Millennium is future literal thousand-year reign after Christ's return
Jehovah's Witnesses affirm a literalist reading of Revelation 20:1-6, understanding the thousand years as a future earthly kingdom that will follow Christ's invisible return and the judgment of the living nations. Christ will reign with Jehovah's spirit-anointed followers during the millennium, and the earth will be transformed into a paradise free from death and suffering.
Witnesses teach that the millennial reign will serve to prove that humans can live in obedience to God's government. After the thousand years, Satan will be released for a final test, and those who choose God's kingdom will inherit eternal life in paradise. The millennium is central to Witnesses' eschatological hope and their invitation to embrace God's kingdom.
Key Distinctions
- Millennium view:
- future literal thousand-year reign
- Christ return:
- Satan binding:
Scripture References
Sources
- Watchtower Bible and Tract Society publications