Will there be a millennial reign?

This a relevant question as there is much misunderstanding and false teaching concerning the second coming of Christ. The answer to the question is ‘no‘. There will not be a millennial reign.

While denominations have varying beliefs on the subject, the millennial reign theory usually includes a teaching that Christ will return to the earth and set up a ‘Millennial Kingdom’. They believe that Jesus, headquartered in Jerusalem, will rule over the nations of the earth for one thousand years before the final judgment. This is contrary to the clear scriptural teachings on the subject of Christ’s return and the nature of the Kingdom of God.

There is no need for a millennium for Christ has already set up His kingdom. Jesus said in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight….” When the Pharisees demanded to know when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered by saying, ” 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 17:20-12). The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). Christ’s earthly kingdom was established in the hearts of believers at His first coming. God’s people are reigning now (Romans 5:17). Christ’s work on this earth was finished with His first coming. “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).

Those that hold to the millennium theory mistakenly look for Christ to sit on the throne of David in a future age. Clearly, the literal throne of David was destroyed long ago. The throne of David represents sovereign power and kingship. Jesus was born ‘King of the Jews’ (Matthew 2:2). When He entered into Jerusalem, the multitudes cried, saying, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest” (Mark 11:9-10).

There will be no time for a millennium when Christ returns. There will be one resurrection of the dead (John 5:28-29) on that last day (see John 6:39-40, 44, 54). There will not be a separate resurrection of the righteous and wicked. Christ will judge all people together (Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46) where they will receive their eternal rewards. This will all occur on that ‘last day’.

There will be no place for a millennium after Christ appears. Consider the passage in 2 Peter 3:7,10. “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.…But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” The scripture bears out clearly that when Jesus returns, this world will be completely destroyed by fire. This will occur at the day of judgment when the Lord returns as a thief in the night.

According to the scripture, there is no need for a millennium, no time for a millennium, and there is no place for a millennium. The millennium teaching is a deception of the enemy. Many are looking and hoping for another opportunity in a future age. There are no second chances, for this is the day of salvation. Now is the time to enter into the kingdom of God and prepare for eternity.
-mws