>>What happens durring the thousand year regin of Christ?<<

The "thousand year reign of Christ" is a reference to Revelation 20:6, and is used in that text in a figurative manner. The Bible nowhere teaches of a literal, actual reign of Christ upon the earth for exactly 1,000 years. This doctrine has its origin in the wisdom of men, not in the word of God.

Please notice:

1. The kingdom of Christ is spiritual, not physical, in nature - John 18:36. Thus, any view of Christ's kingdom which is predicated upon an earthly kingdom misses the point of what the kingdom of Christ really is.

2. The kingdom of Christ does not come with outward observation, but is inward - Luke 17:20-21. Therefore, to perceive of His kingdom as coming in an outward manifestation of earthly granduer is to again miss the point of the nature of the kingdom. His "kingdom" consists of His rule over the hearts and lives men and women which is accomplished through faith (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 1:16-17).

3. The NT teaches that Christ's kingdom already exists. Please read Colossians 1:13 and Revelation 1:9.

a. According to Col. 1:13, converts to Christ are delivered into the kingdom of the Son. That has been happening ever since the gospel went forth from Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).

b. According to Rev. 1:9, the apostle John was participating in the kingdom which his fellow Christians. That being true, the kingdom already existed in John's day (he did not participate in that which did not exist!).

4. Jesus used "church" and "kingdom" interchangeably. In Matthew 16:18-19 Jesus said, "18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Please notice that the church is built by Christ and access to it (to the kingdom of Christ, cf. Col. 1:13) is predicated upon the preaching of Peter and the apostles (cf. Acts 2:37-47).

So, we rightly conclude that the kingdom of Christ is none other than the church of Christ.

Those who propose that the kingdom was withdrawn and the church substituted in its place do not find support for such a doctrine in the Bible. Truly, the prophecy of God establishing His kingdom in the days of the Roman kings has been fulfilled in Christ and His church (Dan. 2:44; Mk. 1:14-15; Col. 1:13).

You continue to ask:

>>What happens after? Is this when the Great White Throne Judgement occurs?<<

Once we understand the Bible's teaching on the nature and identity of the kingdom of Christ, these answers become clear.

1 Cor. 15:24-27 teaches that Christ is now reigning with all authority "in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18), and that He will continue to do so until the last enemy (death) is abolished (by the resurrection of the dead).

At the return of Christ comes "the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to God the Father" -- (not established on earth for 1,000 years!) -- see 1 Cor. 15:24. All the dead will be raised and judged according to their works (Jno. 5:28-29; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-15).

When Christ returns the earth will be burned up with fervent heat according to 2 Peter 3:8-12. To expect Him to establish a kingdom of earth for 1,000 years is to contradict this clear teaching of God's word.

The fact that Christ, at His return, will bring judgment against all who do not know or obey God should cause us to obey His gospel and live holy lives (2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Pet. 3:11-13).

I hope this brief, Biblical explanation of the kingdom and things to come is of help to you.

You can find more information about the kingdom of Christ on the BIBLE ANSWERS web site at:

The Kingdom of Christ: www.bibleanswer.com/kingdom.htm

Why Bring Jesus Back To Earth?: www.bibleanswer.com/xtoearth.htm

If you have additional Bible questions please feel free to contact us again.

Sincerely yours,

Joe Price

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Joe R Price
joe@bibleanswer.com

Bible Answers
http://www.bibleanswer.com