Session 135: Revelation 20

What is the “1000 years?” Theories: Premillennial (Christ returns to reign on earth for 1000 years (literal or symbolic) BEFORE the final, final judgement....many with this view believe in a rapture of God’s People before Christ returns (a 3rd time!) with them to rule on earth. (Rejected by the Church for 2 reasons: A) No pre-tribulation rapture...Christians don’t get to avoid suffering. B)Christ will not rule visibly on earth again.....he next comes to judge, then it’s heaven or hell. Postmillennial : Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years after the world is all Christianized and good. Was a popular idea in the 19th century, but the world got LESS Christian, less “good” (2 World Wars) in the 20th Century, so not as popular idea today. Also, rejected by Church, again because it says Christ will visibly reign on earth. Amillennialism- The time between Christ’s 1st and 2nd coming, the Church Age, (now!) is the “millenium” (a long time), in which the Devil is subdued (somewhat!) by the Church, Her Teachings, her Sacraments. Christ reigns on earth through the Church; through the hearts of those on earth who love Him. Though not an official doctrine of the Church, this Church Age idea is the teaching of Augustin and a majority of Catholic fathers throughout history. (The Holy Spirit has not revealed definitively very much about the end times.....except a refutation of premillenianism and the idea of a visible earthly reign by Christ at His 2nd Coming (see CCC paragraph 676-677. Read “The Rapture Trap” by Paul Thigpen, (Ascension Press) especially Chapter 8 for a more in-depth look at the theories 20:12 We will be judged according to our DEEDS!! 20:15 Again, there is a Hell!