Thesis 20/36: The Millennium

DOCTRINES OF ESCHATOLOGY
Doctrine 20 / 36: The Millennium

The Millennium refers to a 1,000 year period of time, in which Christ reigns upon the earth and Satan is bound in the bottomless pit. There are different presentations of this millennium in different theological circles, but the literal interpretation of the passage leads to a literal 1,000 year period that follows the return of Christ to the earth. Revelation 20 is where the length of time of this reign is specifically numbered at 1,000 years.

The Amillennial interpretation teaches that there is no physical reign of Christ on the earth. The reign referred to in Revelation 20 was simply a spiritual reign over His church. Augustine taught this position, and it was adhered to by most of the Reformers and subsequent Protestant denominations. Augustine believed in a literal 1,000 year period, however, it would only have been able to last until, at the latest, 1000 AD. After that year past, the 1,000 years had to be taken figuratively to mean a long period of time.

The Postmillennial interpretation teaches that Christ will return after this world is brought to righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit, by the Gospel, using His church as the instruments. Society will change and become a righteous place to live. Then, will Christ return to the earth. The 1,000 year period is again assumed to be figurative of simply a long period of time, and it is not to be taken literally. Many of the Puritans held to this type of interpretation.

The Premillennial interpretation is that Jesus returns before the literal 1,000 years, and reigns on earth. The Premillennial interpretation is the only one that takes the passage in Revelation 20 to refer to a literal, physical reign of Christ on earth. Some of the problems with taking the "long period of time" during the present age is that it is apparent that Satan is alive and well on the earth. In Revelation 20:3, the angel takes Satan and "cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled." However, Paul teaches that Satan is the god of this world. The other problem with the two alternative views is that six times in this passage, is the length of 1,000 years given. A literal interpretation does not allow for a figurative "long length of time."

The time of the Millennium will be a time of peace such as was in the Garden of Eden. Isaiah 11:6-8 speaks of the wolf dwelling with the lamb, and a child playing with an asp and cockatrice. The Millennium will be a time when wild animals are tamed and present no danger. It is a time of reigning for the saints of God (Daniel 7:27; Revelation 20:4). It is a time when righteousness will reign supreme throughout all the earth with Jesus Christ sitting on the everlasting throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7). The nations are given as an inheritance to Jesus Christ, and He will rule with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:8-9).

"And all dominions shall serve and obey him."