The sources describe God’s ultimate Kingdom plan as unfolding across two main “ages”: the “Present Age” and the “Age to Come.” The “Age to Come” itself is further divided into two distinct phases: the Millennial Kingdom and the Eternal Kingdom.
1. The Present Age:
- Characteristics: This is the current period on Earth, characterized by “sin and death.” Humanity is suffering, and traditional values are often “mocked.” Satan actively deceives the nations, promotes wickedness, and persecutes God’s saints. The world is in “rebellion and non-recognition of Jesus as Lord and Messiah.”
- Kingdom’s Presence: While Jesus’ first coming inaugurated aspects of salvation and the New Covenant, and His followers are “sons of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:38) and transferred from Satan’s domain to Christ’s Kingdom (Colossians 1:13), the Kingdom of God is not yet fully established on Earth in its visible, reigning form. Jesus is currently in heaven, “waiting for His enemies to be subjected to Him” (Hebrews 10:12–13).
- Church’s Role: The Church, composed of believers, is called to live righteously, proclaim the Gospel, and endure “tribulations from Satan and the world.” Miracles, while present, are not as widespread or permanent as they will be in the coming Kingdom.
- Contingency: God’s plans for nations can be altered based on their responses to Him (Jeremiah 18:1–11). Israel’s national belief in Jesus is still a condition for His full return and the ushering in of the Kingdom’s blessings.
2. The Age to Come – Phase 1: The Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:1-10)
- Timing: This thousand-year reign of Jesus on Earth begins immediately after His second coming (parousia), which follows a period of “great tribulation” and cosmic disturbances. Satan will be bound and imprisoned at the start of this period.
- Characteristics:
- Jesus’ Visible Reign: Jesus will physically rule the nations from Jerusalem. “The Lord will be king over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:9).
- Satan’s Binding: Satan’s ability to deceive the nations will cease completely during this time.
- Partial Restoration: The curse on the ground will be lifted, leading to agricultural abundance and restored harmony in the animal kingdom (Isaiah 11:6–9; Amos 9:13–15).
- Human Activity: Normal human activities like eating, drinking, marrying, building, and planting will occur. There will be childbirth and people living to “ripe old age.” Elderly and young people will interact peacefully in the streets (Zechariah 8:4-5; Isaiah 65:17-25).
- Nations’ Role: Nations will submit to Christ’s rule and will pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship and learn God’s ways (Isaiah 2:2–4; Zechariah 14:16-19). However, disobedience is still possible, and uncooperative nations will face punishment (Zechariah 14:16–19).
- Resurrection and Rewards: Saints who died for Jesus will receive a physical resurrection and will “reign with Christ for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4-6).
- Purpose: Jesus, as the Last Adam, successfully reigns in the realm (Earth) where the first Adam failed, fulfilling the original creation mandate.
From my book The Fivefold Plan of God.