THE MILLENNIUM OF THE REIGN OF JESUS
The biblical doctrine
of Millennialism has been vastly discussed through the centuries since the
concept was introduced to Christianity through the book of Revelation 20:1-10.
Many reputable
fathers and later theologians have held different interpretations of this
millennial reign of Jesus, as the passage calls it (Rv 20:4), some considering
it literal (Ireneaus, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Papias)(1); while others took it
on a symbolic level (2).
Today there are four
main theories of how this Millennium is understood by Christians from all
denominations around the world:
1 –
Dispensational Pre-Millennialism
Considers that Jesus
will return to rapture his Church (Dead and living) prior to the period of the
Great Tribulation and will return with his saints to rule for 1000 years over
the nations on Earth, before the Great Judgement. They have a literal view on
eschatology, and it is primarily held among American modern evangelicals and Pentecostals
around the world.
2 – Post-Millennialism
Considers that the rule
of Jesus will come for an undefined period (symbolic 1000 years) when gradually
Christianity grows in the world until most of the world achieves conversion and
a golden era is established on Earth, before the Great Judgement. They have a preterist
view regarding the last days and the Antichrist as a thing of the past. They
are held by moderate evangelicals, some Lutherans, Anglicans, and Presbyterians.
3 –
Amillennialism
It has a symbolic
view of the event and disregards details of Revelation 20. It has a preterist
view of eschatology and the Antichrist and believes the 1000 reign of Jesus as a
symbolic reference to the rule of the Christian Church on Earth since Pentecost
until the Second Coming.
It is held by
Catholics, Orthodox, Coptic, and some Anglicans, Lutherans, and Presbyterians,
and also by conservative evangelical groups as well as the Watchtower Society
and Seven Day Adventists.
4 – Historic Pre-Millennialism
There is finally the position of the Historic Pre-Millennialist
doctrine.
It expects the return
of Jesus at the end of the Great Tribulation, and after the glorification of
the dead and living Christians (First resurrection and rapture together, simultaneous
with the Parousia) (1Th 4:15-17; 1Co 15:51-53), Jesus will proceed to reign on
Earth with the redeemed for a 1000 years or an undetermined period of time.
It takes the
reference to the beheaded for Jesus and other martyrs of the Great Tribulation
(Rv 20:4) as part of the resurrected and not as the only resurrected, who will
share together with all other Christians who will then glorified, in governing
the nations of the Earth which had not participated in the Antichrist’s battle
against Jesus at Armageddon (Rv 20:4 καὶ - ‘and’ as an addition to a total
lot)(See also Dn 7:27; Mt 25:31-32; 1Co 6:1-3; 1Th 4:16; 2Th 1:7; 2Ti 2:12; He
9:28; Jd 1:14; Rv 5:10).
After an undetermined
period of time, Satan will be let lose again, and will provoke the last battle
against Jesus and his saints alongside the discontent not-glorified humans who
remained on Earth, who will be defeated and then the Great Judgement will come
(Rv 20:7-11).
This doctrine is held
by many evangelicals, small number of Anglicans, Presbyterians, and the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
LAST WORD
Each theory contains minor
variations not included in this post.
The 1000 Reign of
Jesus is not a matter of salvation, and regardless of the opinion Christians
may have about it, we all must live in constant faithfulness to God in Jesus,
in expectation of his glorious return.
Omar Flores.
(1)
Papias,
Fragments, Ch6.
Irenaeus, Against Heresies,
5:33:3-4.
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with
Trypho, Ch. 80-81.
(2)
Origen,
On the First Principles 2:11; Against Celsius 2:5.
Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical
History 3:28; 7:24-25.
Ephrem the Syrian, On Repentance,
96.
Theodoret of Cyrus, Exposition of Divine Dogmas, 21.
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