The word millennium is a compound derivative from Latin, which simply translates into a thousand years. Thus, Christ’s millennial reign is a thousand years of the full manifestation of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is sequel to the Great Tribulation period, which is a period of intense suffering for all on earth.
According to God’s revealed timetable, the church will suddenly be taken away by Christ (I Timothy 4:13-1 8) in a mysterious event known as the Rapture. Then will follow a seven-year period of great suffering of sinners left behind (Matthew 24:21-22). At the end of the seven-year period, Jesus will come again with the church to establish His government (Jude 14). The government of this world, at that time, will resist His coming. But the Lord will overcome at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:15-21). Satan will be bound and imprisoned for 1000 years. (Rev. 20:1-3). The kingdom of this world will then become the kingdom of our God and His Christ. (Revelation 11:15).
Christ’s, millennial reign will be a time when the purposes of God will be fully realized on earth, as a theocracy (which is a government of the state under the firm control and direction of God) will be established. Christ, as the divine representative of God will at this time, speaks and acts for God. He will be given a universal and glorious dominion, with absolute power to govern (Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 45:4; Isaiah 11:4; Psalms 72:4). It will be the responsibility of Christ at this age to announce God’s will and law (Isaiah 2:3,4; 33:21,22; 42:4; Acts 3:22). Christ’s millennial reign will be a manifestation of promise God gave David that his throne would have no end. Christ, as David’s "Son", will thus establish a glorious house and throne, over an equally glorious kingdom (II Samuel 7:12-1 6; Psalm 72; Isaiah 11:10;). Divine mercy, divine goodness and divine truth will be displayed through Christ even as the glory associated with His deity, omniscience, omnipotence and righteousness will be fully made manifest.
The Gentile world system (humanity without Christ) as it is at present organized under the direct influence of Satan, will thus become an out-moded set-up. In its stead comes Christ’s millennial reign void of sin and all form of unrighteousness. Satan, having been defeated and bound, will lack power to induce people to sin (Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 19:28; Ephesians 5:25-27).
What are the components of the millennium? (1) The millennium shall witness an unprecedented era of national and individual peace. There will be a complete cessation of the scourge of wars, as the kingdoms of the world will be fused together under the reign of Christ. The ensuing peace will herald an era of economic boom and prosperity. The beauty of this age is that hitherto antagonistic and irreconcilable foes will henceforth co-habit as sheep and lambs. (2) There will be joy unspeakable (Isaiah 9:3,4; Jeremiah 30: 18,19). (3) Holiness (Ezekiel 43:7-12; Isaiah 1:26-27). (4) Glory (Isaiah 24:23,60:1-9). (5) Comfort (Isaiah 12:1-2; Jeremiah 33:23-25). (6) Justice (Isaiah 9:7; 11:5; 42:1-4). (7) Full knowledge (Isaiah 11:1-2,9; 41:19-20; 54:13; Habakkuk 2:14).
Additionally, the following benefits will also accrue to the inhabitants of the age (a) the original curse placed upon mankind at creation will be removed, resulting in abundant productivity to the earth (Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:9: 65:25). (b) Sickness becomes a thing of the past (Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 30:17; Ezekiel 34:16). (c) While healing is naturally available to be deformed (Isaiah 29:17-19).
Against the background of the above, there shall be (a) preservation of life (Isaiah 41:8-14: 62:8,9; Jeremiah 32:27; Ezekiel 34:27: Joel 3:16-17, Amos 9:15; Zechariah 14:10,11) and (b) complete freedom from all forms of oppression that at present ravage mankind (Isaiah l4: 3-6: 42:6-7; 49; 8-9; Zechariah 9:11,12)
Who are those expected to partake in Christ’s millennial reign? (i) The Glorious Church - Ephesians 5:25-27. This will exclude the apostate church that is married to the world (Revelation 17:1-7). (ii) The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). These are those who recognize and admit their state of spiritual poverty (life on earth without assurance of salvation) and are willing to turn away from sin and surrender to Christ. (iii) The watchful, prayerful saints (Hebrews 9:28; Matthew 25:34).