Who will be present in the millennial kingdom?

what does the bible say?

The millennial kingdom, described in Revelation 20, will be a 1,000-year period where Jesus reigns from Jerusalem. Believers in Christ, including those raptured and resurrected, will be present during this time, experiencing peace and justice under Christ's rule. Those who come to faith during the tribulation and survive will also enter the kingdom alive, where they will marry and have children. Ezekiel and Isaiah suggest that those who believed before Christ's death will dwell in the Promised Land during this time. The truth of a future millennial kingdom clearly calls us to live faithfully and to share the gospel in preparation for Christ's return.

from the old testament

Ezekiel 37:12–14 appears to note that believers in the Lord prior to Jesus's death, resurrection, and the start of the Church on the Day of Pentecost will dwell in the Promised Land with the Lord.Isaiah 65:20–25 states that there will be some in the millennial kingdom who are alive, will live long lives, marry, and have children.

from the new testament

Revelation 20 describes a millennial kingdom, a literal 1,000-year period during which Jesus will reign from His throne in Jerusalem.In some cases, it is clear who will be with Jesus in this millennial kingdom. First Thessalonians 4:17 notes that the believers in Jesus Christ who join Him during the rapture will be with Him forever. Therefore, every Christian from the time of Jesus's life on earth to the rapture will be in the millennial kingdom.Those who are resurrected after Christ returns to earth will also be there. Revelation 20:4–6 describes these individuals. Revelation 20:4 notes, "Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." This means the millennial kingdom includes people who will come to faith in Jesus after the rapture and die during the tribulation period.Those who become believers during the seven-year tribulation and do not die will enter the millennial kingdom alive (Matthew 25:31–46). These believers will live long lives, marry, and have children (see Isaiah 65:20–25).All of these people will live with the Lord during this time period. During this time, Satan will be bound, offering a time of peace in the Promised Land. Though the curse of sin will not completely be removed until the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21–22), many of the effects of sin will be changed, as people have longer life spans, peace exists, and Satan is bound during this time.

implications for today

During the millennial kingdom, many details remain mysterious, but what is certain is that God's people will experience unparalleled peace, justice, and the direct reign of Christ (Isaiah 11:6–9; Revelation 20:4–6). This promise offers hope amid the uncertainty of our present world, reminding us that God's plan leads to ultimate restoration. Our greatest responsibility now is to ensure that we have a genuine relationship with Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 5:13), living in obedience to His commands and reflecting His love in our daily lives. Additionally, since this future kingdom is a reality for all who trust in Him, we are called to actively share the gospel, so others may also partake in His coming reign. By living faithfully today, we follow God’s purposes and prepare for the glorious future He has promised.