What is Amillennialism? By Michael J. Vlach, Ph.D.

[FireOnTheAltar]

Considering the content of many of the posts lately concerning eschatology, I've been doing a little research weighing the pros and cons of the Amimllenial view. While I can see why Anillenialists believe the way that they do, I see many inconsistancies with what is being presented here on Christian Chat as the Amillennial view and what appears to be the orthodox view.
​

​

What is Amillennialism?​

By Michael J. Vlach, Ph.D.​

Amillennialism is a theological view concerning the 1000-year reign of Jesus Christ that is mentioned in Revelation 20:1–6. In particular, Amillennialism is the perspective that there will not be a future literal 1000-year reign of Christ upon the earth. The inseparable Latin prefix a means “no” and the term “millennium” is Latin for “1000 years.” Thus, Amillennialism literally means “no 1000 years.”

It should be noted that the term Amillennialism is a reactionary title in that it denies the presence of a future literal 1000-year reign of Christ on earth that premillennialists affirm. However, Amillennialists do in fact believe in a millennium; what they reject, though, is the idea of a future literal 1000-year reign of Christ on earth after the second coming of Christ.

According to Amillennialism, the millennium of Revelation 20:1–6 is being fulfilled spiritually in the present age before the return of Jesus Christ. Thus, the millennium or kingdom of Christ is in existence now. Amillennialists affirm that the millennium began with the resurrection and/or ascension of Christ and will be consummated when Jesus returns again to establish the Eternal Kingdom that is discussed in Revelation 21–22.

For amillennialists, Satan is presently bound and Christians are now enjoying the benefits of the millennium. Some amillennialists claim that the millennium also involves the reigning of saints who are now in heaven. Amillennialists claim that the 1000-year period that is mentioned in Revelation 20:1–6 refers to a long indefinite period of time between the two comings of Christ and is not a literal 1000- year period that occurs after Jesus’ return. Because amillennialists believe Christ is currently reigning in the millennium, some, like Jay Adams, believe the title “Realized Millennialism” is a more appropriate title than “Amillennialism.”

In regard to the end times, Amillennialism affirms the following chronological scenario:

• Christ is now ruling in His kingdom while Satan is bound from deceiving the nations.
• Tribulation is experienced in the present age even though Christ is ruling.
• Jesus will return again to earth.
• After Jesus returns there will be a general bodily resurrection of all the righteous people and a general judgment of all unbelievers.
• The Eternal Kingdom will begin.

Amillennialism in History
Premillennialism, not Amillennialism, was the predominant view in the first 300 years of church history. However, the early church did evidence hints of what later would become Amillennialism. For example, Origen (185-254) popularized the allegorical approach to interpreting Scripture, and in doing so, laid a hermeneutical basis for the view that the promised kingdom of Christ was spiritual and not earthly in nature. Eusebius (270-340), an associate of the emperor Constantine, viewed Constantine’s reign as the Messianic banquet, and he held to anti-premillennial views. Tyconius, an African Donatist of the fourth century, was one of the earliest theologians to challenge Premillennialism. He rejected the eschatological and futuristic view of Revelation 20. Instead, he said that the millennium was being fulfilled in the present age and that the 1000 years mentioned was not a literal 1000 years. Tyconius also viewed the first resurrection of Revelation 20:4 as a spiritual resurrection which was the new birth.

Augustine (354-430), who is often referred to as the ‘Father of Amillennialism,’ popularized the views of Tyconius. Augustine abandoned Premillennialism because of what he considered to be the excesses and carnalities of this view. He also interpreted Mark 3:27 to be a present binding of Satan. Augustine was the first to identify the Catholic Church in its visible form with the kingdom of God. For him, the millennial rule of Christ was taking place in and through the church, including its sacraments and offices. His book, City of God, was significant in the promotion and acceptance of Amillennialism.

Augustine’s Amillennialism quickly became the accepted view of the church. It became so accepted that the Council of Ephesus (431) condemned the premillennial view as superstitious. Amillennialism soon became the prevailing doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church and was later adopted by most of the Protestant Reformers including Martin Luther and John Calvin (some Anabaptists held to Premillennialism).

While Premillennialism has experienced a great resurgence in the last 200 hundred years, Amillennialism is widely held by many Christian denominations. It is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church and is held by many Lutherans and those in the Reformed tradition.

Specific proponents of Amillennialism include B.B. Warfield, Oswald T. Allis, and more recently this view has been defended by Anthony A. Hoekema and Robert B. Strimple.

 

[schoolofyoungprophet]

Considering the content of many of the posts lately concerning eschatology, I've been doing a little research weighing the pros and cons of the Amimllenial view. While I can see why Anillenialists believe the way that they do, I see many inconsistancies with what is being presented here on Christian Chat as the Amillennial view and what appears to be the orthodox view.



What is Amillennialism?​

By Michael J. Vlach, Ph.D.​

Amillennialism is a theological view concerning the 1000-year reign of Jesus Christ that is mentioned in Revelation 20:1–6. In particular, Amillennialism is the perspective that there will not be a future literal 1000-year reign of Christ upon the earth. The inseparable Latin prefix a means “no” and the term “millennium” is Latin for “1000 years.” Thus, Amillennialism literally means “no 1000 years.”

It should be noted that the term Amillennialism is a reactionary title in that it denies the presence of a future literal 1000-year reign of Christ on earth that premillennialists affirm. However, Amillennialists do in fact believe in a millennium; what they reject, though, is the idea of a future literal 1000-year reign of Christ on earth after the second coming of Christ.

According to Amillennialism, the millennium of Revelation 20:1–6 is being fulfilled spiritually in the present age before the return of Jesus Christ. Thus, the millennium or kingdom of Christ is in existence now. Amillennialists affirm that the millennium began with the resurrection and/or ascension of Christ and will be consummated when Jesus returns again to establish the Eternal Kingdom that is discussed in Revelation 21–22.

For amillennialists, Satan is presently bound and Christians are now enjoying the benefits of the millennium. Some amillennialists claim that the millennium also involves the reigning of saints who are now in heaven. Amillennialists claim that the 1000-year period that is mentioned in Revelation 20:1–6 refers to a long indefinite period of time between the two comings of Christ and is not a literal 1000- year period that occurs after Jesus’ return. Because amillennialists believe Christ is currently reigning in the millennium, some, like Jay Adams, believe the title “Realized Millennialism” is a more appropriate title than “Amillennialism.”

In regard to the end times, Amillennialism affirms the following chronological scenario:

• Christ is now ruling in His kingdom while Satan is bound from deceiving the nations.
• Tribulation is experienced in the present age even though Christ is ruling.
• Jesus will return again to earth.
• After Jesus returns there will be a general bodily resurrection of all the righteous people and a general judgment of all unbelievers.
• The Eternal Kingdom will begin.

Amillennialism in History
Premillennialism, not Amillennialism, was the predominant view in the first 300 years of church history. However, the early church did evidence hints of what later would become Amillennialism. For example, Origen (185-254) popularized the allegorical approach to interpreting Scripture, and in doing so, laid a hermeneutical basis for the view that the promised kingdom of Christ was spiritual and not earthly in nature. Eusebius (270-340), an associate of the emperor Constantine, viewed Constantine’s reign as the Messianic banquet, and he held to anti-premillennial views. Tyconius, an African Donatist of the fourth century, was one of the earliest theologians to challenge Premillennialism. He rejected the eschatological and futuristic view of Revelation 20. Instead, he said that the millennium was being fulfilled in the present age and that the 1000 years mentioned was not a literal 1000 years. Tyconius also viewed the first resurrection of Revelation 20:4 as a spiritual resurrection which was the new birth.

Augustine (354-430), who is often referred to as the ‘Father of Amillennialism,’ popularized the views of Tyconius. Augustine abandoned Premillennialism because of what he considered to be the excesses and carnalities of this view. He also interpreted Mark 3:27 to be a present binding of Satan. Augustine was the first to identify the Catholic Church in its visible form with the kingdom of God. For him, the millennial rule of Christ was taking place in and through the church, including its sacraments and offices. His book, City of God, was significant in the promotion and acceptance of Amillennialism.

Augustine’s Amillennialism quickly became the accepted view of the church. It became so accepted that the Council of Ephesus (431) condemned the premillennial view as superstitious. Amillennialism soon became the prevailing doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church and was later adopted by most of the Protestant Reformers including Martin Luther and John Calvin (some Anabaptists held to Premillennialism).

While Premillennialism has experienced a great resurgence in the last 200 hundred years, Amillennialism is widely held by many Christian denominations. It is the official position of the Roman Catholic Church and is held by many Lutherans and those in the Reformed tradition.

Specific proponents of Amillennialism include B.B. Warfield, Oswald T. Allis, and more recently this view has been defended by Anthony A. Hoekema and Robert B. Strimple.

lol how do u guys rite all these man

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

After reading this article, as well as several other unbiased articles found online concerning the subject matter, I do have a couple questions regarded what is being presented here on Christian Chat as Amillennialism. However, the most prevalent one is this:

Seeing as Amillennialist believe that Satan is currently bound from deceiving the nations, then this belief contradicts what is being presented here on Christian Chat that there is a global conspiracy by the NAR to take over the church. Now I realize that supporters of this conspiracy will argue that the NAR is being lead by the spirit of Antichrist and that scripture states that Satan will be released for a little while near the end of the age, however, I would argue that the spirit of Antichrist has always been present through out the current age - from various Roman Emperors who sought to destroy the early church, to various corrupt officials within the Catholic church who passed various ordinances which violate scripture for personal gain, to Mohamed and the creation of Islamic religion, to various pagan sects like the Masons who's goal is to manipulate governments behind the scenes, to Napoleon and his quest to take over all of Europe, to Carl Marx and the creation of Communism, to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement, and the list can go on and on.

If Satan is truly bound that why is it that there is so much mental and emotional bondage (demoinic opression) found not only in modern society but in the church as well? Why is it that the church has faced great persecutions from it's inception and continues to do so today? Why then is that that there are so many different denominational beliefs within the church itself? Again. I can go.

While I have no doubt, that many believers today hold to questionable doctrines across the denominational spectrum, in my personal opinion, this evidence that Satan and his minions are still running loose in our midst.

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

lol how do u guys rite all these man

That was all cut & paste. *lol* It's a handy tool when putting together resources to support your claims however, it should never used as a tool to dissect scripture thus pulling scripture out of context then putting it with other scripture that has been pulled out of scripture in an attempt to explain something that the scripture was never meant to explain. *lol*

 

[phil36]

After reading this article, as well as several other unbiased articles found online concerning the subject matter, I do have a couple questions regarded what is being presented here on Christian Chat as Amillennialism. However, the most prevalent one is this:

Seeing as Amillennialist believe that Satan is currently bound from deceiving the nations, then this belief contradicts what is being presented here on Christian Chat that there is a global conspiracy by the NAR to take over the church. Now I realize that supporters of this conspiracy will argue that the NAR is being lead by the spirit of Antichrist and that scripture states that Satan will be released for a little while near the end of the age, however, I would argue that the spirit of Antichrist has always been present through out the current age - from various Roman Emperors who sought to destroy the early church, to various corrupt officials within the Catholic church who passed various ordinances which violate scripture for personal gain, to Mohamed and the creation of Islamic religion, to various pagan sects like the Masons who's goal is to manipulate governments behind the scenes, to Napoleon and his quest to take over all of Europe, to Carl Marx and the creation of Communism, to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement, and the list can go on and on.

If Satan is truly bound that why is it that there is so much mental and emotional bondage (demoinic opression) found not only in modern society but in the church as well? Why is it that the church has faced great persecutions from it's inception and continues to do so today? Why then is that that there are so many different denominational beliefs within the church itself? Again. I can go.

While I have no doubt, that many believers today hold to questionable doctrines across the denominational spectrum, in my personal opinion, this evidence that Satan and his minions are still running loose in our midst.

You obviously don't know amillenialism then..... or have not understood from unbiased sources?

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

Let it be noted that I am not a supporter of Rick Joyner or Morning Star Ministries, in fact, in the past I have always been a staunch critic of their ministry and of the hyperspiritualism that it promotes. While I am a Continuationist and do believe that the Baptism and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are for today, I am not a"Charismatic" in the ussual sense. I believe that the only way we should gauge whether or not the Holy Spirit is at work in our midsts is by manifestations that only God himself can perform such as salvations, healing and delieiverances from various forms of bondage.

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

You obviously don't know amillenialism then..... or have not understood from unbiased sources?

I am just now beggining to look into it. When it comes to eschatology, I believe that the responsible thing to do is to be aware of all perspectives.

 

[phil36]

Ive already posted this but I'll post it again here:

In the present, the beast and the false prophet (the powers of satanically manipulated politics and false ideology) oppress and oppose the church, but satan himself is 'bound' in this period (the millenium). His powers are restricted and the nations are able to hear the gospel.

From a heavenly point of view, Christians already live and reign with Christ. However, in the very last days satan's power is released again on the earth, and a great period of deception and tribulation follows, including unprecedented assault on the church - the period of anti christ.

When Christ returns, with the saints, he destroys these powers and all those who followed them. satan shares the fate of his followers. after this, the dead are raised and judged. Death and Hades are destroyed, and unbelievers go to their punishment. A new heaven and earth are established

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

You obviously don't know amillenialism then..... or have not understood from unbiased sources?

Phil, the reason why I am posting is to get a better understanding of the view. I'm not here to debate per say but I do have questions. I'm not looking to disprove the belief, just merely to understand it.


Much of the research I have done so far simply covers the basics of the belief system. I have yet to venture into the pros or cons.

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

Ive already posted this but I'll post it again here:

In the present, the beast and the false prophet (the powers of satanically manipulated politics and false ideology) oppress and oppose the church, but satan himself is 'bound' in this period (the millenium). His powers are restricted and the nations are able to hear the gospel.

From a heavenly point of view, Christians already live and reign with Christ. However, in the very last days satan's power is released again on the earth, and a great period of deception and tribulation follows, including unprecedented assault on the church - the period of anti christ.

When Christ returns, with the saints, he destroys these powers and all those who followed them. satan shares the fate of his followers. after this, the dead are raised and judged. Death and Hades are destroyed, and unbelievers go to their punishment. A new heaven and earth are established

Thanks Phil. However, a few questions still come to mind. BiblicalLy when has Satan himself ever appeared to mankind after the fall? He appeared to God in Job yet Job himself never actually saw Satan, only Satan's handy work. He did appear to Jesus during the temptations in the desert / wilderness yet through out the scriptures it was always demons who interacted with normal mankind, never Satan himself (except in the case of Adam & Eve). The way I see it, Satan is so self righteous he doesn't feel like he should have to get his hands dirty except in cases where the stakes are very high.

 

[phil36]

Thanks Phil. However, a few questions still come to mind. BiblicalLy when has Satan himself ever appeared to mankind after the fall? He appeared to God in Job yet Job himself never actually saw Satan, only Satan's handy work. He did appear to Jesus during the temptations in the desert / wilderness yet through out the scriptures it was always demons who interacted with normal mankind, never Satan himself (except in the case of Adam & Eve). The way I see it, Satan is so self righteous he doesn't feel like he should have to get his hands dirty except in cases where the stakes are very high.

Well that could be true lol. We certainly hear alot about Satan made me do it or Satan was in him. Some people, when they get a sinful thought think their under attack from satan and demons. I'm not saying that people are not affected by evil or demons, but, 99% of the time it will be their own natural desires making them do things. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say Satan never personally attacks:

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour 1 Peter 5:8.

It's a good question, does satan actually appear to mankind? How would you know, would be another question, and if we don't know, how can we say he doesn't?

The best bit of trickery satan has done, is to make people think he actually doesn't exist.

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

Well that could be true lol. We certainly hear alot about Satan made me do it or Satan was in him. Some people, when they get a sinful thought think their under attack from satan and demons. I'm not saying that people are not affected by evil or demons, but, 99% of the time it will be their own natural desires making them do things. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say Satan never personally attacks:

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour 1 Peter 5:8.

It's a good question, does satan actually appear to mankind? How would you know, would be another question, and if we don't know, how can we say he doesn't?

The best bit of trickery satan has done, is to make people think he actually doesn't exist.

I coudn't agree more with your first paragraph. While Satan may tempt us, we are the ones who choose to give in to the temptations. Which in my mind, is another evidence that Satan is still on the prowl.

While I can't think of any scriptural occurances in the New Testament where Satan personally appeared to mankind outside of Jesus, I can think of a few instances outside of scripture which I believe it could have be highly probable and that is the two Angels of light that appeared to both Mohaned, the founder of Islam, and Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. Both instances sound incredibly familiar.

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

Well that could be true lol. We certainly hear alot about Satan made me do it or Satan was in him. Some people, when they get a sinful thought think their under attack from satan and demons. I'm not saying that people are not affected by evil or demons, but, 99% of the time it will be their own natural desires making them do things. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say Satan never personally attacks:

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour 1 Peter 5:8.

It's a good question, does satan actually appear to mankind? How would you know, would be another question, and if we don't know, how can we say he doesn't?

The best bit of trickery satan has done, is to make people think he actually doesn't exist.

I coudn't agree more with your first paragraph. While Satan may tempt us, we are the ones who choose to give in to the temptations. Which in my mind, is another evidence that Satan is still on the prowl seeing as scripture clearly states that God does not tempt man.

While I can't think of any scriptural occurances in the New Testament where Satan personally appeared to mankind outside of Jesus, I can think of a few instances outside of scripture that I believe could be highly probable and that is the two Angel of light that appeared to both Mohaned, the founder of Islam, and Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. Both instances sound incredibly familiar.

 

[Scotth1960]

After reading this article, as well as several other unbiased articles found online concerning the subject matter, I do have a couple questions regarded what is being presented here on Christian Chat as Amillennialism. However, the most prevalent one is this:

Seeing as Amillennialist believe that Satan is currently bound from deceiving the nations, then this belief contradicts what is being presented here on Christian Chat that there is a global conspiracy by the NAR to take over the church.

What is "the church"? Is the Church the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church? Is the Church the Eastern Orthodox Church?
If so, what has NAR to do with it? Nothing. It is not a movement associated with Eastern Orthodoxy. Therefore, there is not a conspiracy of NAR to take over the church. This makes sense and is true only if the true definition of "the church" is one or more, or other, of the 30,000 Protestant denominations claiming to be "the church".
What are the sound doctrines of the Church that Christ founded?
Is the basic, true and righteous, holy, good and pure doctrine of the Gospel to be found in the statement of faith that is the holy Nicene Creed of the First Council of Constantinople of 318 God-bearing Fathers of 381 AD?
God bless you.


Now I realize that supporters of this conspiracy will argue that the NAR is being lead by the spirit of Antichrist and that scripture states that Satan will be released for a little while near the end of the age, however, I would argue that the spirit of Antichrist has always been present through out the current age - from various Roman Emperors who sought to destroy the early church, to various corrupt officials within the Catholic church who passed various ordinances which violate scripture for personal gain, to Mohamed and the creation of Islamic religion, to various pagan sects like the Masons who's goal is to manipulate governments behind the scenes, to Napoleon and his quest to take over all of Europe, to Carl Marx and the creation of Communism, to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement, and the list can go on and on.

If Satan is truly bound that why is it that there is so much mental and emotional bondage (demoinic opression) found not only in modern society but in the church as well? Why is it that the church has faced great persecutions from it's inception and continues to do so today? Why then is that that there are so many different denominational beliefs within the church itself? Again. I can go.

While I have no doubt, that many believers today hold to questionable doctrines across the denominational spectrum, in my personal opinion, this evidence that Satan and his minions are still running loose in our midst.

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

I personally agree that as believers we do have access to the Kingdom through the presence and power of the indwelling Christ, the Holy Spirit. However, I also believe that we should take scripture literally never pulling anything out of it's intended context thus I can't conceivably see how anyone can say that we currently reside in a millennium which John clearly states through the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit will not come until after Christ's 2nd coming without ripping scripture out of context.

Mind you I do not believe that the future millennium is somehow reserved for the nation of Israel in any way. I believe the future millennium to be the fulfillment of the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" where the wedding of Christ, the groom, to His Bride, the church, will finally be "consumated" (for lack of a better word).

 

[eternally-gratefull]

Ive already posted this but I'll post it again here:

In the present, the beast and the false prophet (the powers of satanically manipulated politics and false ideology) oppress and oppose the church, but satan himself is 'bound' in this period (the millenium). His powers are restricted and the nations are able to hear the gospel.

From a heavenly point of view, Christians already live and reign with Christ. However, in the very last days satan's power is released again on the earth, and a great period of deception and tribulation follows, including unprecedented assault on the church - the period of anti christ.

When Christ returns, with the saints, he destroys these powers and all those who followed them. satan shares the fate of his followers. after this, the dead are raised and judged. Death and Hades are destroyed, and unbelievers go to their punishment. A new heaven and earth are established

Just to comment here. One one is bound and cast into prison (especially the abyss where no one has access to period) Then one can not have any influence period or tempt anyone, or decieve the nations.

Notice rev tells us that satan is prevented from decieving nations and people. Not the church. he has no power whatsoever. He has power today. it might be limited. But he has power. Anyone that thinks he is powerless is in danger of being taken down by the very man they say is bound.

 

[phil36]

I coudn't agree more with your first paragraph. While Satan may tempt us, we are the ones who choose to give in to the temptations. Which in my mind, is another evidence that Satan is still on the prowl seeing as scripture clearly states that God does not tempt man.

While I can't think of any scriptural occurances in the New Testament where Satan personally appeared to mankind outside of Jesus, I can think of a few instances outside of scripture that I believe could be highly probable and that is the two Angel of light that appeared to both Mohaned, the founder of Islam, and Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. Both instances sound incredibly familiar.

This is very true.. It reminds me of Paul, saying that the devil can appear as an angel of light (that was of the top of my head,hope it ws right).

 

[silverwind]

I personally agree that as believers we do have access to the Kingdom through the presence and power of the indwelling Christ, the Holy Spirit. However, I also believe that we should take scripture literally never pulling anything out of it's intended context thus I can't conceivably see how anyone can say that we currently reside in a millennium which John clearly states through the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit will not come until after Christ's 2nd coming without ripping scripture out of context.

Mind you I do not believe that the future millennium is somehow reserved for the nation of Israel in any way. I believe the future millennium to be the fulfillment of the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" where the wedding of Christ, the groom, to His Bride, the church, will finally be "consumated" (for lack of a better word).

And that is why we don't need to worry about post, pre, mid, or "a".. because when Christ takes us up to be with Him we will have all the answers to the many questions and debates going on at the present time. Jesus will be looking for "faith" when he returns, not for someone saying 'see I was right'... (yuck)

 

[Abiding]

Its hard to change a world view overnight. I think when the chains come off and we see a period unlike its never been seen before, then
we would understand that what we have seen with the evil hearts of men was a small thing. It doesnt take the help from satan or devils to
go corrupt and tear apart society, just a little greed for power thirsty men to devise ways to gain and accomplish what weve seen so far. Not that evil beings arent willing to help out.

I understand the sentiment that how could there be so much evil if satan has bounds, Im saying thats how evil men can be. And when satans bounds are loosed, and men are taken in their dilusion then we will see what he can do. So this wasnt too hard of a hurdle for me with the amil. view.

 

[FireOnTheAltar]

And that is why we don't need to worry about post, pre, mid, or "a".. because when Christ takes us up to be with Him we will have all the answers to the many questions and debates going on at the present time. Jesus will be looking for "faith" when he returns, not for someone saying 'see I was right'... (yuck)

*lol* Good word Silverwind.