The One-Thousand-Year Error

One of the most controversial interpretations amongst Bible scholars is the one thousand years of Revelation 20:1-6. Some interpret “one thousand years” literally and others interpret this term symbolically. In order to correctly understand what is meant by “one thousand years” in this passage of Scripture, one must use the correct method of interpretation. Using the wrong method results in error.

The book of Revelation has also been referred to as “The Apocalypse.” It is included in the genre of “apocalyptic literature” by most Christian scholars. Apocalyptic literature appeared in biblical writings in the centuries following the Babylonian exile. The word “apocalypse” from ancient Greek is a word that means an unveiling, an unfolding, or a revelation. Apocalyptic literature is a prophetical text that reveals the author’s visions of the end-times of things that could not be known except for its Revelation and is revealed by a heavenly messenger. Apocalyptic literature is found elsewhere in the Bible for example in the books of Joel, Zechariah, Isaiah, and in the second half of the book of Daniel.

The controversy surrounding the one thousand years arises primarily from the eschatological scheme referred to as pre-millennialism. The proponents of this scheme suggest that the one thousand years of Revelation 20 refers to a literal 1000-year reign of Christ on earth beginning with the second advent of Christ. There are numerous biblical objections to this scheme but the scope of this article will not allow us to go into a plenary discussion of the objections. However, we will take a look at one example of the objections.[i]

Many pre-millennial views require the view that the second coming of Christ (the Day of the Lord) must be separated from Judgment Day, the general resurrection, the end of the world, and the consummation of the kingdom of God by 1000 years. But Scripture clearly teaches that the Day of the Lord, the second coming of Christ, shall be concomitant with these other four events. Thus this view of separating these events from the second coming of Christ amounts to an erroneous interpretation of Scripture and leads to a misunderstanding of the teachings of Scripture.

Let’s take a closer look at the four events occurring contemporaneously with the second advent of Christ.

The Bible teaches that certain events occur concomitantly with the second coming of our Lord on “the Day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:10).” Those events are 1) the general resurrection, 2) final judgment, 3) the end of the world, and 4) the final consummation of the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:24).

1. The General Resurrection: the general consensus among Christians is that Scripture teaches there will be a bodily resurrection of the dead (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 25:31, 32, 33; Acts 24:15; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:12). The time of this general resurrection is “at the last day” which is the “day of the Lord”, or the second coming of Christ. In his first epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul sought to assuage the fears of Christians that their deceased loved ones had missed the coming of Christ since they were no longer alive. The apostle told them that at the second “coming of the Lord” the believing dead would be resurrected followed by those believers living at the time (1 Thess. 4:13-18; see also 1 Cor. 15:51, 52; 1 Cor. 15:23, 24; John 11:24). Note that Paul did not mention unbelievers because he was speaking specifically to believers who knew the promises of the second coming of Christ. But Paul expressly stated elsewhere that “there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust” (Acts 24:15), “those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28, 29;). The general resurrection of the just and the unjust and the second coming of Christ are contemporaneous events occurring only once in the future.

• The Final Judgment: sacred Scripture is replete with passages that speak of the Lord judging the world. Christian doctrine holds that at the return of Christ, there will be a final judgment of men and angels that is a specific event not a protracted process (Dan. 12:2; Matt. 11:24; Matt. 13:39, 49; Matt. 25:31-46; John 12:48; Rom. 2:5; 1 Cor. 4:5; Rev. 20:11-15). Moreover, we are told that Christ will be the judge (John 5:22). Judgment Day will occur at the second coming of Christ and the general resurrection (Matthew 13:37-43). The second coming of Christ, the general resurrection, and the final judgment are contemporaneous events (2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Tim. 4:1). The wicked human beings and angels will be judged at this judgment (2 Peter 2:4).

• The End of the World: at the second coming of Christ, the existing heaven and earth will come to an end (Psalm 102:25, 26; Is. 51:6; 65:17; Matt. 24:3; 25:31-46; Luke 21:33; 2 Peter 3:6-13; Rev. 20:11; 21:1). And we know with certainty that Jesus will return at the end of the world (Matt. 24:3; 29-31; 35-44).

• The Final Consummation: In the old testament the kingdom was foreshadowed in the theocratic kingdom of Israel. But the first advent of Christ resulted in the shadows of the Old Testament passing away in the spiritual “kingdom of God” or “kingdom of heaven” or “kingdom of Christ” or “kingdom of the Son of Man” (Matt. 13:41). All these terms refer to the same spiritual kingdom of the followers of Christ (the church). At the second coming of Christ, after all the enemies of Christ have been defeated, the last one being death, the kingdom of God will be consummated and Christ will deliver the kingdom to God to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24-26). And all those who believe will receive their glorified bodies to be with the Lord forever.

CONCLUSION

One’s view of the term one thousand years used in Revelation 20:1-6 is the result of the principles of interpretation used. Some say these doctrinal differences amongst Christians do not amount to a matter of truth vs. heresy. Nevertheless, we are concerned that any interpretation of Scripture or view or scheme that results in a misunderstanding of scriptural truths such as the biblical truth of the concomitance of the second coming of Christ with the general resurrection, eternal judgment, the end of the world, and the final consummation of the kingdom is in fact a re-stating of biblical truth and can result in a false doctrine. The one thousand years referred to in Revelation 20:1-6 is a symbolic reference to the time period between the first advent and the second future advent of Christ. And when the thousand years are ended, there will be a brief period of significant tribulation for the Church followed by the second coming of Christ. At Christ’s second coming, the resurrection of all the dead, just and unjust, will occur and Christ will judge the world and the world will end, ushering in the new heaven and new earth. Christ will have subdued all His enemies, including death, and He will hand over the kingdom to God the Father thus consummating the divine plan of salvation (1 Cor. 15:24-26).

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[i] For a thorough discussion of this matter refer to More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation by William Hendriksen (Baker Books, 1940, 1967).