Millenial Thought

Hi folks,

I was watching a video on yoobtoob, and they were talking about the millennial reign of Christ after the events of the Tribulation. My mind wandered when the Pastor mentioned that they who remained would "Rule with Christ."

Therein lies my quandary. I know we're not supposed to apply Man's logic to most things biblical, but I immediately wondered: "Who are they reigning over?" As in: Don't you need other people to be there for there to be anyone to 'rule?' I also wonder how exactly that would work, with Christ being King of Kings, how does one rule with another? If there is no one but the elect left, then do the elect have ranks? Files? Are some superior to others?

Also another thought. One can say, that the need for a ruler, that is, the reasons why a ruler might be necessary, would be to insure order, and to keep chaos, and disharmony at bay. To enforce laws, and to arbitrate disputes. However, if the World has been transmuted into the perfect paradise it was always meant to be, then where is chaos? What laws would need to be enforced? Who would be breaking them? And what possible disputes could a person have in Heaven?

Any thoughts on my thoughts would be appreciated. Forgive me if I do not answer immediately, as I am off to bed. See you tomorrow.

a reply to: Chronogoblin

My mind wandered when the Pastor mentioned that they who remained would "Rule with Christ."

I'm not sure whats meant by the "millennium" in Revelations, but I do now if left to their devices people don't need to be "ruled" as much as "Rulers" think they do.

Look at the mess the "rule of Law" has gotten the world into. If people are going to be peaceful and prosper they need less rules and laws. The less the better.

You are right not to apply man's 'logic' to the scriptures, though I think it's more accurate to say that man's ways are not God's ways. As it's said in Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Too often does our clouded perspective get in the way.

In this particular instance, the chapter is referring to Christs victory over death and how we too can share in that glory. It is not referring to the earthly perception of ruling over someone else, but death itself. Revelations speaks of several resurrections, namely the 'First and the Second' resurrection. In the First resurrection mentioned in Revelation 20:4-6, it is said that those who were martyred and those who did not worship the beast would come to life and reign with Christ for a thousand years, not suffering the second death (Revelation 20:14) awaiting the rest. This is where the Second Resurrection comes in, the judgement of the wicked or the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-15) where the book of Life shall be opened and the wicked shall be judged by their deeds. This is what is meant by 'ruling' with Christ; by being immune to the second death/judgement.

Further reading for you

this a very popular belief in Mormon theology. Not that I am a believer. They say that they will be ruling overthe resurrected souls ofI imperf men.

originally posted by: Chronogoblin
"Who are they reigning over?" As in: Don't you need other people to be there for there to be anyone to 'rule?'

1 Corinthians 6:3, Hebrews 2:5-9 has the answer; man will rule over the angels and all creatures on Earth.

Believers will rule over angels

-MM

originally posted by: MerkabaMeditation

originally posted by: Chronogoblin
"Who are they reigning over?" As in: Don't you need other people to be there for there to be anyone to 'rule?'

1 Corinthians 6:3, Hebrews 2:5-9 has the answer; man will rule over the angels and all creatures on Earth.

Believers will rule over angels

-MM

Humans ruling over the angels. For me that is like an ant saying it should rule over a human since the ants awareness is higher than the humans even when it is not.

Thanks for all the replies guys. Really gave me some stuff to think about, and it was pretty obvious once pointed out.

a reply to: LittleByLittle

Pretty sure that there is a transfiguration that happens, that makes the elect as Jesus, a physical change into a higher being. Pretty sure that's why Lu rebelled, he didn't want to be ruled by men, whom he considered inferior. There was also the jealousy he had for Christ, and all that he is, as well as the inheritance of men, which angels will not take part in. For they are created whole, and 'as is,' so to speak.

originally posted by: Chronogoblin
Thanks for all the replies guys. Really gave me some stuff to think about, and it was pretty obvious once pointed out.

a reply to: LittleByLittle

Pretty sure that there is a transfiguration that happens, that makes the elect as Jesus, a physical change into a higher being. Pretty sure that's why Lu rebelled, he didn't want to be ruled by men, whom he considered inferior. There was also the jealousy he had for Christ, and all that he is, as well as the inheritance of men, which angels will not take part in. For they are created whole, and 'as is,' so to speak.

From my point of view and I do believe the story is an allegory.

Lucifer rebelled against everything and wanted all under "himself" and therefor also rebelled against all the "blessed ones" trying to create a power pyramid with himself on top. That is ego predatory and not symbiotic driven towards equality and there is no way that the other "blessed ones" would ever allow that insanity to co exists in their mist.

The whole human over angel have the same power pyramid idea within it that Lucifer fell from grace for. To strive for equality with the angels and all other "blessed ones" is more in tune with what we should be trying for. Become part of the team helping each other out with what is needed.

a reply to: LittleByLittle

Only it's not. There WILL be a literal transformation into a higher state, and supposedly, one higher than the angels. Feel free to believe what you will, but I'm pretty sure that most of the Bible is literal. The allegories are pretty easy to spot. When the Lord says that you'll reign with Him, He means it. We just don't have all the information, which is the point of discussion.