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Have you ever considered the importance of knowing God's prophetic plan for the future? When we study eschatology we gain a greater understanding of God's sovereign control over His creation from beginning to end. This produces a deeper yearning for the return of our Savior and a greater passion for evangelism. Since eschatology is a hotly debated topic, we need to study the different views so we can know the truth and avoid being deceived.
Who Would Reject the 1000 Year Reign of Christ?
Are you aware that the Roman Catholic religion rejects the prophecies and covenants that foretell the glorious, earthly reign of Jesus Christ for one thousand years? Their amillennial view rejects the literal "1000 years," even though it is repeated six times in Revelation 20:1-6. It is understandable how Catholics can misinterpret Scripture. Throughout their history they have twisted and distorted Scripture by embracing many unbiblical teachings, traditions and superstitions. What is puzzling, however, is why so many evangelicals agree with their misguided and incorrect interpretation of eschatology. Do they not know that the amillennial view originated with Augustine in the 5th century? Why would they embrace this man's view of eschatology when he defended so many other doctrinal errors including baptismal regeneration, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, apostolic succession, sacraments and the veneration of saints?
The Lord Jesus Affirmed His Coming Kingdom
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles and taught them about His coming Kingdom (Acts 1:3). This prompted them to ask, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6). They had not forgotten how Jesus taught them to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Mat. 6:10). Clearly, the early church believed there would be a physical reign of the Lord Jesus Christ on the throne of David. Luke wrote: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end" (Luke 1:32-33). In reference to our Lord's future reign, Peter said Jesus will remain in heaven "until the period of restoration of all things, about which God spoke by the mouths of His holy prophets from ancient times" (Acts 3:21).
Following Fallible Men Rather Than God's Word
Many Reformed Evangelicals reject the literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth and a distinct future for Israel because they follow the eschatology of the 16th-century Reformers rather than a literal interpretation of Scripture. Since the Reformers devoted relatively little attention to eschatology, they continued to embrace the amillennial position of the apostate Roman Catholic religion. Consequently, many evangelicals continue this erroneous teaching instead of upholding the clear eschatological view of the first century church. It would appear they are questioning the integrity of God, who promises to send King Jesus to restore and refresh the earth to its pre-fall condition (Acts 3:19-26; 2 Sam. 7:12-17; Dan. 2:44). He will bring blessings that have never been experienced before, including righteousness and peace (Isaiah 2:4, 11:3-4, 32:1,17; Zech. 8:4-5). He will remove the curse that God placed upon the creation because of sin and will restore it to its original beauty (Rom. 8:18-23). Then "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord" (Isaiah 11:9).
True Prophets of God Do Not Speak Falsely
There are hundreds of prophecies from many prophets in the Old Testament that foretell Christ's reign and Israel's future restoration. Yet, Amillennials believe the church has replaced Israel and will receive her promised blessings. Those who reject the prophecies of Christ's 1000 year earthly reign and Israel's glorious future are implying that prophets of God spoke falsely.
- Isaiah prophesied that Jesus will have the government on His shoulder. Peace and justice will be established forever from "the throne of David over His kingdom" (9:6–7).
- Jeremiah promises that God will "raise up for David a righteous Branch" who "shall reign as king" and execute justice with Israel dwelling securely (23:5–6).
- Zechariah tells us "the Lord will be king over all the earth...and there will no longer be a curse and Jerusalem will dwell in security" (14:9-11).
The Glorious Reign of Christ and a Future for Israel
Let us never forget the importance of the Millennium. It is the climax of human history. The one thousand year reign of the Savior over the earth will be the fulfillment of all God's redemptive promises. This is why the earthly reign of King Jesus and the glorious future of Israel are inseparably linked in God's prophetic Word. Our Lord Jesus will return to the earth visibly and bodily at the end of the Tribulation period to set up His kingdom. He will defeat His enemies, establish His throne in Jerusalem and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords over all creation for 1,000 years.
God Is Glorified When There Is Unity in Truth Evangelicals have been divided on these important truths for far too long. Unfortunately, we will remain divided until truth bearers lovingly confront those who are in error, using a literal, grammatical, historical hermeneutic. The Word of God exhorts us! "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). God delights in His people when they walk together in agreement with Him and His Word. This kind of unity glorifies Him, builds up the body of Christ, and testifies of His amazing grace to a divided world. This is why we need to take Jude's exhortation seriously! "Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints" (Jude 3). Let us all seek to be sanctified by the truth (John 17:17).
If you would like to hear the best and strongest defense for the 1000 year reign of King Jesus by Dr. Richard Mayhue listen here. You can also hear Jan Markel and Mike Gendron discuss the New World Order and the formation of the One World Religion here.
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