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In Revelation 20 John describes a vision of a mighty angel coming down from heaven, chaining Satan, casting him into the abyss where he would be kept for a thousand years. He then saw the souls of Christian martyrs and "they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years: (Rev. 20:1-4). Across the 2,000 years of Christian history there have been three primary views about Christ's return and the thousand years of this passage.
Some things are clearly revealed in Scripture.
* Christ will return (John 14:3).
* At his coming all the dead with be raised and judged (John 5:28-29).. Those yet alive will be changed and together with the resurrected dead, they will be caught up (I Thess. 4:16-17) to stand before Christ as their judge (II Cor. 5:10).
* The material universe, the earth and the works therein will be burned up (II Pet. 3:10).
* No one but God knows the day and hour when this will occur (Matt. 24:36).
* Christ's church on earth is his kingdom (Matt. 16:18). Every saved person is translated into Christ's kingdom when he is baptized (Col. 1:13; John 3:5).
* Christ's throne is at the right hand of God in heaven (Acts 2:33). There he reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords (I Tim. 6:15).
Some argue that Christ will return and reign a thousand literal years over an earthly kingdom centered in Jerusalem. They insist that the Jews will return to Palestine and turn en-masse to Christ. Many other details are added to this basic foundation. This view is called " premillennialism." The word is defined thusly, " pre" means "before." " Millennium" speaks of "a thousand year period." " Ism" means "doctrine or belief." Hence premillennialism teaches that Christ will return before the thousand years, to reign on earth.
This theory is highly speculative and there are several differing varieties ot it. A few disciples held to premillennialism in the second and third centuries. But from Augustine (354-430 A.D.) onward it was generally rejected. It revived in the 18 th century and swept through Evangelical Protestantism in the 20 th century. This is promoted by the Scofield Reference Bible whose study notes promote a variety of premillennialism called dispensationalism. Also Hal Lindsey has played a major role in promoting this theory with books such as The Late Great Planet Earth. The " Left Behind" series of books and films by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye have helped to popularize this faulty view.
Some argued that under the influence of Christianity the world was getting better and better. They optimistically expected a thousand years of peace and prosperity that would be followed by Christ's return and the termination of this earthly realm. This view is known as " postmillennialism." The prefix " post" suggests that Christ will come after the millennium. This theory gained popularity in America and Europe in the 19 th century but was dashed by the great wars with their cruelty and carnage. It had been the preferred view of liberal Protestants but has now faded into obscurity.
Amillennialism asserts that the thousand year reign of Christ is a figurative description of the Christian age. It began with the ascension of Christ to the right hand of God (Acts 2:30-36). From there he reigns over his church on earth which is his kingdom (Matt. 16:18). Jesus made it plain to Pilate that his kingdom was "not of this world" (John 18:36). It is the kingdom of heaven, a spiritual kingdom without lands, armies or material riches (Luke 17:20-21). Amillennialists interpret the thousand years of Revelation 20 as a figurative description of Christ's reign over his church.
The Book of Revelation is replete with symbolism and figurative language. Jesus is depicted as a lamb (5:5-6). Rome is pictured has a harlot and as a cruel beast (17:1; 13:1-2). Satan is described as a serpent and a dragon (12:3,9). Congregations are likened to candlesticks (1:20). The numbers seven, ten, 666 and 1260 are used symbolically. It is reasonable therefore to see the thousand years as likewise symbolic. The central message of the Book of Revelation is that Christ and his church will triumph over every enemy and obstacle and He will be triumphant as will those who have faithfully served him.
Although premillennialism is now the most popular view among Protestants, amillennialism is solidly biblical. It avoids speculation. It easy harmonizes all the verses having to do with the Lord's return and the end of the world. It is the common belief of the Church of Chris, Conservative Presbyterians, Mennonites and Missouri Synod Lutherans.
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