The overcomers previous to Pentecost, the faithful ancient worthies, will be “princes in all the earth” (Psalm 45:16). These were tried in the past and were approved of God, “having obtained a good report” (Hebrews 11:2,39,40). It will be unnecessary that their restitution out of death and into life should be a gradual work. Their reward of perfection will be instantaneous, giving them nearly a thousand years of advantage over others of mankind. It will be the privilege of these worthies to administer the laws of the Kingdom. They will be the honored servants and representatives of the spiritual Christ. These ancients will also assist in removing blindness from Abraham’s natural seed, the nation of Israel (Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 11:11, 12, 15, 23, 27, 32), who will be the first people to come under the New Covenant arrangements (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-8, 13; Romans 1:16). Israel will come to see and recognize their King whom they refused when he offered himself to them at his First Advent. “They shall look upon him
By the conclusion of the Millennial Age none of mankind will be in ignorance of the results of sin or of righteousness. The permission of evil and their recovery out of it by ransom and restitution will have accomplished its work. As it is written: "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." (Isaiah 11:9; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4) The Mediator between God and men will then step aside (1 Timothy 2:5,6; John 17:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28). The entire world will be turned over to the Father. There will be a crucial test of all the race, just as Adam experienced when he was in Eden. For "a little season" (Revelation 20:2, 3), Satan will have the power to tempt mankind as he tempted Mother Eve (Genesis 3:4, 5; 1 Timothy 2:14). The world should then be so thoroughly established in righteousness of heart that nothing which Satan or any other being could bring upon them in the way of temptation would make them sin. Those who have not learned to hate sin and to love righteousness will be unfit for eternal life. Such shall be destroyed in the Second Death (Acts 3:23). "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:3, 4)