The Revelation

Premillennialism and Revelation 20
(A Study of False Foundations)
Lesson 33 Bobby Stafford

Premillennialism and Revelation 20
(A Study of False Foundations)

Introduction
Revelation 20 is often misunderstood and misused by millions who believe in the theory of premillennialism. This doctrine claims that Christ will return to establish an earthly kingdom, yet it is built on assumptions the Bible never teaches.

The Origin of Premillennialism
Before examining Revelation 20, we must understand the origin of these beliefs. The idea of a secret “rapture,” in which the faithful are suddenly taken from the earth while the world continues, is never mentioned in Scripture. It first appeared in the 1800s when a teenage girl in Scotland claimed to see a vision of two comings of Christ—one for His saints and another to reign on earth. Before that time, no one had ever taught such a thing. Yet this false concept has spread to millions despite having no biblical support.

The Misinterpretation of the Great Tribulation
Another cornerstone of premillennialism is the belief in a coming “great tribulation.” This idea comes from Matthew 24:21, but Jesus was clearly describing the destruction of Jerusalem, not a future world event. In verse 34, He said, “This generation will not pass away till all these things take place.” That prophecy was fulfilled in the first century. The tribulation has already occurred, just as Jesus said.

The Claim of an Earthly Kingdom
Premillennialists teach that after the rapture and tribulation, Christ will return to reign on David’s throne in Jerusalem for a literal thousand years. Yet Revelation 20—the only chapter in the Bible that mentions a thousand-year period—never says Christ will reign on earth, never mentions Jerusalem, and never refers to a literal throne of David. The thousand years symbolize Christ’s complete reign from heaven. His kingdom was not postponed; it was established in the first century.

The Salvation of Israel
Romans 11:26 says, “And so all Israel will be saved.” This does not mean a future national conversion. Paul explained that both Jews and Gentiles are saved in the same way—by hearing and obeying the gospel (Romans 10:12–17). God has no separate plan of salvation for Israel. The gospel is for all people alike, and salvation is through Christ alone.

The False Hope of Restored Worship
Many premillennialists claim that during Christ’s supposed thousand-year reign, the temple will be rebuilt and Old Testament sacrifices restored. Yet Colossians 2:14 says that the law was “nailed to the cross.” The Mosaic law served its purpose as a tutor to bring people to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Once fulfilled, it was forever removed. God’s Word declares it will never return.

The Kingdom Already Established
The greatest error of premillennialism is its denial that Christ’s kingdom exists today. Scripture clearly states that it does. Paul said that Christians had been “translated into the kingdom” (Colossians 1:13). John declared he was “in the kingdom” (Revelation 1:9). Jesus Himself said, “Some standing here will not taste death till they see the kingdom come with power” (Mark 9:1). That promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost when the church began (Acts 2). The church and the kingdom are one and the same.

God’s Eternal Purpose in the Church
Premillennialism also denies that the church was part of God’s eternal plan. It claims the church was an afterthought because the Jews rejected Jesus. Yet Ephesians 3:10–11 teaches that the church was according to “the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The church was not a substitute plan but the very means by which God purposed to save mankind.

Christ Reigns Now
Jeremiah 22:30 declared that no descendant of Jeconiah would sit upon David’s earthly throne. Jesus, being of that lineage, reigns on a heavenly throne. Zechariah 6:13 says He would be “a priest upon His throne.” Therefore, if Christ were not reigning now, He could not serve as our High Priest. But Hebrews 8:1 confirms He is seated at the right hand of God, both King and Priest. His reign is spiritual, not earthly, and His kingdom is eternal.

Premillennialism and Revelation 20 Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: The importance of understanding Revelation 20 and the rise of premillennial doctrine.

• I. Origin of the Doctrine

  • Began in the 1800s in Scotland from a claimed vision.

  • No basis in Scripture; never taught before that time.

   

• II. The Rapture Misconception

  • Misinterprets 1 Thessalonians 4.

  • The Lord’s return ends the world, not secretly removes saints.

   

• III. The Great Tribulation Clarified

  • Matthew 24 refers to Jerusalem’s destruction.

  • Fulfilled in the first century.

   

• IV. The Earthly Kingdom Myth

  • Revelation 20 never mentions Jerusalem or an earthly throne.

  • Christ’s reign is spiritual and complete.

   

• V. The Salvation of Israel

  • Romans 11:26 explained—Jews and Gentiles saved the same way.

   

• VI. The Law Fulfilled and Removed

  • Colossians 2:14 and Galatians 3:24–25—Old law ended at the cross.

   

• VII. The Present Kingdom

  • Colossians 1:13, Revelation 1:9—The kingdom exists now.

  • Mark 9:1 fulfilled at Pentecost.

   

• VIII. God’s Eternal Purpose

  • Ephesians 3:10–11—The church is God’s eternal plan, not an afterthought.

   

• IX. Christ’s Present Reign

  • Jeremiah 22:30—Jesus cannot reign on David’s earthly throne.

  • Zechariah 6:13, Hebrews 8:1—He reigns in heaven as King and Priest.

   

• X. Conclusion and Appeal

  • Reject false doctrines built on imagination.

  • Embrace the truth: Christ reigns now, His church is His kingdom, and His word is final.

   

  Call to Action
  Every Christian must recognize the danger of believing teachings not found in Scripture. The foundation of premillennialism is built on speculation rather than truth. Christ’s kingdom is not future—it is present. He reigns today, and all who obey His gospel are citizens in that kingdom. We must reject doctrines that twist God’s Word and instead uphold the pure gospel that saves.

   

  Key Takeaways

  • The “rapture” is never mentioned in Scripture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 2 Peter 3:10).

  • The “great tribulation” refers to the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:21, 34).

  • Revelation 20 does not describe an earthly reign.

  • Jews and Gentiles are saved the same way—through obedience to the gospel (Romans 10:12–17).

  • The Law of Moses was nailed to the cross and will never return (Colossians 2:14).

  • The church is God’s eternal purpose and is the kingdom of Christ (Ephesians 3:10–11).

  • Christ reigns now as both King and Priest from His heavenly throne (Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 8:1).

   

Scripture Reference List

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – Christ’s visible return.

• 2 Peter 3:10 – The earth destroyed at His coming.

• Matthew 24:21, 34 – Tribulation fulfilled in Jerusalem’s destruction.

• Romans 10:12–17 – All saved by the same gospel.

• Colossians 2:14; Galatians 3:24–25 – The old law ended at the cross.

• Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9 – The kingdom exists now.

• Ephesians 3:10–11 – The church was God’s eternal plan.

• Jeremiah 22:30; Zechariah 6:13; Hebrews 8:1 – Christ reigns now as King and Priest.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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