The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

a. Called “ chialism ” (Greek for 1,000); this view was the dominant view of the Church’s first three centuries, and grew in popularity in conservative circles in the 19th century.

b. Key text: Revelation 20.4-6

(1) A literal thousand year reign

(2) Two resurrections (one before the millennium for the righteous, and the second after, for the wicked)

c. The 1,000 year period occurs after the great tribulation, where Christ will come and establish a time of peace and justice.

3. Amillennialism suggests that there will be no millennium, no earthly reign of Christ.

a. The great and final judgment comes after his Second Coming.

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b. The eternal states of the believing and unbelieving commence at that time.

c. Revelation is interpreted, by this view, as largely symbolic.

d. Asserts that this view is simpler than either post- or pre-millennial views, and takes the mention of a millennium, as many other items in Revelation, as a largely symbolic reference.

4. Resolution of these views of the millennium