Amillennialism
By
Nick Bibile
Amillennialism teaches that there is no future, literal 1,000-year earthly reign of Christ. The term itself can be understood as “no millennium,” not in the sense that there is no millennium at all, but that the “thousand years” mentioned in Scripture is not a literal, earthly kingdom. Instead, it is interpreted as a symbolic period.
According to this view, the millennium is a present reality. It began with the incarnation and earthly ministry of Christ and will be consummated at His Second Coming. For this reason, it is sometimes called the “realized millennium,” meaning that Christ is already reigning.
Amillennialists believe that Christ’s reign is spiritual in nature. He rules from heaven over His church on earth, and His saints who have died also reign with Him. During this present age, good and evil coexist until the final judgment—what Jesus described as the harvest at the end of the world.
Amillennialism teaches that Satan is presently bound, but not in the sense that he is completely powerless or inactive. Rather, his binding refers specifically to his inability to deceive the nations as he once did.
Revelation 20:3 states that Satan is restrained so “that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled.” This binding is understood as having taken place during Christ’s earthly ministry.
Jesus Himself spoke of binding the strong man:
“Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man?” (Matthew 12:29)
In context (Matthew 12:22–32), Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, demonstrating His authority over Satan. While some accused Him of working by demonic power, Jesus refuted them, declaring:
“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” (Matthew 12:28)
This shows that the kingdom of God had already arrived through Christ’s ministry.
In Amillennial thought, the kingdom of God is not merely future—it is present. When a person is born again, he enters into this kingdom.
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Colossians 1:13)
Before conversion, a person is under the dominion of Satan. After salvation, he comes under the rule of Christ. Christ reigns in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s victory over Satan was accomplished through His death:
“That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14)
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, we see evidence of Satan’s defeat and restriction:
“Now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” (John 12:31)
Christ’s work, especially through the preaching of the gospel, liberates sinners from Satan’s bondage. This authority was also given to His disciples:
“He gave them power and authority over all devils…” (Luke 9:1)
The success of their mission is seen when they returned with joy:
“Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” (Luke 10:17)
Jesus responded:
“I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)
This indicates that Satan’s power has been decisively curtailed, particularly in relation to the spread of the gospel.
Although Satan is bound in one sense, he is still active. Scripture warns that he continues to oppose believers and persecute the church. However, he cannot ultimately prevent the salvation of God’s people.
Jesus reassured His followers:
“Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul…” (Matthew 10:28)
The mission of the church continues under Christ’s authority:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:19–20)
In Amillennialism, Christ’s reign is seen in the ongoing expansion of His kingdom through the salvation of sinners. As the gospel advances, Satan’s kingdom is plundered and souls are brought into the kingdom of Christ.
This present age is therefore understood as the “millennial reign”—not a future earthly kingdom, but Christ ruling now in and through His people.
Revelation 20:6 says:
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection… they shall reign with him a thousand years.”
Amillennialists interpret the “first resurrection” not as a physical resurrection, but as spiritual regeneration—the new birth.
Jesus taught this spiritual resurrection:
“He that heareth my word, and believeth… is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
Believers were once spiritually dead:
“Dead in trespasses and sins.” (Ephesians 2:1)
But through Christ, they are made alive:
“Hath quickened us together with Christ… and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:5–6)
This is the present spiritual resurrection, where believers are raised to new life and share in Christ’s reign.
Amillennialism teaches that at the end of this present age, Satan will be released for a short time. During this period, there will be intensified deception and opposition to God.
This will culminate in a final confrontation, followed by Satan’s ultimate defeat, the final judgment, and the eternal state.