Jon Zens on the Millennium

Below is a case-in-point hermeneutics article from Jon Zens. Though brief, he has some good thoughts.

When is the Millenium
Revelation 20:1-10
by Jon Zens

Needless to say, this passage has been the source for divided opinions! We certainly will not settle the debate here. However, some observations about the text will be made, and a suggested interpretation will be given.

This text has been used as the basis for the notion that after Christ's second coming, a literal reign of Christ for 1000 years will be established on earth, with Jerusalem and Israel in the spotlight.

However, looking at the text, there are several surface difficulties with this viewpoint. First, the scene is more heavenly than earthly. Secondly, there is nothing about the resurrection of earthly Israel in the passage. Thirdly, it is odd that during an earthly reign, there would be mention made of “the souls of those beheaded for the witness of Jesus" who reign with Christ in the heavenlies.

Could it be that the millennium refers to things happening in this gospel age? I think so. We can notice that at the beginning of the 1000 years, Satan is bound (20:2). In John 12:31, Jesus says that in His cross-work the Devil is ‘‘cast out” and judged. Jesus speaks of “binding the strong man” in connection with defeating Satan's kingdom (Mark 3:27). ln 1 John 3:8, we learn that Jesus appeared in history to “destroy the Devil's work.” It is not out of line to see in Christ's earthly work a “binding” of Satan.

The Devil is ‘‘bound” specifically with reference to “deceiving the nations" (20:3). Before Christ came, the nations were in darkness (Acts 14:16, 17:30). After His resurrection, Christ sends His people among the nations to bring the light of the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). This fulfills the gospel promise to Abraham, “in you all the nations will be blessed” (Galatians 3:8). The Devil can no longer deceive the nations as the gospel spreads worldwide. This is the specific nature of his ‘‘binding.” Obviously, he is still a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

Next, we can notice the reference to “the souls of those beheaded for the witness of Jesus” who lived with Christ for 1000 years (20:4). This appears to have in view a pre-glorification state, for when Christ comes we shall ever be with the Lord. Such a description of Christians would make no sense after Christ gloriously returned. But it does make sense for martyrs to live and reign with Christ until this age is completed.

At the end of the 1000 years, Satan is "loosed for a little season” (20:3, 7). This can be seen as corresponding to the intensification of evil at the end of this age (cf. 2 Timothy 3:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, 8-9, etc.) The Devil is loosed, his evil forces gather together, and Jesus destroys them all with the brightness of His coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 20:8-9).

This approach to Revelation 20 sees the 1000 years as the entire gospel age, under the reign of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:25). It begins with the binding of Satan by Jesus’ cross-work — He crushes Satan's head (Genesis 3:15). It continues as the gospel spreads throughout the earth, and as His people are slaughtered as sheep for His sake. It ends with the acceleration of evil which results from Satan's loosing, and the destruction of these forces by Jesus' return. This approach does not answer all the questions, but it does provide a framework in which to work out a Biblical eschatology.