January 16: WHAT IS THE MILLENNIUM? (part 3)
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them . . . and they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4a,c
The marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9) is the inaugural event for the redeemed in Heaven. The grandeur and beauty of this event in Heaven’s banquet hall is more filled with wonder and joy than we can imagine, given our current viewpoint (1 Corinthians 13:12). All of this, as well as seeing Jesus face-to-face while being reunited with loved ones, sets the tone for reign[ing] with Christ during the millennial era.
There will be surprises for the redeemed post-arrival in Heaven. You may see someone (or numerous “someones”) that you did not expect to see there. Try to imagine the surprise on Stephen’s face when he first lays eyes on Paul (the Saul of Acts 7:58-8:1)! You will realize that there are people missing whom you expected to see. With the heightened awareness of new, perfectly healthy bodies and minds, each of the redeemed will undoubtedly have questions regarding specific cases. Every question can and must be answered to the complete satisfaction of the one asking.
Yesterday’s closing verse from Daniel’s vision had these words: books were opened. These books (plural) will contain flawless record-keeping of everyone who ever lived upon the earth. It will be possible to review any and every case that is questioned. Those who confessed their sins, forsook them, and walked the rest of the way with Christ will be listed in the Book of Life (singular) and their record of sin blotted out (Isaiah 43:25, 44:22, Acts 3:19) from the books.
These case reviews will likely be assisted by recording angels. The redeemed will agree 100% with the Lord in every case, including the cases of the fallen angels.
It is made plain that every case is decided before Jesus returns for His bride (Revelation 22:11-12). All cases are then closed. But the redeemed will have privileged access to the books for case reviews. A full understanding of every decision by our Righteous Judge will bring total harmony and agreement among all the citizens of Heaven.
Beloved, if you are walking with Jesus, yoked with Him in humility, your citizenship is already in Heaven. If not, do not procrastinate another day! Now is the time to: Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted. (Isaiah 43:26)
Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 1 Corinthians 6:2-3