“Millennialism according to the Bible and other Religious Scriptures”



“Millennialism according to the Bible and other Religious Scriptures”: An analysis

Introduction

“Millennialism” is a popularly held belief by followers of Christianity that Jesus Christ will reign for a thousand years before the Day of Judgment. Concrete evidence exists that the concept of Millennialism is not confined to Christianity, but it is also believed to exist in other religions i.e. Zoroastrianism and Judaism. However, certain core differences exist between its concept in Bible and other religion's scriptures. After a close analysis of the Bible, we can trace the roots of the concept of Millennialism from the Book of Revelation 20:1-6.

Nature, Timing and Duration of the Millenium

According to the believers of Jesus and the Bible; it cannot be termed as a mere end. But, as the preceding time when the heavens and earth will flee away (Rev. 21:1). Although, some sects of Christianity are ardent believers that before the supposed end of the world, a battle will be fought between the believers and Satan.

If we closely analyze the Bible and its interpretations from religious scholars; we can certainly conclude that the idea of Millennialism is quite evident in Christian faith. However, a debate on its nature and true form has been going on since the religion was founded. Even today, Biblical scriptures remain that somehow authenticate the concept of Millennialism. Jesus and his early disciples were Jews. Christianity continued to use the Hebrew Scriptures, becoming the Tanakh in what is now known as the Old Testament accepting many fundamental doctrines of Judaism. The Land of Israel was highly disputed by the ancient empires, largely due to its geographical location. Was in the midst of two major trade routes: Egypt and Mesopotamia, Arabia and Asia Minor. Alexander the Great defeated the Persians and then took possession of Palestine. After Alexander's death (323 BC), Ptolemy I takes possession of Egypt, Seleucus I takes over Assyria and Palestine remains in contention again.

Discussion

Pre-Millennialism in the Bible

Today, probably the most anticipated misconception in the interpretations of the Bible is the mention of “the thousand years” in Revelation 20:1-7 (John). I believe that the reason it has been so controversial and misunderstood is primarily due to the fact that “it is not mentioned anywhere else in the Biblical scriptures”. Hence, many scholars and researchers believe that no doctrine could be established on the basis of a single passage. Hence, a close analysis implies that due to its only one occurrence; most scholars have disregarded its indoctrination. However, many scholars advocate that the concept of Pre-millennialism is mentioned in the Bible regardless of the amount of discussion and should be regarded as the “word of God”. Since, its existence in scriptures is not much debated and is agreed upon. Hence, its amount of discussion does not really matter.

Both Testaments include the mention of “thousand years,” along with other expressions used. They still continue to be regarded as high points in the Biblical prophecy. A close comparison of the major ...