Based on common online Bible dictionaries and theological resources (such as Holman, Blue Letter Bible, and The Gospel Coalition), the “Millennium” refers to the 1,000-year reign of Christ mentioned in Revelation 20:1-7. There are three primary, and one secondary, viewpoints regarding the nature and timing of this period.
1. Premillennialism (Historic & Dispensational)
Definition: Christ’s second coming occurs before the 1,000-year kingdom is established on earth.
Key Beliefs: The world will worsen until Christ returns, defeats the Antichrist, binds Satan, and reigns physically from Jerusalem.
Variations:
Historic: Views the church as inheriting the promises to Israel and generally places the rapture at the end of the tribulation.
Dispensational: Distinguishes between Israel and the church, typically holding that the rapture occurs before a 7-year tribulation.
2. Amillennialism (“No” Millennium)
Definition: The 1,000 years in Revelation 20 is symbolic, representing a long, indefinite period.
Key Beliefs: We are currently living in the “millennium,” where Christ reigns from heaven over the church and through the gospel. Satan is currently bound in the sense that he cannot prevent the spread of the gospel, though he is not completely powerless.
Outcome: The church age continues until Christ returns, brings a general resurrection, final judgment, and the new heaven/earth.
3. Postmillennialism
Definition: Christ’s second coming occurs after the millennium.
Key Beliefs: The world will gradually improve through the preaching of the gospel and the influence of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a long period of peace and righteousness (the Millennium).
Outcome: Christ returns after this era of triumph to judge the world and usher in the eternal state.
4. Seventh-day Adventist View
Definition: The Millennium is a 1,000-year period occurring after the Second Coming.
Key Beliefs: During this time, the saints are in heaven reigning with Christ and reviewing the judgment of the lost, while the earth is desolate and Satan is bound to it, with no humans present.
Common Points Among Views Despite differences in timing and interpretation, most evangelicals agree that Christ will return visibly, the dead will be resurrected, and God will create a new heaven and new earth.
Online Resources for Further Study:
Holman Bible Dictionary (StudyLight.org): Provides a comprehensive overview of the term.
Blue Letter Bible (FAQ section): Detailed charts on the four views.
The Gospel Coalition (Essay on the Millennium): In-depth theological analysis of the different positions.
Precept Austin: A detailed glossary and breakdown of millennial positions
Holman Bible Dictionary (StudyLight.org): Provides a comprehensive overview of the term.
Blue Letter Bible (FAQ section): Detailed charts on the four views.
The Gospel Coalition (Essay on the Millennium): In-depth theological analysis of the different positions.
Precept Austin: A detailed glossary and breakdown of millennial positions.
