Hi Laurie Hane....And I also want to especially thank those who gave a thought to what I asked on the Millennial years.....Reni F, Mike Plunket, Gino, and Paul Wilson.

Like you, Lori, I thought my take on it was unique as it being the last test to prove that God's judgments are righteous beyond argument.  When all is said and done, Satan cannot argue that man has not been tested under ALL conditions, and that includes having a perfect government under Jesus Christ and a restored creation (without Satan being able to control anything).  Man will fail again.  Because of this, any judgement made during the Great White Throne Judgment (after the Millennial testing) cannot be argued that it was not fully deserved because some condition was not met.

The rapture(s) include those who will rule and reign with Chri! st during that time.  They must include those who are saved, of course, and they must include mature Christians who are well read in God's plan for mankind that is told to us in the bible.  Jesus, Himself (red letters) says in Rev. 22:12..."And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."  Does this interpret to you, as it does to me, that each person in the Millennium will have the reward of a high position during that time because of an earned reward of what they have learned or done during this time on earth?

So, who will enter the Millennium alive at the beginning of this time?  Resurrected souls will rule and reign with Christ from New Jerusalem....but who are those others who are worthy to enter into God's "rest."  This "rest" is spoke of in Hebrews 3:11...."So I swar! e in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest."  It won't be just "Jews" of Israel (genetic tribe of Judah) who will be in this time because all who are in Jesus Christ....both Jews and Gentiles...are called the Israel of God...Gal.6:16.  So, my question is who will be the people initially populating the earth during the Millennium?

The bible is silent on some things....and common sense lets us sort out some other things.  I just wanted to know if anyone has any of their own, individual ideas on what the purpose of this time will be....and reasons why they think that way.  Nobody is  absolutely right or wrong because none of us know for sure, but it's fun, nevertheless, to sort through all the ideas people have come to....

Thanks again to all who took the time to respond.  I appreciate ! all of you!

YsiC,

Arlene