Millennium....Literal or Figurative ?

What is the Millennial Kingdom, and should it be understood literally?

millennial kingdom, millennium


Question: "What is the Millennial Kingdom, and should it be understood literally?"

Answer: The Millennial Kingdom is the title given to the 1000-year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. Some seek to interpret the 1000 years in an allegorical manner. Some understand the 1000 years as merely a figurative way of saying “a long period of time.” This results in some not expecting a literal, physical reign of Jesus Christ on the earth. However, six times in Revelation 20:2-7, the Millennial Kingdom is specifically said to be 1000 years in length. If God wished to communicate “a long period of time,” He could have easily done so without explicitly and repeatedly mentioning an exact time frame.

The Bible tells us when Christ returns to earth He will establish Himself as King in Jerusalem, sitting on the throne of David (Luke 1:32-33). The unconditional covenants demand a literal, physical return of Christ to establish the kingdom. The Abrahamic Covenant promised Israel a land, a posterity and ruler, and a spiritual blessing (Genesis 12:1-3). The Palestinian Covenant promised Israel a restoration to the land and occupation of the land (Deuteronomy 30:1-10). The Davidic Covenant promised Israel forgiveness—the means whereby the nation could be blessed (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

At the second coming, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is re-gathered from the nations (Matthew 24:31), converted (Zechariah 12:10-14), and restored to the land under the rulership of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Bible speaks of the conditions during the Millennium as a perfect environment physically and spiritually. It will be a time of peace (Micah 4:2-4; Isaiah 32:17-18); joy (Isaiah 61:7,10); comfort (Isaiah 40:1-2); and no poverty (Amos 9:13-15) or sickness (Joel 2:28-29). The Bible also tells us that only believers will enter the Millennial Kingdom. Because of this, it will be a time of complete righteousness (Matthew 25:37; Psalm 24:3-4); obedience (Jeremiah 31:33); holiness (Isaiah 35:8); truth (Isaiah 65:16); and fullness of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28-29). Christ will rule as king (Isaiah 9:3-7; 11:1-10), with David as regent (Jeremiah 33:15,17,21; Amos 9:11). Nobles and governors will also rule (Isaiah 32:1; Matthew 19:28). Jerusalem will be the “political” center of the world (Zechariah 8:3).

Revelation 20:2-7 simply gives the precise time period of the Millennial Kingdom. Even without these Scriptures, there are countless others that point to a literal reign of the Messiah on the earth. The fulfillment of many of God’s covenants and promises rest on a literal, physical, future kingdom. There is no solid basis to deny a literal understanding of the Millennial Kingdom and its duration being 1000 years.

Recommended Resource: Thy Kingdom Come by J. Dwight Pentecost.
www.gotquestions.org/millennium.html