27. The Millennium and the End of Sin
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in
heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the
wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without
living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its
close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to
earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and
his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and
cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners
forever. (Jer 4:23-26; Ezek 28:18, 19; Mal 4:1; 1 Cor 6:2, 3; Rev 20;
21:1-5.)