Who Will Enter the Millennial Kingdom and When It Will Occur According to the Bible
What will happen during Christ's Millenial Kingdom
The Millennial Kingdom—a future 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth—is one of the most fascinating and discussed topics in biblical prophecy. Based primarily on Revelation 20, this kingdom is believed to be a time of peace, justice, and the physical rule of Jesus Christ following His return.
But who exactly will enter this kingdom, and when will it occur? Different interpretations exist, but the Bible provides key clues that help us form a solid understanding. This lesson will walk you through what Scripture says in an easy-to-understand way, while also offering a clear action plan for deeper study.
What Is the Millennial Kingdom?
The term millennium comes from Revelation 20:1–6, where it refers to a 1,000-year reign of Christ following Satan’s binding. This kingdom is marked by:
Christ reigning physically from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:9)
Peace and justice throughout the earth (Isaiah 2:2–4)
The resurrection of martyrs and faithful believers (Revelation 20:4)
The restoration of Israel and fulfillment of God’s promises (Isaiah 11, Ezekiel 37)
When Will the Millennial Kingdom Occur?
According to premillennialism, the Millennium occurs after the Second Coming of Christ. This is the most widely held view among Bible-believing evangelicals, and it follows this timeline:
The Tribulation (7 years) – A time of global distress (Daniel 9, Matthew 24)
The Second Coming of Christ – Jesus returns to defeat the Antichrist (Revelation 19)
Satan Bound for 1,000 Years – Revelation 20:2–3
The Millennial Reign Begins – Christ establishes His kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:4)
Alternate views include amillennialism (the 1,000 years is symbolic and happening now spiritually) and postmillennialism (the world improves and becomes Christianized before Christ returns).
This article primarily reflects the premillennial view, as it aligns most directly with a literal reading of Revelation and Old Testament prophecy.
Who Will Enter the Millennial Kingdom?
The Bible identifies several groups who will enter or exist during the Millennial Kingdom:
1. Resurrected Saints (Church Age Believers)
These are believers who died before or during the Tribulation.
They are resurrected at Christ’s return to reign with Him.
“They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” – Revelation 20:4
2. Surviving Tribulation Believers (in Natural Bodies)
These are people who put their faith in Christ during the Tribulation and survive.
They will enter the kingdom without dying, still in their physical, mortal bodies.
“Then the King will say… ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom…’” – Matthew 25:34
3. Old Testament Believers
Believers from the Old Testament period will be resurrected to enter the kingdom.
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…” – Daniel 12:2
4. Jewish Believers (National Israel)
The nation of Israel will be spiritually restored and play a central role in the Millennium.
“All Israel will be saved…” – Romans 11:26
“They will look on me, the one they have pierced…” – Zechariah 12:10
What Happens During the Millennium?
Jesus rules with righteousness and justice (Isaiah 9:6–7)
Peace prevails across nature and humanity (Isaiah 11:6–9)
Jerusalem becomes the center of worship and governance (Micah 4:1–2)
Satan is bound and unable to deceive the nations (Revelation 20:2–3)
Why This Matters Today
Understanding the Millennial Kingdom:
Gives hope for a future where Christ restores the earth
Reinforces God’s promises to Israel and the Church
Encourages holy living in anticipation of Christ’s return
Inspires evangelism, knowing not everyone will enter the kingdom
Conclusion
The Millennial Kingdom is not a myth or metaphor—it’s a powerful prophetic promise. According to Scripture, this future period will be the culmination of God’s plan to restore righteousness, fulfill His promises to Israel, and give the faithful a role in His eternal plan.
Whether you’re exploring this topic for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, studying who will enter the kingdom and when it will occur helps anchor your faith in the certainty of Christ’s return and the reality of His rule.
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You did not mention the rapture nor the saints that will be in heaven during the tribulation and will return with Him and will also be in the millennium.
apart from references to Satan, a good review.
https://dawnchristadelphian.co.uk/index.php/satan-or-the-devil/