The Return of Christ: A Global Shift

At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus returns to earth in glory and power:

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True…”
— Revelation 19:11

He defeats the beast (Antichrist), the false prophet, and the armies gathered against Him. The Antichrist and false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire, and Satan is captured.

Satan Is Bound for 1,000 Years

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven… He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”
— Revelation 20:1–2

Satan is chained in the Abyss for 1,000 years—unable to deceive the nations. This ushers in the Millennial Kingdom: a literal, peaceful reign of Christ on earth.

The Millennial Reign of Christ

The word “millennium” means 1,000 years. During this time, Jesus reigns from Jerusalem, fulfilling promises made to Israel, the Church, and the nations. Here’s what Scripture reveals:

• Christ reigns as King over the entire earth (Isaiah 9:7, Zechariah 14:9)
• Saints reign with Him—those who were martyred or raptured (Revelation 20:4–6)
• Peace and righteousness flourish—war, famine, and oppression cease (Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3)
• Jerusalem becomes the world’s spiritual capital (Isaiah 2:2–3)

This reign is not symbolic—it is physical, political, and spiritual. It fulfills God’s promises to restore justice, reward the faithful, and give creation a foretaste of eternity.

Who Enters the Millennium?

After Armageddon, the surviving nations are judged (Matthew 25:31–46, the “Sheep and Goats” judgment). Only those who honored Christ and His people enter the Millennium in their natural bodies.

• Glorified believers (raptured and resurrected saints) will rule and reign with Christ
• Natural survivors will marry, have children, and repopulate the earth

The world will experience prosperity and long life (Isaiah 65:20)—but not perfection. Free will remains, and not all will submit to Christ inwardly.

The Final Rebellion: Satan Is Loosed

At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan is released for one final test:

“And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released… and will come out to deceive the nations.”
— Revelation 20:7–8

Amazingly, he gathers a final rebellion against Christ—called “Gog and Magog.” Despite perfect conditions for a thousand years, many still choose rebellion when given the chance.

This final revolt is crushed instantly. Fire from heaven consumes the enemies of Christ, and Satan is cast forever into the lake of fire—never to deceive again.

The Great White Throne Judgment

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it… And the dead were judged according to what they had done.”
— Revelation 20:11–12

This is the final judgment for all who rejected God. Every unbeliever throughout history stands before God to be judged. Books are opened—including the Book of Life. Those not found in the Book of Life are thrown into the lake of fire.

• Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet are already there (Revelation 20:10)
• Death and Hades are destroyed (Revelation 20:14)
• All who rejected Christ face eternal separation from God

This judgment is final. No appeals. No second chances. Only truth—and eternity.

The New Heaven and New Earth

After the final judgment, God makes all things new:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… and the sea was no more.”
— Revelation 21:1

The old world—tainted by sin and death—is gone. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, and God dwells with His people forever.

• No more pain, tears, or death (Revelation 21:4)
• The Tree of Life returns—healing for the nations (Revelation 22:2)
• Believers dwell in glorified bodies—eternal and incorruptible

History ends with restoration, not destruction. The garden becomes a city. The curse is reversed. And the Lamb reigns forever.

Final Thoughts on What Happens After the Second Coming

The Second Coming of Christ sets off a breathtaking sequence of events—binding Satan, redeeming creation, judging evil, and ushering in eternity.

If you belong to Jesus, this future is your inheritance. Not fear—but hope. Not despair—but victory.

🕊️ Download our Millennial Kingdom Prophecy Chart & Final Judgment Guide →