What is Premillennialism?
Quick Summary
Premillennialism is the belief that Jesus will return before (pre-) the millennium described in Revelation 20:1–6. In this view, Christ’s second coming inaugurates a thousand-year reign of peace and justice on earth. Premillennialism emphasizes that history will grow darker until Christ returns to set things right. It is one of the oldest and most widespread interpretations of Revelation 20, though not the only one.
The Basic Idea
Premillennialism takes its name directly from Revelation 20. John describes Satan bound for a thousand years, the martyrs raised, and Christ reigning. Premillennialists read this as a literal or near-literal sequence:
History grows increasingly troubled.
Christ returns visibly to earth.
Christ establishes a millennial kingdom for a thousand years.
At the end, Satan is released for a final rebellion and then defeated forever.
This reading contrasts with postmillennialism, which expects Christ to return after a golden age, and amillennialism, which reads the thousand years symbolically as Christ’s present reign.
See also: What Is the Millennium in Revelation?.
Historical Roots
Premillennialism is often called “chiliasm” (from the Greek chilioi, meaning “thousand”). Some of the earliest church fathers leaned this way. Papias (2nd century) expected a literal millennial reign of Christ on earth. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD) wrote: “I and others are of the opinion that there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a thousand years in Jerusalem” (Dialogue with Trypho, ch. 80).
Over time, however, allegorical and symbolic readings grew more common, especially under Augustine, who moved toward what we now call amillennialism. Premillennialism never disappeared, but it became a minority view until revived in modern times.
Modern Premillennialism
In the 19th and 20th centuries, premillennialism regained strength. Some of this came through dispensationalism, which is a specific type of premillennialism (see What Is Dispensationalism?). But not all premillennialists are dispensationalists.
A more moderate strand is called historic premillennialism, represented by scholars like George Eldon Ladd. He described the view this way:
“Premillennialism is the doctrine stating that the second coming of Christ will precede the millennium… During this time Christ will reign over the earth, and the saints will share in his rule.”
— George Eldon Ladd, The Meaning of the Millennium (p. 17).
Historic premillennialism does not emphasize a pre-tribulation rapture or rigid prophetic timelines. Instead, it stresses that the millennium is Christ’s kingdom come to earth after his return.
Strengths of Premillennialism
Premillennialism resonates with several themes in Scripture:
The hope of resurrection: It takes seriously Revelation’s picture of martyrs raised to reign with Christ (Rev. 20:4–6).
The realism of history: It recognizes Jesus’ own warnings that the world will face trial and tribulation before his coming (see Luke 21).
The reign of Christ on earth: It stresses God’s promises of justice and peace not just in heaven but on earth.
Critiques of Premillennialism
Other Christians raise concerns:
Too literal? Some argue that Revelation is symbolic and not meant as a step-by-step timeline.
The problem of evil: If Christ reigns for a thousand years, why does Satan get released again at the end?
New creation timing: Amillennialists and postmillennialists argue that Christ’s return should bring final renewal, not a temporary kingdom.
See also: Four Major Views of Interpreting Revelation.
Variations Within Premillennialism
Historic Premillennialism
Christ returns before the millennium.
No secret rapture.
The millennium is real but transitional, leading to new creation.
Dispensational Premillennialism
Christ raptures the church before a tribulation.
After seven years, Christ returns with the saints to reign for a thousand years.
Emphasizes a distinct future for Israel and the church.
See also: What Is Dispensationalism?.
Why It Matters
Premillennialism has pastoral weight because it takes seriously both the brokenness of history and the certainty of Christ’s return. It tells suffering believers that the world may get worse, but Christ will come to set it right.
At the same time, it is not the only Christian view. Amillennial, postmillennial, and symbolic readings of Revelation also have deep roots in the church. What unites all Christian readings is the conviction that Christ reigns, Satan’s time is short, and God’s future is sure.
See also: Why Revelation Is a Book of Hope, Not Hype.
Meaning for Today
Premillennialism emphasizes waiting for Christ in hope, not in fear. It resists utopian optimism and naïve despair alike. The heart of the view is this: only Christ can bring lasting peace.
For us today, the question is not whether we can nail down every timeline but whether we live faithfully in the meantime. Revelation’s worship scenes remind us that even while history shakes, heaven sings (Worship Scenes in Revelation).
FAQ
What does “premillennial” mean?
It means Christ returns before (pre-) the millennium of Revelation 20 to establish a kingdom on earth.
Is premillennialism the same as dispensationalism?
No. Dispensationalism is a form of premillennialism that adds detailed timelines, a rapture, and a sharp Israel/Church distinction.
Did the early church believe in premillennialism?
Some did. Writers like Papias and Justin Martyr expected a literal thousand-year reign. Others later adopted more symbolic views.
Why do Christians disagree?
Because Revelation is apocalyptic literature, full of symbols. Faithful readers interpret its visions differently.
Related Content
Sources Cited
Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho, ch. 80.
George Eldon Ladd, The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views (InterVarsity Press, 1977), p. 17.
Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation (NICNT), pp. 353–360.
G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation (NIGTC), pp. 1008–1012.
