Sign of the Times - a Study of RevelationSample

When will Jesus return?

If we’re going to talk about the Tribulation, we have to talk about the Millennium. The Millennium is a 1,000-year period when Christ will reign and rule on earth.

Like the Tribulation, there are many different opinions on when the Millennium will happen. Here are the most common:

Premillennialism: This belief comes from a literal interpretation of Revelation 20:1-6. It states that Jesus' return will follow the Tribulation and usher in the Millennium before the eventual complete renewal of all things. Most believe that the Rapture will occur prior to the Tribulation, removing Christians from the picture until the onset of the Millennium—which ends in the eventual complete renewal of all things with the New Heavens and New Earth.

Amillennialism: This is the belief that the 1,000-year reign of Christ is symbolic and happening now. It was ushered in when Jesus came to live on earth, died, and resurrected. Satan is bound, yet sin is still present and active. We live in the tension of the "already/not yet"—Christ is currently reigning as King, but we are waiting for his return for the full realization of his kingdom in the New Heavens and New Earth.

Postmillennialism: This is the belief that Jesus will return once the earth comes as close as it can to God’s kingdom. In other words, Jesus will return after more and more people come to faith in him. It’s an optimistic view that the earth is trending towards God, not evil, and eventually, once all people are saved (or have the opportunity to be saved), then Jesus will return and bring the New Heavens and New Earth. It does not adhere to a literal interpretation of a 1,000-year Millennium.

So the question is, when will Jesus return? The answer: YES! Wait, that wasn’t an answer to the question. We know. But while it’s fun to debate, the truth is that what matters most is that, one day, Jesus will return. And on that day, a new era will be ushered in for those who have put their faith in him. In the meantime, our job as followers of Christ is to reach as many people for Christ as we can.

Reflection Questions:

• So...what do you think? If you were to choose a viewpoint, which one would you go with and why?
• What excites you about Jesus' return? Anything that concerns you?
• Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus before he returns?

Prayer Prompt:
Spend some time in prayer about the people you listed as a response to the last reflection question. Ask God to open doors for conversation and open hearts to hear about Jesus! Pray that God would open your heart to his promptings to start and build relationships. You never know where he might lead you—or who he'll lead you to!