The Millennium

In Mormon doctrine the millennium is a "thousand year period of peace that will begin when Christ returns to reign personally on the earth" (LDS Guide to the Scriptures).

When will the Millennium begin?

The Millennium will begin at the time of Christ's second coming. When Christ returns a resurrection will occur. All those who have been righteous will have their bodies and spirits made whole again. These righteous will help Christ rule and lead His Church. Just after the beginning of the Millennium a second group of righteous individuals will be resurrected. These people were not as righteous as those in the first group but will still have the opportunity to participate in Christ's millennial reign.  The wicked will be resurrected after the Millennium.

Who will be on the Earth during the Millennium?

The wicked of the earth will be destroyed in pestilence, disease, and war before Christ comes again. Only good, just, and righteous people will be on the earth. This does not mean that all will be members of the Mormon Church. Brigham Young taught that there would be many on the earth that were good people but had not yet learned of the gospel. Those who have passed away and have been resurrected will be able to visit the earth and will help build up the kingdom.

What will life be like during the Millennium?

• There will be no war (see Isa. 2: 4, 2 Ne. 12: 4, Micah 4: 3).
• The earth will be changed so that it is again like it was in the Garden of Eden (see Ezek. 36: 35).
• Satan will have no power over the people and righteousness will reign (see 1 Ne. 22: 26).
• People will continue to have children and parents will have the joy of watching their children grow up in righteousness (see D&C 45: 58).
• People will continue to live, but when they get old they will not suffer death, they will be automatically changed from having a mortal body to having an immortal body (see D&C 63: 51).
• The members of the Church will be engaged in performing temple work for the living and the dead. Resurrected beings (those who have passed away) will be able to help the living find names and correct any mistakes that may have been made.
• Through temple work all of the earthly family will be linked from generation to generation all the way back to Adam.
• Members will also be busy teaching the gospel. Everyone will have the opportunity to hear it and the choice to accept it.
• Christ will rule over the Church and the government in perfection.
• There will be two capital cities, Jerusalem and the New Jerusalem in North America.
• Every living creature will live in peace, including animals.
• There will be no disease.
• There will be an increase of understanding and knowledge.
• People will continue to marry, have families, plant food, harvest crops, and build houses.

What will happen at the end of the Millennium?

Satan will be loosed for a short time and some people will believe and follow him. There will be a final battle between Satan and his followers and Christ and His followers. Satan will lose the battle and be defeated forever. Mormons believe the final judgment will then be given to all who have ever lived on the earth.