The 1000 Year
Reign of Christ
Introduction:
This
lesson discusses the possibility of Jesus reigning on earth for 1000 years
after the great battle of Armageddon. This might be referred to as the “core”
of premillennial doctrine. There will be a literal reign by Jesus from Jerusalem
in which He will sit on David’s throne. The Jews will have returned to
Palestine and Jesus will reign over them in a literal, physical kingdom. This
millennium will be after the 2nd coming of Jesus – but before the final judgment of all. The idea
for 1000 year reign comes out of a literal interpretation of Rev. 20:1-7.
I. Should Rev. 20:1-7 be taken literally?
A.
For the
premillennial theory to work, this passage must be taken literally.
1.
Remember
1:1 – much of what written in Rev is symbolic.
B.
What if
we take 20:1-7 literally?
1.
Abyss
(bottomless pit); great chain; Satan (a spirit being, being bound by a physical
chain); Held captive for 1000 years…
II. The Millennium is Symbolic.
A.
In
scripture, 1000 denotes completeness, perfection, infinity.
B.
This is
not the only 1000 year time period in scripture. These were symbolic in nature.
1.
Deut.
7:9 – Israelites were to keep the covenant for 1000 generations.
2.
Psa.
50:10 – is it literal when God says that the cattle on 1000 hills are
His?
3.
Psa. 105:8
- God will remember His word for 1000 generations?
C.
2 Pet.
3:8 – God’s memory of His covenant is infinite, and with Him the world’s
days and years are not reckoned.
III. Will Jesus literally walk on
earth again?
A.
1
Thess. 4:15-18 – He will meet us in the air.
B.
Zech.
6:12-13 – a prophecy concerning Jesus.
1.
Heb.
8:1-4 – Jesus is our High Priest. Where is He now? In heaven. (8:1)
2.
Heb.
8:4 destroys premillennial theory. Can’t be a priest if on earth.
3.
John
18:36 – my kingdom is not of this
world…
C.
John
6:15 – Jesus rejected the idea of being King on earth.
D.
Isa.
2:2-5 – not a literal place on earth, but in heaven….with God!
IV. Is Revelation 20:1-7 written
in future tense?
A.
Is not
Jesus now reigning? See Rev.
1:4-6, esp. 5.
B.
1 Cor.
15:20-28 – a passage that puts the premillennialist in a great quandary
1.
15:23-24
– then comes the end. When
Jesus returns…there will not be another 1000 years!
2.
15:24
– when Jesus comes…He delivers the kingdom back to God. He does not receive a kingdom.
3.
15:25
– Jesus reigns until all enemies have been put under His feet.
4.
15:26
– after death is destroyed, Jesus delivers the kingdom to God.
C.
Rev.
1:6 – Christians reign with Jesus – NOW!
Conclusion:
A.
Those
who believe this doctrine must…
1.
Deny
Jesus is reigning now, make God false to His promises, and make the first
coming of Jesus a failure. Who is willing to accept this?