MILLENIAL REIGN PRESENTED BY JONATHAN ESTERMAN MAY 2011
Copyright 2012, Jonathan Esterman. All rights reserved. No portion of this article may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other - except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Published by Scripted Genius. Visit us online at scriptedgenius.com.
Introduction! 4 Millennial Viewpoints! 4 Premillennialism! 5 Amillennialism! 5 Postmillennialism! 6 The Millennial Scripture! 7 Satan Bound! 7 Reigning with Christ! 9 What about Israel?! 10 Conclusion! 11 Bibliography! 13
Introduction Revelation - considered one of the most fascinating prophetic works in the Christian church today, this book gives readers a forecast end times events on earth. Main beliefs include a rapture of the Christian church, seven years of Tribulation, and the millennial reign of Christ on earth, followed by a final judgement and rebuilding of civilization. This millennial reign, found in Revelation 20, comes with many views attached, each with support and weaknesses, that lead one to an eschatological theology viewpoint about G-d. What is the nature of the millennium? When does it occur in relation to the Second Coming of Christ? How long is it? Who are participants? How does Israel and the church fit into the heavenly kingdom concept? Within the millennial reign, there are three major viewpoints which could affect one s lens of theology: premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. We will first review the Scripture at hand (Revelation 20:1-6), these millennial viewpoints (strengths and weaknesses), and any miscellaneous considerations within our portion of Scripture, to prove that the most accurate and only true method of interpretation of Revelation 20 must be made through the premillennialist viewpoint, concurring with Hebraic and early Christian Church tradition. Millennial Viewpoints Within the millennial reign, there are three main branches of interpretation: premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. Each has a significant following, with evidences, as well as issues to address.
Premillennialism Premillennialism concerns itself with a literal interpretation of Revelation. There is the church age, then the Tribulation, and at the end of the Tribulation, the Second Coming. At this time, the First Resurrection occurs, with a millennial reign, Great White Throne judgement, and finalizing with eternity (of destiny with or without G-d). Early church tradition shows a viewpoint of premillennialism, of which modern Christian doctrine depends heavily on founding father faith. There was a belief that Christ would return as King at the Second Coming, and at that time, those considered righteous will be raised from the dead prior to start of the millennium, and participate with its heavenly reign. When philosophical viewpoints took precedent (Hellenism), this viewpoint fell by the wayside, only to return after the Reformation. This dominant viewpoint is the most literal interpretation of the Bible, with no Scriptural contradictions, but taking the words at face value. 1 Amillennialism Amillennialism teaches a lack of belief in literal interpretation of Scripture in Revelation. There is much spiritualization, with allegorical belief of the prophecies concerning the millennium. Any not-yet-fulfilled prophecies regarding Israel are instead attributed to the Christian church. They believe that Satan was bound when Christ appeared 2,000 years ago. There is also argument within this category as to whether the millennium is fulfilled by the saints in heaven, or spiritually by those currently on earth. Today s current trail of events is the best it will be, and after the Second Coming, we will experience not a 1 The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2004), s.v. "Millennial Views."
kingdom, but our eternal state. A timeline for this belief shows the First Resurrection occurring at the time of conversion. Adherents do not believe in a simple version of Revelation, nor a literal interpretation. 2 Dangerous beliefs with this false theological viewpoint include separating Israel from her unfulfilled prophecies and promises (see Romans 9) and that there will be no 1,000 year reign (millennium) of Christ. 3 Postmillennialism The final main lens that believers view through is postmillennialism. This viewpoint suggests that the First Resurrection is spiritual at conversion. The millennium is aligned with the church age, continuing until the Second Coming, when judgement and Second Resurrection both occur, with eternity following. This is the most recent viewpoint to come into existence, and was mostly unfollowed by the middle of the twentieth century. This view suggests that our world condition will continue to improve until the entire world is Christianized, which will usher in the return of Christ to a kingdom of peace. History has proven this viewpoint to be utterly false with the World Wars, Great Depression, and continued growth of moral evil in the world. 4 Another main concern with this false viewpoint is the utter failure of recognition of Israel in G-d s plan of salvation. 5 2 Ibid., 233-234. 3 Hal Lindsey, Apocalypse Code (Palos Verdes: Western Front Ltd., 1997), 262. 4 LaHaye, 233-234. 5 Lindsey, 263.
The Millennial Scripture Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years. He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the 1,000 years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time. Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. [I] also [saw] the people who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of God's word, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and who had not accepted the mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with the Messiah for 1,000 years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the 1,000 years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of the Messiah, and they will reign with Him for 1,000 years. Revelation 20:1-6 6 So after a clear determination that premillennialism is our correct approach to interpretation of Revelation as a whole, what do these verses mean? Let s examine them, at each point, comparing major theological positions by leading theologians of our time. Satan Bound Chapter 20 opens with the binding Satan. This bit is crucial evidence to further the statement that the only proper theological lens to interpret Revelation with is premillennialism. Satan s current activity on earth includes: (i) being god of this world, (ii) blinding the unbelievers, (iii) being the prince of power over air, (iv) appearing as an angel of light, and (v) consuming and prowling like a roaring lion. The binding of Satan suggests that such activities would not occur, of which we can plainly see in current events, and thus this must be a future event. 7 6 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the Holman Christian Standard Version. 7 Edward Hindson, The Book of Revelation: Unlocking the Future, ed. Mal Couch and Ed Hindson, Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2002), 201-202.
F.F. Bruce points out that all the other powers of evil have already been destroyed, par Satan. So, as Scripture tells, an angel from heaven (not a fallen one), chains Satan and locks him in the abyss for a thousand years. 8 The abyss is similar with the abyss addressed in the pseudoepigraphical book of Enoch, which tells the tale of Satan s first fall. It also aligns, and clearly indicates, that the time of Satan s imprisonment is concurrent with the thousand years of Christ s reign with the risen martyrs. 9 John MacArthur takes a slightly different viewpoint, but same conclusion, as Bruce. He indicates that it is a bottomless pit, in which is simply a holding place, pending punishment. Verse two (laid hold) indicates that it is not just Satan, but all of the demons included, that are imprisoned. Their lack of influence on the world will permit a temporary earth-meets-heaven kingdom (completion of the Lord s Prayer), in which all immoral human thought is suggested to be removed. 10 In the end, however, both Bruce and MacArthur align with evil being contained, and a heavenly reign progressing. The chain is an important part of understanding. The abyss, as featured in Enoch, references Satan s first influence on man, as well as a holding place for those angels until End Times. Now, the abyss is used to hold Satan himself, and the chain indicates that he is held there and unable to break the chain for the time allotted. This is the same abyss in which the beast had emerged previously in Revelation. 11 At the end of the millennium, Satan is released for a short period to allow G-d to permanently end sin. 8 F. F. Bruce, ed. New International Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979), 1624. 9 Ibid. 10 John MacArthur, The Macarthur Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 2034. 11 Christopher C. Rowland, "The Book of Revelation," in The New Interpreter's Bible(Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), 707.
MacArthur indicates that everyone who survives the Tribulation and enter this millennial kingdom will be believers. They will still mate and have offspring, and regardless of Christ s physical presence of rule, some descendants will reject Y shua as their King. It is with this group that Satan will gather forces for one final coup, which will fail, and lead to the Great White Throne Judgement, finalizing the eternal state of everyone. 12 Reigning with Christ To summarize what we understand thus far, the millennium is a 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth, with no influence by Satan. This occurs after Christ returns in the Second Coming. According to Hindson, aligning with MacArthur s previously-expressed viewpoint, those that reign with Christ are Tribulation Saints, that is those that survived the Tribulation, as well as those that died on behalf of Christ during the Tribulation. 13 Scripture clearly indicates this, that all those who did not accept the Mark and were beheaded will reign with Christ (vv. 4). They are the only ones that are alive for this reign (vv. 5). MacArthur indicates a different viewpoint, that there are two categories: those that were executed for refusal to bear the Mark, and any OT and NT era individuals that accepted Christ as Messiah. Both of these people groups will reign with Christ. 14 It is of note, however, that Bruce does not agree with MacArthur in this regard, and finds only those 12 MacArthur, 2034. 13 Hindson, 203. 14 MacArthur, 2035.
who were beheaded to reign with Christ over the remaining survivors. Any other individuals that died did not participate with this resurrection. 15 In regards to there being two noted resurrections in Revelation, it is logical that not all believers were resurrected the first round, especially given consideration of vv. 6, which indicates a special blessing for those that reign during this time frame, as G-d s priests. However, the notation of the second death having no power is of importance as well. It is crucial to note that Hindson s and MacArthur s approach that indicates offspring not following Christ during the millennium can also reflect the separation of those at risk, and those not at risk. Other popular theological opinions indicate that perhaps those who were beheaded as Tribulation saints will reign with Christ, while all other righteous peoples will be resurrected to live in the millennium with any survivors. 16 That said, there seems to be no clear cut understanding of John s Greek syntax in this section of Scripture, and it is mainly open to interpretation. What about Israel? While none of the theologians directly expressed this viewpoint, my personal opinion is that G-d is about completion. We see an Eden (perfection) state in the beginning, and the end. The Fall occurs, with a resolution for the Fall. To me, G-d brings things about full circle. With Israel s formation, G-d was King, then there were other kings. Israel fell apart. Now Israel is rebuilding, with a parliamentary king system in place. It is only logical to me that this millennial reign will feature G-d as King once again, reigning over 15 Bruce, ed., 1624. 16 Rowland, 707.
Israel. When the final battle occurs, reversing the curse of the Fall, we will once again be in unity and harmony with G-d, living with G-d, in a new earth scenario. I have no final conclusion as to who will serve in the millennial reign, as Scripture only lends insight to who will reign with Christ. However, even in the Tribulation, many converted Jews will be Tribulation saints, which will complete the Jew-Gentile unification for the family of G-d. Conclusion G-d designed His Word in such a fashion to call us to Him - not just in a Gospel sense. Scripture clearly outlines what He s done for us, who He is, etc. Yet there is so much more that is so impossibly complex that we cannot understand without the guidance of the Holy Spirit - which is what G-d intended. He wants us to seek Him. So, in reading Revelation, we must seek G-d and see what He means by much of the confusing imagery and syntax of that time. At the same time, however, there are some things we will not understand or comprehend until that time - part of His Greatness. As such, while we cannot understand everything about Revelation, we can know some things for certain. In regards to the millennial kingdom, we can know, without doubt, that the only Scripturally-correct lens is that of premillennialism, taking Scripture at literal understanding. We can know that Satan will be bound, the Tribulation Saints will reign with Christ over those unnamed, and Satan will be loosed to tempt once again, and allow G-d to complete His judgement. We can know these things, that are expressed in Revelation 20:1-6, without doubt. Beyond that, we have only contemplation, prayer, and mystery. But we know that our delivery is coming, and things will only get better after
they get worse. But Christ is our hope - as we are part of the family of G-d, He will watch after us. As part of completion, we must return to the beginning. Revelation - considered one of the most fascinating prophetic works in the Christian church today, this book gives readers a forecast end times events on earth. Main beliefs include a rapture of the Christian church, seven years of Tribulation, and the millennial reign of Christ on earth, followed by a final judgement and rebuilding of civilization. This millennial reign, found in Revelation 20, comes with many views attached, each with support and weaknesses, that lead one to an eschatological theology viewpoint about G-d. What is the nature of the millennium? When does it occur in relation to the Second Coming of Christ? How long is it? Who are participants? How does Israel and the church fit into the heavenly kingdom concept? These questions have been answered, and G-d wants us to seek these answers, and more, every day in His Word. Amen.
Bibliography Bruce, F. F., ed. New International Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979. Hindson, Edward. The Book of Revelation: Unlocking the Future Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series, Edited by Mal Couch and Ed Hindson. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2002. LaHaye, Tim, The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy. Eugene:Harvest House Publishers, 2004. Lindsey, Hal. Apocalypse Code. Palos Verdes: Western Front Ltd., 1997. MacArthur, John. The Macarthur Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005. Rowland, Christopher C. "The Book of Revelation." In The New Interpreter's Bible, XII. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998.