Last Days & the Millennial Kingdom?

As a pastor and lover of theology, over the years I’ve intentionally avoided exploring the complex topic of eschatology, which is the study of end times. Other theological strands have long appealed to me, and I have attempted to tackle them with open arms and still do. Topics like God’s sovereignty, the extent and intent of the atonement of Christ, divine election, man’s free will, and predestination are all extremely appealing to me and have drawn my interest over the last few years. But on the topic of Eschatology, I have long been okay with parking my brain in a space someone else reserved for me – until now.

Many have contributed to the topic of Eschatology in recent days. One highly respected conservative Presbyterian scholar in particular is Dr. Bryan Chapell. His latest book, “Are We Living in the Last Days?” highlights a question many have wrestled with for a long time. That question aligns well with the disciples’ questions they were asking Jesus in their time (Matthew 24:3, Acts 1:6-7). The Bible speaks to this topic, and key people in the New Testament, like the apostles Paul, Peter, John, and Jesus Himself, have all contributed to the conversation, and in some cases extensively! (c.f. Matthew 24:3-44; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Revelation 19:17-22:20). I find that while some people are not concerned with questions like this, others are enamored with it almost to a fault. I am revealing my hand here; questions such as the one addressed by Bryan Chapell have only prompted a newfound passion for exploring eschatology in depth. The only thing I do not like about eschatology is that I have not thoroughly studied it for myself sooner!

I have been intrigued lately by gaining a better understanding of the numerous views on eschatological themes and positions. In particular, I am currently interested in the discussion on the Millennial Kingdom. I have opened a door I cannot close—my foot rests in the eschatological doorway.

For those who find the topic of eschatology overwhelming and have left discussions of “last days” to the theologians, I encourage you to stay with me as I will try my best to explain it in simpler terms. For starters, when I speak of the Millennial Kingdom, I am not referring to Han Solo’s legendary spaceship, the Millennium Falcon, which is well-known in the famous Star Wars movies. I will leave that topic for all the Wookiee fans out there; that’s not my interest here. On the contrary, I am referring to the time frame when Christ will reign on earth – known as the Millennial Kingdom – and His return itself as it relates to that kingdom. Because of the complexity of the topic, I hope to present it in a way that is helpful to all readers.

To better understand how I plan to address this topic, I am posting a four-part series explaining the millennial kingdom in simple terms to help others understand the various views surrounding each. Furthermore, I want to assure readers that all views presented below indeed believe Jesus will return at some point in the future as Jesus assured us of (See: Matthew 24:30-31; John 14:1-3). Along with this truth, all views also teach there is no need to set dates for when Jesus will return. This conversation is not about the exact date, time, or season of when Christ will return. That practice is not encouraged in Scripture, nor should it be a mark of Christianity. (See: Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2; 2 Peter 3:10)

That said, what I am addressing is spoken of in Scripture by the apostle John in the book of Revelation, and in that text, we are encouraged by the words, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3, CSB) Interestingly enough, it is also in that same book of prophecy where the only mention of a 1,000-year reign of Christ is explicitly stated in terms of a specific number in all of the Bible. (Revelation 20:3-7) That said, it is mentioned six times in that text alone. Even if it were mentioned only once in that text, it would be worth our attention, especially in light of what John stated in Chapter 1:3. He seems to begin his book by saying what is about to be shared is important enough to both read aloud, hear what is read aloud, and keep what is being read aloud. That statement is significant to the conversation.

Even if it were mentioned only once in that text, it would be worth our attention, especially in light of what John stated in Chapter 1:3.

At a minimum, the questions being answered in these articles are three-fold:

1. Does Jesus return to earth before or after His 1,000-year reign?
2. Is that reign a literal, spiritual, or symbolic 1,000 years?
3. How does the Bible present Jesus reigning in the present and the future?

These questions have many moving parts; depending on one’s perspective, various parts of each view will be used and highlighted more than others. This four-part series will bring the four most prominent views to the surface. Those views and their differences are: (Simplified here.)

1. Historical Premillennialism – Jesus will return before a literal 1,000-year reign.
2. Dispensational Premillennialism – Jesus will return before a literal 1,000-year reign.
3. Amillennialism – Jesus will return at the end of the present spiritual reign.
4. Postmillennialism – Jesus will return after a golden age of gospel advance, symbolizing a 1,000-year reign.

In the coming days, I will post an article for each represented position and hopefully provide a clear and accurate representation of those views. My goal is to accurately represent the views and objectively show the pros and cons of each position. The hard part will be doing just that since each position is not monolithic. Truly, each position is not without various opinions from those who hold to it. Until then, let me encourage you with these words: “We will always be with the Lord” upon Jesus’ return. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)