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The Millennium Sabbath

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The plan of God for mankind encompasses a span of seven thousand years, with God intervening at the end of six thousand years to begin a thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ and the saints. This seventh day, which represents a thousand years, serves as a type of millennial Sabbath. When Christ returns, He will end sin, rebellion, wars, corruption, and immorality on earth, ushering in everlasting righteousness starting with the nation of Israel, bringing the world into peace and rest. Early church writers, such as Irenaeus in the late second century, supported this 7,000-year plan, referencing the Millennium in his writings by stating that the world would be concluded in as many thousand years as the days it was made. Hippolytus, a disciple of Irenaeus, in the early third century, also wrote that six thousand years must be accomplished before the Sabbath, which is a type and emblem of the future kingdom for the saints reigning with Christ. Victorinus, in the late third century, similarly accepted the Millennium, noting that the true Sabbath will occur in the seventh millennium of years when Christ and His elect shall reign. This period, often referred to as the Millennium, though not named as such in the Bible, is described as the Kingdom of God or the 1000-year reign of Christ, a time of peace and prosperity, where the saints will rule with Jesus Christ after the first resurrection.

A Millennium of Preparation

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God has meticulously planned each step of His divine purpose, preparing for future ages with precision. In the context of the Millennium, the thousand-year reign of Christ as described in Revelation 20, this period serves as a time of judgment for those living during it, often referred to as the Millennials. Unlike the current age where satan exerts influence, these individuals will live without such interference until the end of the Millennium, when a satanic rebellion will emerge, only to be decisively crushed by God. Just as the current generation is being prepared for roles in the Millennium and beyond, those in the Millennium will also be readied for the subsequent age, though the specifics of their roles or transformation to spirit remain unclear. During the Millennium, as depicted in Ezekiel 36, Ezekiel 37, Isaiah 61:4, and Jeremiah 33:7, the Millennials will engage in extensive rebuilding and productivity. They will build houses, plant vineyards, and restore ruined cities across the earth, creating habitable environments on a massive scale. This work, supervised by God's elect, is not merely for their own benefit but is a preparation for the billions who will rise in the second resurrection during the Great White Throne Judgment. The cities, infrastructure, and resources developed during the Millennium will provide housing, food, and clothing for those resurrected, ensuring their basic needs are met as they begin anew. The Millennials, while striving to enter the Kingdom of God through learning and overcoming, will also labor to support the next harvest of souls. Under the guidance of God's elect, they will oversee the construction of vast systems for education, transportation, water, sewage, and communications. As the Millennium nears its end, efforts will intensify to produce and store essential goods to sustain the initial months of the Great White Throne Judgment period. Their work will create a physical environment conducive to the re-education and conversion of those resurrected, providing them with purposeful tasks to support their new lives during the anticipated century of judgment. Thus, God's pattern of preparation continues, ensuring each age equips the next for His ultimate plan.

God's Rest and the Millennium

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Feast of Tabernacles serves as a foretaste of God's rest, the Millennium, the Kingdom of God, and the one-thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ as King of kings. This feast embodies a great deal of rest, allowing us to come out of the world for seven days, plus the Last Great Day, and to picture, in a small way, what life will be like during the Millennium. God's rest, often misunderstood, is tied to the concept of the Millennium, the 1000-year reign of Christ, where a profound period of peace is anticipated. In prophetic terms, as outlined in II Peter 3, a day with the Lord is as a thousand years, suggesting that the day of God, or God's day, spans one thousand years. This understanding is reinforced in Psalm 90:4, where a thousand years is likened to a day in God's perspective, aligning with the timing of the Millennium. Revelation 20 further confirms that the period of Christ's reign, the Millennium, is explicitly a thousand years long. The creation week in Genesis 2 prefigures man's time under satan's influence as six thousand years, followed by the seventh day, God's rest, a thousand years where He becomes the major influence upon humanity. The Feast of Tabernacles, as described in Leviticus 23 and Exodus 23, symbolizes this rest through its seven days of judgment, harvest imagery, and the unsettled existence of dwelling in booths, all pointing to the Millennium, the thousand-year reign of Christ. Psalm 95 introduces God's rest as a future period, prophetically linked to the Millennium, where it is not merely a time of inactivity but a cessation of certain activities and the beginning of godly ones. Hebrews 3 and 4 elaborate on this, connecting the Sabbath with the future rest of God, indicating that the Millennium is a time when humanity will cease from ungodly works and engage in godly activities, mirroring the Sabbath's principle of stopping to start anew under God's direction. The goal of the millennial period, akin to the Sabbath day, is the conversion of humanity, shifting the focus from rebellion to godliness, bringing rest to souls as they take on His yoke. Isaiah 56 extends this vision to include both Israel and Gentiles, showing that the Millennium will be a time of universal justice and righteousness, a period of intense activity directed toward conversion and holiness, rather than mere relaxation. Thus, God's rest in the Millennium encapsulates a transformative era where all are called to cease from rebellion and embrace His ways.

The Process of Righteous Judgment

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Millennium is a significant period in God's plan for humanity, marked by the return of Jesus Christ to a devastated world to save it from self-destruction, as described in Revelation 19. Revelation 20 outlines five major events during this 1,000-year span, beginning with the first resurrection to spirit essence for those called as firstfruits. During the Millennium, Christ will rule and judge, establishing conditions of peace and prosperity. Those living in this time will not face the deception of satan, unlike the firstfruits who must resist such influence before this period. After the Millennium, satan will be released briefly before the events of the Great White Throne Judgment unfold. The firstfruits, having gained 1,000 years of experience with God's power during the Millennium, will be qualified to assist God the Father and Jesus Christ in the momentous decisions of the last judgment, helping to guide billions through this post-millennial period.

Fall Feast Lessons

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Millennium represents a significant period in God's plan, marked by His active judgment and the establishment of His reign through Jesus Christ. During the Millennium, Christ will judge the nations, bringing about a process of reconciliation and at-one-ment with God. This era follows the events of the Feast of Trumpets, where God's judgments initiate the return of Israel to their land and the beginning of a wider restoration. In the Millennium, God's judgment is evident as He oversees the conversion of the whole world, starting with Israel and extending to all nations. Isaiah 2 depicts Christ judging during this time, facilitating an ever-widening circle of reconciliation. Nations will flow into Zion, learning of the God of Jacob, as shown in Micah 4:1-4, and the Kingdom of God will grow to fill the earth, as described in Daniel 2:34-35. God's judgment during the Millennium also brings about multiple reconciliations. Judah will be reconciled to Christ, recognizing Him as their leader. Israel and Judah will resolve their enmity, becoming one with each other through individual conversion. Israel, Assyria, and Egypt will unite as leading nations, forming a pipeline for the conversion of other nations, as stated in Isaiah 19:18-25. All nations will eventually be reconciled, coming together to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, with God enforcing His judgment on those who resist, as seen in Zechariah 14. Further reconciliations include man and nature, where God's judgment will punish those who destroy the earth, restoring harmony as described in Revelation 11:18 and various scriptures like Hosea 2:18 and Amos 9:13-15. Families will be brought back together, becoming the backbone of society, as shown in Zechariah 8:1-5 and Isaiah 65:20-23. Ultimately, the Millennium paves the way for the reconciliation of God and man, fulfilling His purpose despite mankind's past abuses, demonstrating His tender mercies over all His works. The Millennium, as part of the fall holy days, underscores the theme of God's judgment, a period of evaluation and growth designed to bring all of creation into at-one-ment with Him.

Do Not Confuse the Lessons (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Mark Schindler

Valuable lessons may be learned when we observe the feasts God's way, but they would get lost if we tried to apply to them what we believe are good ideas.

Learn to Fear God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Fearing God is equated with obeying or complying with God's instructions, voluntarily measuring all our thoughts and behavior against His Law.

The Challenge of Growth in the New Eden

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Young people need to prepare themselves now, envisioning themselves as architects, civil engineers, transportation engineers, explorers, and teachers.

Holy Days: Feast of Tabernacles

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Feast of Tabernacles prefigures the Millennial reign of Christ over the entire earth. Humans will learn how to live God's way, reaping the benefits.

Preparing To Work

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The Millennium will be a time of intense work to repair the damaged infrastructure and the depleted and poisoned soil, bringing it back up to Edenic standards.

The Last Great Day

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Because we have been tempted and failed many times, and had to overcome, we will be able encourage those resurrected, proving that it is not impossible.

Preparing to Rule!

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Have you ever considered what it will be like right after Christ returns? What will you do, as a king, to help and govern the people placed under you?

The End

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Noah's flood was an end, the temple's destruction was an end, Christ's second coming will be an end, and the Last Great Day will be an end and a beginning.

John 7:37 Examined (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Eighth Day (or Last Great Day) is a separate festival from the Feast of Tabernacles, which can only derive its significance in the New Testament.

Prosperity

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

We still suffer the consequences of Israel's request to have a king like other nations and to adopt political and economic systems like every other nation.

We Must Work for What We Believe

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Wiping out terrorists may seem clear-headed, but our viewpoint must be based on Micah 4:1-7, which describes a time when swords will be beaten into plowshares.

Shouting Gleanings and Singing Olives (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker

Isaiah's apocalypse resembles Exodus, as both begin with a narration of God's judgment on sinners and then move to a description of God's continuing work.

The Sabbath: Rest

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Sabbath is an antidote to the weariness we experience. It recalls God's pausing after completing His physical creation, focusing on the spiritual creation.

Israel: Future

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

What is in store for the nations of Israel? Is their future promising or bleak—or both? This article concludes a three-part series on the people of Israel.

God's Will in the End Time

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God does not like to inflict punishment on people, but because of sin, He is obligated to correct. But as quickly as God punishes, God restores and heals.

Feast of Tabernacles Basics

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The basics of the Feast of Tabernacles consist of a harvest image, depicting a massive number of people coming to the truth. The journey depicts a time of judgment.

Death: The End of the Beginning

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Looking at death as 'gain,' Jesus Christ and Paul calmly looked upon death as a natural part of life, as a transition to a better life in the resurrection.

The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Millennium will come about because Jesus Christ is faithful to rescue mankind from its own stupidity, putting an end to sin and rebellion.

Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Seven)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prevailing view is that at the end time, God will judge between the righteous and unrighteous, consigning each to heaven or hell, an idea from paganism.

Rejoice and Fear God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must fill our lives with peace, repenting, changing our attitude, and voluntarily yielding to God before we can produce the fruits of righteousness.

Hope!

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

Hope is a joyful and contented expectation of salvation or fulfillment. Modern Israel has very little hope because of reaping the consequences of sin.

Examining God's Judgments

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The fall holy days picture various judgments by God, bringing about liberty, reconciliation, regathering, and restoration.

From Rubble to Utopia

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The World Tomorrow is not going to happen because of an instantaneous miracle. God takes His time to produce both physical and spiritual changes.

Judgment Is a Merciful Blessing

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God is patient and tender-hearted to late bloomers, forgiving sincerely repentant individuals, but will not budge an inch on rebellion or sin.

Becoming Like Little Children

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim Myers

The Millennium and subsequent Kingdom of God with the New Jerusalem, a venue of peace and innocence, will be bequeathed to the humble and pure of heart.

Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Five)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Exodus 19, there are 12 parallels with Christ's dramatic return illustrated in Matthew 24. All of these events will culminate in a blast of a trumpet.

Peace With God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Like the restless motions of the sea, man will always have conflict without God's intervention and without the guiding influence of God's Holy Spirit.

Eternal Responsibilities

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We each have an eternal responsibility to do the will of God, continually seeking Him. Those who do not choose God's way of life will be mercifully put to death.

The Feast Brings Hope

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

The Feast of Tabernacles gives us hope that all the perversions will be destroyed, making way for God's righteousness to prevail upon the earth.

Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

One of God's roles is as Judge, and His judgments are eternally binding. But what does this mean? Who is judged? How? When? For what?

Acts (Part Twenty-Five)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Had Paul not appealed to Caesar, Agrippa (moved by Paul's testimony and convinced of his innocence) would have set him free. But God had other plans.

The Third Day (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Biblically, the third day carries much historic and prophetic significance.

Dystopia? Utopia?

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Great Tribulation is the ultimate dystopia. The return of Christ will avenge all the crimes committed against God's people, as God's Kingdom is restored.

Zephaniah (Part Three): Quick Destruction, Eternal Restoration

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Zephaniah has messages for the remnant of physical Israel, the house of David, and for the faithful remnant from the Israel of God.

The Promise and the Kingdom

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The promise given to Abraham was actually the Gospel, extending God's blessing to his family and all the nations — eternal promises of land and people.

The Ultimate Father's Day

Article by Staff

Father's Day is a time we honor our human fathers, but a time is coming when our ultimate Father in heaven will be honored for eternity.

Preparing To Rule

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

How can a group of rag-tag upstarts with no experience—that's how the world's leaders perceive us—hope to succeed where they have utterly failed?

Called To Be Saints (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Our calling to be a holy one - to be a saint - is our real vocation. We must continually evaluate everything through the lens of being set apart for holiness.

Rejoice in God's Feast

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.

The Needed Dimension

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Unless we humbly submit before God, all of His efforts go for naught. God will not give His Spirit to those who will not obey Him.

Basic Doctrines: The Reward of the Saved

Bible Study by Earl L. Henn

Just where do true Christians go after they die? What is their reward? Where is their reward? The Bible reveals some surprising truths.

Famine (Part Three): The Abundance of God's Salvation

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

After Christ's return, famine will be the penalty for not keeping His Feast of Tabernacles. God will establish conditions in which famine will never occur again.

Preparing to Be a Priest

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The primary function of a priest is to assist people in accessing God so that there can be unity with God. A priest is a bridge-builder between man and God.