The Millennial Kingdom

**This is my research paper I did for Biblical Interpretation 2 my sophomore year at PBC.**

The thought of Christ being in rule on earth is amazing. Even more amazing is the thought that all nations will know and understand who He is. Is it really possible that Phillipians 2:10-11 would come true? “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11). The Jews were offered this kingdom at another point in time, but they rejected it. This time will not be rejected when it comes to the dispensation of the Millennial Kingdom. This is the period of time in which Christ will rule on earth for one thousand years. Dr. Keith Bailey, a pastor and the editor of Christian Publications, calls this time period- “the most blessed age in human history” (Bailey 146 ).
Before one can discuss anything about a specific dispensation, one needs to understand introductory ideas on dispensationalism. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, best-selling author of many theological books, gives excellent descriptions and definitions of dispensationalism in his book. Dispensationalism is the adherence to a literal hermeneutic or interpretation of the Bible, the separation of Church and Israel, and the doxological purpose of scripture (Ryrie 45-48). One of the key features in dispensationalism is the idea of different dispensations or ages throughout time (29-30). Each of these seven dispensations is classified by a test, failure, and a judgment (39-41). For example, the test in the beginning was to not eat of the fruit. The failure was the eating of that fruit. The judgment was expulsion from the garden (59). Each and every dispensation holds to this pattern. If a period in question does not have these three ingredients, then it is not a dispensation. The seven dispensations most dispensationalists hold to are innocence, conscience, patriarchal rule, human government, Mosaic law, grace, and kingdom (58-65). The kingdom is indeed the 1,000 year reign of Christ (64-65).
There are many different views about the Millennial Kingdom and the aspects of this time period. Dr. Bailey points this ideal out in his book, Christ’s Coming and His Kingdom. He also takes the time to mention at least two views. One view is the Amillenialist view which he describes as the belief that the current church age is the millennium. The other is the common view and it is that the millennium is a thousand years that will take place after Christ’s second coming (Bailey 146). The latter view is what most dispensationalists would hold to. It is believed that the Millennial Kingdom will start after the Battle of Armageddon (Bailey 145-46). Revelation 20:1 says, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled:” (Rev. 20:1-3a).” This shows two key aspects of the Millennium. First, that Satan will be bound at the start of the Millennium which chapter nineteen says is the end of the battle- “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh” (Rev. 19:21). It also shows what will happen at the end of the millennium- the loosing of Satan. The verse goes on to say- “and after that he must be loosed a little season” (Rev. 20:3b). Bailey says, “This [loosening] will test the profession of man” (Bailey 164). Another key aspect of the Millennium is that many will come to know Christ which Bailey alludes to in this quote. He also goes on to state this ideal (Bailey 164). A fourth key aspect of the Millennium is that Christians will be ruling with Christ during this time (Bailey 154). Bailey uses Revelation 5:9-10 to prove this ideal (Bailey 154). Lastly, an aspect of the Millennium is that this time of peace and ruling of Christ will be done through Jerusalem as the capital (Otis 59). In conclusion, Ryrie attest to the test, failure, and judgment of this age. The test is will God’s people accept and remain faithful. The failure is that some will still refuse him. The judgment is the Great White Throne preceding this time (Ryrie 64-65).
Many could attest to the Millennium as being a favorite dispensation. A lot could hold to the aspects mentioned before as contributors. The main reason is because many will come to know Christ because of his holy presence on earth. Otis, founder of a Christian ministry known as High Adventure Ministries, reiterates the acceptance of the kingdom and king by the Jews in his book (Otis 81-83). The fact that the hard-heartened Jews will accept Him seems amazing. The other fact that hard-heartened Gentiles also come to accept the Lord is also amazing. One could look at the world today and find this impossible- that’s what makes this ideal so amazing! Another reason this period could be a favorite is that there is so much uncertainty about this time period. Otis says, “It is a strange paradox that enlightened man, even at the turn of this millennium is so poorly informed about this looming age” (Otis 26). He gives a solution that many seem to fail to heed and even one who does heed could still be left with confusion because one does not take the time to really research the ideals. He says to simply look to God for the unknown (Otis 35-36). He states- “The Bible authenticates itself” (Otis 37). One could still be left with uncertainty, however. The key fact to remember is that there are some things one will never know until God directly reveals it. One final factor could be that this is indeed the last dispensation. There may be some that this ideal causing fascination and favoritism. After this dispensation, God’s creation can finally live at peace with Him as was his original purpose.
The Millennium is a fascinating time period. It is a dispensation where Christ will finally be in rule and where Revelation 20 will come true. There will be an end to the cycle of dispensations for this is the last dispensation. The ones who will accept Christ will finally accept Him and those that still reject will be cast off to their judgment. There may be confusion in dealing with this period but one thing is certain- it is a time looked to with great anticipation.




Works Cited
Bailey, Keith M. Christ’s Coming and His Kingdom. Pennsylvania: Christian Publications, 1999. Print.
KJV Reference Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994. Print.
Otis, George Sr. Millenium: The 1000 Year Reign of King Jesus. Oklahoma: Albury Publishing, 2000. Print.
Ryrie, Charles C. Dispensationalism. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1977. Print.