Page 155 - Eschatology - Masters revised

Revelation 20:4–6 (NIV84)4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to
judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and
because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his
mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5
(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first
resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has
no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand
years.

Old Testament saints will most likely be resurrected with glorified bodies at this time so they can also
enjoy the promised Millennial Kingdom.

Its Character

We must remember that the postmillennial viewpoint does not expect a literal kingdom here on earth
involving the Nation of Israel with Jesus Christ reigning as the king. They believe we are presently in
whatever spiritual kingdom there will be, and that the church of Jesus Christ is symbolically fulfilling
these promises with its spiritual influence in the world. They believe the church of Jesus Christ has
replaced Israel who rejected Jesus Christ and has been abandoned by God. They believe that Jesus is
ruling in the hearts of men rather than a literal 1000 reign.

The amillennial viewpoint teaches that there will not be any kind of Millennial Kingdom here on earth.
They expect the Church Age to continue up until the time of Jesus’ return to earth.

It is only the premillennial view which interprets these prophetic passages literally and expects God to
fulfill all His promises to the Nation of Israel, even the promises regarding the Millennial Kingdom.
Therefore, the premillennial view anticipates a literal Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth to destroy
his enemies, rescue the nation of Israel and set up His literal kingdom here on earth. This will fulfill all
the promises to the nation of Israel regarding this kingdom promised to them.

Each time the Old Testament prophets pronounced a judgment upon the Nation of Israel for their sins,
they also promised that God would always bring back a faithful remnant to which He would fulfill His
promises.

Its Government

The Millennium will begin when Jesus Christ is seated
upon His throne in Jerusalem to rule the earth in
righteousness.

The Bible describes the government of the Millennium in
the following passages. Jesus will be the King over an
earthly kingdom.

Zechariah 14:9 (NIV84)9 The LORD will be king over the
whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his
name the only name.

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