Let’s Review

The CASE for the 8^th Day

Messiah’s Kingdom Reign

at the 8^th Millennium

compiled by Rachel Cory-Kuehl, May 2024

Edited: January 7,2025

Scripture quoted from the NKJV, unless otherwise noted.

INTRODUCTION

 

Of those giving prophetic interpretations these days, most are teaching that Yeshua Messiah will set up His kingdom on this earth, immediately following His soon-coming glorious appearance. The 7^th Day Adventists remain one notable exception. The Adventists teach the complete decimation of planet earth, by the seven wrath plagues. According to their interpretation of the prophecies, this earth will remain an “uninhabited place” for the entire 7^th millennium. Then, at the 8^th millennium, Christ will bring our planet back to life. The redeemed will then be returned to the earth to inhabit the land promised with Christ as King. Then, “the rest of the dead” will be raised.

 

NOTE: I can speak to Seventh-day Adventist prophetic teaching, because I used to belong to that denomination. I was raised SDA by my mother. Folks criticize my teaching, when I espouse anything that sounds Adventist. Such criticism is unfounded. So what, if I agree with some things taught by the Seventh-day Adventists. I agree with some things taught by most Christian denominations. And I agree with lots of things taught by Messianic or Hebrew Roots congregations. I even agree with some things taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The point is that I have maintained independence of thought, and that is what I share with you.

 

I can agree that the 7 wrath plagues of Revelation Chapter Sixteen, will completely wipe out all human and animal life on planet earth. I also believe that Christ will remove His own from this earth just as the final wrath plagues (the 7 bowl plagues) are unleashed. Beyond that, I remain open to other scenarios for the 1000 years. Open yes, but I still believe that a desolate state for the earth during the 7^th millennium, makes more sense.

            See our studies: “Millennium” and “7 Trumpets - 7 Bowls.”

 

John the Revelator saw “those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass” (Rev 15:2). The “sea of glass” is located in Heaven before God’s thrown (Rev 4:6). Their victory over the beast, his image and his mark, places these people POST tribulation. They have come through the 1260 days of the Beasts world rule. So I absolutely believe that Christ will remove His redeemed from this earth, at least for the period of the final wrath plagues (Rev Chapter 16).

 

The redeemed WILL spend some period with Christ, in “the place” He has prepared for His “bride.” Opinions very, on exactly how long this “bridal chamber” period will last. It may last for a thousand years, as the Adventists teach, with the redeemed ruling and reigning within the Holy City. It may last for seven years, as the Baptists teach. Or, as most are teaching today, Christ may begin to heal and restore this earth soon after the destruction of the last plagues is complete. He, with His redeemed, will then return to the earth, where they will “reign with Him a thousand years,” on this earth.

 

It should be noted that “time” may not pass “in Heaven,” as it does here on earth. Peter said, “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Pet 3:8). The redeemed with Christ, may not feel that a thousand years have passed, when they are returned to the earth restored.

 

The millennium is mentioned six times in Revelation Chapter Twenty. At the Glorious Return of Christ, Satan is bound for a thousand years (v.2). He will “deceive the nations no more til the thousand years are finished” (v.3). The redeemed, including all those who were martyred for Christ, will live and reign with Christ for a thousand years (v.4). The “rest of the dead will not live again” until the one thousand years are finished (v.5). All those who have “part in the first resurrection,” will be “priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years” (v.6). When the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison.” He will “go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth” (v.7).

The repetition of “thousand years,” with additional text giving details covering events leading in to that period, conditions during that period, and events to come at the completion of that period, convince us that this millennium is a real period of time.

“The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were finished.”

                                                                                        Revelation 20:5 (NET)

 

I cannot stress this point strongly enough. “The rest” are NOT physically alive on the earth during the millennium that follows the Glorious Return event. “The rest” are not resurrected to continue their lives UNTIL the 8^th millennium (assuming that Christ’s return marks the start of the 7^th millennium).

 

Satan will be imprisoned in “the abyss” (the without form and void) for a thousand years. Exactly where, or in what dimension, this “abyss” will exist, remains a mystery. He may be confined within the spirit dimension, without access to, or effect within, the physical dimension in which our universe exists. He will then be “released” for a “short time,” to TEST (using his arts of deception) all of those resurrected as part of “the rest” (Rev 20:7).

 

Satan demands the right to “test” every human being, because “all have sinned.” Christ demands the right to fight for their hearts and minds, because He died for them. God’s justice allows for both. The salvation or death of “the rest” is not yet decided, when they are resurrected at the 8^th millennium. Else why would Satan still be competing with Christ for their lives?

 

My view diverges from that of the Adventists, concerning the identity of “the rest.” The Adventists believe “the rest of the dead” (Rev 20:5) will be all of “the wicked” - the rejected, “the chaff,” “the goats” - those doomed to destruction in the “lake of fire.” From the whole 6000 years of human history, they are irretrievably “lost.” They are resurrected only to face judgment and then annihilation. They just have to be “deceived” (once again) by Satan, and then demonstrate their wicked character (once again), before they can be annihilated by fire from God. I have rejected this view.

 

I believe that “the rest” will be all of those human beings who lived and died in ignorance (excluding willful ignorance). They lived and died before missionaries could reach them. They were without an informed understanding of God the Father or of His Son - an awareness that would have allowed them to choose, either to serve Yehovah or to rebel against Him. During their lives, they were as Paul described them, “without the Messiah, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12 NET).

 

Concerning sins of ignorance, Yeshua said, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains” (Jn 9:41). The continual “daily” offering at the Temple, covered all sins of ignorance, until the sinner came to “see” (to understand) their sin. Then a “sin offering” and a “whole burnt offering were required, before one could receive “atonement” (Exo 29:38-42, Lev 6:8-13, 1Chron 16:40, Lev 5:18, Eze 45:20, Heb 9:7). It makes perfect sense. “The rest” are ignorant of their sins. Once resurrected and then instructed in the Law of God, they will then be obligated to acknowledge their sins, to repent, and to receive pardon through Christ. Many will be won. Sadly, most will refuse. Those who rebel, will join together to form the Gog/Magog Army (Rev 20). See our study: “Gog and Magog.”

THE REDEEMED - THE WICKED - AND THE REST

 

Daniel 12:2-3 describes a resurrection (singular) involving multitudes. “Some” are raised “to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Notice! This resurrection includes BOTH righteous and wicked individuals. This is a judgment event! This resurrection will take place at the glorious return of Christ. The judgment here rendered is a forever judgment! Everlasting life is a forever reward. And “everlasting contempt” is a done-deal.

 

Almost simultaneous with the great resurrection event of Daniel 12:2-3, will be a “time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” I believe this terrible time will be caused by the release of the seven wrath plagues on judgment day - prophesied by the ancient Day of Atonement.

 

The redeemed will be rescued “at the last trumpet,” just as the last plagues are unleashed. Most Christians do not understand that the 7 Trumpet plagues come before the final Wrath Plagues - the “seven bowls.”

 

Individuals resurrected “to shame and everlasting contempt,” rejected the True God, and served the Evil One. They are part of “the beast” (Satan’s system of domination and intimidation) or of “the false prophet” (Satan’s system of deception). They will be cast into the “lake of fire” by Christ Himself, at His glorious return (Rev 19:19-20). The earth will be consumed by fire (2Peter 3:8). Those raised “to shame and everlasting condemnation” are done, finished and destroyed! Christ will NOT retrieve such persons from the “lake of fire,” to judge them again a thousand years later, to then throw them back into the lake of fire. No way! That would be massive revenge overkill! Those raised “to shame and everlasting contempt” will NOT be resurrected with “the rest.”

            Three groups:

      1. The redeemed - gathered by Christ at His glorious return

      2. The wicked - “raised to shame and everlasting contempt” (cast into the lake of fire)

      3. The rest - resurrected 1000 years after the Glorious Return

 

“The rest of the dead” are NOT RESURRECTED at the upcoming Glorious Return. They will NOT be judged at that time. They will “not live again” until a thousand more years have passed (Rev 20:5). In other words, they will be resurrected to continue their lives at the 8^th millennium!

 

All the prophecies that describe people from “the nations,” going “up to the House of the God of Israel,” at Jerusalem, fit perfectly into an 8^th millennium fulfillment scenario (Isa 2:1-4, Isa 4:1-6, Micah 4:1-8).

  

 

NOTE: “The rest” will NOT live in Heaven or in Purgatory, waiting for their resurrection. They will sleep in death. See our study: “Where are the Dead?”

 

I believe “the rest” will be all of those who lived and died in ignorance of God and of Christ, whether because of circumstance, childhood, or disability. They could not choose either to serve, or to reject Christ as Messiah and King and Lord.

 

The “rest” were not wilfully ignorant, choosing to ignore or resist available information. Rather, they did not have the information. In the case of young children or those with mental disabilities, they lacked the mental capacity to process the information.

 

A NOTE concerning infants and children: If the LORD were to translate infants and young children immediately into Heaven, this would constitute manipulation? They did not believe, and they did not choose to serve. How could Christ guarantee their continued willing service in His Kingdom, except by mind manipulation? All without their permission or consent.

 

“The rest” did not understand their sin against the God of Heaven, because they had no (or very limited) knowledge of Him. The “continual” intercession of Yeshua Messiah provides the “covering” for these people, until they can be resurrected and educated in the ways of the LORD.

“Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Micah 4:2 (also Isaiah 2:1-4)

 

Christ died for the whole world. He will not leave human beings dead like unfortunate collateral damage. Each one must HEAR the Gospel. Each one must either accept the pardon offered, or reject Christ as LORD and King and Savior. Paul said the Gentiles “must hear” so they can be saved (Eph 1:13, Acts 15:7, Rom 10:14-17). God will provide that opportunity. The resurrection of “the rest” will take place at the 8^th millennium. They will live again as “nations in the four corners of the earth” (Rev 20:8). “The nations” will HEAR the truths of God. They will HEAR the Gospel.

 

Those who belong to Christ, who are resurrected at the Glorious Return event, will serve as “priests of God and of Christ” to teach “the rest” (Rev 20:6). They will teach them what it means to sin against their Creator. They will explain what grace was made available through the great sacrifice of the Father, through His Son. Those who come to the Father, through Yeshua Messiah, and CHOOSE to serve the LORD, will be granted eternal life in His Kingdom.

      Many will accept.

 

I felt that I should summarize my reasons for believing that many from “the nations” will be won to Christ during the 8^th millennium - The 8^th Day. Follow the links at the end of each section to read the full study chapters covering each point.

 

A 7^th millennium rule of Christ over Gentile “nations” who survive the last plagues, with redeemed Israel serving as His priests to govern those nations:

is inconsistent with the predicted total destruction resulting from the seven bowls of wrath,

      is inconsistent with the prophetic commands of Yehovah concerning the “7th” year,         is inconsistent with the prophetic Tabernacle/Temple/Priesthood TYPES, and

      is inconsistent with the prophecies of Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation.

 

NOTE: “The nations” of Revelation Chapter Twenty do not include “Israel.” They are unconverted Gentile nations. See our study: “Who are Israel?.”

 

The following are my reasons for believing that Christ will “rule the nations” at the 8^th millennium. NOT at the 7^th.

OUR GOD IS JUST

 

Reason #1

 

Our God is just. He will not treat human beings as unavoidable “collateral damage,” to be eternally shut out of His kingdom, having experienced no opportunity for salvation. No! Yeshua Messiah will resurrect all those who lived and died in genuine ignorance, without adequate knowledge of Him (because of young age, circumstance or disability). He will then send “messengers” so that “the rest” can hear the Gospel, and each one then choose either to serve Christ, or to rebel against Him (in the final Gog/Magog Battle of Rev 20:7-9). Those from the resurrection at His Glorious Return, will become “priests of God and of Christ,” to take His message to “the rest” (Rev 20:5-6).

 

“The rest” cannot be won to the LORD during the 7^th millennium immediately following the Glorious Return, because they will “not live again” for a thousand years. This places their resurrection squarely in the 8^th millennium. There is no other time. If our God is going to resurrect and teach all of those who lived and died in ignorance, and offer salvation to those who were not reached or “called” during the millennia of history, the 8^th millennium is the ONLY POSSIBLE TIME.

TOTAL DESTRUCTION

 

Reason #2

 

The wrath plagues of Revelation Chapter 16, will wipe out all life on planet earth. The sun will “scorch men with fire” (Rev 16:8-9). All the grass, and all the trees will be “burned up” (2Pet 3:10-12, Rev 8:7). Everything in “the sea” will die (Rev 16:3). Every river will be contaminated. There goes the whole food chain. Plants produce 25% of earth’s oxygen. Ocean algae produce the other 75%. How can human life continue on this planet without food, clean water, or oxygen?

 

NOTE: Some are teaching that the plagues will effect only “the land” area that was promised to “the seed of Abraham.” This “land” stretches from the Nile to the Euphrates, with a Western border at the Mediterranean Sea (Gen 15:18). I have rejected this teaching, because the wrath plagues will effect the entire kingdom of “the Beast.” And the Beast will rule over “every nation, kindred, tongue and people.” People the world over will serve the Beast, therefore people the world over, will be destroyed by the last plagues. Only those “sealed” by “the Lamb” will escape.

 

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2Pet 3:10).

 

Grief! And folks believe there will be unsaved people from “the nations,” who will survive the last plagues. I don’t think so! Yeshua said it will be like the flood of Noah, and like the destruction of Sodom (Lk 17:26, Lk 17:29-30). Total destruction! “Destroyed them all,” means what it says!! Genesis Chapters 7&8

 

NOTE: Many point to Matthew 24:22 and Mark 13:20, saying that many human beings will survive the last period of great tribulation. These two passages are speaking to the “survival” of “the elect.” The period of persecution is “shortened” for their sake. How is it “shortened?” Answer: Christ returns in glory. In other words, some of “the elect” will live to see Christ coming in the clouds. But this period of persecution by the Antichrist, is NOT the time of the final seven last plagues. The wrath plagues are unleashed by Christ, on judgment day - the day that He returns. See our study: “Judgment Day.”

 

The “survivors” will be the redeemed, who will be removed from the earth at “the last Trump,” (just ahead of the wrath plagues) to go with Christ to the place He has prepared, in His “Father’s House” (Jn 14:2, Heb 11:16). That “place” is the Holy City New Jerusalem.

 

Hebrews 11:16 “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

 

Jeremiah was shown “the earth” after “the great day of the LORD.” “It was without form and void” (Jer 4:23 and Isa 34:11). Yes. The same Hebrew words used in Genesis Chapter One, to describe the earth before the LORD created any life on this planet. Connect the dots.

      See our studies: “Trumpets and Vials” and “Millennium.”

DESOLATION IS REST

Reason #3

 

2Chronicles 36:20 “He [Nebuchadnezzar] took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had made up for its sabbaths. All the days that it lay desolate it kept sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.” NRS (Leviticus 26:43)

 

The LORD told Jeremiah the prophet that Nebuchadnezzar would attack Jerusalem and Judea. Those who survived the attack would serve the king of Babylon for seventy years, and during this time “the land” of Israel would “rest” in desolation. The word “sabbath” means “rest.” This period of desolation would reclaim the sabbaths which Israel had not kept, during the years since “the people” entered “the land” under Joshua (Ezek 20:13, 16, 20, 21, 24). Connect the dots. Would not the complete desolation of this planet for a thousand years, be a “rest” in the same sense?

 

The 7^th Day was declared “holy” at the end of creation week (Gen 2:3). It wasn’t just for Hebrews. It was “made for mankind” (Mark 2:26). There is no passage declaring that the LORD has removed the “set apart” or “holy” status of the 7^th Day. Yet the vast majority of human beings on this planet over the last 6000 years, have never acknowledged or honored the LORD’s 7^th Day “rest.” The 7 last plagues will destroy all life on this planet. The LORD Himself has declared desolation a “rest.” The 7^th millennium will be a “rest” for this earth.

            The principle here is that the LORD will reclaim His sabbaths.

NO MANNA FELL

          ON THE SABBATH

 

Reason #4

  

During the 40 years of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, no manna fell on the weekly 7^th day Sabbath. A “double portion” fell on Friday (the 6^th day), which would last through the Sabbath. Manna saved through the night on any other day, would spoil and stink by the next morning.

 

The manna was a symbol of Yeshua Messiah (John 6:31-58), who “fell” on a Friday, and did not “spoil” through the Sabbath, before He was raised “the third day.” Connect the dots.

 

No physical manna on the 7^th Day Sabbath, was a prophecy. There will be no physical presence of Christ on this earth, during the upcoming 7^th millennial Sabbath. Yeshua Messiah will be with His “bride” (2Cor 11:2; Eph 5:23), in the place He has prepared for her, in the “Father’s House.” That “place” will be the New Jerusalem.

  

            “ . . . he has prepared a city for them” (Heb 11:16).

 

NO SOWING OF SEED - NO GATHERING OF THE HARVEST

                                                                                 DURING THE 7^TH YEAR

Reason #5

 

The word translated as “sabbath,” means “rest.” The 7^th Day was a commanded rest for man and beast (Exo 20:8-11). The 7^th year was a commanded rest for “the land” (Lev 25:3-4). The 7^th millennium will be the great “rest” for this earth.

 

On the 7^th day, and during each 7^th year, no seed was to be sown and no harvest was to be gathered. Now connect the dots.

 

Commands for the weekly Sabbath and for the 7^th year sabbath, were prophetic. How many of Yeshua’s parables involved the use of “sowing” and “harvest” metaphor for the teaching of the Gospel and the gathering of believers for the Kingdom? (See Matthew 9:38, Luke 10:2, and Mark 4:3-9, 13-20.) If the Sabbath prophecy applies here, then the Gospel will NOT be “sown” on the earth, and human beings will NOT be harvested for the Kingdom, DURING the upcoming (7th) millennial sabbath. WHY? Because there will be no one left alive on the earth after the final wrath plagues.

 

The work of sowing and reaping will resume at the 8^th millennial “day,” when “the rest of the dead” are resurrected (Rev 20:5).

      

A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS

 

Reason #6

 

All of those redeemed through Christ, and rescued from this earth at the upcoming Glorious Return, will become “priests of God and of Christ.”

 

“They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6

 

Question: Why would the LORD still need “priests” AFTER His glorious return? Priests served as mediators for “the people,” making “atonement” for the repentant. They taught the Law, and were judges of last resort.

 

Personal Note: THIS was my own initial question, which lead through many years of study, to my present understanding of The 8^th Day.

 

Answer: For “the rest,” when they are resurrected to “live again.” Those from the Glorious Return, trained and prepared during the 7^th millennium for their role as priests, will serve to govern and teach that great mass of humanity, resurrected at the 8^th millennium - 1000 years AFTER the Glorious Return (Rev 20:5-6).

 

“. . . they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:5-6 NET

             

      The priestly consecration lasted 7 days.

 

In the ancient prophetic TYPE, the first priests (Aaron and his two older sons) completed a 7 day consecration. For this consecration Aaron and his sons remained within the Tabernacle (Leviticus 8:33). They did not begin to minister as priests, until “the eighth day.”

 

Prophetically, this 8^th Day points to the Kingdom of Messiah at the 8^th millennium.

2Peter 3:8 “With the LORD a thousand years is as a day,

                                           and a day is as a thousand years.”

 

Those in Christ cannot begin their ministry as priests, until “the 8^th day.” To fulfill the prophetic TYPE, they must “remain within the Tabernacle” for seven prophetic “days.” How is this possible? How can it be said that the future priesthood “remain within the Tabernacle” for seven prophetic “days” - seven millennia?

  

Answer: The priesthood of the “true Tabernacle” must be viewed as one whole - as one body. All faithful servants of God through Christ must be included, from righteous Able to Abraham, to Joseph and Moses (all covered prophetically by the sacrifices), all the way down to those final remaining saints who are caught up to “meet Him in the air.”

 

According to Hebrews 12:22, all those “in Christ” “have come” to the New Jerusalem. God and the Lamb are the Temple of that City (Rev 21:22). When we “abide in the Son and in the Father” (1Jo 2:24), we remain within “the true Tabernacle.”

 

When Messiah returns, His kingdom of redeemed priests will have completed 6 of the prophesied 7 “days,” of their consecration (Lev 8:33). They must still complete the 7^th prophetic “day,” before they can begin to serve “the nations” as “priests of God and of Christ.”

 

Christ’s redeemed priesthood will begin their priestly ministry for, and governance of, “the nations,” just when “the rest of the dead” are resurrected (Rev 20:5) - at the 8^th millennium. As “priests” for the 8^th Day, they will serve to teach and govern “the nations” - to bring many sons and daughters to God the Father, through Yeshua the Son.

 

Those delivered from the earth at the Glorious Return will need a long recovery and rehabilitation period, in addition to their education and training for the priesthood under High Priest Yeshua Messiah. The thief on the cross believed. He was newborn in Christ. But he did not mature past that point. All of us will need time to learn and to grow up into Christ.

 

“. . . till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” (Eph 4:13).

 

We CANNOT BEGIN our ministry as priests, at the start of the 7^th millennium. The prophecy of the ancient Tabernacle priesthood says we cannot. And the prophecy of the seven wrath plagues, tells us that no one from “the nations” will be left alive on this earth, for a thousand years. There will be no one to minister for.

            See our studies: “The Change of the Priesthood,” and “A Kingdom of Priests.”

CONSECRATION OF THE TEMPLE and THE ALTER

 

Reason #7

 

The Tabernacle and the Alter of Sacrifices in the Courtyard, were consecrated for 7 days. Much later, the Temple of Solomon was consecrated for 7 days. After desecration events, the Second Temple was also re-consecrated, for 7 days. (See Lev Chpt.14; Exo 29:37, 44; Eze 43:26-27; 2Chron 7:9 & 29:17.) Connect the dots. If this is the prophetic TYPE, then believers also must be consecrated for 7 “days.” We are called “the Temple of God,” because the Spirit of God dwells within us (1Cor 3:16). God’s Temple of His people, will not be fully cleansed and consecrated until the start of the 8th prophetic “day.”

 

I believe that Ezekiel the prophet was shown the Temple for the 8^th millennium. That Temple, and its priesthood, will be ready at the 8^th prophetic day. That Temple will serve the millions resurrected as “the rest.” See our studies: “The 8^th Day” and “Ezekiel’s Temple.”

CIRCUMCISION - AT THE 8^TH DAY

Reason #8

 

Newborn Israelite males were circumcised on the 8^th day (Lev 12:3, Acts 7:8, Gen 17:12). On this day, they were named and became citizens of Israel. At the fulfillment of this prophecy, ALL of Israel redeemed will be finally and perfectly circumcised in heart.

      “. . . circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter;” Romans 2:29

 

“The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name.” Isaiah 62:2

 

“To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17

 

NOTE: Those who have come in faith, to God the Father through Yeshua Messiah, have been “grafted in” to Israel redeemed. They are part of “the congregation” - citizens of Israel redeemed. This is the message of Romans Chapter Eleven.

      See our study: “Who are Israel?”

THE PRESENTATION

Reason #9

 

            Firstborn males (both human and animal) were presented to the LORD at the 8^th day. The LORD declared Israel His “firstborn” (Exodus 4:22). Connect the dots.

 

During the 8^th millennium, many from “the nations” will be “grafted in” to Israel redeemed. Those from “the nations” who rebel (seeking to overthrow the reign of Christ), will be consumed by “fire” from the LORD out of Heaven (at the Gog/Magog battle). Only Israel will remain. “And so all Israel will be saved” (Rom 9:27, Rom 11:26). Yeshua Messiah will “present” this final redeemed Kingdom to His Father, before the end of the 8^th millennium (1Cor 15:24-28).

 

2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (Psalm 90:4)

UNCLEAN - FOR 7 DAYS

Reason #10

 

Anyone of “the congregation” who had “touched death,” (touched any part of a dead human body, or any human blood) remained ceremonially unclean for 7 days. He must be sprinkled with the ashes of the red heifer on the 3^rd day, and again on the 7^th day (Num 19:2-12). At the start of the 8^th day, the person could be declared “clean.” He could then enter the Tabernacle court to “stand before the LORD.”

 

NOTE: The red heifer, sacrificed “outside the camp,” symbolized and prophesied Messiah Yeshua, who was crucified on the Mount of Olives, across the Kidron Valley from the Temple - the very place where the red heifer was sacrificed anciently.

 

Question: We - the entire congregation of redeemed Israel, have all touched death in a spiritual sense. How then are we “sprinkled” with the ashes of the red heifer?

 

Answer: At the foot of Mount Sinai, Moses “sprinkled” the congregation (Heb 9:19) . He did this to signify the “blood covenant.” This happened on the third prophetic “day” - before the end of the third millennium from the sin of Adam.

 

During the 7^th prophetic “day” - the 7^th millennium, our High Priest Yeshua will “sprinkle” our hearts again (Heb 10:22). Only then, we will be “clean” to stand before God the Father as “priests” (Rev 20:6), at The 8^th Day.

 

The ceremonial cleansing for a healed leper (so that he could enter the LORD’s House), and the consecration ceremony for a new priest - BOTH were 7 days. The anointing procedures were remarkably similar. (See Leviticus Chapters 8 & 14). The healed leper could enter the Temple court, and the consecrated priest could begin to serve - at the 8^th day.

 

Connect the dots. We are healed lepers (spiritually). We have touched death. We will also become “priests of God and of Christ.” Everything points to the 8^th day.

“With the LORD a thousand years is as a day.” 1Peter 3:8

THE LAMB’S BRIDE

      Ancient Wedding Typology

 

Reason #11

To understand Yeshua’s wedding feast parables, we must look to the marriage customs of ancient Galilee. Those were the customs familiar to His disciples.

 

A marriage was contracted (covenanted) between the father of the groom and the father of the bride, because the marriage would join two families. It wasn’t just about the bride and groom. All involved parties would meet at the city gate, where a lengthy negotiation would take place. (Think prenuptial agreement.) Once the terms were acceptable to all parties, the bride would drink from a special ceremonial cup of wine, presented by her groom. This act sealed the marriage covenant. The groom then pledged, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's” house (Matt 26:29). Sound familiar? Are you connecting the dots?

 

Yeshua’s disciples were the first to enter into the “new (betrothal) covenant.” They formed the foundation of His coming kingdom. Their names are engraved into the twelve foundations of the wall that surrounds the New Jerusalem. See our study: “Two Covenants.”

 

A waiting period followed the marriage covenant. The groom returned to his “father’s house” where he would “prepare a place” for his bride (usually an addition built on to the family compound, or a house immediately adjacent to but within the family estate). During the waiting period, the bride and groom did not see one another. (Think Joseph and Mary.) They would communicate through a “messenger.” (Think Holy Spirit.) When “the place” for the bride was completed, the father of the groom would give permission, and then the groom would go to retrieve his bride.

 

Adultery by either party during the betrothal period, was regarded as a death penalty offense against God and against the other family of the marriage covenant.

 

The bride’s “attendants” would most often be, of her own household or clan. They would go forth to meet the approaching groom. (Think ten virgins with lamps. Think of how “Christians” have proclaimed the return of Messiah. Yet only five still have oil in their lamps.)

 

The bridal “attendants” had helped to “prepare” the bride for this day, and they would later serve (along with the “friends of the groom”) to confirm the bride’s virginity, before the “wedding feast” could begin (Think judgment of the House of God.)

 

NOTE: Let me just explain that Yeshua called His own disciples “friends of the bridegroom” (Matt 9:15). Obviously, they will also be part of “the bride!” The foundations of the wall around the New Jerusalem are named for them (Rev 21:14). Believers proclaiming the soon return of Messiah, can be bridal attendants (part of the “ten virgins”) and can also become part of “the bride” - redeemed Israel. I dislike studies that divide “the body of Christ” into better (part of the bride) and second best (friends of the groom), or worse still - just “guests” at the wedding feast.

 

A ceremony would take place at the door (or gate) of the bride’s home. The bride would come to the gate or doorway to “meet” her husband. He would then lift her veil and pronounce her most beautiful. She would then accompany her husband BACK to his “father’s house.” The marriage feast typically lasted 7 days.

 

Yeshua used the betrothal covenant, the waiting period, the place prepared, friends of the groom, bridal attendants, and the marriage feast, to explain future events and His relationship with His redeemed (Matt 22:2-14, Matt 25:1-13). He is the “betrothed husband” (2Cor 11:2, Eph 5:23). Redeemed Israel is “betrothed” to her Messiah by a “new covenant” of marriage. At the last supper, the disciples accepted “the cup” of that betrothal. New believers (grafted in to Israel) join this betrothal covenant. See our study: “Two Covenants.”

 

“And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29

 

“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2

 

We are waiting for our betrothed “husband.” We receive messages from our beloved through the Spirit. Our Beloved has sent “gifts.” Only God the Father knows the day and the hour when this period of waiting will end, so that our Beloved may return for us (Matt 24:36).

 

            The “place prepared” is the New Jerusalem, presently located within the Heavenly realm.“He has prepared a City for them” (Heb 11:16). We will go with Him, TO “the Father’s House.”

We will stand on the “sea of glass” before the Father’s throne (Rev 4:6, Rev 15:2), to be welcomed into the family of God.

 

I personally believe the “wedding feast” will take place back on this earth, at the Jerusalem of Ezekiel’s vision. (Think Sakkot - The Feast of Tabernacles.) The guests will come from “the rest of the dead.” Certainly a “mixed multitude” of “bad and good,” as in the parable. The King of the parable, sent his servants out onto the roads, and they “gathered all whom they found, both bad and good.” “So the wedding hall was filled with guests” (Mat 22:2 ESV).

 

Consider the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1-10. The “Rod from the stem of Jesse” [Yeshua Messiah] will slay the wicked [at His Glorious Return]. Then “the wolf will dwell with the lamb” and “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD.” In this prophecy, “Gentiles” seek the LORD, in the same kingdom where the wolf dwells with the lamb. This Kingdom cannot become reality until the 8^th millennium, because “the rest of the dead” will not “live again” until that prophetic “day.” For many other passages, please see our study “The 8^th Day.”

 

The judgment is depicted in the parable, by “the King” who enters the wedding feast “to look over the guests.” He expels a man who is not wearing the provided “wedding garment,” which symbolizes the righteousness of Christ. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Gal 3:27 NAS, Job 29:4, Psa 61:10). This wedding feast parable makes perfect sense, when you realize that “the nations” (invited as “guests” to the wedding feast) are NOT citizens of “Israel.” In the prophecy of Zechariah Chapter 14, we read that “the nations” are invited to Jerusalem for the Feast of Sakkot (Zech Chapt 14). It fits, that some may come for the Feast who are not surrendered to Yeshua Messiah as their King and Savior.

WHEN WILL THE NEW JERUSALEM

                                           DESCEND TO THE EARTH? 

 

John saw the Holy City “coming down from heaven” “adorned as a bride” (Rev 21:10). This relocation signals the reunification of earth with Heaven. The relocation of the perfect New Jerusalem to the earth, cannot take place until the earth has been declared “clean” - cleansed of sin.

 

Ever since the Fall of Adam, humanity has been “unclean” because of sin and death, and is therefore separated from the rest of God’s family. (Reference the quarantine of the leper, the “unclean” state of mankind, or the woman with a flow of blood.)

 

Consider. The Jerusalem of Ezekiel’s vision, is NOT the New Jerusalem. Ezekiel’s Jerusalem is just 5 miles wide, and Ezekiel’s Temple is located “outside the city.” The New Jerusalem is 345 miles wide. That city will completely cover a good portion of the Middle East.

 

“The nations” will be invited to come up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16-19). This invitation must take place BEFORE the New Jerusalem descends to the earth. Why invite the Gentile (uncircumcised) “nations” come to Jerusalem, if that City (and the whole “land”) is completely covered by the New Jerusalem? Only those “written in the Lambs Book of Life, can enter there (Rev 21:27). Obviously, the “wedding feast” must take place BEFORE the New Jerusalem descends from heaven. The “nations” must be invited to come to Jerusalem, BEFORE the New Jerusalem descends from heaven. And the Battle of Gog and Magog must take place BEFORE the New Jerusalem descends. Peoples from “the nations” will come up to the Jerusalem of Ezekiel’s vision, and to the Temple of the 8^th Day.

 

How will the army of Gog/Magog “come up into the land,” (Ezek 38:8,16) if the entire “land” is completely covered by the New Jerusalem? That City will cover “the land” area promised to the “seed of Abraham.” And that City has a VERY HIGH WALL!

 

The rebellion of Gog and Magog (Revelation Chapt 20), will arise from “the rest of the dead,” who are not resurrected until the 8^th millennium. This pushes the descent of the New Jerusalem, well into the 8^th Day.

 

NOTE: The new Temple of Ezekiel’s vision, is located outside of “the City.” In contrast, “God and the Lamb are the Temple” of the New Jerusalem, when that City descends.

      See our studies: “Ezekiel’s Temple” and “The New Jerusalem.”

 

THE PROPHECY OF THE 8^TH DAY

 

Reason #12

 

Following the 7 day Feast of Tabernacles, Israel celebrated one last Feast - the “sacred assembly” of the 8^th Day (Lev 23:33-36). They took down their sukka. They no longer ate their meals in temporary shelters. I believe this feast prophecy tells us WHEN we - Israel Redeemed, will finally be home - returned to the earth and to our eternal inheritance within “the land promised.” We will celebrate the Feasts of the Yehovah within the gates of the New Jerusalem.

KING DAVID’s REIGN

 

Reason #13

 

David was the 8^th son of Jesse. He ruled over Judah only, for 7 years and 6 months (2Kings 2:11). He became king over united Israel/Judah - half way into the 8^th year. King David was a TYPE of Yeshua Messiah, who will become King over united Israel/Judah at the 8^th millennium. He will then reign over the whole earth as “the commonwealth of Israel.”

 

                                                                                                            I do not think it coincidence, that the Son of God came to earth as a man, at the mid-point of His redemption time line. He knew from the beginning, how long it would take to recover a remnant for Himself.

CONCLUSION

 

Looking over the serious number of clues pointing to the 8^th millennium, I question how any student of Bible prophecy could simply dismiss them. This may indeed be THE deception of the last days, that will ensnare “the very elect.” Expecting Messiah to rule on the earth during the upcoming 7^th millennium, they will unknowingly serve the Evil One when he “sits in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2Thess 2:4). Our Enemy knows the prophecies. He will make it appear that every prophecy has been fulfilled, before he makes his appearance.

      See our study: “Masterpiece of Deception.”

 

For links to all the full studies covering Messiah’s return, judgment day, the trumpet judgments and last plagues, the 7^th millennium, “the rest of the dead,” Messiah’s 8^th Day reign with His “kingdom of priests,” the Gog-Magog Battle, the Great White Throne judgment and the final “lake of fire,” please follow this link: “The 8^th Day.”

We pray this study will prove a blessing.

Rachel Cory-Kuehl

prophecyviewpoint.com