Different Views on Revelation 20

Premillennialism: Predicts a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth before His final return.

Postmillennialism: Views the 1,000 years as symbolic of a golden age of Christian influence before Christ's return.

Dispensationalism: Combines premillennialism with a pre-tribulation rapture.

Amillennialism: Sees the 1,000 years as Christ's current spiritual reign.

Preterism: Interprets it as past events (full) or largely fulfilled with future aspects (partial). Some partial see the second coming in 70AD, however there is still a final coming.

Historicism: Sees the millennium as symbolic of the entire course of church history.

Front Page

Premillennialism

Christ's Second Coming

Occurs before the millennium. Christ returns to establish His kingdom on earth. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Binding of Satan

Occurs at the beginning of the millennium. Satan is bound for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Millennial Reign

A literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Satan's Release and Final Battle

Occurs after the millennium. Satan is released, leading a final rebellion. (Revelation 20:7-10)

Judgment

Occurs after the final battle. The dead are judged. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Postmillennialism

Christ's Second Coming

Occurs after the millennium, a period of Christian prosperity. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Binding of Satan

Began at Christ's first coming, diminishing Satan's power. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Millennial Reign

A period of increasing Christian influence before Christ's return. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Satan's Release and Final Battle

Occurs at the end of the millennium. Satan is briefly released. (Revelation 20:7-10)

Judgment

Occurs after the final battle. The dead are judged. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Partial Preterism

Christ's Second Coming

Interpreted as the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, not a physical return. (Matthew 24:30)

Binding of Satan

Seen as a past event occurring during Christ's earthly ministry. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Millennial Reign

A symbolic period that began with the early church, continuing today. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Satan's Release and Final Battle

Future event where Satan will have a brief period of influence before being defeated. (Revelation 20:7-10)

Judgment

A future judgment of all humanity at the end of time. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Full Preterism

Christ's Second Coming

Occurs in 70 AD with the destruction of Jerusalem, seen as a fulfillment of all prophecy. (Matthew 24:30)

Binding of Satan

Occurred during Christ's ministry, with Satan being fully defeated by 70 AD. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Millennial Reign

A symbolic period that is now past, ending with the events of 70 AD. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Satan's Release and Final Battle

Viewed as symbolic of the turmoil leading up to 70 AD. (Revelation 20:7-10)

Judgment

Interpreted as a spiritual judgment that occurred in 70 AD, not a future event. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Historicism

Christ's Second Coming

Interpreted as a series of events unfolding throughout history leading up to Christ's ultimate return. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Binding of Satan

Seen as a gradual process, beginning with Christ's ministry and extending through the church age. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Millennial Reign

Viewed as symbolic of the church's influence in the world throughout history. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Satan's Release and Final Battle

Seen as a future event, symbolizing a final period of great turmoil before Christ's return. (Revelation 20:7-10)

Judgment

Expected to occur after the final battle, at the end of history. (Revelation 20:11-15)

Amillennialism

Christ's Second Coming

Occurs at the end of the current age, not a literal thousand-year reign. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Binding of Satan

Symbolic of Christ's victory over Satan through His first coming. (Revelation 20:1-3)

Millennial Reign

Symbolic of Christ's current reign in heaven and the church age. (Revelation 20:4-6)

Satan's Release and Final Battle

Symbolizes the final trials before the end of the current age. (Revelation 20:7-10)

Judgment

The final judgment occurs at the end of the age. (Revelation 20:11-15)