I happened to have a discussion with a brother who does has not given much thought to the Millennial Kingdom, and with another one who does believe that there will be a literal 1000-year reign of Messiah on Earth, but did not think that sacrifices for sin would be included. Yet Ezekiel chapters 43 and 44 clearly speak of offerings, including for sin.
There are a couple of remarks I’d like to make as to the Millennial Kingdom, without entering into a lengthy discussion, but simply to leave with you to ponder and pray about, David. (There is much more than I’ll be mentioning here, and there is no order of priority here, either):
1. Why should Yeshua come back if He were not coming to establish the Kingdom of His Father on Earth as it is in Heaven? If not, He could just stay up there and say, Come on up you who are Mine, and depart from Me those who are not? (or any other way He would express the similar idea!)
2. Just as the Word of YHVH God is true and literal regarding the beginning of things, so are His words concerning the “last things”. It’s simply being consistent in how we relate to the Scriptures.
3. Among very many things which have not been fulfilled, but can be only reconciled by God’s Kingdom on Earth, is that having to do with animals being at peace amongst themselves and with man. This may seem rather ‘silly’, but it is mentioned at least three times, and is something that no human peace treaty can accomplish.
4. Our prayer for the peace of Jerusalem has to do with the present physical Jerusalem not so far from you or me, and is waiting to inherit her peace when the Prince of Peace brings His righteous Kingdom. Israel’s significance as a NATION gives significance to other nations, some of whom have a hope and a future as well in the Kingdom of Messiah to come. Our political approach and outlook is affected by our world view in this matter.
5. The devil will have NOTHING to boast about forever! Though he is the god of this world and is instrumental in its desolation, the Earth belongs to YHVH, and He has created it to be a habitable place filled the knowledge of His glory as the waters cover the sea. All shall know YHVH, from the least to the greatest. This is not, nor has ever been, the reality, and not only a matter of faith (which is also true of every other point here). Satan will never be able to say that he succeeded in taking the Earth away from God. NO! The Kingdom which will never pass away begins with the Millenial Kingdom when the Son of Man to whom it is due sits on the Throne, never to give it over to another. (Of course for those who are already born again and have eternal life, His everlasting reign has already begun in our hearts). The final rebellion and judgment at the end of the 1000 years (which seems like a long time to us but will seem insignificant when eternity is considered) will complete God’s plan and purpose for THIS creation (seven prophetic and redemptive days) to establish that which is perfect to come. It is beyond words or even imagination for us to presently comprehend the wonderfulness of life that is really life for those who love God and are loved by Him; beyond our present capacity to consider eternal existence for those who have refused for whatever reason or excuse to come back to Him on His terms.
6. The reference in Isaiah 65:20 to one dying at the age of 100 being but a ‘child’ and also a sinner, gives the basis for the greater detail given in Revelation 20 to the 1000-year length of the coming Kingdom of God on Earth, and to the fact that not all who live during that time are true ‘believers’.