Jehovah's Witnesses and Post-Millennial Priestly Duties: An Exploration of Biblical Expectations

The Bible speaks about the 144,000 being born again and gaining heaven before the Millennial reign of Christ. These individuals become not only kings but also priests (Revelation 20:6). This raises a series of questions, particularly regarding the roles of these kings and priests after the thousand-year reign of Christ. This article delves into the biblical context, offering a clearer understanding of what is expected of these individuals post-Millennial reign.

Functions of Priests in Israel

The role of priests in ancient Israel was multifaceted and significant. They served as official representatives of God to the people, bridging the gap between the divine and the human. Priests had several key functions as per the Old Testament:

Representing the people before God
(Exodus 19:24) Offering sacrifices for sins (Leviticus 1-7) Interceding on behalf of the people (Psalm 106:16)

These roles underscore the importance of priestly duties in maintaining God's relationship with the Israelites.

Immediacy of Priestly Duties Post-Millennial Reign

The question often arises: If all the saved go to heaven, why are priestly duties still necessary? In the context of Jehovah's Witnesses, believing that millions will survive Armageddon and remain on Earth, the need for priestly functions becomes clear. According to their interpretation, no sin will be in heaven, but on Earth, millions will still deal with inherited sins from Adam.

The text states that at the start of the Millennium, humans will still be under the sins inherited from Adam. However, gradually, priestly duties in heaven will work towards freeing humanity from these sins. The purpose is to achieve a sinless status similar to that of Adam. This interpretation aligns with the biblical removal of Satan for 1000 years to recreate the Garden of Eden, absolving humans of Adam's disobedience.

Scriptural Support and Conflict

The Bible mentions the binding of Satan for 1000 years: 'And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, and Satan, and bound him for 1000 years' (Revelation 20:1-2). After the millennium, Satan is released to mislead nations, leading to a fiery judgment (Revelation 20:7-10).

According to Christendom, the rapture and subsequent burning up of the earth precede the millennium, leaving no one on Earth. However, Jehovah's Witnesses suggest that this interpretation conflicts with scripture. They argue that the passage makes more sense if those on Earth, including these nations, will be judged and then subjected to torment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Conclusion: Harmony with Scripture

The doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses align more closely with the biblical narrative, as they see no conflict between the Millennium and the presence of nations. The release of Satan in the final stages of the Millennium serves a distinctive purpose, allowing for a final judgment and the ultimate preparation of the Earth for the absence of sin. This understanding provides a coherent framework for interpreting the end-times prophecy, conciliating the roles of the 144,000 kings and priests and their indispensable functions in post-Millennial reign.

By exploring the biblical roles and functions of priests, along with Jehovah's Witnesses' perspectives on the Millennium, this article provides insight into the importance of these roles in the final phases of Christ's reign.