One of the areas of theological studies that I feel the modern church is neglecting is eschatology. Eschatology (eschatos = last and logy = the study of) is the area of theology that deals with end times topics such as heaven, hell, the tribulation, the millennial kingdom, and death. When I talk to other Christians about these types of subjects, I find that many of them do not have a firm foundation of understanding on end times things, and that much of what they believe is unbiblical. But, it is not totally their fault either. As I listen to sermons and read books on those topics, I am struck by the amount of downright unbiblical teaching being presented.
What happens after death is one example of a topic where most Christians believe something that is actually unbiblical. Most when asked what happens after death will answer with something similar to “You are judged by God. Those who are saved go immediately to heaven. Those who are not saved go immediately to Hell.” According to the Bible, this is not completely correct. The Bible actually teaches that there are six (6) different pathways leading to two (2) possible eternal outcomes mentioned in the Bible. I use the term “pathway into eternity” because not all die a physical death prior to entering into eternity.
If you disagree with my thoughts and opinions, that is fine. Do your own bible study, look at the verses in context, and challenge my conclusions. My overall goal is to be like the Jews of Berea. Paul said that they searched the scriptures to see if what he said was true...and he was an Apostle. How much more should we do that concerning biblical instruction from pastors and teachers?
The two possible eternal outcomes for all human souls is either eternal life in Heaven (the “new heaven and the new earth”) for believers, or separation from God and punishment in Hell (the “lake of fire”) for unbelievers. Here are the six different pathways that will be discussed:
1. The unrighteous/non-believing dead from the beginning of time until the end of time (the end of the millennial kingdom).
2. The righteous/believing dead from the beginning of time until the rapture.
3. The righteous/believing alive at the time of the rapture.
4. The righteous/believing who die during the tribulation.
5. The righteous/believing who die during the millennial kingdom.
6. Those alive at the end of the millennial kingdom, both believers and non-believers.
Note: for clarity, I will refer to those whose names are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life as “unrighteous/non-believers”. I will refer to those whose names are written in the Book of Life as “righteous/believers.”
1. The unrighteous/non-believing dead from the beginning of time until the end of time (the end of the millennial kingdom) go to a holding place called “Sheol” in the Old Testament and called “Hades” in the New Testament. Hades/Sheol is not “Hell.” Hell is what is referred to in the book of Revelation as the “Lake of Fire.” Jesus referred to the lake of fire exclusively as "Gehenna", which is a reference to the valley of Hinnom just outside the gates of Jerusalem to the south of the city. It was used during Old Testament times as a place of sacrifice to false gods, and during Jesus' time as a city dump.
3. The righteous/believing alive at the time of the rapture.
4. The righteous/believing who die during the tribulation.
5. The righteous/believing who die during the millennial kingdom.
6. Those alive at the end of the millennial kingdom, both believers and non-believers.
Note: for clarity, I will refer to those whose names are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life as “unrighteous/non-believers”. I will refer to those whose names are written in the Book of Life as “righteous/believers.”
1. The unrighteous/non-believing dead from the beginning of time until the end of time (the end of the millennial kingdom) go to a holding place called “Sheol” in the Old Testament and called “Hades” in the New Testament. Hades/Sheol is not “Hell.” Hell is what is referred to in the book of Revelation as the “Lake of Fire.” Jesus referred to the lake of fire exclusively as "Gehenna", which is a reference to the valley of Hinnom just outside the gates of Jerusalem to the south of the city. It was used during Old Testament times as a place of sacrifice to false gods, and during Jesus' time as a city dump.
The unbelieving who die during the old testament period go to Sheol/Hades. The unbelieving who die during the two-thousand year church age (the period we are currently in) go to Sheol/Hades. The unbelieving who die during the seven-year tribulation period go to Sheol/Hades. The unbelieving who die during the one-thousand year millennial kingdom go to Sheol/Hades. The Antichrist and The False Prophet are cast into the Lake of Fire after the battle of Armageddon at the end of the tribulation. Satan and all of the demons (fallen angels) are cast into the Lake of Fire after the final battle at the end of the one-thousand year reign of Christ on earth (millennial kingdom). Everyone in Hades is judged by God at the Great White Throne of Judgment and when their name is found to be blotted out of the Lamb’s book of Life, they are cast into the Lake of Fire. Finally, Hades and Death are cast into the Lake of Fire as well.
Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:11-15
2. The righteous/believing dead from the beginning of time until the rapture also go to Sheol/Hades, just as discussed previously for the unrighteous/non-believing dead. We should take a second here to clarify that we are referring to the souls of people, as the Bible states that their physical bodies return to the dust and our spirit returns to God. And again, Sheol/Hades is not a place of punishment, it is not Hell. Sheol/Hades is simply a holding place for the dead souls until entering eternity. But, at some point the believing souls of the dead are removed from Hades obviously as they are not there when Hades is emptied out at the Great White Throne of Judgment.
The Bible states that Jesus went to Sheol/Hades after His death on the cross and proclaimed what He had accomplished to the imprisoned:
“This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; He will surely take me to himself.” Psalms 49:13-15
“I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death. Death, where are your barbs? Sheol, where is your sting?” Hosea 13:14
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1
“As for you, because of the blood of your covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless cistern.” Zech. 9:11
“This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven...” Colossians 1:21-22
“For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.” Eph. 4:8-10
“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few - that is, eight people- were saved through water.” I Peter 3:18-20
3. The believers alive at the time of the rapture do not die, but instead are “caught up” (harpazo) and removed from the earth when Christ returns with those believers who have previously died in Christ. They are taken up, body, spirit, and soul to be with Jesus forever more. Their present earthly bodies are instantly transformed into their glorified bodies, just as Jesus was after His resurrection.
“Now I say this, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP in victory. WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR VICTORY? WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:50-57
Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:11-15
2. The righteous/believing dead from the beginning of time until the rapture also go to Sheol/Hades, just as discussed previously for the unrighteous/non-believing dead. We should take a second here to clarify that we are referring to the souls of people, as the Bible states that their physical bodies return to the dust and our spirit returns to God. And again, Sheol/Hades is not a place of punishment, it is not Hell. Sheol/Hades is simply a holding place for the dead souls until entering eternity. But, at some point the believing souls of the dead are removed from Hades obviously as they are not there when Hades is emptied out at the Great White Throne of Judgment.
The Bible states that Jesus went to Sheol/Hades after His death on the cross and proclaimed what He had accomplished to the imprisoned:
“This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; He will surely take me to himself.” Psalms 49:13-15
“I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death. Death, where are your barbs? Sheol, where is your sting?” Hosea 13:14
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1
“As for you, because of the blood of your covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless cistern.” Zech. 9:11
“This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven...” Colossians 1:21-22
“For it says: When he ascended on high, he took the captives captive; he gave gifts to people. But what does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower parts of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.” Eph. 4:8-10
“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few - that is, eight people- were saved through water.” I Peter 3:18-20
3. The believers alive at the time of the rapture do not die, but instead are “caught up” (harpazo) and removed from the earth when Christ returns with those believers who have previously died in Christ. They are taken up, body, spirit, and soul to be with Jesus forever more. Their present earthly bodies are instantly transformed into their glorified bodies, just as Jesus was after His resurrection.
“Now I say this, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “DEATH HAS BEEN SWALLOWED UP in victory. WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR VICTORY? WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:50-57
“...but our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.” Philippians 3:20-21
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”. Col. 3:4
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." I Thess. 4:13-18
Paul reassures the Thessalonian Christians that just as Jesus died and rose again, so would they. Those believers that had already "fallen asleep" (died), Jesus will bring (lead and accompany) them (their soul) at the time of the rapture. Paul goes on further to explain that those who are "alive and remain" at the time of the Lord's coming (the rapture) will "not precede" (arrive before, or attain prior to) those who have already died (fallen asleep). In other words, Paul is addressing their primary concern that he doesn't want them to be uninformed about...those who go to be with the Lord at the rapture will not arrive before or attain heaven prior to those loved ones that have already died. He says the "dead in Christ" (the souls of righteous dead) will rise first (the bodies of the righteous dead will be resurrected first) and at the Archangel's shout will be reunited with their body. Then, those alive at His return will be "caught up" (raptured) to meet Him in the clouds.
Both groups, the righteous who died prior to the rapture, and those righteous alive at the rapture, will rise to meet the Lord in the air and will be in their glorified bodies as Christ was after His resurrection. Note that Paul says "and so we will always be with the Lord," which seems to imply that the souls of the believers who died prior to the rapture were not already with the Lord in heaven. And, Paul's reassurance to those who would experience the rapture while still alive that they would not go into the Lord's presence prior to their loved ones that had previously died confirms that the righteous dead are not already with the Lord.
Many people believe that the souls of fellow believers and loved ones who have already passed away are in Heaven with the Lord right now. However, in my opinion, this is unbiblical. I cannot find anywhere in scripture where the souls of believers, without their glorified bodies, are in heaven with Jesus (excluding tribulation saints which we will discuss in #4). The New Testament clearly indicates that the Body of Christ will all go to Heaven to be with Jesus forever, all as one at one time, and after the rapture occurs. The church is referred to as the “Bride of Christ” and there are numerous references to a wedding throughout the New Testament. Does it make sense for part of the Bride of Christ to go to heaven to be with the Groom before the rest of the Bride’s body goes during the rapture? No it doesn’t! The Bride must go all together at one time to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever more.
Both groups, the righteous who died prior to the rapture, and those righteous alive at the rapture, will rise to meet the Lord in the air and will be in their glorified bodies as Christ was after His resurrection. Note that Paul says "and so we will always be with the Lord," which seems to imply that the souls of the believers who died prior to the rapture were not already with the Lord in heaven. And, Paul's reassurance to those who would experience the rapture while still alive that they would not go into the Lord's presence prior to their loved ones that had previously died confirms that the righteous dead are not already with the Lord.
Many people believe that the souls of fellow believers and loved ones who have already passed away are in Heaven with the Lord right now. However, in my opinion, this is unbiblical. I cannot find anywhere in scripture where the souls of believers, without their glorified bodies, are in heaven with Jesus (excluding tribulation saints which we will discuss in #4). The New Testament clearly indicates that the Body of Christ will all go to Heaven to be with Jesus forever, all as one at one time, and after the rapture occurs. The church is referred to as the “Bride of Christ” and there are numerous references to a wedding throughout the New Testament. Does it make sense for part of the Bride of Christ to go to heaven to be with the Groom before the rest of the Bride’s body goes during the rapture? No it doesn’t! The Bride must go all together at one time to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever more.
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. You know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4
The Bridegroom (Jesus) told the Bride (the church) that He personally would come back to escort us to where He is (heaven), and that He is preparing for us a place to be with Him. This is the imagery of the Jewish wedding, where the Bridegroom comes at an unexpected hour to retrieve His Bride and take her to the place He has been preparing for her in His absence. This is the Church, the Bride and Body of Christ, being escorted all together, at the same moment in time, to be with Him forevermore. My understanding from scripture is that during the church age, when a believer dies, their soul exits this realm of existence and immediately they are in the presence of Jesus (2 Cor. 5:6-8), at the point in time of the rapture, in the air above the earth with Jesus at His return for His Bride (the church). At this time, they are reunited with their resurrected body, and now have glorified bodies, just as Jesus was in His glorified body after His resurrection. Those believers alive at the rapture are taken up body and soul, and their bodies glorified immediately. In this way, the entire Body of Christ, in glorified bodies, goes to be with Jesus forever more and celebrate the wedding feast of the Lamb. Maranatha!
4. The believers who die during the tribulation go to the “temple of God” in Heaven and worship and serve at the “throne of God” day and night. They are given white robes to wear and are comforted under the tabernacle of God’s continual presence. They are described as “underneath the altar of God” in reference to their status as martyrs whose blood was shed in Christ’s name during the tribulation period. The blood of the sacrifice in the temple would be sprinkled at the altar, underneath the mercy seat. Regardless of the risk and danger which exists for anyone to reject the antichrist and accept God during the tribulation period, it is revealed that there are numerous (a great multitude) people who do...and as a result they are killed for their actions.
“When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth?” And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also.” Rev. 6:10-11
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. “They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Rev. 7:10-17
After the seven year tribulation period, the bodies of the tribulation saints who were martyred are resurrected and they receive their glorified bodies at that point. They then enter into the Millennial kingdom and rule with Christ for one-thousand years here on earth. Additionally, it appears although not stated anywhere directly in the Bible that at the same time the tribulation saints are resurrected into glorified bodies, the Old Testament saints still in Sheol/Hades are also resurrected at this time and given glorified bodies to enter into the millennial kingdom. The righteous Old Testament saints would be included in the "first resurrection" of those that receive eternal life, and not be included in the "last" or "second" resurrection that are judged and thrown into the lake of fire.
“Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection.” Rev. 20:4-5
As for us, the church age Christians, the Bride of Christ, we return with Christ to battle the antichrist and his armies at the end of the Tribulation. We too will then enter the Millennial kingdom in our glorified state and act as a type of judge or administrator over areas of the earth.
“And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.” Rev. 19:14
“... Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28.
5. The believers who die during the millennial kingdom are not discussed in scripture anywhere. So, we must examine what we do know. First of all, it is important to clarify whether or not there will be death in the millennial kingdom? The millennial kingdom is not the final “new earth and new heaven”, our eternal dwelling place, where death has been done away with. So it appears there will be death in the millennial kingdom. However, the Bible does imply that the lives of people will lengthen, sickness and disease will be less common, and under Christ’s rule there will be less bodily harm and murder committed.
“I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; And there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying. In her, a nursing infant will no longer live only a few days, or an old man not live out his days. Indeed, the one who dies at a hundred years old will be mourned as a young man, and the one who misses a hundred years will be considered cursed.” Isaiah 65:20
Much of Old Testament prophecy actually looks forward to the millennial kingdom, as it is for the Jews a time of restoration. Jerusalem will be the world’s capital from where Jesus will rule, and temple worship will be re-instituted along with some of the Feasts of the Lord. Here are just some of the Old Testament passages: Isaiah 4:3-6, Isaiah 11:11-16, Ezekiel 36:22-38, Ezekiel 37:15-28, Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 7:13-14, Daniel 7:27, Micah 5:2-4, and Zechariah 2:10-13.
Who has been allowed to enter into the millennial kingdom? The Body and Bride of Christ which includes all believers during the church age and up until the rapture will enter in with glorified bodies. The Tribulation saints who were martyred and the Old Testament saints in Sheol (as discussed in #4) will enter in with glorified bodies. That leaves only those still alive at the end of the tribulation. In this group will be Jews and Gentiles, and believers and non-believers in both. The believers will enter into the millennial kingdom in their natural (mortal) bodies. That means these will be able to continue to age, will be able to get sick or die, and will be able to procreate and have children. Some of these children, born as mortal sinners, will choose to reject God and at the end of the millennial kingdom and will join in battle against Jesus.
There will also be non-believers left alive at the end of the tribulation. They will not enter into the millennial kingdom. We are given a hint of what happens to those left alive after the tribulation in both Joel and Matthew.
“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.” Joel 3:1-2
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. "And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. '... "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; … "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:31-46
It appears that during the judgment of the “sheep and the goats”, these two groups will be judged. Some have said that because it is the judgement of the “Nations” that this only applies to the Gentiles, and does not include the Jews. This would imply that there are no non-believing Jews, and I am not sure I agree with this conclusion. But, we can say that it appears that Jesus judges the survivors of the tribulation. Those who were not faithful, the goats, are sent away to “eternal fire” and “eternal punishment”. From my understanding, they would also have to face the Great White Throne of Judgement to determine if their name is found in the Lamb’s Book of Life before being cast into the lake of fire. So, I would understand them to be sent to Sheol/Hades with every other non-believer to await final judgement, which would be after the 1000 year millennial kingdom. Those who were faithful to Him, the sheep, are allowed to “inherit the kingdom” and enter into the millennial kingdom alive.
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one of them according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:11-15
We can not say biblically with any certainty what happens to those believers who die during the millennial kingdom, but there appears to be three possible answers. First, the believers who die immediately receive their glorified bodies and remain within the millennial kingdom on earth. The other believers with glorified bodies are already on earth in the kingdom, so it would make sense that they would remain there too. Second, the believing who die during the millennial kingdom may go to heaven in soul form only and serve at the Throne of God just as the souls of tribulations saints did. This would mean that at the end of the millennial kingdom they are given glorified bodies to enter into the new heaven and new earth with. However, scripture does not mention the souls of millennial believers in heaven, nor does it seem to indicate another resurrection after the tribulation saints are resurrected, so this option seems unlikely. Thirdly, believers in the millennial kingdom may simply not die. Perhaps they are protected from death as believers, and live throughout the one-thousand year millennial kingdom period.
6. Those alive at the end of the millennial kingdom, both believers and non-believers. So, here again as in #5, there is not a lot of information given in scripture as to exactly what happens to those alive at the end of the millennial kingdom. It should also be clarified here that we are talking about only the mortal living humans. We have already established in the previous sections that the millennial kingdom will consist of the Body and Bride of Christ which includes all believers up until the rapture in their glorified bodies and the Tribulation saints who were martyred in their glorified bodies. Both of these groups will enter into eternity directly from the millennium kingdom period.
“When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are] also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one [of them] according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Rev 20:7-15
At the end of the thousand year millennial kingdom, Satan is released from the pit along with all the demons to once again have access to those on the earth. He deceives a large number of mortal beings to rebel against God and attack Jerusalem where Christ rules from. Fire comes from above and devours Satan’s entire army. Satan and his demons are thrown into the lake of fire where the antichrist and false prophet have been for the last thousand years. Immediately following this, the Great White Throne of judgement occurs. All the unrighteous dead, from all time, are removed from Sheol/Hades and stand before God to be judged. The Lamb’s Book of Life is opened, and those whose names are found to be blotted out are cast into the lake of fire. There is now no longer a need for Death and for Sheol/Hades, so they too are cast into the lake of fire to be destroyed.
So, we can surmise from this that the non-believing humans present at the last battle, who have followed Satan, are devoured (killed) by fire from God, die, and go directly to Sheol/Hades. Scripture does not address the non-believing humans not present at the battle, but we can assume that they too die immediately and go to Sheol/Hades, or are simply included with that group somehow in order to be present at the Great White Throne of judgement. Regardless, the fate of all unbelievers for all of time is to be cast into the lake of fire (the second death) when their names are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Those believing mortal humans alive at the end of the millennial kingdom would appear to be transformed into their glorified bodies, and to then enter into the new heaven and the new earth. They enter into the eternal final state along with the tribulation saints and the members of the Church Body already in their glorified bodies.
“The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev. 21:7-8
“And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.” Rev 21:23-27
4. The believers who die during the tribulation go to the “temple of God” in Heaven and worship and serve at the “throne of God” day and night. They are given white robes to wear and are comforted under the tabernacle of God’s continual presence. They are described as “underneath the altar of God” in reference to their status as martyrs whose blood was shed in Christ’s name during the tribulation period. The blood of the sacrifice in the temple would be sprinkled at the altar, underneath the mercy seat. Regardless of the risk and danger which exists for anyone to reject the antichrist and accept God during the tribulation period, it is revealed that there are numerous (a great multitude) people who do...and as a result they are killed for their actions.
“When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who live on the earth?” And a white robe was given to each of them; and they were told that they were to rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers and sisters who were to be killed even as they had been, was completed also.” Rev. 6:10-11
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen, blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders responded, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. “They will no longer hunger nor thirst, nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Rev. 7:10-17
After the seven year tribulation period, the bodies of the tribulation saints who were martyred are resurrected and they receive their glorified bodies at that point. They then enter into the Millennial kingdom and rule with Christ for one-thousand years here on earth. Additionally, it appears although not stated anywhere directly in the Bible that at the same time the tribulation saints are resurrected into glorified bodies, the Old Testament saints still in Sheol/Hades are also resurrected at this time and given glorified bodies to enter into the millennial kingdom. The righteous Old Testament saints would be included in the "first resurrection" of those that receive eternal life, and not be included in the "last" or "second" resurrection that are judged and thrown into the lake of fire.
“Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection.” Rev. 20:4-5
As for us, the church age Christians, the Bride of Christ, we return with Christ to battle the antichrist and his armies at the end of the Tribulation. We too will then enter the Millennial kingdom in our glorified state and act as a type of judge or administrator over areas of the earth.
“And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.” Rev. 19:14
“... Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28.
5. The believers who die during the millennial kingdom are not discussed in scripture anywhere. So, we must examine what we do know. First of all, it is important to clarify whether or not there will be death in the millennial kingdom? The millennial kingdom is not the final “new earth and new heaven”, our eternal dwelling place, where death has been done away with. So it appears there will be death in the millennial kingdom. However, the Bible does imply that the lives of people will lengthen, sickness and disease will be less common, and under Christ’s rule there will be less bodily harm and murder committed.
“I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; And there will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying. In her, a nursing infant will no longer live only a few days, or an old man not live out his days. Indeed, the one who dies at a hundred years old will be mourned as a young man, and the one who misses a hundred years will be considered cursed.” Isaiah 65:20
Much of Old Testament prophecy actually looks forward to the millennial kingdom, as it is for the Jews a time of restoration. Jerusalem will be the world’s capital from where Jesus will rule, and temple worship will be re-instituted along with some of the Feasts of the Lord. Here are just some of the Old Testament passages: Isaiah 4:3-6, Isaiah 11:11-16, Ezekiel 36:22-38, Ezekiel 37:15-28, Daniel 2:31-45, Daniel 7:13-14, Daniel 7:27, Micah 5:2-4, and Zechariah 2:10-13.
Who has been allowed to enter into the millennial kingdom? The Body and Bride of Christ which includes all believers during the church age and up until the rapture will enter in with glorified bodies. The Tribulation saints who were martyred and the Old Testament saints in Sheol (as discussed in #4) will enter in with glorified bodies. That leaves only those still alive at the end of the tribulation. In this group will be Jews and Gentiles, and believers and non-believers in both. The believers will enter into the millennial kingdom in their natural (mortal) bodies. That means these will be able to continue to age, will be able to get sick or die, and will be able to procreate and have children. Some of these children, born as mortal sinners, will choose to reject God and at the end of the millennial kingdom and will join in battle against Jesus.
There will also be non-believers left alive at the end of the tribulation. They will not enter into the millennial kingdom. We are given a hint of what happens to those left alive after the tribulation in both Joel and Matthew.
“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.” Joel 3:1-2
"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. "And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. '... "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you accursed people, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; … "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:31-46
It appears that during the judgment of the “sheep and the goats”, these two groups will be judged. Some have said that because it is the judgement of the “Nations” that this only applies to the Gentiles, and does not include the Jews. This would imply that there are no non-believing Jews, and I am not sure I agree with this conclusion. But, we can say that it appears that Jesus judges the survivors of the tribulation. Those who were not faithful, the goats, are sent away to “eternal fire” and “eternal punishment”. From my understanding, they would also have to face the Great White Throne of Judgement to determine if their name is found in the Lamb’s Book of Life before being cast into the lake of fire. So, I would understand them to be sent to Sheol/Hades with every other non-believer to await final judgement, which would be after the 1000 year millennial kingdom. Those who were faithful to Him, the sheep, are allowed to “inherit the kingdom” and enter into the millennial kingdom alive.
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one of them according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:11-15
We can not say biblically with any certainty what happens to those believers who die during the millennial kingdom, but there appears to be three possible answers. First, the believers who die immediately receive their glorified bodies and remain within the millennial kingdom on earth. The other believers with glorified bodies are already on earth in the kingdom, so it would make sense that they would remain there too. Second, the believing who die during the millennial kingdom may go to heaven in soul form only and serve at the Throne of God just as the souls of tribulations saints did. This would mean that at the end of the millennial kingdom they are given glorified bodies to enter into the new heaven and new earth with. However, scripture does not mention the souls of millennial believers in heaven, nor does it seem to indicate another resurrection after the tribulation saints are resurrected, so this option seems unlikely. Thirdly, believers in the millennial kingdom may simply not die. Perhaps they are protected from death as believers, and live throughout the one-thousand year millennial kingdom period.
6. Those alive at the end of the millennial kingdom, both believers and non-believers. So, here again as in #5, there is not a lot of information given in scripture as to exactly what happens to those alive at the end of the millennial kingdom. It should also be clarified here that we are talking about only the mortal living humans. We have already established in the previous sections that the millennial kingdom will consist of the Body and Bride of Christ which includes all believers up until the rapture in their glorified bodies and the Tribulation saints who were martyred in their glorified bodies. Both of these groups will enter into eternity directly from the millennium kingdom period.
“When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are] also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one [of them] according to their deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Rev 20:7-15
At the end of the thousand year millennial kingdom, Satan is released from the pit along with all the demons to once again have access to those on the earth. He deceives a large number of mortal beings to rebel against God and attack Jerusalem where Christ rules from. Fire comes from above and devours Satan’s entire army. Satan and his demons are thrown into the lake of fire where the antichrist and false prophet have been for the last thousand years. Immediately following this, the Great White Throne of judgement occurs. All the unrighteous dead, from all time, are removed from Sheol/Hades and stand before God to be judged. The Lamb’s Book of Life is opened, and those whose names are found to be blotted out are cast into the lake of fire. There is now no longer a need for Death and for Sheol/Hades, so they too are cast into the lake of fire to be destroyed.
So, we can surmise from this that the non-believing humans present at the last battle, who have followed Satan, are devoured (killed) by fire from God, die, and go directly to Sheol/Hades. Scripture does not address the non-believing humans not present at the battle, but we can assume that they too die immediately and go to Sheol/Hades, or are simply included with that group somehow in order to be present at the Great White Throne of judgement. Regardless, the fate of all unbelievers for all of time is to be cast into the lake of fire (the second death) when their names are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Those believing mortal humans alive at the end of the millennial kingdom would appear to be transformed into their glorified bodies, and to then enter into the new heaven and the new earth. They enter into the eternal final state along with the tribulation saints and the members of the Church Body already in their glorified bodies.
“The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev. 21:7-8
“And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.” Rev 21:23-27
