The Millennial Reign – The Revelation – The Millennium of Jesus

Understanding the Thousand-Year Reign in Revelation 20

In a recent teaching at Founded in Truth Fellowship in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the topic of the millennial reign of Christ as described in Revelation chapter 20 was explored. The speaker, Matthew Vander Els, guided the congregation through the complexities and different interpretations surrounding this significant passage in John’s apocalypse. The teaching emphasized that Revelation is not merely a prophecy of future events but a revelation of Jesus Christ, Yeshua the Messiah, exposing the deceptive power of the devil and affirming Christ’s ongoing and ultimate kingship.

The discussion centered on Revelation 20, which describes an angel binding the devil for a thousand years, followed by a reign of witnesses with Christ for that period, the devil’s release, a final battle, and ultimately, judgment. Vander Els highlighted the varying ways believers have understood this thousand-year period throughout history. He explained that depending on one’s denominational background, the interpretation of this reign could be literal or allegorical.

Three Major Interpretations of the Millennium

Vander Els presented three primary viewpoints on the millennial reign that have developed over the past 2,000 years:

• Premillennialism: This view generally takes the thousand-year reign as a literal period that will occur after Christ’s return (pre-millennial). According to this interpretation, Christ will come back, defeat Satan, bind him, and then establish a thousand-year earthly reign. After this period, Satan will be released for a final rebellion, followed by final judgment and the new creation. Premillennialism often carries a more pessimistic outlook on the present world, anticipating a worsening state of affairs until Christ’s intervention.
• Postmillennialism: This perspective understands the thousand-year reign as a period, possibly literal or symbolic, during which Christ reigns on earth, but after (post-millennial) a time of increasing gospel influence and societal improvement. Postmillennialists are generally optimistic about the world and believe that through the spread of the gospel, the world will gradually become more Christ-like, leading to a golden age that may or may not be a literal thousand years, after which Christ will return. This view emphasizes the church’s role in bringing about this transformation through mission and social justice.
• Amillennialism: Meaning “no millennium” literally, this view does not see a future literal thousand-year earthly reign of Christ. Instead, amillennialists believe that the millennium is symbolic and represents the current period between Christ’s first and second comings. They understand Satan to be currently bound in the sense that he is no longer able to deceive the nations to prevent the spread of the gospel as he once did. Christ’s reign is seen as taking place now in heaven and through the church. The “first resurrection” in Revelation 20 is often interpreted as the spiritual resurrection of believers upon their death. Amillennialism anticipates a single future coming of Christ, a final resurrection of all people, judgment, and the new creation.

Symbolism in Revelation 20

Vander Els pointed out that Revelation is a work of apocalyptic literature, a genre known for its symbolic language. He questioned whether the number “thousand” itself should be taken literally, noting its frequent symbolic use in the Bible to represent a large or complete number. Examples such as God’s covenant love extending to a thousand generations (Deuteronomy 7) and the cattle on a thousand hills belonging to the Lord (Psalm 50) illustrate this symbolic usage.

He also drew attention to the specific group of martyrs mentioned in Revelation 20 who are beheaded. Vander Els suggested that this detail might be symbolic of complete allegiance to Christ’s kingdom, contrasting with loyalty to earthly empires. Beheading was a form of execution reserved for Roman citizens, potentially signifying a turning away from worldly power structures and a dedication to a higher authority.

The Heavenly Reign and Present Reality

The teaching highlighted a connection between Revelation 20 and Daniel chapter 7, where thrones are set in place. In Daniel’s vision, the Son of Man receives a kingdom, and this is linked to the holy people of the Most High also receiving the kingdom. This suggests an overlap where Christ’s reign is intertwined with the reign of his people.

Vander Els emphasized that Christ is reigning as King right now. He cited Matthew 28:18, where Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, and 1 Corinthians 15:25, which states that Christ must reign until all enemies are put under his feet. He also referenced Ephesians 2:5-6, which speaks of believers being made alive with Christ and seated with him in the heavenly realms. This perspective suggests that the reign described in Revelation 20 might not be a future earthly event but a present heavenly reality in which believers participate as faithful witnesses.

Application for Everyday Life

The core message of the teaching was about unity in Christ and focusing on the victory of the Lamb rather than becoming divided over interpretations of apocalyptic texts. Regardless of one’s view on the millennium, believers are called to bear witness to Christ through patience and endurance. Here are some applications for everyday life:

• Prioritize unity over doctrinal division on non-core issues: Recognize that different interpretations of Revelation 20 exist among sincere believers who all submit to Christ’s Lordship. Avoid allowing these differing views to cause division within the body of Christ.
• Embrace the present reign of Christ: Understand that Jesus is currently King, holding all authority in heaven and on earth. Live as ambassadors and representatives of his kingdom in the present moment.
• Actively participate in God’s kingdom now: Whether you believe in a future earthly millennium or a present spiritual reign, be actively involved in spreading the gospel, working for justice, showing mercy, and loving others. Do not use eschatological views as an excuse for inaction.
• Maintain hope for the future: Regardless of the timing or nature of future events, hold onto the ultimate hope in Christ’s return, final judgment, and the establishment of the new creation.
• Study scripture with humility and openness: Approach complex biblical texts like Revelation with a willingness to consider different perspectives and recognize the limitations of human understanding. Utilize resources like commentaries to gain a broader understanding.
• Focus on the core of Christian faith: Remember that the central unifying truth is the victory of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, over sin and death. Let this truth be the foundation of our identity and our relationships with other believers.
• Respond to the world’s needs with action and prayer: In the face of suffering and injustice, respond practically with help and compassion, while also upholding the importance of prayer and hope in Christ’s ultimate justice.

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Books and Resources Mentioned

• NIV Application Commentary of Revelation by Craig Keener: NIV Application Commentary of Revelation by Craig Keener