The Bible does not teach that there is a supernatural being, or a fallen angel that is nurturing evil in the world. We know that angels are immortal. Immortal beings cannot sin, and are not subject to death. It is completely illogical and inconsistent to believe that there was a rebellion in heaven of an angel, or that God would permit that angel to bring havoc on His creation. The enemy has always been us. Sin comes from within us, out of our own hearts.
Imagining a world without sin
So, for a moment, try to imagine a world without sin. A world without sorrow and death. It is almost impossible to form a picture in our mind because all we have known is a world of sin, corruption, and death. Life is temporary for all. As the Scripture says, we are like a vapor that is here one moment, and gone the next. Like the grass that rises up in majesty, it soon withers and is blown away.
It’s even harder to imagine the world being filled with men and women who only serve God, who are not torn by internal fleshly desires.
But this is exactly world that Jesus Christ is returning to create. We are told that when he returns to the earth, he will set up an everlasting kingdom. The Prophet Daniel spoke of this kingdom. Describing a metallic image that represented the kingdoms of men who would rule over Israel, Daniel assured God’s people that this would end.
And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever
— Daniel 2:44 (ESV)
Jesus will replace all the kingdoms of men. Jesus will usher in righteousness and justice. He will reverse the problems of pollution, hunger, and violence. This transformational process will occur over 1,000 years. Over time, men and women will experience a world where righteousness reigns.
The throne that will not end
The Angel Gabriel spoke to Mary before she conceived Jesus about the role Jesus would play in that kingdom.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end
— Luke 1:31–33 (ESV)
As king over all the earth, Jesus will bring about a renovation of the world which not one of us has experienced. But still, during the 1,000-year reign, there will be mortal men, women, and children, inhabiting the earth. They will be ruled over by immortalized saints, who will act in both a spiritual leadership and judicial role. It will be marvelous! The problems that man cannot resolve today will be dissolved by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sin and death during the millennium
During the 1,000 years, there will still be sin and death. However, sin will not be rampant or as unchecked as it is today. People will still become ill. Death will come, but likely at a later age than we experience today. There will still be sorrow, because though sin is greatly diminished, it is still in existence.
When sin and death end forever
It is not until the end of the 1,000 years when a final rebellion occurs. At that time, those who have been faithful will be judged as righteous by Jesus, and join the existing saints as immortals. The rebellious will be destroyed. When that is accomplished, the earth will be filled with immortal, sinless people. No more sin. No more death.
This will fulfill the plan and purpose of God with mankind. Jesus also will have accomplished his work when he hands the kingdom over to his Father. But how will life be different? Let’s let the Revelation describe it for us.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
— Revelation 21:3–4
This is why Jesus destroyed the power of the devil. This is why he gave himself on the cross. It is to create a world filled with men and women who glorify and praise God forever. It is to erase the barrier between God and man.
God’s patience today
Today, God sees the injustices of humans. He sees the most vulnerable being abused. He sees what men do in secret, as well as in public. He hears the insanity of men and women who deny Him, and reject Him as the Creator. But He is longsuffering, and patient. He has a plan for our redemption, and He has revealed it to us. For believers, the conquest of sin and death will lead to an eternal existence, beyond any joy we have known.