Millennial Models

Assignment Outline

1. Introduction
2. Millennial Models
2.1 Postmillennialism
2.2 Amillennialism
2.3 Historical Premillennialism
2.4 Premillennial Dispensationalism
3. Drivers behind the models
3.1 Relationship between the Old and New Testaments - Prophecy
3.2 Structure of Revelation
4. Conclusion
Bibliography

1. Introduction

The subject of Eschatology is vast with many differing views. The main preoccupation of Eschatological debates over the years has been around the ‘millennium’. This paper is going to describe the traditional millennial views of Postmillennialism, Amillennialism, Premillennialism and Dispensational Premillennialism as they are most broadly understood.   In fact we will see that there is really only two views, the more symbolic view of a millennial age before Christ’s return and the more literal one thousand year reign after Christ’s return.

There are many variations on each of these but the objective here is to just give a general idea of what they look like. After they have been outlined we will look at what the drivers behind these models are that makes people come to these conclusions?

2. Millennial Models

As an introduction to the various models it is most important in understanding and evaluating them that you just don’t see the differences in respect of the time and the manner in which the millennium will be set up. It is equally, if not more important, to understand the differences in terms of the nature of the kingdom and the manner in which Christ will exercise control.

2.1 Postmillennialism

This model is by far the most positive of all the models in its outlook.   In broad strokes this view sees the kingdom of God currently being extended in the world through the preaching of the gospel resulting in the lives of individuals being transformed. So many people will accept the gospel that eventually the whole world will be ‘Christianised’. The return of Christ will come after a long time when the... [continues]

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