Refuting Amillennialism: A Biblical and Theological Critique

                            Refuting Amillennialism: A Biblical and Theological Critique


Amillennialism, the belief that there is no future, literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth, is a widely held eschatological position. However, there are several biblical and theological arguments that can be used to refute this perspective. See below.


1. The events of 70AD (early date of Revelation) and The Bar Kokhba Revolt (late date of Revelation) are downplayed or ignored entirely.

The Bible's audience is primarily Jewish. It is not about the Reformers. Instead of the Old Covenant Age and New Covenant Age, the Reformers redefined these terms as: Church Age as the present time and the Age to Come as the afterlife. This is problematic when considering Hebrews 8:13, 9:10, which focuses on the Old Covenant and New Covenant dichotomy.


2. They fail to realize that the 1,000 years only affect those in the spiritual realm (dead saints in Heaven and Satan in the Abyss) no one in the living realm.

The dead saints rule THEN they judge those who partake in the second resurrection.

Satan is locked away in the Abyss THEN is released again to deceive the nations.

Notice, Gog and Magog and the New Jerusalem are not directly affected by any changes of the 1,000 years.


3. The Greek Literature concept of the 1,000 years is not considered in the context of Revelation 20 (the New Testament is written in Greek).

According to Greek writers such as Plato, Virgil and the Orphics, 1,000 years or more can represent a reincarnation or a change/transition in the non-living realm. Therefore, it makes sense that Gentile converts would be familiar with this concept of coming to life through cultural exposure.



4. Daniel 9 and 12 problem

In Daniel 9, the last 3.5 years is considered the Church age, which is also interpreted as the 1,000 years in Revelation 20. However, when it comes to Daniel 12, there are a two notable problems. The first problem is making sense of the 1,290 days-1,335 days (45 days). Without a Preterist background, it is reduced to a glorified guessing game.The second problem is the latter 3.5 years in Daniel 12. Are they talking about the same Church Age? Why mention it again? Are they the same or different? How do both time statements fit into the so-called Church age or end times narrative in harmony?




5. The Binding of Satan

Proponents read Revelation 20 going back to 30AD-at the Cross. There is no exegetical justification. According to this interpretation, the binding is a minor restriction on movement. However, a close and careful read would immediately disprove this. It says Satan was CAST INTO THE ABYSS, SHUT UP, and A SEAL WAS SET UPON HIM. Satan cannot be roaming as a lion (1 Peter 5:8) and sealed in the Abyss at the same time during the Church Age.

And if that wasn't enough, the Greek word for prison, which is Phylake (Rev 20:7) means a physical, literal imprisonment based on its context-SHUT/SEALED. It’s used in the same way in Revelation 18:2, 2:10; Matthew 14:10; Acts 12:5. John the Baptist and Peter’s respective imprisonments.

Revelation 18:2 English Standard Version 2 And he called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become A DWELLING PLACE for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.

Revelation 2:10 English Standard Version 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into PRISON, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Matthew 14:10 English Standard Version 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the PRISON.

Acts 12:5 English Standard Version 5 So Peter was kept in PRISON, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church



6. New Heavens and Earth Death Problem

Amillennials claim that the New Heavens and Earth will have no suffering, tears, pain, and death because it is in Heaven. This is incorrect. The New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven to Earth. In Isaiah 65 and Revelation 21-22, we see several things: death in the New Heavens and Earth, other nations bringing tribute, fruit from a tree that brings healing, and those outside the city (who are NOT in Hades/Sheol/Lake of fire as many pastors claim). Remember Gog and Magog try to attack the city, so this can't be Heaven. Remember the original scrolls don't have chapter breaks and headings.



7. Revelation and Special Pleading

Interpretational views such as Historicism and Idealism reduces the Bible to a glorified Christian history book or a mystical code book. None of the New Testament books and letters are treated this way, so why treat Revelation differently?! For example, under this view, the 144,000 are considered the Church all throughout history. This downplays and ignores the original recipients' role and experiences-the 7 Churches in Asia Minor.

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