What is the millennial kingdom, and should it be understood literally?

Response

The millennial kingdom refers to the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth. Some interpret the 1,000 years allegorically, viewing it as a symbolic representation of “a long period of time” rather than a literal, physical rule of Jesus Christ on earth. However, Revelation 20:2-7 explicitly states six times that the millennial kingdom lasts for 1,000 years. If God intended to convey “a long period of time,” He could have done so without repeatedly specifying an exact timeframe.

The Bible teaches that upon Christ’s return to earth, He will establish Himself as the king in Jerusalem, seated on David’s throne (Luke 1:32-33). The unconditional covenants require a literal, physical return of Christ to institute the kingdom. The Abrahamic covenant pledged Israel a land, descendants, a ruler, and spiritual blessings (Genesis 12:1-3). The Palestinian covenant assured Israel a restoration to and occupation of the land (Deuteronomy 30:1-10). The Davidic covenant promised Israel a king from David’s line who would reign eternally, granting the nation peace from all adversaries (2 Samuel 7:10-13).

Upon the second coming, these covenants will be fulfilled as Israel is gathered back from the nations “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect.”From the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24:31), converted (Zechariah 12:10-14), and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Bible describes the conditions during the millennium as an ideal environment both physically and spiritually. It will be a time of peace (Micah 4:2-4; Isaiah 32:17-18), joy, “For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.” (Isaiah 61:7,10) “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:7,10), and comfort (Isaiah 40:1-2). The Bible also teaches that only believers will enter the millennial kingdom. Because of this, it will be a time of obedience, “but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33), holiness, “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men.”Though fools shall not err therein.” (Isaiah 35:8), truth “that he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.” (Isaiah 65:16), and the knowledge of God (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14). Christ will rule as king (Isaiah 9:3-7; 11:1-10). Nobles and governors will also rule (Isaiah 32:1; Matthew 19:28), and Jerusalem will be the political center of the world “Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.” (Zechariah 8:3).

Revelation 20:2-7 gives the precise time period of the millennial kingdom. There are numerous other passages that indicate a literal reign of the Messiah on the earth. The fulfillment of many of God’s covenants and promises depends on a literal, physical, future kingdom. There is no solid foundation for rejecting the literal interpretation of the millennial kingdom and its duration of 1,000 years.