Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 9000 Last things » 9100 Aspects of the last things » 9155 millennium The period of 1,000 years referred to in Revelation chapter 20, during which Satan is bound and believers reign with Jesus Christ. This millennium is understood in different ways: as a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity for the church and the gospel at the end of this age, after which Christ will return (postmillennialism); as the time following Christ's return when he will reign on earth (premillennialism); as a symbolic reference to the period between Christ's first and second comings (amillennialism). Characteristics of the millennium Satan is bound Revelation 20:1-3 “the Abyss” is the subterranean place of confinement for Satan and evil spirits. See also Luke 8:31 pp Matthew 8:29 pp Mark 5:7 Martyred believers are raised to reign with Jesus Christ Revelation 20:4-6 Those who have suffered for the gospel receive their promised reward. See also Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:11-12; Revelation 2:10 Satan's release and final overthrow Revelation 20:7-10 See also Ezekiel 38:1-4,15-16,18-22; Ezekiel 39:2-5; Zechariah 14:2; Romans 16:20 The millennium will be a golden age on earth Isaiah 2:2-4 pp Micah 4:1-3 The OT looks forward to a period of universal peace and prosperity on earth. Both pre- and postmillennialists see this as a reference to Jesus Christ's future earthly reign. See also Isaiah 11:6-9; Isaiah 51:4-5; Isaiah 65:25 The premillennial interpretation The premillennial order of events Revelation 19:11-13 Jesus Christ's return. Premillennialists understand the events of Revelation chapter 19 to precede those of Revelation chapter 20; Revelation 20:2-3 Satan bound for 1,000 years; Revelation 20:4-6 a “first resurrection” of believers to share Jesus Christ's reign over the earth; Revelation 20:7-10 Satan's release and final overthrow; Revelation 20:11-15 the general resurrection of all people to face God's judgment A first resurrection of believers 1 Corinthians 15:22-25 This passage allows the idea of a gap between the resurrection of believers and the eternal age. See also 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 God's future earthly reign Zechariah 14:9 See also Daniel 2:44; Zephaniah 3:11; Zechariah 14:16-21 Believers will reign with Jesus Christ Matthew 19:28 Premillennialists take this to refer to an earthly reign. See also Luke 22:29-30; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Revelation 5:9-10 Difficulties with premillennialism Scriptures that depict a single resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked: Jesus Christ's parables of the kingdom depict a single occasion of separation and judgment: Matthew 13:40-43,49-50; Matthew 25:31-32 The postmillennial interpretation The rapid spread of the gospel Matthew 24:14 pp Mark 13:10 See also Matthew 13:31-33 pp Mark 4:31-32 pp Luke 13:18-21 A future turning to God Psalm 22:27-28; Isaiah 19:19-24; Zechariah 2:11 Difficulties with postmillennialism The fortunes of the gospel and the church appear to be at a low ebb before Jesus Christ returns: Matthew 24:9-12 pp Luke 21:12-17; 2 Timothy 3:1-5,12-13 Jesus Christ's reign is not postponed to some future era; it has begun already: Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:33-36; Acts 7:55-56 The amillennial interpretation Satan was defeated at Jesus Christ's first coming John 12:31 See also Matthew 12:29 pp Mark 3:27 pp Luke 11:21-22; Luke 10:18-20; Colossians 2:14-15 Interpreting the “first resurrection” As a reference to the soul entering heaven after death: As spiritual resurrection to new life in Christ: Romans 6:5; Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 3:1 Dangers of the amillennialist view The future hope of believers is not only a spiritual reality: Romans 8:19-21; Revelation 21:1 Though defeated, Satan should not be underestimated: 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:17 See also
2372 Christ, victory |
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