Chapter 15: The Millennial Reign, the Final Judgment, and the New Heavens and New Earth
The Millennium. The Assemblies of God and many Evangelical Baptists believe in the literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them… and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4). This fulfils the promises to Israel and the prophecies of peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Zechariah 14:9).
The Final Judgment. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened… and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12). Those not found written in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). Believers will give account to Christ for their service (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Scripture also teaches the eternal punishment of the wicked (Matthew 25:46) and the eternal life of the righteous.
The New Heavens and New Earth. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away” (Revelation 21:1). “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). We look for “new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17).
Where the traditions stand. The Assemblies of God includes the Millennial Reign, Final Judgment, and New Heavens and New Earth as separate articles of its Fundamental Truths. Foursquare and Evangelical Baptists affirm the same final events. Differences over the order of events (premillennial, amillennial, postmillennial) are held with charity.
Carry this verse: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).