By Steven J. Hogan
~ A Saturday Morning Post #96 ~
This present church age and the future kingdom age are two distinct time periods in the history of mankind. Ephesians 1:21 tells us, “… not only in this age, but also in the one to come…” Now we live in the church age, but it won’t be long before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church, and shortly thereafter, sets up His kingdom on earth. But what will this kingdom age be like? One way to find out is to compare these two ages, and see how they are alike and how they are different. Let’s look at some areas so you can better understand the fantastic future God has for you and for all believers:
Who is the ruler? The devil is the ruler of the world during this present church age, but Jesus Christ is the ruler of the world during the kingdom age. John 12:31, 1 John 5:19, Zechariah 14:9, Revelation 11:15
How long are the ages? No one knows precisely how long this present church age will last, but we do know that the kingdom age will last for exactly 1000 years, which is why it is often called the millennial kingdom. Matthew 24:36, Revelation 20:1-7
How long will people live? People will live a lot longer during the millennial kingdom age than during this present church age. At this time, on average, people live to be about 80 years or so, but during the next age, a person who lives only to be 100 years “will be thought accursed.” Isaiah 65:20, Psalm 90:10
The kings versus the King: During this church age, Jesus Christ is in heaven, sitting at the right hand of God, while kings on earth are taking their stand against Him, counseling together, and contending with Him. But during the millennial kingdom, these kings will be powerless, for Christ will be the only true King, sitting on His throne in Jerusalem, and ruling over the earth. Psalm 2, Zechariah 14:9, Matthew 26:64
The evil age and the good age: This present age is an evil age, and a big reason is because the devil is the ruler of the world. The coming millennial kingdom age will be a good age, for Jesus Christ will be perfectly ruling the world. But this 1000-year kingdom age won’t be a perfect age, and that’s because sin and death will still exist on this earth. Galatians 1:4, Psalm 72:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, Revelation 21:4
Injustice or justice: During this present age, there’s a great deal of injustice and unrighteousness on earth. Wickedness is flourishing at this time, but not so during the millennial kingdom, for then Christ will rule with a rod of iron, bringing justice, mercy, and peace to this world. Psalm 2:9, Psalm 37, Psalm 72, Philippians 2:10-11
Satan’s influence: Satan continually tempts people to sin during this church age. But he will be imprisoned and incapacitated during the millennial kingdom, and therefore, unable to tempt anyone, believer or unbeliever. His only evil influence will come at the very end of this kingdom age, when he will be let loose for a short time, and gather unbelievers to fight against God, but unsuccessfully so. Revelation 20:1-10
Judging the sinners: God will deal decisively with unbelievers at the end of this present age, and at the end of the age to come. He will punish the unbelievers living on earth (except those Jews chosen to be saved) at the end of this church age, during the Day of the Lord (Revelation 8-9, 16). At the end of the millennial kingdom age, Jesus Christ, sitting on His great white throne, will judge all unbelievers, all the ungodly, and then cast them into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15
The earth’s physical condition: During this church age, the earth is in a corrupted state, but it will be renovated at the start of the millennial kingdom, and therefore, greatly improved. Only after this 1000-year kingdom age, during the eternal kingdom age, will the earth be completely brand new, perfectly holy in every way, entirely and forever free from sin, death, and the devil. Romans 8:18-24, Isaiah 65:17-25, Revelation 21:1-4
God’s kingdom is growing: The kingdom of God continues to grow in size during the church age and the millennial kingdom age, for people will be getting saved during both time periods. Numerically speaking, God’s kingdom will be fully grown at the end of the millennial kingdom. Matthew 13:30-33
Spiritual and physical growth of the kingdom: During the church age, Christ’s focus is on the spiritual growth of God’s kingdom. People are being born again, and are being transferred from the domain of the devil to the kingdom of God. During the next age, Christ’s focus is on both the spiritual and physical growth of God’s kingdom, on both her internal and external growth. Matthew 16:18, Colossians 1:13; Luke 17:21; Psalm 47, Psalm 67
Glorified or not? During this church age, all believers, those now in heaven and those still on earth, are not yet glorified. But at the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church, they will be glorified, and remain glorified during the millennial kingdom age, and forevermore. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
Well known or not? During this church age, our lives are hidden with Christ, meaning we are not well known in the world. But in the millennial kingdom, we will be revealed with Christ and be reigning with Him, and it will be obvious to all that we are God’s children, and are very special to Him. 1 Corinthians 4:8-13, Colossians 3:3-4, Revelation 1:6
Greater glory for God: More glory will be given to God during the millennial kingdom than during this present age. That’s because: a) More of God’s glory will be evident in the world, thereby resulting in more glory being given to Him. b) There will be a greater number of believers living during the millennial kingdom than at any other time in history, resulting in more people giving glory to God. c) All the believers who have lived during this present age will be glorified, and therefore are able to give God much more glory. Habakkuk 2:14, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Revelation 19:1-6
Peace on earth: During this present church age, there are many conflicts between people, many wars between nations, and there is not peace on earth. During the millennial kingdom, there will, in general, be peace on earth. Psalm 72:3, Isaiah 9:6
What a blessing to be living for Jesus Christ during this church age! Now is our time to be using our gifts and talents to serve Him. But I must say, I am really looking forward to Christ’s return and the rapture of the church, and shortly after that, being with Him on earth during the millennial kingdom age. What an incredible time that will be, for we will be fully saved, glorified and perfect, and fully able to love our Savior and King, and live for Him like never before! Hallelujah!!! “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:10
P. S. Here are two short and encouraging posts that go along with what you have just read: Everything on this Earth is Going to Change, and More on the Glory of God, the Most Important Thing of All.