Dictionary of Bible Themes 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). Revelation 20:1-3Characteristics of the millennium Satan is bound See also Luke 8:31"the Abyss" is the subterranean place of confinement for Satan and evil spirits. pp Mt 8:29 Revelation 20:4-6pp Mk 5:7 Martyred believers are raised to reign with Jesus Christ See also Romans 8:17Those who have suffered for the gospel receive their promised reward. 2 Timothy 2:11-12Revelation 2:10 Revelation 20:7-10 See also Satan's release and final overthrow Ezekiel 38:1-4,15-16,18-22; 39:2-5Zechariah 14:2 Romans 16:20 Isaiah 2:2-4 The millennium will be a golden age on earth See also pp Mic 4:1-3 Isaiah 11:6-9; 51:4-5; 65:25The 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. Revelation 19:11-13The premillennial interpretation The premillennial order of events Revelation 20:2-3Jesus Christ's return. Premillennialists understand the events of Revelation chapter 19 to precede those of Revelation chapter 20 Revelation 20:4-6Satan bound for 1,000 years Revelation 20:7-10a "first resurrection" of believers to share Jesus Christ's reign over the earth Revelation 20:11-15Satan's release and final overthrow 1 Corinthians 15:22-25the general resurrection of all people to face God's judgment A first resurrection of believers See also 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17This passage allows the idea of a gap between the resurrection of believers and the eternal age. Zechariah 14:9See also God's future earthly reign Daniel 2:44Zephaniah 3:11 Zechariah 14:16-21 Matthew 19:28 Believers will reign with Jesus Christ See also Luke 22:29-30Premillennialists take this to refer to an earthly reign. 1 Corinthians 6:2Revelation 5:9-10 Daniel 12:2 Difficulties with premillennialism John 5:28-29Scriptures that depict a single resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked: Matthew 13:40-43,49-50; 25:31-32Jesus Christ's parables of the kingdom depict a single occasion of separation and judgment: Matthew 24:14The postmillennial interpretation The rapid spread of the gospel See also Matthew 13:31-33pp Mk 13:10 pp Mk 4:31-32 Psalms 22:27-28pp Lk 13:18-21 Isaiah 19:19-24A future turning to God Zechariah 2:11Matthew 24:9-12 Difficulties with postmillennialism The fortunes of the gospel and the church appear to be at a low ebb before Jesus Christ returns: 2 Timothy 3:1-5,12-13pp Lk 21:12-17 Matthew 28:18Acts 2:33-36; 7:55-56 Jesus Christ's reign is not postponed to some future era; it has begun already: John 12:31The amillennial interpretation See also Satan was defeated at Jesus Christ's first coming Matthew 12:29Luke 10:18-20 pp Mk 3:27 Colossians 2:14-15pp Lk 11:21-22 Luke 23:43Interpreting the "first resurrection" 2 Timothy 4:7-8As a reference to the soul entering heaven after death: Romans 6:5Ephesians 2:6 As spiritual resurrection to new life in Christ: Colossians 3:1Romans 8:19-21 Dangers of the amillennialist view Revelation 21:1The future hope of believers is not only a spiritual reality: 1 Peter 5:81 John 5:19 Though defeated, Satan should not be underestimated: Revelation 12:17See also 2375 kingdom of God2375 kingdom of God 2565 Christ, second coming 4121 Satan, enemy of God 8451 mortification 8796 persecution, forms of 9105 last things 9120 eternity 9150 Messianic banquet 9310 resurrection 9410 heaven |
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