Because Christ Reigns! Three ways amillennialism impacts my Christian life
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Nicolae Carpathia, Buck Williams, Tsion Ben-Judah—these names kickstarted my ongoing enthusiasm for eschatology, the study of “last things” in Scripture. They are not influential theologians and biblical scholars but characters in the massively popular Left Behind novels. I was raised in the halcyon days of Left Behind mania and read every publication, from the original book to Glorious Appearing.
The biblical book of Revelation has always captivated me. These novels further sparked my imagination by taking the then-confusing imagery of Scripture and mixing it with modern geopolitics (and, I now say, a good bit of fantasy).
I remember picking up the authors’ nonfiction work, Are We Living in the End Times? It detailed the scriptural framework and interpretation that guided the series while asking and answering the titular question of whether we are living in the days of apocalypse.
Specifically, I remember reading their thoughts on the rapture of believers, an event of particular interest. One of those biblical events—like Adam and Eve eating the fruit, Noah’s ark, and Yahushua walking on water—has spread beyond Christendom and permeated popular culture. Even non-Christians have some sense of what it means to be “left behind.” I wanted to know for myself how Scripture describes it.
One page in the book featured a complete list of verses about the rapture. I distinctly remember examining every passage and thinking I needed to be sharper in my biblical insight. I could not figure out how they found the rapture in the verses they listed. I assumed the authors were more intelligent than I was (which is still a safe assumption).
I later realized I held or developed a different view of eschatology and the millennium. The authors of Left Behind wrote from a kind of dispensationalism. Depending on the day, I can convince myself of classic premillennialism or even postmillennialism. But five days out of the week, I land the amillennial position.
Amillennialism and why it matters
What is amillennialism? And does it matter? How does my view of the millennium and the return of Christ affect my Christian life, if at all?
Amillennialism holds that the millennial reign of Christ referenced in Revelation 20 is not a future event but instead began when Christ ascended to the right hand of Yahuwah and was seated on his heavenly throne 2000 years ago.
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First, a description. Essentially, amillennialism holds that the millennial reign of Christ referenced in Revelation 20 is not a future event but instead began when Christ ascended to the right hand of Yahuwah and was seated on his heavenly throne 2000 years ago. Christ has been reigning since, and we currently live under his heavenly “millennial” reign. So, in contrast to other views, the millennium references not a future, geopolitical reign on earth but a current, universal reign in heaven.
Logically, Christ’s return will not begin a millennial reign but complete it. His return will initiate the resurrection of all humanity, the final judgment, and the new creation of heaven and earth. In the amillennial view, there will be no initial, secret return of Christ rapturing the church before his later public return. Instead, the one return of Christ will be seen by all. Upon his return and judgment, the Lord will call (i.e., rapture) all his saints to him so they may enter the new creation with him in eternal triumph. Hallelujah!
Furthermore, Satan is bound and dethroned during this present millennial reign of Christ. While he is still active in attempting to deceive the nations and accuse the church, his effectiveness has been greatly limited by the victory and enthronement of Yahushua, the King.
So, how does all of this affect my Christian life? Here are three practical applications of this millennium view for your consideration. Other millennial/eschatological positions do not at all deny these three truths. But I do appreciate how amillennialism uniquely emphasizes them.
Our present tribulation
First, amillennialism helpfully accounts for our present tribulations. Some millennial views hold that the great tribulation is a future event. As the millennium approaches, the earth will experience great trials and tribulations, especially for Yahuwah’s people. But if the millennium is not the future, then neither is tribulation. Trouble for Yahuwah’s church is here and now.
In his introduction to Revelation, John refers to himself as “your brother and partner in the tribulation” (Rev. 1:9). According to John, the tribulation is a present reality for the church.
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Why is that helpful? Because it explains the pain we feel now without promising that things necessarily must get worse. I find it a comfort, pastorally speaking, to tell people that the pains of this life are expected. The trials we experience now are not insignificant. When you are rejected for your faith in Christ or when the doctor says it is terminal, you are experiencing the tribulations spoken of in Scripture. We don’t have to wonder if things will get hard someday. Our trials are current and real now.
Our persecuted brothers and sisters across the world can take comfort in this. It seems an odd thing to tell persecuted believers, losing their lives for the faith, that some future day things will get terrible. For them, the tribulation is now just as it was for the apostolic church.
In his introduction to Revelation, John refers to himself as “your brother and partner in the tribulation” (Revelation 1:9). According to John, the tribulation is a present reality for the church. I find it helpful to know that present suffering is not an unexpected anomaly nor an appetizer for greater future misery. Instead, it is an expected reality of following Christ in this present age. Amillennialism helpfully accounts for our present tribulations.
Christ’s present rule
Second, amillennialism encourages us in Christ’s current and universal reign. If we emphasize Christ’s current heavenly reign, we have great comfort as we walk through the trials of this life. I don’t have to hold out hope that someday Christ will come and set up his throne in Israel. He has already established his throne over every nation. My future hope is not tied to a temporary reign of Christ on earth but is fixated on an eternal reign over a perfected creation.
Because Christ reigns now, missions can be effective. He has all the power and authority to ensure the gospel goes out and souls are saved.
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Until Christ’s return, Christ truly reigns now over all creation. This is excellent news! Why?
Because Christ reigns now, missions can be effective. He has all the power and authority to ensure the gospel goes out and souls are saved. As I nervously share the gospel with my neighbor or stumble over my words in a sermon or Bible study, I can trust Christ’s heavenly rule and power to effect salvation.
Because Christ reigns now and is seated at the right hand of Yahuwah, I can be sure my sins are forgiven. He has finished the work and taken his seat. There is nothing I need to add to the Lord's saving work. When I feel deficient, I recall his sufficiency.
Because Christ reigns now, I can be sure the Father hears my prayers as I am united to the Christ who intercedes for me. From his position of rule, Christ speaks on my behalf. When Satan tempts me to despair, accuses me, and condemns me, I know Christ currently rules not just over me but for me.
Amillennialism encourages us in Christ’s current and universal reign while focusing us on our great hope of a perfected eternal creation.
Satan’s present defeat
Finally, amillennialism comforts us in Satan’s present and eventual defeat. Revelation 20 teaches that during the millennium, Satan was bound and prevented from deceiving the nations. It may not be easy to believe what it describes today. It appears deception is alive and well in our time.
The practical upshot is that evil is presently defeated and on a ticking clock. Satan may roar like a lion but cannot stop the gospel's progress.
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But while Satan is currently active and prowling around this earth, Scripture also teaches he has been handily dethroned (see Matthew 12:25-29; Mark 3:27; Luke 10:18; John 12:21; Colossians 2:15; and 1 Corinthians 15:24-25). As Martin Luther said, “Even the devil is God’s devil.” In other words, he is currently restricted by the rule of Christ and will be comprehensively defeated upon Christ’s return.
The practical upshot is that evil is presently defeated and on a ticking clock. Satan may roar like a lion but cannot stop the gospel's progress. Nor can he stop the work of sanctification in me that Christ has begun. He has no legitimate dominion or authority in any sphere of this world. Wherever he operates, Christ rules. So, I have hope for my growth as a Christian and the defeat of personal sin. I have hope for my church’s continued faithfulness because Satan has no dominion there. And I have hope for our gospel witness because the deceiver is being defeated, and Christ is opening blind eyes.
Amillennialism comforts us in Satan’s present defeat. Eventually, that defeat will be final, to the praise of Yahuwah’s grace.
Years after Left Behind, I still have an enthusiasm for eschatology. Part of that fascination is undoubtedly driven by a desire to better understand the more debated portions of Scripture. But as I grow, I am increasingly encouraged by the universally held truths of Christ’s rule and return—truths that encourage all Christians, regardless of their millennial position.
This is a non-WLC article by Aaron Halvorsen.
We have taken out from the original article all pagan names and titles of the Father and Son, and have replaced them with the original given names. Furthermore, we have restored in the Scriptures quoted the names of the Father and Son, as they were originally written by the inspired authors of the Bible. -WLC Team
