What is Amillennialism?
Quick Summary
Amillennialism is the view that the “thousand years” of Revelation 20 is a symbolic picture of the real and present reign of Christ. In this view, the millennium began with Christ’s resurrection and continues until his return. Amillennialists believe Satan is restrained now, the gospel is advancing, and at the end of history Christ will return in judgment and renewal. This post explains the meaning of the view without advocating for or against it.
The Basic Idea
Where premillennialism expects Christ to return before a literal thousand-year reign, and postmillennialism anticipates a golden age before his coming, amillennialism reads the millennium symbolically — but not unreal. It sees John’s vision as a metaphor describing what is true right now: Christ reigns, the saints reign with him, and Satan’s power is limited. The symbol points to a deeper reality already underway, waiting for its final unveiling at Christ’s return.
See also: What Is the Millennium in Revelation?
Historical Roots
The seeds of amillennialism go back to allegorical readings of Revelation in the early church, but it was Augustine (354–430) who gave it its classic shape. In The City of God (Book 20), Augustine argued that the thousand years represented the time between Christ’s first and second comings.
Augustine wrote: “The thousand years may be understood in two ways: either because these things happen in the sixth millennium of years… or because this period designates the whole time of this world’s history.” (City of God, 20.7).
Through Augustine’s influence, amillennialism became the dominant view in the medieval church, carried forward by Reformers like Calvin and Luther, who emphasized symbolic readings of Revelation.
Modern Amillennialism
Today, amillennialism remains a major perspective in Reformed and Catholic traditions. A modern representative is Anthony Hoekema, who explained it this way:
“The millennium is the present reign of the souls of deceased believers with Christ in heaven. It is the period between the first and second comings of Christ, a time during which Satan’s power is curtailed and during which the gospel is preached throughout the world.”
— Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future (p. 226).
This shows the focus: the millennium is not a future hope but a present reality, seen through eyes of faith.
Strengths of Amillennialism
Amillennialism appeals to many because:
It reads Revelation symbolically without denying reality: The “thousand years” is apocalyptic imagery, but the reign of Christ it describes is real and present.
It centers on Christ’s victory now: Believers live with confidence that Jesus already reigns, even if that reign is often hidden from sight.
It keeps the focus on final renewal: Instead of adding an in-between kingdom, it points directly to the resurrection, judgment, and the new creation.
See also: Why Revelation Is a Book of Hope, Not Hype.
Critiques of Amillennialism
Others raise questions:
Spiritualizing too much? Critics say amillennialism risks downplaying the physical promises of God’s kingdom.
What about Satan’s restraint? If Satan is bound, why does evil still rage so strongly?
Where’s the thousand years? Some argue the plain sense of Revelation 20 points to a sequence, not a present reality.
See also: Numbers in Revelation.
Comparing the View
Premillennialism: Christ returns before a thousand-year reign.
Postmillennialism: The church brings about a golden age; Christ returns after.
Amillennialism: The millennium is now, Christ reigns spiritually, and his return brings the end.
See also: Four Major Views of Interpreting Revelation.
Why It Matters
Amillennialism emphasizes that Christians do not wait for Christ to start reigning — he already does. This can encourage believers living under persecution or disappointment. The kingdom is present, even if hidden. At the same time, it sharpens our longing for Christ’s final return, when faith becomes sight and all things are made new.
See also: The Central Message of Revelation: Hope, Endurance, and the Victory of the Lamb.
Meaning for Today
Amillennialism reminds us that our calling is not to predict dates or decode timelines but to live faithfully in Christ’s reign here and now. Evil still thrashes, but it is restrained. The gospel continues to spread, and the Spirit empowers the church.
For us, the comfort is this: no matter how chaotic the headlines, Christ reigns. The “thousand years” is not about waiting for God to act someday — it’s about trusting that God is already at work until the day Christ comes again.
See also: Worship Scenes in Revelation.
FAQ
What does amillennial mean?
It means “no millennium,” though that’s misleading. Amillennialists believe the millennium is real but symbolic of the present age, not a future literal era.
Who started amillennialism?
The view took shape under Augustine in the 5th century, though symbolic readings of Revelation existed earlier.
Is amillennialism pessimistic?
Not necessarily. It emphasizes that Christ already reigns, giving present hope, while still looking to future glory.
How is it different from postmillennialism?
Amillennialism sees no earthly golden age before Christ’s return. Postmillennialism expects one.
Related Content
Sources Cited
Augustine, The City of God, Book 20.
Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future (Eerdmans, 1979), pp. 226–231.
Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation (NICNT), pp. 356–362.
G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (NIGTC), pp. 1012–1017.
