The Millennial Kingdom

“My kingdom is not of this world ...”
John 18:36

Kingdom - Then or Now?
Will Jesus return to the earth to establish an earthly kingdom? Will He rule on the earth for one thousand years? Does the Bible foretell such a millennial kingdom?

A Spiritual KingdomJesus said “My kingdom is not of this world ...” (John 18:36). The kingdom of which Jesus spoke is spiritual. It is the rule of God within the heart. Jesus spoke of God’s will being done on earth as in heaven (Matthew 6:10). This was His description of the kingdom.

Exists NowBelievers in Colossae were told, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13). The kingdom existed in the first century and it exists now. Those who follow Christ are the loyal subjects of the kingdom. They are His kingdom.

To Be Delivered UpChrist is now ruling and reigning until all enemies have been put under His feet. The kingdom will then be delivered up to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-25; Psalm 110:1-2; Acts 2:34-35).

Thousand Year Reign?The Bible contains nothing about a one thousand year reign on earth. Revelation chapter 20 presents the idea of victory for the souls of those martyred during first century persecution. In this way believers were assured that those who persecuted them would be defeated and they would be victorious.

The figure of Satan bound for a 1,000 years symbolizes a complete victory. It does not refer to a literal 1,000 year period. Those who think they find a millennial kingdom in Revelation 20 are adding six things to the Scriptures:

1) The coming of Christ is the not the subject and is not discussed in this passage;
2) Bodily resurrection is not described here;
3) The passage says nothing of an earthly reign
4) A literal throne in Jerusalem is not mentioned;
5) People living today are not in the scene;
6) The passage does not say that Christ will be on earth.
The concept of the millennial kingdom comes from a source other than the Bible.

No Second Chance The time of preparation is now. In the parable of the foolish virgins, the door was shut when the bridegroom returned (Matthew 25:1-10). The idea of a millennial kingdom in which another opportunity is gained for repentance is contrary to the teaching of this parable. After this life we face judgment. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). There is no second chance.

One Resurrection
It is widely believed that the wicked will be raised at the end of the 1,000 year reign and then judgment will follow. But Jesus spoke of one resurrection in which all who are in the grave will hear His voice and come forth (John 5:28-29). The righteous and the wicked will rise at the same time. There will be no 1,000 year period between.

Jesus Returns to JudgeAccording to Matthew 25:31-46, judgment will occur at the coming of Jesus. When He comes, all nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate the wicked from the righteous. There is no millennial reign in this passage.

King and PriestAccording to prophecy, the Messiah would be king and priest at the same time. “...He shall be a priest upon his throne...” (Zechariah 6:13). Jesus is now our high priest (Hebrews 7:26-28). He is also reigning as king. He is now “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).

The Lord’s SupperIf the kingdom does not now exist, followers of Christ have no authority to observe the Lord’s Supper. He said, “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom ...” (Luke 22:29-30). We observe this memorial with Him each Lord’s day in the kingdom as He promised (Matthew 26:29).

Kingdom WithinJesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come. He answered, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

Messiah ReignsThe Messiah is the Anointed One --- Christ the king. He reigns now in the midst of His enemies (Psalm 110:2). To Him there was given an everlasting kingdom, which shall not pass away (Daniel 7:14). Do you believe in the risen Christ who reigns over all who do God’s will? Will you serve Him as a faithful subject in the kingdom? Do you await His return when He will deliver up the kingdom tot he Father?

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please e-mail me at BibleTruths@hotmail.com or call 253-396-0290. Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.