Today was review concerning eternity future for those of us in the dispensation of grace. The blessed hope we have is in the soon appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ returning to catch away all of the Church Age saints both dead and alive. The dead will be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Of course, all believers who die before the rapture are immediately in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Absent from the body is present with the Lord.
We also reviewed the destiny of the wicked of the tribulation. When Messiah King Jesus returns, his first goal is to purge the world of all wickedness. It begins with a military conquest. The battle of armageddon occurs which we have already studied. After the military conquest, Messiah King Jesus will sit in judgment over the survivors of the tribulation. Matthew 7, 13, 24, and 25 reveal who is judged and the results of the judgments. The ultimate goal is to begin the millennial kingdom with only righteous people.
The Old Testament saints will receive their rewards and rule as per the reward bestowed upon them. The tribulation saints will do likewise. The Church Age saints have received their reward at the judgment seat of Christ, and will reign with Him as a royal priesthood. When the first 1,000 years of Christ’s eternal reign a finished, and the final rebellion is quashed, the Great white Throne judgment occurs. While this judgment is going on, God is making new heavens and a new earth. This is an awesome event, because everything tainted by man will be wiped away and we will remember none of the former things.
Isaiah 9:6-7: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 65:17: For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Isaiah 66:22-23: For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.
2 Peter 3:1-14: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.