Stephen begins by stating that although this section of scripture is a parenthesis, it is very important. The overall point of this section is that Christ will reconcile all things to the fullness of God. This will be accomplished because God raised Christ to sit at his right hand and put all things under his feet. Christ's work of reconciliation began on the cross and continues through his church. This work will culminate in a series of judgments that will ultimately end with God being all in all.
Stephen outlines the chronological order of events. He begins by stating that the church will be raptured and taken to heaven. Then Michael and his angels will cast Satan and his angels to the earth where they will inflict great tribulation. Following the tribulation period Christ will return to earth at which time the Jews will finally recognize him as Messiah. After this, Christ will judge the sheep and goat nations. In the Millennial Kingdom, Christ will rule justly for 1,000 years with the overcomers. After the 1,000 years, Satan will be loosed and will lead a rebellion against Christ. Fire will come down from heaven and destroy the rebellion and Satan will be cast into the lake of fire. Death and Hades are then cast into the lake of fire, thus destroying death. Finally Christ, having subjected all things to himself, will then subject himself to the father that God may be all in all.
Christ is Working to Bring All Things in Subjection to God (1 Cor 15:24)
His work began on the cross
His work continues through the Church
His work will be completed through Judgment
The Church
Israel
The Nations
Chronological Order of Events
Rapture of the Church
War in Heaven
Tribulation
Second Coming of Christ
Judgment of the Nations
Millennial Kingdom
The Last Battle
Destruction of Death
God is All in All
The Lesson to be Learned: What a Great Christ We Have!
This message is also printed in booklet form under the title: The Life of Our Lord Jesus.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.