The Millennial Maze

Revelation Chapter 20 raises the issue of the ‘1000 year reign of Christ.’  Christians have long debated the precise meaning of this phrase found in Chapter 20, verse 4.  Division and discord among believers are common over this chapter, which has been called, ‘the most popular chapter in all of Revelations!’

Historically, the first 300 years of the Christian Church found the Church Fathers in fierce opposition to each over of the specific meaning of the Millennium.  Augustine in the Fourth Century A.D., presented a view that claimed the Millennial reign as purely symbolic and not a literal 1000 years.  Augustine’s position remained the majority view of Christians up until the 1700’s.  The 18th Century American Preacher Jonathan Edwards held to a view of Christ returning after the Millennium called ‘Post-Millennialism’, and today many conservative Christians hold to a view of Christ returning before the Millennium, or ‘Pre-Millennialism.’

Here is a quick overview of the three main positions as well as my opinion.

1. Pre-Millennialism - This view states that Christ will return to earth, destroy evil and then will reign for 1000 years.  At the end of the 1000 years, Satan is cast into Hell, and then the New Heaven and the New Earth begins.
2. A-Millennialism - Christians who hold to this view see the discussion of the Millennium as symbolic of the Church Age.  This view claims that the ‘Millennium’ refers to the time between the First Coming of Christ and the Second Coming of Christ.  This in-between time is not a literal 1000 years but a symbolic reference- representing the Church.
3. Post-Millennialism -This view believes that the 1000 year reign of Christ will be a time when the Gospel triumphs in the world; leading to a period of peace and world-wide prosperity.  After this time of Christian growth and the Gospel’s expanding influence, Christ will return and bring with Him the New Heaven and Earth.

As Christians we hold certain truths with closed fists and other truths with open hands.  The things we hold tightly are the non-negotiables of the faith: the divinity of Jesus, brokenness of humanity, the sacrificial death and bodily resurrection of Christ, the infallibility of God’s Word, etc... But there are other issues that the Bible is not that clear on -issues where Christians have contrary opinions.  I believe that the Millennial question is a secondary belief, one that should not cause divisions among believers and one that we should hold with a gracious open hand.

With this in mind, it appears that the the Pre-Millennial position is the clearest reading of Revelation 20.  Christ will return to earth and will bind Satan for a period of 1000 years.  After this Satan is released, then committed to Hell.  God will judge the world and this will be the end of Satan, Evil and the forces of Darkness. 

While I hold the Pre-Millennial view, I also affirm that my personal view of the Millennium is not really the main point of this passage.  Revelation 20 teaches us so much more than whether the Millennium is literal or symbolic!  Revelation 20 shows us that God is sovereign, that Satan’s actions are futile and that Believers in Christ will ultimately be victorious.  Whatever Millennial position we hold- we all can agree with this truths and say, ‘Amen and Amen!’

What is your view and why do you hold to this position?  Write in your comments and let’s continue the discussion...

Sunday Left-Overs July 8th, 2012 or 'Doing the Electric Slide with Moses!'

Today at Southbrook we turned our attention to Revelation Chapter 19.  This passage takes us on a tour, beginning with Heaven.  When you think of Heaven, what images or ideas come to your mind?


Four times in this passage, heavens inhabitants shout 'Hallelujah' -literally 'praise to God,' for His mighty acts of justice and righteousness.  The author, John, describes Heaven as a 'wedding banquet!'  Now just think about that for a moment... Heaven isn't a boring place, but it is filled with the excitement and joy that we would find at a Wedding Party!  


In verse 11 a shift occurs, and we see Jesus as a mighty warrior, coming to avenge evil and injustice.  Jesus' clothes are covered in blood and a sword comes from His mouth.  He arrives to fight and comes in a victory formation!  I love this middle section of Revelation 19, because we see Jesus arriving as if the battle has already been won.  This isn't arrogance; rather it is holy certainty! For when Jesus rose from the dead, conquering the power of Sin, Satan's ultimate defeat was just a matter of time....

Two Invitations are issued, Two Dinners are held, and Two Destinies are at stake...!

Now, as you read through Revelation Chapter 19, what stands out in your mind?  Send in your questions and let us continue discussing this life-changing section of Scripture!

Warrior Jesus Imagery -Revelation 19

Think of Jesus, go ahead think of Him right now.  More than likely the image is common and reassuring: like Jesus holding a lamb or a child.  While these images are accurate, they probably say more about how we want Jesus to be than about how Jesus actually is!

In Revelation Chapter 19 we meet Warrior Jesus.  No cute lambs or bushy haired children are present.  Instead Jesus comes with a sword and a bloodied robe.  He comes ready for battle and for destruction.

Revelation 19.11-13 depicts Jesus with powerful terms and images.  We find seven different themes in this sobering view of Jesus.  Let's take a deeper look at the story behind each image...

1. Jesus is called 'Faithful and True.'  This phrase builds off of Chapter 1.5 and Chapter 3.14.   Jesus is shown to be faithful in His actions and true in His justice.  As His followers are called to be faithful in a hostile world, Jesus exists as the purest example of faithfulness!

2. 'With justice he judges and makes war.' Since the Dragon and the Beast have made war against God, Jesus goes to war against them.... This is the law of retribution that is found so strongly throughout the book of Revelation.

3. 'Eyes are like blazing fire.' This phrase refers to Daniel 10 verse 6.  One commentary states that the fiery eyes, 'refers to the penetrating vision by which God discerns all and the fiery judgment that will result from his all-seeing discernment.'

4. 'On his head are many crowns.'  This phrase is a direct attack on the Roman Empire and Caesar's rule. Caesar wore an earthly crown, but here Jesus wears the true crown and is the only 'King of Kings!'

5. 'Name that no one knows except himself.'  We remember that Jesus promised the residents of Pergamum (2.17) a 'new name.' Various interpretations exist to what this name means.  It very well could be a name of Jesus that is revealed only in the End Times.

6. 'He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood.'  Is this Jesus' blood -a reference to his sacrifice on the cross, or the blood of the martyrs, or the blood of His enemies?  All are great possibilities, but the context is a battle, and so we assume that this refers to the blood of His enemies.  See Isaiah 63.1-3 for more insight on this possibility.

7. 'His name is the Word of God.'  This is the only place in the New Testament where Jesus is called 'The Word of God!'  This title shows that He is speaking for God and that His message comes from God.

These images are packed together to show the power and authority of the Warrior Jesus.  He comes to vindicate the saints, to right past wrongs and to exercise divine judgment upon the forces of evil.

Southbrook moves to its new location

Recently Southbrook Church acquired a church building that sits on 22 acres of land in the City of Franklin, Wisconsin!  The church contains a dedicated sanctuary which seats 350, plenty of classes for infants and children, along with a magnificent High School size Gymnasium.  If you live in the Franklin, Oak Creek, Muskego area and are looking for a church home, drop by Southbrook and check us out!

More info can be found at www.SouthbrookMinistries.org