1,000 year reign

Joshua,I believe the book of Revelation to be symbolic. The very first verse says that it was "signified" to john by an angel. Signify means to communicate through signs and symbols. John described our Lord as having feet like bronze, a sword coming out of his mouth, holding stars in his hand, etc. He described Satan as a "great red dragon". I don't believe the "millenium" is any more literal than the Lord having a sword for a tongue or the devil being a dragon. Just the 2 cents of an amillenialist!P.S. I believe the 1,000 years is right now as we reign with Christ, we are after all "raised up with Him and seated in the heavenly places".

Dear YeshuaIsMyGod,I haven't read the other replys so maybe they said something close to what I will write in the other replys.Every year we looked forward to the last day of school. It really wasn't the last day though, next year we began all over again.In Christ,GaryE

Dear Annie, I am a new visitor to these forums and have greatly appreciated your zeal for the Lord, as well as the many others who have diligently studied the scriptures and have shared in these discussions.I would like to share a few more points regarding the millenium from my perspective.First and foremost is that I believe one chapter of one book in the bible should not come between the fellowship of true believers.I believe the book of Revelation to be the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" and that there is a special blessing to all read and hear what this book reveals about Christ (Rev.1:1). No other book in the Bible promises such a blessing.I believe that to try to literally interprit symbolic representations in prophecy is to fall into Darby's error.I understand that the Book of Revelation is to be studied hand in hand with the Book of Daniel. But I find no mention of any 1,000 year time period in any Book outside of Revelation, that alone is reason enough for me not to build a doctrine on it.I find no where else in scripture the clear idea of Christs' return, reign, and finally putting to rest the problem of sin. What I see from the rest of scripture is Christ returning in majesty and judgement of the wicked to immediately follow.Like I said, the Book promises a blessing to those who read and HEAR the words of the prophecy, I have received my blessing from it and understand that I am a priest of God and reign with Christ(Rev 20:6)for he has made us (past tense!) a kingdom of priest to His God and Father(Rev 1:6, 1 Peter 2:4-10) through his blood on the cross.If that is "spiritualizing" too much, so be it. I won't judge you for your opinion on this subject, I hope that you will not judge me.The Lord bless you and keep you.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.Dear brethreni know that there is much divison in the church concerning the interpretation of this book. After much time in prayer and fellowship with God (by His grace) by His grace i've found that this book has some symbolism but much of it is very literal contrary to what i believed and what most believe.Let us remember that what was shown to John in the visions was literal in the Spirit realm and this has manifestations in the natural.in order to understand what God is communicating through this book we need to allow Holy Spirit to minister to us (as we should with the whole word of God) and not let world view or any other thing in fact take the place of Holy Spirit in teaching us of these things. The last part of the book of revelation warns us not to take away or add to the this particular book lest we add to the torment or take away from the reward in the afterlife. the only way to do this is to allow Holy Spirit to minister these things to us.As for the millenial reign, that occurs after Christ return from the clouds with the sword proceeding from His mouth and as per Rev 19-20 Satan is imprisonned in the bottomless pit for that time so he can't deceive the nations during this time. The enemy is certainly not chained up so that has yet to happen. i pray that we all submit to Holy Spirit as it pertains to the word of God lest the enemy ensares us in any way.

Friend, Satan most certainly has been bound for the gospel has gone out to the nations!When all of the elect have been called forth and made ready as a bride is made ready for the bridegroom there will be no need to "bind" him any longer.Then the tribulation will occur.This is not adding to or subtracting from the book (as was implied). It is an interpretation from a fellow heir in Christ that is not shared by all, but is shared by a few.If you believe God himself has enlightened you on this matter, then pray for me for I also seek Gods wisdom, yet see no value in knowing about something that will occur possibly in the far distant future.I will pray for you also, so that you may see your proper place in Christs' kingdom in the here and now.The Lord bless you and keep you.

i don't think it's the millenial reign is mentioned elsewhere aside from Revelation 19-20. i could be wrong though.

The following verses seem to be speaking of the same thing as Rev. 20: 1-3: “The beast which you saw, once was, NOW IS NOT (In John’s day?)and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. Rev. 17:7 "And now you know what is holding him back so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ….the one who now holds it back will continue to do so until he is taken out of the way.” 2 Thes. 2:6Jesus said, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy…” Lk. 10:18-19 “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them triumphing over them by the cross.” Col. 2:15 The Son of man came to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 Jn. 3:8“Christ is the head over every power and authority.” Eph. 210Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 Jn. 4:4Conclusion: Through Christ, the devil was bound, and wherever Christ reigns in hearts, Satan is defeated. He has lost his authority. So maybe the 1000 years is an expression for the church age – when followers will be persecuted, and beheaded for their faith. Many references support that truth. That has been happening since the first century. Diane

Prove it in the bible, other than Revelation 19-20. Knock, Knock, is anyone home????? Hello??? Does any one pay attention to me in this thread???Aren't two very clear chapters enough to understand that those 1000 years of reign are real? Right now, I don't have time to get into this...but I know that I have had the attitude you're having for quite some time. Not in relation to these kinds of subjects, but moreover to promises God gives us in His word.I wasn't content with Isaiah 41:10 only, to know that God is with me. I didn't put up with John 3:16 only...to know that I'm saved. And on and on goes the list.I'm with you that it is very important to prove things Biblically. That's so important in the time in which we live (and it has ever been important).I hope to get into this some more later...but may I ask you a question? I am personally feeling that the 1,000 year reign is a lie, just like the Pre-Trib rapture (which I found a massive amount of scriptures to back up how it IS a lie).I will keep my mouth shut about the Pre-Trib rapture thing, although I must admit that you are too harshly by saying that it is a lie. The Pre-Trib rapture can be backed up with many verses as well...why do you think that for so many years people have quarreled about this? BUT...that's not my point here...my point is:It seems like you're using a different starting-point than the Bible: your feelings. Because you feel like the 1000-years of peace and reign by Christ together with believers is a lie...you lay aside what is written in Revelation 19 and 20...and ask for more Biblical proof.Don't you think it is better to say: "Lord, whatever I read...I trust it to be true...unless You show me through other scriptures that I'm wrong in this." It's better to believe God in everything He says (and run the risk to misinterpret something), than to be sceptical to everything you read in your Bible. Let us press on to know Him, brother!In Him,Paul

Joshua,I will try to reason one more time why I believe the millenialist veiw is mistaken.Rev. 20:2 "And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and satan, and BOUND him for one thousand years"Now Diane in her previous post gave like a half dozen verses to show that this portion of Rev.20 has ALREADY happened, but I will add one more; Mark 3:26&27 "If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished! But no one can enter the strong man's house and plunder his PROPERTY unless he first BINDS the strong man, and then he will plunder his house."This is a parable of Jesus entering the strong man's(Satan's) house (this world)and plundering his property (US!).But first He must BIND the strong man.Although this may be too "spiritual" an interpretation for some, together with the verses posted by Diane it proves beyond any resonable doubt BY SCRIPTURE that Satan has been bound, here and now! You must decide now wether or not Satan has been bound or not according to Scripture.... if he has then the "thousand years" has no literal interpretation other than an indeterminate period of time that will have an end. Rev.20:4-6"....and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection.Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be PRIESTS of God and will reign with Him for a thousand years." It is my contention that the first resurrection is a spiritual one,the second resurrection is the physical or literal one.Gal 2:20 " I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;"Joshua, do you believe this to be true about yourself? Have you been crucified with Christ? Does Christ live in you? If you do then you are living the resurrection life!Eph 2:4 " But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together in Christ(by grace you have been saved) and RAISED US UP WITH HIM, AND SEATED US WITH HIM IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST JESUS."There is no clearer picture of our resurrection in the spirit, here and now than this verse, and until you grapple with it and understand that being crucified and raised with Christ is more than a mere theory to hear about, instead of a life to be lived now, you simply cannot understand that Rev 20:6 is speaking of the exact same thing!Is Christ reigning now? This is a very important question.1 Cor.15:25-26" For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under his feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death."Obviously He is reigning now, not in some future millenium.Who are the priests Rev 20:6 speaks of?Rev.1:6"and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father..."You must understand your place in this life!Two more points I would like to make:Millenialist view Christ coming, the one thousand years, then the judgement, but this veiw is just not supported in the New Testament.1 Cor 15:" But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when he hands the kingdom to the God and Father..."You will note it doesn't say" after that those who are Christ's at his coming, and then the 1,000 years and then the end."1 Thes 4:16-17" For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,and so we shall always be with the Lord."No mention of a 1,000 year pause here or a secret rapture, you have to read all that into it.One last point....Rev 20:7-8 "When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison, and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for war; the number of them is LIKE THE SAND OF THE SEASHORE."First, if Christ is reigning physically here on earth for one thousand years were did all these enemies come from? Does anyone really believe GOD THE SON in all of His Glory will live on this earth with evil? That is an absurd notion!These verses clearly picture the end of the age that is drawing near. Satan will soon be released, the enemies will surround the camp of the saints (the true church) to destroy us, then the Lord will rescue us by fire. 1 Peter 3:7 "But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for FIRE, kept for the day of JUDGEMENT and DESTRUCTION OF UNGODLY MEN."Joshua and all, please CAREFULLY consider this with all prayer.

Even the best of us only can understand a small microscopic drop within the vast scheme of eternal truths. Our minds are just too finite. Throughout scripture natural pictures (of the day) are often used to explain supernatural, eternal truths. Even at that, humans have always struggled, even in bible days. And it has been disastrous – like when the Pharisees missed the arrival of the Messiah. They were looking for an earthly rule because their minds were blind to spiritual truths because of unbelief. We have a tendency to squeeze eternal truths into finite, temporal concepts, and spiritual realities into our natural minds. I think that’s why we will never come to an agreement on this volatile passage in Rev. 20. I ask, Does it matter what we believe on this issue? It does matter because misconception will lead people astray. Down the road it could send countless to hell. It is dangerous to believe that Satan is presently free. I just heard this concern expressed in two sermons: one by Conlon Carter, called “Set free from Shame”, and the other by Chip Brogden, on Hebrews Ch. 3. Both preachers spoke strongly about danger of the prevalent belief that Satan is ruler. This leaves many Christians stuck in shame and bondage, attributing their troubles to the devil, not knowing that Christ has set them free. Many are allowing Satan to defeat them with thoughts of self-condemnation. They fail to see that in Christ, we are OVERCOMERS. (see references in my previous post)As you see, if we believe that Satan is in charge, or an equal rival to God, we have accepted theology that is very damaging. And we can easily get that if we assume that Rev. 20 is for a future time, and Satan is still free. Many people focus on Rev. 20 to refer to a temporal period in future earthly history. How would it look from an eternal, spiritual foundation of thought? Can scripture support it. What about the references to a new heaven and earth? “Set your minds on things above not on earthly things.” Col. 3:2 Are many trying to squeeze the eternal truths of scripture into the mindset of unbelief – like the scribes and Pharisees did? What could that mean for Christianity down the road? More Crusades???????? Masses following a False Christ - one who claims to be Christ returned????

jimbobThe problem is really the whole question of the purpose of the prophetic parts of scripture. There was a thread here some time ago called 'what is the purpose of prophecy'? This is really a fundamental question. Is the prophetic scripture designed to give us a timetable to history?The Revelation is a key book in this and it is fundamentally symbolic. This stated very plainly in the first section“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:” (Rev. 1:1, KJVS) That word 'signified' is a happy choice of our translators. It has the word for 'sign' built in. This is true of the original Greek word which is "sEmaino," which is derived from a favourite word of John's "sEmeion". [John 2:11,18,23; 3:2; 4:48,54; 6:2,14,26,30; 7:31; 9:16; 10:41; 11:47; 12:18,37; 20:30; Rev. 12:1,3; 13:13-14; 15:1; 16:14; 19:20] This simply the word for 'sign'. The book of the Revelation then is a book of signs.Many of the 'signs' are given their interpretation. Just reading through the first chapter shows this. As far as I know there is no-one who believes there is a throne with a lamb with seven eyes and seven horns in heaven. These are signs. The number 'seven' is a sign too. Other than the Jehovah's Witnesses I don't know anyone who believes that the number of the redeemed from a literal Israel will be exactly 144000. In fact the number twelve is a sign too; the tribe of Dan is missing but the symbolic number of twelve is made up by adding Levi and counting both Ephraim and Manaseh. No one believes in a literal beast rising from a literal sea. The dimensions of Jerusalem given will give a 1500 mile cube; if this is literal it is little wonder that many nation states in the Middle East become nervous.In the middle of all this we have a 1000 years which for some reason most people interpret literally. Why? The burden of proof must lie with those who do so.

grannieindeed the Lord would not hae us be ignorant of thesde things lest we be swept away by the judgement so it is important we not just be aware but understand what's going on. brethren let us not be like the 5 virgins who had no oil for heir lamps. brethren let us not let worldview, general concensus or any other thing dictate our thoughts on the coming of Christ but let us all submit to the ministry of the Holy Spirit lest we add or subtract to the punishment or reward in the next life.