Faith without religion.
Millennium Perspectives: Beyond Traditional Views
In our recent study, we delved into two lesser-known perspectives on the Millennium, distinct from the traditional views of premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. These perspectives offer intriguing interpretations of Revelation 20, challenging conventional eschatological timelines.
The first perspective, championed by J. Stuart Russell, posits that the Millennium commenced in 70 AD, following the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple, and continues to this day. This view aligns closely with amillennialism and postmillennialism, suggesting that Christ’s reign began with His crucifixion. Russell’s interpretation sees the Millennium as a symbolic period, not a literal thousand years, and anticipates a future end to evil, as described in Revelation 20:7-10.
The second perspective, full preterism, argues that all biblical prophecies, including those in Revelation 20, were fulfilled by 70 AD. This view holds that the Millennium occurred between 30 AD and 70 AD, a single biblical generation. Full preterists assert that the Second Coming, resurrection, and judgment happened during this period, marking the end of the old covenant age and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.
Douglas McKenzie, a proponent of Russell’s view, introduces the concept of “premillennial preterism,” which suggests that Jesus returned just before the Millennium began. This interpretation challenges full preterism by maintaining that some prophecies remain unfulfilled, particularly the future release of Satan at the Millennium’s end.
These perspectives invite us to reconsider the sequence of events in Revelation 19-20. They propose that the Millennium began with the AD 70 Second Coming, not as a recapitulation to AD 30. This interpretation aligns with Daniel 7, where the saints possess the kingdom following the defeat of the Antichrist.
In summary, these non-traditional views offer fresh insights into the Millennium, encouraging us to explore the complexities of biblical prophecy and its fulfillment. As we continue our study, we will further examine these interpretations and their implications for understanding Revelation 20.
