Postmillennialism

Postmillennialism is characterized by the following views:

• Christ comes after the millennial period finishes.

• The Millennium is a distinct time period inaugurated by the Church, which encompasses both spiritual and physical characteristics (Boettner, Millennium, 14).

• The body of Christ will influence the entire world culturally, politically, and economically so that Christ will have dominion through the Church (Grenz, Millennial Maze, 66). This will bring great physical prosperity to the world.

• The Church will have great effectiveness in evangelism and deep spiritual maturity.

• The hegemony of the Church will last a long time period, but not necessarily 1,000 years. Following this, a rebellion will ensue and Christ will return to earth to judge and create a new heaven and earth (Boettner, Millennium, 64; see Rev 21:7–15).

• The Church has replaced Israel and received its purpose and promises; it now claims the responsibility as a national priesthood to the rest of the world (1 Pet 2:9–10).

• Old Testament descriptions of Israel’s global mission are part of the Church’s mission. This is supported by the Great Commission.

• The Church’s purpose to evangelize and make disciples of the entire world corresponds to God’s guarantee to Israel to be a blessing to the world (Gen 12:1–3).

• Parables such as the parable of the Mustard Seed depict the kingdom growing progressively over time (Matt 13:31–32). This may imply that the Church will have a growing influence over the entire world and eventually become the dominant institution.

The puritans were notable supporters of postmillennialism.

Interpretations of Rev 20:1–6 are split within postmillennialism.

• Some view the context of Revelation as already fulfilled in ad 70; this is known as preterism (Gentry, “A Preterist View of Revelation,” 37). Consequently, Revelation 20:1–6 is an event that is about to happen rather than connected to a future period of tribulation.

• Others view the book of Revelation as an idealistic or theological presentation of the nature of God’s victory. The Millennium is more theological ideal than literal era of history. To have a full picture of the end times, other passages and theological concepts must be considered (Gentry, Before Jerusalem Fell, 130–33).