The Millennium
The sermon describes the Millennium as a 1000-year period of peace on earth, with Jesus reigning as King, and Satan ultimately cast into the lake of fire.
Zac Poonen preaches about the future reign of peace on earth for 1000 years, where Garden of Eden conditions will be restored, symbolized by the lion lying with the lamb and the child playing with the cobra (Isaiah 11:6-9). During this time, Jesus will reign as King from Jerusalem over the entire earth, with Satan bound and unable to influence the world (Zechariah 14:9-21). However, at the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released to test the unconverted inhabitants once more, revealing the depth of man's stubbornness and wickedness. God will then judge the rebellious multitude, casting Satan into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10).
Text
A reign of peace will then begin for 1000 years, when Garden of Eden conditions will prevail on the earth, with the lion lying down peacefully with the lamb and the child playing with the harmless cobra etc., (Isa. 11:6-9).
Jesus will then reign from Jerusalem as King over the whole earth (Zechariah 14:9-21). Satan will be bound during those years so that he has no access to earth as he has now. At the end of those 1000 years, Satan will be released for a short period to test the unconverted inhabitants of earth once more. Again a great multitude will follow after Satan. This will be God's demonstration to angels and men that these people do not want Christ to reign over them, even after they have seen the 1000 years of peace.
Such is man's blindness and stubbornness and wickedness. But God will come down in judgment on that rebellious multitude; and Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (which is just a larger version of hell - Rev. 20:7-10).
Sermon Outline
- The Millennium
- Jesus as King over the whole earth
- The final rebellion
- Satan released for a short period
- Testing the unconverted inhabitants of earth
- God's judgment on the rebellious multitude
Key Quotes
“A reign of peace will then begin for 1000 years, when Garden of Eden conditions will prevail on the earth, with the lion lying down peacefully with the lamb and the child playing with the harmless cobra etc.” — Zac Poonen
“Satan will be bound during those years so that he has no access to earth as he has now.” — Zac Poonen
“But God will come down in judgment on that rebellious multitude;” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- We should be grateful for the peace and blessings we have now, but also be aware of the possibility of a future rebellion against God.
- We should not take our salvation for granted, but rather be thankful for the opportunity to serve and follow Christ.
- We should be aware of the dangers of Satan's influence and the importance of resisting his temptations.