What about the 1000 Year Reign?

by Steve Hale

OUR TEXT:
"And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time. And I saw thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Revelation 20:1-6, ASV).

Introduction
Few subjects are more controversial and misunderstood than this text from the book of Revelation, and particularly the aspect of the 1000 year reign.
From the length of our text, it is obvious that this brief tract cannot give an it an exhaustive treatment. However, we want to exercise stewardship over this material to share some important aspects of interpreting what is meant by the 1000 year reign.
Many sincere people believe they can have a fix on the Lord's return by premillenial theories about the 1000 year reign. However, the Bible clearly teaches that no knows when Jesus will return. The Lord Himself said: "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:36).
It is rather presumptuous to claim to know more about the return of Christ than Christ Himself! What then, is meant by the 1000 year reign of Christ?
Again, we do not have the space in this brief tract to deal with all men have said about the 1000 year reign. Rather than debunking all that has been said, we will seek to put the text in its first century context, and give the proper interpretation of the 1000 year reign.

Historical Background
The book of Revelation was written in a time of horrible persecution. Constant references to martyrs for the faith are made (Revelation 2:13; 6:9-11; 7:9-14; 11:3ff; 13:7-8, 10, 15; 14:11-13; 17:6; 18:20, 24; 29:2, 8, 11-14, 19-21; 20:4-6). It is not insignificant that John describes heaven as a place of perfect protection (Revelation 21:9-21, 27).
Revelation 13 makes it abundantly clear that the emperor at the time viewed himself as deity. Three emperors of the first century had a sense of deity:
Caligula.................A.D. 37-41
Nero.....................A.D. 54-68
Domitian.................A.D. 81-96
Caligula is much too early for the church to have spread into Asia as it had by this time (Revelation 2 & 3). This leaves us with Nero and Domitian as possibilities.
This writer believes Domitian was the emperor during the time of Revelation because: (1) Laodicea had been leveled by an earthquake in A.D. 60. Nero's persecutions (about 64) would have been far too close to this time for the city to have been as prosperous as described in the book;
(2) The persecutions must have extended beyond the locality of Rome to have been applicable in Asia, which would point toward Domitian;
(3) John's authorship, late as it was with the gospel and the epistles (dealing with gnosticism especially), would point to a later date.
Revelation is written with much figurative language. John himself wrote: "...and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John" (Revelation 1:1). The term "signified" means: "to show forth by signs." This is certainly the case with apocalyptic literature.
We must not forget that Revelation was addressed specifically to "...seven churches of Asia" (Revelation 1:4). The book had to mean something to them! The basic message of Revelation is unmistakable: victory! Those in the Lord will be victorious over those of Satan. Promises are made to all seven churches as to those who "overcome" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 25; 3:5, 12, 21).
Wild, fanciful interpretations of the book, that take no consideration as to the time, people, purpose, and context of it should be rejected.

Victory Over Satan
Revelation 20:1-3
Here, we have a continuation of the previous chapter where we find the defeat of the beast (Roman Emperor, Domitian), and the false prophet that enforced worship of the beast (Roman Concilia, Revelation 19:19-21). Since chapter 13, these have been the main opponents of the Lamb. They had viciously persecuted the people of God, and appeared to be temporarily victorious.
These enemies of God and His people being overthrown, along with the devil's ultimate defeat (Revelation 20:7-10) is the theme, not the thousand year reign. Again, we must let the Scriptures teach us, and not make them say what we want!
As you read this text (Revelation 20:1-6), you will not find these popular, but false, premillenial tenets: (1) the Second Coming; (2) National Palestine and Israel; (3) The Throne of David; (4) The Establishment of the Kingdom For A Literal 1000 years; (5) The Coronation of Jesus as King At The Second Coming; (6) Jerusalem; (7) Christ Reigning On The Earth; (8) The Rapture; (9) The Thousand Year Interval Between The Resurrection Of The Righteous And The Wicked; (10) A "Heaven On Earth" Void Of Sin Or Violence.
Here, we do find an angel binding Satan for a thousand years. The thousand years is no more literal than the "key" to the abyss, or the "chain" by which Satan is bound. By key, we know the angel had access to the abyss. By binding the Devil with a "chain," we know the angel had the power to restrain the Devil.
For one thousand years, we understand he will be bound for a complete period of time. These people were as fascinated with numbers as we are with computers. 10 and any multiplication thereof was viewed as a number of completeness.
We know Satan is still powerful, and hard at work (Revelation 12:7-10). However, he is bound so that he will not "deceive the nations" (Revelation 20:3). He had been deceiving them by the worship of the beast (Roman Emperor) as enforced by the false prophet (Roman Concilia). Now, he is restricted from so doing.

Victory With The Martyrs
Revelation 20:4-6
There is no doubt that a mere reading of verse four find martyrs of the Domitianic persecutions. Yet these are said to live and reign with Christ for a thousand years! And, they are not waiting to reign, but are reigning with Him now, and during this context.
That is why the 1000 years is a signification (Revelation 1:1) of a complete period of time. The first resurrection (20:6) has do with these martyrs as they are brought to their thrones, and live and reign with Him. The rest of the dead will be called forth at the end, or when the thousand years are finished (Revelation 20:5; John 5:28, 29).
The Reign Of Jesus Is Now!
Premillenialists' use of the 1000 year reign presupposes that Christ is not reigning now, but will reign at the misinterpreted "1000 year reign." He is head of the church...now (Ephesians 1:22-23). He is Lord...now (II Corinthians 4:5). He is the Chief Shepherd...now (I Peter 5:1-4). He is the Apostle and High Priest...now (Revelation 19:16; I Timothy 6:15).
His kingdom, the church, is not a fleshly, physical kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom. Jesus Himself said: "My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36). He reigns now, and His Kingdom is now!
Never An Earthly, Physical King
Jesus could have become an earthly, physical king early in His ministry. John wrote: "Jesus, therefore perceiving that they were about to take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone" (John 6:15).
Our Lord's mission was not an accidental rejection by the Jews. He came to save us from our sins (Matthew 20:26-28; 26:28). He knew the price to be paid (Luke 22:42-44), and obeyed the Father in the completion of this divine plan.
In fact, Jeremiah's prophecies inform us that our Lord could never have been an earthly king. Jeremiah, prophesying some years before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem (587/586 B.C.), spoke in regard to the son of Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin. Jehoiachin is also referred to in Scripture as Coniah and Jeconiah.
So wicked was Jehoiachin, that he was taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar after being on the throne for only three months and ten days. In fact, Jeremiah ends his book by talking about the kind way in which Nebuchadnezzar's son, Evil-merodach treated Jehoiachin in the 37th year of his (Jehoiachin's) captivity (Jer. 52:31-34).
Of Jehoiachin (Coniah, Jeconiah), Jeremiah said: Thus saith Jehovah, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days; for no more shall a man of his seed prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling in Judah" (Jer. 22:30). In other words, no one of the lineage of Jehoiachin could be a physical king ruling in Judah, or sit upon David's throne (in the physical sense).
In the Lord's genealogy in Matthew, the publican wrote: "and Josiah begat Jechoniah and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon. And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel" (Matthew 1:11, 12). While in captivity, during these thirty-seven years, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel. And none of Jechoniah's seed would rule as Judah's (or Israel's) physical king.
Therefore, Jesus Christ could never be an earthly king! His mission is not to militarily conquer the world. He has the power to destroy the world (2 Thess. 1:7-9)! His mission was to bring salvation through His own blood (Revelation 1:5)!
Conclusion
Jesus is king now, the 1000 year reign is happening now, and our submission to His rule must be now (II Corinthians 6:2). Premillenialism, with its tribulation and rapture, misses the entire purpose of the coming of Jesus (John 10:10)!
The Lord's church was no accident, but was in the plan of God all along. Jesus said: "...Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world..." (Matthew 25:34).
Jesus is the way of victory! Be His! Die, be buried, and resurrected with Him by baptism (Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:27). "...thanks be to God, who giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57). Amen!

FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES, WRITE:

Mt. Juliet Church of Christ
P.O. Box #248
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
Phone: (615) 758-2274

IN MEMORY:
Of my late mother, Katherine McMillin Hale, who went to be with King Jesus September 25, 1987. She had a keen interest in this subject of the 1000 year reign of Christ. I miss her positive spirit, her great love for Jesus, and her family. I love her, and miss her.

May 29, 1991

Related Articles:

Jesus is Coming Soon -Nov 08, 1992
Do We Really Want Jesus to Return? -May 06, 1990

Print this Article

Discuss this Article

Back to the Sermon Page



What about the 1000 Year Reign? by Steve Hale OUR TEXT: "And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time. And I saw thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years" (Revelation 20:1-6, ASV). Introduction Few subjects are more controversial and misunderstood than this text from the book of Revelation, and particularly the aspect of the 1000 year reign. From the length of our text, it is obvious that this brief tract cannot give an it an exhaustive treatment. However, we want to exercise stewardship over this material to share some important aspects of interpreting what is meant by the 1000 year reign. Many sincere people believe they can have a fix on the Lord's return by premillenial theories about the 1000 year reign. However, the Bible clearly teaches that no knows when Jesus will return. The Lord Himself said: "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only" (Matthew 24:36). It is rather presumptuous to claim to know more about the return of Christ than Christ Himself! What then, is meant by the 1000 year reign of Christ? Again, we do not have the space in this brief tract to deal with all men have said about the 1000 year reign. Rather than debunking all that has been said, we will seek to put the text in its first century context, and give the proper interpretation of the 1000 year reign. Historical Background The book of Revelation was written in a time of horrible persecution. Constant references to martyrs for the faith are made (Revelation 2:13; 6:9-11; 7:9-14; 11:3ff; 13:7-8, 10, 15; 14:11-13; 17:6; 18:20, 24; 29:2, 8, 11-14, 19-21; 20:4-6). It is not insignificant that John describes heaven as a place of perfect protection (Revelation 21:9-21, 27). Revelation 13 makes it abundantly clear that the emperor at the time viewed himself as deity. Three emperors of the first century had a sense of deity: Caligula.................A.D. 37-41 Nero.....................A.D. 54-68 Domitian.................A.D. 81-96 Caligula is much too early for the church to have spread into Asia as it had by this time (Revelation 2 & 3). This leaves us with Nero and Domitian as possibilities. This writer believes Domitian was the emperor during the time of Revelation because: (1) Laodicea had been leveled by an earthquake in A.D. 60. Nero's persecutions (about 64) would have been far too close to this time for the city to have been as prosperous as described in the book; (2) The persecutions must have extended beyond the locality of Rome to have been applicable in Asia, which would point toward Domitian; (3) John's authorship, late as it was with the gospel and the epistles (dealing with gnosticism especially), would point to a later date. Revelation is written with much figurative language. John himself wrote: "...and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John" (Revelation 1:1). The term "signified" means: "to show forth by signs." This is certainly the case with apocalyptic literature. We must not forget that Revelation was addressed specifically to "...seven churches of Asia" (Revelation 1:4). The book had to mean something to them! The basic message of Revelation is unmistakable: victory! Those in the Lord will be victorious over those of Satan. Promises are made to all seven churches as to those who "overcome" (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 25; 3:5, 12, 21). Wild, fanciful interpretations of the book, that take no consideration as to the time, people, purpose, and context of it should be rejected. Victory Over Satan Revelation 20:1-3 Here, we have a continuation of the previous chapter where we find the defeat of the beast (Roman Emperor, Domitian), and the false prophet that enforced worship of the beast (Roman Concilia, Revelation 19:19-21). Since chapter 13, these have been the main opponents of the Lamb. They had viciously persecuted the people of God, and appeared to be temporarily victorious. These enemies of God and His people being overthrown, along with the devil's ultimate defeat (Revelation 20:7-10) is the theme, not the thousand year reign. Again, we must let the Scriptures teach us, and not make them say what we want! As you read this text (Revelation 20:1-6), you will not find these popular, but false, premillenial tenets: (1) the Second Coming; (2) National Palestine and Israel; (3) The Throne of David; (4) The Establishment of the Kingdom For A Literal 1000 years; (5) The Coronation of Jesus as King At The Second Coming; (6) Jerusalem; (7) Christ Reigning On The Earth; (8) The Rapture; (9) The Thousand Year Interval Between The Resurrection Of The Righteous And The Wicked; (10) A "Heaven On Earth" Void Of Sin Or Violence. Here, we do find an angel binding Satan for a thousand years. The thousand years is no more literal than the "key" to the abyss, or the "chain" by which Satan is bound. By key, we know the angel had access to the abyss. By binding the Devil with a "chain," we know the angel had the power to restrain the Devil. For one thousand years, we understand he will be bound for a complete period of time. These people were as fascinated with numbers as we are with computers. 10 and any multiplication thereof was viewed as a number of completeness. We know Satan is still powerful, and hard at work (Revelation 12:7-10). However, he is bound so that he will not "deceive the nations" (Revelation 20:3). He had been deceiving them by the worship of the beast (Roman Emperor) as enforced by the false prophet (Roman Concilia). Now, he is restricted from so doing. Victory With The Martyrs Revelation 20:4-6 There is no doubt that a mere reading of verse four find martyrs of the Domitianic persecutions. Yet these are said to live and reign with Christ for a thousand years! And, they are not waiting to reign, but are reigning with Him now, and during this context. That is why the 1000 years is a signification (Revelation 1:1) of a complete period of time. The first resurrection (20:6) has do with these martyrs as they are brought to their thrones, and live and reign with Him. The rest of the dead will be called forth at the end, or when the thousand years are finished (Revelation 20:5; John 5:28, 29). The Reign Of Jesus Is Now! Premillenialists' use of the 1000 year reign presupposes that Christ is not reigning now, but will reign at the misinterpreted "1000 year reign." He is head of the church...now (Ephesians 1:22-23). He is Lord...now (II Corinthians 4:5). He is the Chief Shepherd...now (I Peter 5:1-4). He is the Apostle and High Priest...now (Revelation 19:16; I Timothy 6:15). His kingdom, the church, is not a fleshly, physical kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom. Jesus Himself said: "My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36). He reigns now, and His Kingdom is now! Never An Earthly, Physical King Jesus could have become an earthly, physical king early in His ministry. John wrote: "Jesus, therefore perceiving that they were about to take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone" (John 6:15). Our Lord's mission was not an accidental rejection by the Jews. He came to save us from our sins (Matthew 20:26-28; 26:28). He knew the price to be paid (Luke 22:42-44), and obeyed the Father in the completion of this divine plan. In fact, Jeremiah's prophecies inform us that our Lord could never have been an earthly king. Jeremiah, prophesying some years before the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem (587/586 B.C.), spoke in regard to the son of Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin. Jehoiachin is also referred to in Scripture as Coniah and Jeconiah. So wicked was Jehoiachin, that he was taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar after being on the throne for only three months and ten days. In fact, Jeremiah ends his book by talking about the kind way in which Nebuchadnezzar's son, Evil-merodach treated Jehoiachin in the 37th year of his (Jehoiachin's) captivity (Jer. 52:31-34). Of Jehoiachin (Coniah, Jeconiah), Jeremiah said: Thus saith Jehovah, Write ye this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days; for no more shall a man of his seed prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling in Judah" (Jer. 22:30). In other words, no one of the lineage of Jehoiachin could be a physical king ruling in Judah, or sit upon David's throne (in the physical sense). In the Lord's genealogy in Matthew, the publican wrote: "and Josiah begat Jechoniah and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon. And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel" (Matthew 1:11, 12). While in captivity, during these thirty-seven years, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel. And none of Jechoniah's seed would rule as Judah's (or Israel's) physical king. Therefore, Jesus Christ could never be an earthly king! His mission is not to militarily conquer the world. He has the power to destroy the world (2 Thess. 1:7-9)! His mission was to bring salvation through His own blood (Revelation 1:5)! Conclusion Jesus is king now, the 1000 year reign is happening now, and our submission to His rule must be now (II Corinthians 6:2). Premillenialism, with its tribulation and rapture, misses the entire purpose of the coming of Jesus (John 10:10)! The Lord's church was no accident, but was in the plan of God all along. Jesus said: "...Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world..." (Matthew 25:34). Jesus is the way of victory! Be His! Die, be buried, and resurrected with Him by baptism (Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:27). "...thanks be to God, who giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57). Amen! FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES, WRITE: Mt. Juliet Church of Christ P.O. Box #248 Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 Phone: (615) 758-2274 IN MEMORY: Of my late mother, Katherine McMillin Hale, who went to be with King Jesus September 25, 1987. She had a keen interest in this subject of the 1000 year reign of Christ. I miss her positive spirit, her great love for Jesus, and her family. I love her, and miss her. May 29, 1991 Related Articles: Jesus is Coming Soon -Nov 08, 1992 Do We Really Want Jesus to Return? -May 06, 1990 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM