FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

fulfilled. 597 Since the Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the joyful and prosperous Kingdom era, it makes perfect sense that it is to be the one celebrated in that age. Not only will the church be a part of celebration in the kingdom, but administration of the kingdom as well. As Paul said, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12). But remember, these aren’t automatic positons open to all, but rather reserved for those who remain faithful till the end in this life (Revelation 3:26-27). Allowance for conversion and testing— Addressing the why, the final reason for this 1000-year period is for addi- tional evangelization of the lost.What a blessing it will be that names will continue to be etched into the Lamb’s book of life throughout the entire time. And isn’t it just like God to extend His arm of grace right up to the point when He comes to dwell on the new earth (Revelation 21:3). Remember, lost sinners, Jews and non-Jews, will coexist with resurrected saints for the duration of the millennium. Even though some will hard-heart- edly reject Christ under the most favorable of conditions, many will repent and get saved. A final testing for God’s followers will take place as the Millennium concludes. As the Bible says, “When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from prison, and will come to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war” (Revelation 20:7-8). Gog and Magog represent nations, in numbers like “sand on the seashore,” lined up outside Jerusalem for battle against believers. Fortunately, before war even breaks out, God inter- venes, sending fire from heaven to devour the enemy. Shortly thereafter, Satan is thrown into the lake of fire, along with the beast and false prophet, where “they will be tormented day and

120