Gospel Principles
Unit 9: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Chapter 44: The Millennium
Concept 4: Conditions during the Millennium
"The earth will again be as it was when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden (Articles of Faith 1:10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.). The whole earth will be a delightful garden. There will not be different continents as we have now, but the land will be gathered in one place as it was in the beginning (D&C 133:23-24)
"23 He shall command the great deep, and it shall be driven back into the north countries, and the islands shall become one land;
24 And the land of Jerusalem and the land of Zion shall be turned back into their own place, and the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it wasdivided .").
Satan Bound
During the Millennium, Satan will be bound. This means he will not have power to tempt those who are living at that time (D&C 101:28 "And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man."). The "children shall grow up without sin unto salvation." (D&C 45:58). "Because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth." (1 Nephi 22:26).
Peace on the Earth
During the Millennium, there will be no war. People will live in peace and harmony together. Everything that has been used for war will be turned to useful purposes. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4).
Righteous Government
Jesus Christ will not only lead the Church during the Millennium, but he will also be in charge of the political government. This government will be based on principles of righteousness and will preserve the basic rights and freedoms of all people. Mortals, both members of the Church and nonmembers, will hold government positions (see Brigham Young, in Journal of Discourses, 2:310). They will receive help from resurrected beings. At this time there will be two capitals in the world, one in Jerusalem, the other in America (see Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:66-72). "For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:3).
No Disease or Death
Even though mortals will live on the earth during the Millennium, they will not have diseases as we do now. There will be no death as we know it. When people have lived to an old age, they will not die and be buried. Instead, they will be changed from their mortal condition to an immortal condition in an instant (D&C 63:51 "Wherefore, children shall grow up until they become old; old men shall die; but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye.";
101:29-31 "29 And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death.
30 In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree;
31 And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious.").
All Things Revealed
Some truths have not been revealed to us. These will be revealed during the Millennium. The Lord said he will "reveal all things--things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof--things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven" (D&C 101:32-34 "32 Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things
33 Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof
34 Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.").
Changes in the Animal Kingdom
The animal kingdom will also be at peace. All animals, even those that are now enemies, will live together in harmony. Animals that now eat flesh will eat grass and grain (Isaiah 11:6-7 "6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.").
Other Millennial Activities
In many ways, life will be much as it is now, except that everything will be done in righteousness. People will eat and drink and will wear clothing (see Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 115). People will continue to plant and harvest crops and build houses (Isaiah 65:21 "And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.").
Discussion
Discuss the conditions that will exist during the Millennium. Use the scriptural reference listed for each condition."