a fulfilling and meaningful life that honors God and prepares us for eternal fellowship with Him.

Our only hope for eternal life lies in the righteousness of Jesus, who saves us by His grace and spares us from the deserved wages of sin.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-triumph-of-gods-love-13-5-two-eternities/

13.4 Judgment in the Millennium
Divine Justice and the Clarification of All Questions

Read Revelation 20:4-6. What do the righteous do during the 1000 years, and why is this important?

Revelation 20:4-6 reads: “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They 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 a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

Activities of the Righteous During the Millennium:

During the Millennium, the righteous are entrusted with a significant task: they participate in the judgment. They are given the responsibility to review and understand God’s righteous and loving handling of sin and sinners.

Importance of This Task:

1. Understanding Divine Justice and Love:

   • Examination of God’s Decisions: The righteous have the opportunity to review God’s decisions regarding the fate of individuals. This allows for a deeper understanding of His justice and love. Questions they had about God’s actions in their lives and throughout history can be clarified.

   • Revelation of Truth: During the Millennium, the righteous can see that God’s judgments are just and that He did everything possible to save each person. This insight leads to greater trust and deeper love for God.

2. Clarity About the Fate of the Lost:

   • Understanding the Lost: When the righteous realize that loved ones or friends are not in heaven, they have the chance to see that these individuals consciously rejected Christ. This understanding shows that the loss of eternal life is a result of personal decisions against God.

   • Divine Fairness: This understanding helps eliminate any doubt about God’s fairness. It becomes clear that everyone had the opportunity for salvation and that the lost missed out on eternal life due to their own choices.

3. Preparation for the Final Judgment:

   • Conclusions and Confirmations: During the Millennium, the insights and judgments of the righteous prepare for the final judgment. When the 1000 years end, the final judgment—the second death—will be executed. This period of investigation ensures that the judgment of the lost is thorough and just.

   • Final Destruction: After the Millennium, God brings about the final judgment on the lost, which results in the second death and eternal destruction. This marks the end of the sin problem and restores eternal justice.

Summary:

During the Millennium, the righteous play a central role in the judgment. They examine God’s actions to fully understand His justice and love. This phase is crucial to ensure that God’s judgments are recognized as just and fair. It provides the redeemed with the opportunity to find answers to their questions and understand the full extent of God’s efforts to save humanity. This strengthens trust and love for God and prepares the way for the final judgment and the restoration of perfect justice.

Read Revelation 20:7-9. How do the 1000 years end? What is the fate of Satan and his followers?

Revelation 20:7-9 reads: “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.”

The End of the Millennium:

After the 1000 years, Satan is released from his “prison.” This means that the wicked dead are resurrected to face their final judgment. Satan now has people to deceive again, and he uses this opportunity to gather the nations for one last great rebellion against God. These nations are referred to as “Gog and Magog,” symbols of the unredeemed nations of all time.

The Fate of Satan and His Followers:

1. Gathering of Followers:

   • Deception and Rebellion: Despite his previous defeats in the great controversy, Satan is determined to continue his rebellion. He deceives the resurrected wicked into making one last attempt to overthrow God and establish their own kingdom. This vast multitude, as numerous as the sand on the seashore, advances against the “camp of the saints and the beloved city” (the New Jerusalem).

2. The Final Judgment:

   • Fire from Heaven: When the wicked surround the Holy City, fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. This is the final judgment, in which Satan and all his followers are destroyed. This destruction is complete and symbolizes the total end of sin and evil.

Importance of the New Jerusalem:

• Descent of the New Jerusalem: At the end of the Millennium, the New Jerusalem, the holy city, comes down from heaven to earth (Revelation 21:2). The redeemed, who have lived and reigned with Christ in heaven throughout the Millennium, are now in the city along with God, Jesus, the angels, and all the redeemed.

• Site of the Final Battle: The last great battle of the great controversy takes place outside the gates of the New Jerusalem. This marks the final confrontation between good and evil, ending with the complete destruction of evil.

Why is this important?:

1. Final Eradication of Sin:

   • End of Rebellion: The end of the Millennium marks the final end of Satan’s rebellion and the total eradication of sin. The destruction of Satan and his followers ensures that sin and rebellion will never arise again.

   • God’s Justice: The fire from heaven that devours the wicked is an expression of God’s final justice. It shows that God will not tolerate evil indefinitely and that it will ultimately be completely eliminated.

2. Confirmation of Divine Sovereignty:

   • Triumph of God and the Righteous: The final destruction of Satan and his followers confirms God’s sovereignty and the righteous judgment of sin. It shows that God’s plan and rule over the universe ultimately triumph.

   • Safety and Peace: With the eradication of sin, the universe becomes a place of eternal peace and justice. The redeemed can be assured that evil will never arise again and that they will live in eternal fellowship with God.

Summary:

The end of the Millennium marks the last rebellion of Satan and the final destruction of all the wicked. These events demonstrate God’s justice and His ability to ultimately conquer evil. The descending holy city, the New Jerusalem, symbolizes the final reign of God and the eternal home of the redeemed. The complete eradication of sin ensures that the universe continues in peace and justice, marking the triumphant conclusion of the divine plan of salvation.

What does the timing of the final judgment reveal about God’s character?

The timing of the final judgment reveals several essential aspects of God’s character:

1. Justice and Fairness:

   • Thorough Examination: God’s decision to hold the final judgment after the Millennium shows His justice. It gives the redeemed the opportunity to review His judgments and ensure that all decisions are fair and just.

   • Accountability: God leaves no questions unanswered. By allowing the righteous to understand His judgments during the Millennium, He shows that He is accountable and makes His justice transparent.

2. Patience and Longsuffering:

   • Second Chances: The long period before the final judgment shows God’s patience and longsuffering. He gives people ample time to repent and accept His salvation.

   • Tireless Efforts: God’s patience also shows His tireless efforts to save every person. He gives many opportunities for repentance before the final judgment is pronounced.

3. Love and Mercy:

   • Salvation of the Righteous: God’s love and mercy are evident in His plan to save the righteous. He ensures eternal life for those who believe in Him and accept His salvation.

   • Revelation of Truth: Through the judgment, God reveals His love by showing that He did everything possible to save people. The righteous recognize the depth of His love and His efforts to reach even the lost.

4. Ultimate Justice:

   • Perfect Justice: The final judgment ensures that justice is served for all. The wicked are held accountable, and the righteous are rewarded.

   • Eradication of Evil: God’s justice includes the complete eradication of evil. This shows that He is not only just but also determined to rid the universe of all wickedness.

5. Sovereignty and Omnipotence:

   • Control Over Time: God’s setting of the timing for the final judgment shows His sovereignty and control over time. He determines the timing according to His perfect plan, showing that He holds all of history and the future in His hands.

   • Enforcement of His Rule: The final judgment demonstrates God’s omnipotence and His ability to enforce His righteous rule and ultimately defeat evil.

6. Wisdom and Understanding:

   • Wisdom in Planning: God’s plan for the final judgment reveals His infinite wisdom. He has a comprehensive plan that considers all aspects of justice, mercy, and love.

   • Understanding Human Nature: God’s plan also shows His deep understanding of human nature and the need for a complete and transparent judgment process to remove any doubt about His justice and love.

Summary:

The timing of the final judgment reveals God’s just, patient, loving, sovereign, wise, and understanding character. It shows that He has done everything to save humanity and that His judgments are fair and just. God’s patience and longsuffering provide people with many opportunities for repentance, while His justice and sovereignty ensure that evil is ultimately defeated. These attributes of God offer believers comfort and security, affirming their trust in His perfect justice and love.

1. Encouragement to Build Trust:

   • God is Just: Knowing that God will hold a just and fair judgment at the end of time strengthens our trust in His justice. In everyday life, we can trust that God, in His wisdom and justice, will work all things for good, even if we don’t understand the reasons for certain events.

   • God’s Transparency: The fact that God allows the righteous to review His judgments during the Millennium shows His transparency. This strengthens our trust that God has nothing to hide and that His ways and decisions are always just.

2. Responsibility for Our Actions:

   • Accountability: The role of the righteous in the judgment reminds us that we are accountable for our actions. Our life of faith should be characterized by an awareness that our deeds have consequences and that we will ultimately give an account to God.

   • Conscious Living: This awareness encourages us to live a life that aligns with God’s commandments. We should strive to reflect on our decisions and actions in light of God’s justice and love.

3. Encouragement and Comfort:

   • Clarity About God’s Plan: During the Millennium, the righteous will gain clarity about God’s decisions. In everyday life, this hope can comfort and encourage us, especially when we face unexplained difficulties and losses. We can trust that God will ultimately reveal and explain all things.

   • Hope for Justice: The promise of the final judgment gives us hope that injustice and evil will not persist forever. This hope can carry us through difficult times and encourage us to remain steadfast in faith.

4. Recognizing God’s Love and Efforts:

   • God’s Tireless Efforts: During the Millennium, the righteous will recognize God’s tireless efforts to save humanity. This reminds us in daily life how much God loves each of us and how intensely He works to save us.

   • Gratitude and Worship: Understanding God’s love and justice should evoke deep gratitude and worship in us. This gratitude can shape our daily lives and motivate us to live in close relationship with God.

5. Motivation for Evangelism:

   • Seriousness of Salvation: Knowing about the coming judgment and the final decision over each person’s eternal fate motivates us to share the gospel. We should strive to tell others about God’s love and plan of salvation so that they too have the opportunity to be among the righteous.

   • Compassion and Effort: The understanding of sin’s consequences and the fate of the lost should instill deep compassion for others and drive us to actively work for their salvation.

Summary:

The activities of the righteous during the Millennium and the understanding of the final judgment have a deep connection to our everyday lives and faith. They encourage us to live a life of trust, responsibility, and hope. The certainty of God’s justice and love strengthens our faith and motivates us to proclaim the gospel and live in close relationship with God. Through this connection, we can find comfort, encouragement, and a clear orientation towards God’s eternal plan in our daily lives.

God’s just judgment at the end of time strengthens our trust that all things will ultimately be made right, and motivates us to live each day in the light of His love and justice.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-triumph-of-gods-love-13-4-judgment-in-the-millennium/

13.3 The Millennium on Earth
Satan’s Imprisonment and the Revelation of Divine Justice

Read Revelation 20:1-3. What is Satan’s fate when Jesus returns?

Revelation 20:1-3 reads: “And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.”

This passage symbolically describes Satan’s fate at the time of Jesus’ return. Satan is bound by the circumstances of his own creation—on a desolate and depopulated Earth. These chains are not literal iron chains but symbolize the conditions Satan himself has caused.

Symbolism of the “Chain” and the “Abyss”

• The “Chain”: The chain binding Satan is a metaphor for the circumstances imposed on him. Since the Earth is depopulated and destroyed after Christ’s return, Satan has no one left to deceive. His power to deceive and tempt is restricted for these 1000 years.

• The “Abyss” (Abyssos): The Greek word “abyssos,” translated as “Abyss,” is the same word used in the Septuagint to describe the Earth in its state before creation (Genesis 1:2). This “Abyss” symbolizes a desolate, chaotic, and dark Earth, similar to its condition before creation. It is not an underground cavern but the Earth itself, reduced to chaos by Satan’s work and Christ’s return.

Connection to 2 Peter 2:4 In 2 Peter 2:4, we read: “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment.” This describes how Satan and his angels are held in “chains of darkness,” meaning they must live under conditions that prevent them from continuing their evil works.

Satan’s Fate During the Millennium

• Bound by Circumstances: Satan is forced to roam a desolate and destroyed Earth for 1000 years, the result of his rebellion and deception. He has no one left to deceive and must confront the consequences of his actions.

• Reflection and Realization: During this time, Satan witnesses the devastation, destruction, and chaos his rebellion has caused. It is a time for him to reflect and recognize the extent of his destructive work.

Summary

The Millennium on Earth, as described in Revelation 20:1-3, reveals Satan’s fate after Christ’s return. He is bound on a desolate, depopulated Earth for 1000 years, constrained by the circumstances he created. This symbolic depiction emphasizes the consequences of rebellion against God and the ultimate justice of God. During this “chains of darkness” period, Satan is forced to contemplate the devastating effects of his deeds before the final judgment is executed.

Read Jeremiah 4:23-26 and 25:33. How do the biblical prophets describe this scene?

Jeremiah 4:23-26: “I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty; and at the heavens, and their light was gone. I looked at the mountains, and they were quaking; all the hills were swaying. I looked, and there were no people; every bird in the sky had flown away. I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert; all its towns lay in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger.”

Jeremiah 25:33: “At that time those slain by the Lord will be everywhere—from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned or gathered up or buried but will be like dung lying on the ground.”

These passages describe the catastrophic destruction and utter chaos that will engulf the Earth following Christ’s return. Jeremiah’s prophecy paints a grim picture of a world characterized by destruction, emptiness, and darkness. The mountains quake, the hills sway, and no human life is to be found. Cities are destroyed, and even the birds have fled the Earth. These images symbolize the total collapse of human civilization and a return to a state of disorder and abandonment.

Catastrophic Destruction at Christ’s Return:

• Formless and Empty: Jeremiah 4:23 recalls the Earth’s state before creation, when it was “formless and empty.” This indicates that after Christ’s return, the Earth will be returned to a state of total devastation and emptiness.

• Darkness and Earthquakes: The description of darkness and quaking mountains in Jeremiah 4:24 suggests a global catastrophe shaking the physical structure of the Earth.

• Deserted Cities: Jeremiah 4:26 describes the complete destruction of cities and the absence of any life. This underscores the extent of the devastation.

During the Millennium:

The prophets emphasize that during this thousand-year period, no human will be left alive on Earth. Satan and his evil angels are left to witness the destruction caused by their rebellion. Jeremiah 25:33 describes that the dead will be scattered “from one end of the Earth to the other,” with no one to mourn, gather, or bury them. This highlights the total isolation and extent of the devastation.

Universal Realization of Sin’s Consequences:

• The Wages of Sin: The total destruction and chaos on Earth make clear that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The entire universe will recognize the grave consequences of sin and rebellion.

• God’s Handling of Sin: God addresses the problem of sin in three ways:

  • Revealing His Love: God shows His boundless love and tireless efforts to save all humanity.

  • Revealing His Justice: God reveals His justice, fairness, and righteousness in judging sin and rebellion.

  • Showing Sin’s Consequences: God allows the universe to see the ultimate consequences of sin and rebellion, leading to the final eradication of sin (Nahum 1:9).

Summary:

The biblical prophets Jeremiah 4:23-26 and 25:33 vividly describe the catastrophic destruction of the Earth at Christ’s return. These scenes highlight total devastation, the absence of human life, and an uninhabitable, desolate Earth that Satan and his angels will experience as a consequence of their rebellion. These prophetic images illustrate the serious consequences of sin and God’s justice in resolving the problem of sin once and for all to ensure it never arises again.

1. Recognizing the Consequences of Sin:

   • Reflection on Our Actions: Just as Satan is forced to contemplate the devastating effects of his deeds, we can reflect on how our decisions and actions affect others. It is important to be aware of the consequences of our behavior and strive to make positive impacts.

   • Taking Responsibility: Understanding the impact of sin and rebellion on our lives and surroundings motivates us to take responsibility for our actions and seek ways to do good and avoid harm.

2. Hope in God’s Justice and Love:

   • Divine Justice: The description of Satan’s imprisonment during the Millennium shows God’s justice and His ability to overcome evil. This gives us confidence that God will ultimately ensure justice, even when we experience injustice in our daily lives.

   • Divine Love: God’s efforts to save humanity and His boundless love, as described in the Bible, encourage us to trust His guidance and plan, even in difficult times. This love motivates us to act with love and mercy towards others.

3. Preparation for Christ’s Return:

   • Spiritual Growth: Knowledge of the imminent return of Christ and the Millennium should spur us to deepen our spiritual lives. Studying the Bible, prayer, and building a close relationship with God are crucial to remaining strong in times of trial.

   • Faithfulness and Steadfastness: God’s promises and the revelation of His plan motivate us to remain steadfast in faith, even when facing difficulties and persecution. We can be assured that God will ultimately conquer all evil.

4. Community and Support:

   • Strengthening Community: In light of the challenges and promises regarding the Millennium, it is important to foster a strong faith community. Shared prayer, Bible study, and mutual support help strengthen our faith and prepare us for Christ’s return.

   • Encouragement and Comfort: We should encourage and comfort one another, especially in times of distress. Knowing that God has a plan and His justice will prevail gives us hope and strength to support each other.

Summary:

The descriptions in Revelation 20:1-3 and the prophetic images in Jeremiah emphasize the serious consequences of sin and the ultimate justice of God. These insights have direct applications in our daily lives and faith. They motivate us to reflect on the consequences of our actions, trust in God’s justice and love, prepare spiritually, and strengthen our community. By integrating these principles into our lives, we can find hope and confidence amidst the challenges of this world and look forward to eternal fellowship with God.

The recognition of divine justice and love strengthens us to take responsibility for our actions and trust in God’s ultimate victory over evil with hope and confidence.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-the-triumph-of-gods-love-13-3-the-millennium-on-earth/