1. Church Age Saints – The Bride of Christ
Timeframe: From Pentecost (Acts 2) to the Rapture
Key Identity: The Body and Bride of Christ
Key Scriptures:
•Ephesians 5:25–27 – “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…”
•1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Rapture of the Church
•Revelation 19:7–9 – Marriage of the Lamb
•2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”
Role in the Kingdom:
Raptured before the Tribulation
Married to Christ (Revelation 19:7)
Returns with Christ (Revelation 19:14)
Rules and reigns with Him during the Millennium (Revelation 20:6; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3)
Seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)
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2. Old Testament Saints
Timeframe: From Abel to just before Pentecost
Key Identity: Believers in the coming Messiah
Key Scriptures:
•Daniel 12:2 – “Many of those who sleep in the dust… shall awake…”
•Hebrews 11:13, 39–40 – They died in faith, not having received the promise
•Matthew 8:11 – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom
Role in the Kingdom:
Resurrected after the Tribulation (Daniel 12:2)
Enter the Millennial Kingdom in glorified bodies
Honored in the Kingdom (Matthew 8:11)
May serve in administrative roles under Christ’s reign (Luke 13:28–29)
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3. Tribulation Saints
Timeframe: Saved during the 7-year Tribulation
Key Identity: Believers who accept Christ after the Rapture
Key Scriptures:
•Revelation 6:9–11 – Souls under the altar
•Revelation 7:13–17 – Great multitude from every nation
•Revelation 20:4 – Those beheaded for not worshiping the beast
Role in the Kingdom:
Martyred saints are resurrected (Revelation 20:4)
Rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 20:6)
Join the first resurrection (Rev 20:5–6)
Serve Christ, likely in a priestly capacity
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Who Rules and Reigns with Christ?
“They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”
— Revelation 20:6
All glorified saints—Church Age, Tribulation, and likely Old Testament saints—rule and reign with Christ during the Millennial Kingdom. However, the Bride of Christ (Church) has the most intimate and exalted role, being uniquely united with Christ.