Millennialism is the belief that Jesus Christ will return to earth and establish a kingdom that will last for 1,000 years. The term comes from the Latin word mille, meaning “thousand.” This belief is based on Revelation 20:1-6, which describes a 1,000 year period when Satan will be bound and saints will reign with Christ.
There are generally three main views on the millennium within Christianity:
Premillennialism
Premillennialism is the belief that Jesus will physically return to earth before (pre) the millennium starts. His return will usher in a period of great tribulation on earth. At the end of the tribulation, Jesus will defeat evil and Satan and establish his millennial kingdom on earth. This kingdom will be an age of peace and righteousness, with Jesus reigning on David’s throne in Jerusalem. Many premillennialists believe that Old Testament prophecies about Israel and the temple will be literally fulfilled during this time.
Key beliefs of premillennialism include:
- Jesus will return bodily to earth before the millennium
- His return will precede a time of great tribulation on earth
- After defeating evil, Jesus will reign from Jerusalem for 1,000 years
- God’s promises to Israel will be fulfilled literally during the millennium
- Satan will be bound and restricted during the 1,000 years
- Saints will be resurrected to rule and reign with Christ
Many evangelical Protestant Christians today hold a premillennial view. It was popularized in the 1800s by John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethren. Books like the Left Behind series have promoted premillennialism more recently.
Postmillennialism
Postmillennialism is the belief that Christ will return after (post) the millennium. According to this view, the 1,000 year period may not necessarily be a literal 1,000 years. During this time, the gospel will spread and Christian principles will be accepted throughout the world. Evil will not yet be totally eliminated, but will be reduced to a minimum as the kingdom is extended.
At the end of the millennium, a period of apostasy may occur, but Christ will return to end evil for good. Postmillennialists believe the millennium is not something Christ establishes on earth, but rather something that the church accomplishes through evangelism and discipleship.
Key beliefs of postmillennialism include:
- The 1,000 years may not be a literal 1,000 year period
- During this time, the gospel will prevail and righteousness will increase
- Jesus will return after the millennium is completed
- The triumph of the kingdom of God is accomplished by the church gradually expanding
- Evil will not be totally eliminated until Christ returns at the end
Postmillennialism was popular among some Protestant groups in the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries. Jonathan Edwards was a notable postmillennialist. It declined in popularity after the World Wars and rise of evil regimes like Nazi Germany.
Amillennialism
Amillennialism teaches that the millennium is symbolic and not a literal 1,000 year period. Amillennialists believe we are currently living during the millennium age which began with Christ’s resurrection and will end when he returns. During this age, Christ rules his kingdom spiritually in the hearts of believers, but he has not yet returned to establish a physical, worldwide reign.
When Christ returns, all people will face final judgment. There will be no intermediate kingdom or literal 1,000 year reign. The tribulation refers to troubles faced by the church throughout history, culminating in evil unrestrained for a time prior to Christ’s return.
Key beliefs of amillennialism include:
- No literal 1,000 year earthly kingdom is yet to come
- We are living in the symbolic millennium now, between Christ’s resurrection and return
- During this time Christ rules in the hearts of believers
- The 1,000 years are not a literal time period
- Tribulation refers to troubles faced by the church throughout history
- When Christ returns all people face judgment, with no earthly kingdom preceding it
Amillennialism has been the view of Reformed, Lutheran, and Catholic churches. It was the predominant view during the Medieval period. Modern proponents include B.B. Warfield, J. Gresham Machen, and R.C. Sproul.
Key Differences in Millennial Views
While there are various views on the specifics of the millennium, some key differences between the major positions include:
- Premillennialism – Christ returns before the millennium to establish his kingdom on earth
- Postmillennialism – Christ returns after the millennium at the end of an age of righteousness and peace
- Amillennialism – The millennium is symbolic and refers to Christ’s current spiritual reign, not a future literal reign
- Premillennialism – The millennium will see the literal fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about Israel
- Postmillennialism – The prophecies regarding Israel will be fulfilled spiritually by the church
- Amillennialism – Old Testament prophecies will not have a literal future fulfillment related to Israel
- Premillennialism – The return of Christ will be preceded by a time of great tribulation
- Postmillennialism – A period of great apostasy will occur before Christ’s return
- Amillennialism – There will be constant tribulation for the church until Christ returns
While sincere Christians hold these various positions, the most important thing is to trust the sovereignty of God and continue spreading the good news of salvation through Christ until he returns when all things will be set right.
Key Passages Related to the Millennium
Some key Bible passages related to the millennium and Christ’s kingdom include:
- Revelation 20:1-6 – Describes a 1,000 year period when Satan is bound and saints reign with Christ
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 – Discusses Christ reigning until He has put all enemies under His feet
- 2 Peter 3:3-13 – Says that the day of the Lord will come like a thief and the heavens and earth will be destroyed
- Matthew 24:29-31 – Talks about Christ’s return after the tribulation of those days
- Acts 1:6-7 – Jesus says it is not for His disciples to know the times or epochs the Father has set
- Revelation 20:11-15 – Mentions the great white throne judgment after Christ has reigned for 1,000 years
- Isaiah 2:2-4 – Describes the mountain of the Lord’s house established as chief among the mountains
- Revelation 5:9-10 – Refers to Christians from every tribe and tongue being a kingdom and priests to God
While these passages refer in some way to Christ’s kingdom, millennium, and return, there are various interpretations of these verses. But in the end, Christ calls us to watch and be ready at all times for His promised return.
The Hope of Jesus’ Return
Despite differences over the specific details of the millennium, all Christians can find hope in the promise that Jesus Christ will bodily return again. He will resurrect the dead and judge all men, destroying evil completely. No matter what view one takes, we look forward to the day when the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of God and Christ forever.
As 1 Corinthians 15:28 says, “When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.” Maranatha! “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).