Revelation 20 (Part One - Millennial Positions)

The defining feature of Revelation 20 is the “thousand years,” mentioned six times in the chapter. Theologians have labeled this thousand year period as the “Millennium” (mille = 1000; anne = year).

According to Revelation 20, Satan is bound at the beginning of the Millennium. Christ reigns for the “thousand years.” Near the end of this Millennium, Satan is released and leads one last rebellion before he is defeated. The final resurrection and the final judgment take place after the Millennium.

Historically, the church has had difficulty assimilating the Millennium as described in Revelation 20 with what the rest of Scripture says about eschatology. Three main positions have been forged.

Premillennialism
Some believe that the Millennium of Revelation 20 is entirely future. Jesus Christ will return (Revelation 19) to reign upon the earth for a long period of time (perhaps exactly 1000 years). During the Millennium, the earth will be peaceful (Isaiah 11, 65, etc.) and believers will prosper. The Millennium is ended when Jesus crushes the final Satanic rebellion.

This view is known as “Premillennialism” because it holds that the second coming of Christ starts the Millennium. This is currently the majority position in American churches. Two popular proponents of Premillennialism are John MacArthur and John Piper.

Postmillennialism
Others believe that the Millennium of Revelation 20 encompasses the entire time between the first and second comings of Jesus. During the Millennium, Jesus rules from heaven, and he builds his kingdom through the church as she fulfills the Great Commission. Eventually, the earth will be peaceful (Isaiah 11, 65, etc.). The Millennium ends when Jesus returns to the earth in his second coming.

This view is known as “Postmillennialism” because it holds that Christ will return at the conclusion of the Millennium. Postmillennialism was the dominant position during the Puritan era. Two popular proponents of Postmillennialism are R.C. Sproul and Keith Mathison.

Comparing Premillennialism and Postmillennialism
Notice that both Premillennialists and Postmillennialists believe that the Millennium will be a time of peace on the earth, leading to the fulfillment of passages like Isaiah 11, 65, etc. Thus, they agree on the character of the Millennium.

The difference is in the timing. Premills believe that Christ’s second coming happens at the beginning of the Millennium. Postmills believe that Christ’s second coming happens at the end of the Millennium.

Amillennialism
There is a third view of the Millennium, known as “Amillennialism” (a = not). Technically, Amillennialism means “no Millennium.” However, this is not exactly what is meant.

Amillennialists disagree with both Premills and Postmills on the character of the Millennium. Amills hold that the Millennium is not a time of idyllic conditions upon the earth.

During the Millennium, Christ reigns in heaven, but the church on earth is locked in a perpetual struggle against evil. This struggle between the church and the world continues throughout the “Millennium.” Neither side prevails until Jesus’ second coming at the end of the Millennium.

Thus, Amillennialists agree with Postmills on the timing of the Millennium. They both believe that the Millennium encompasses the entire time between the first and second comings of Christ. However, they disagree on the character of the Millennium.

Amillennialism is currently the majority position in Reformed churches. Two popular proponents of Amillennialism are Michael Horton and Kim Riddlebarger.

Comparing Millennial Positions

Millennial Position	Timing	Character
Premillennialism	Starts at 2nd Coming	Peace on Earth (immediate)
Postmillennialism	Starts at 1st Coming Ends at 2nd Coming	Peace on Earth (gradual)
Amillennialism	Starts at 1st Coming Ends at 2nd Coming	Struggle on Earth (perpetual)