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When Christ directly rules on earth, and when Satan is truly bound on earth, then those who were living at the time of the return will have a serious change of behavior. It doesn't say that Christ is some will-o-the-wisp, limp-wristed effete. It says that He'll rule with a rod of iron. That change of situation will promote obedience to God.

Well, Matthew 13:40 says that at the end of this age, the age of the sowing of the seed and the sowing of the tares by Satan, that all things that offend will be cast into the furnace of fire.

So, I guess that according to you, this "paradise" will require a rod of Iron to make the people obedient to God because of their wickedness. Gosh, your "paradise" is sounding like the current world more and more every day, except that we are told that God will sit in the temple in Jerusalem.

Will God also use whips and thumb screws to ensure obedience during this age?

And if there is a Hitler or Stalin or Sadaam or Terminator alive during this time, will he pretend to obey until his master gets out of his bunker?

[Satan's Millennial mantra] I'll be back!

A few questions, Woody.

What does "rule with a rod of iron" mean to you?

Maybe you don't like the bible as a source, but here's what it means to me:

Psalm 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

Revelation 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.