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Someone told me that Lutherans don’t take the Bible literally, which is why we don’t teach millennialism, that is, Christ’s thousand-year reign with his believers on earth, as found in Revelation chapter 20. What can I say to this person?
Actually, Lutherans do take the Bible literally, that is, according to its genre.
Apocalyptic literature uses figurative language
In order to interpret the book of Revelation, we must recognize that apocalyptic literature uses figurative language.
Even those who accuse Lutherans of not interpreting Revelation literally must acknowledge at least some figurative language in Revelation chapter 20. For example, in verses 1 and 2 where one thousand years is referenced, it states that Satan is bound by a great chain. The chain must be a figure of something since Satan is a fallen angel and cannot be chained with a physical chain. Also notice that a key, dragon, serpent, and even the Abyss are all figurative.
The main message is clear
We need to exercise caution in trying to identify every figure in the book of Revelation with dogmatic certainty. Reading apocalyptic literature is a little like looking at an impressionistic painting. If you get your nose too close, you lose the big picture. The same is true when reading apocalyptic literature. When we get bogged down in the details, we can lose the big, beautiful picture that the Holy Spirit is giving as an encouragement to us.
In one way, the book of Revelation is one of the easiest books to interpret because the message is so simple and clear: On this side of eternity, God’s people will have crosses to bear. But Jesus wins, which means that we win and now beautiful heaven awaits all believers. That is the recurring message of Revelation!
Pay attention to the words
One of the principles of interpretation is to let the clear passages of Scripture shed light on those that are more difficult. The one thousand years mentioned in Revelation must be figurative or it would contradict the clear truths of the end times elsewhere in Scripture. The thousand years when Satan is bound refers to the New Testament era. When interpreting Revelation, it is important to pay attention to the words!
In verse 4, the apostle John sees “thrones.” Where are there thrones? In heaven! They belong to the “souls” of those who have died for their faith. They are in heaven right now during the “one thousand years” of the New Testament era before the resurrection of the body at the Last Day. Verse 4 says, “They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” This says nothing of how long Christ reigns. He always reigns (Revelation 11:15). These faithful who have died are in heaven with Jesus right now.
Verse 5 says, “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.” Who are these “dead”? Unbelievers exist but don’t “live.” Without faith in Jesus they are still dead in trespasses and sins. Believers have come to life in Christ. That’s what John refers to when he wrote, “This is the first resurrection” (cf. John 5:24-29). As a result, verse 6 goes on to say that we are blessed because the second death (i.e. hell) has no power over us!
What a comfort to know that those who die in the Lord are reigning with Christ right now!
Have a question, ask it here!
Author: David Scharf
Volume 108, Number 9
Issue: September 2021
- Q&A: Do parts of the Bible teach works righteousness?
- Q&A: How can I overcome my struggle with lust and pornography?
- Q&A: How should I help my child struggling with same-sex attraction?
- Q&A: Should Christians pray to saints?
- Q&A: Is anger sinful?
- Q&A: How can parents encourage adult children who wander from the faith?
- Q&A: Does the doxology belong in the Lord’s Prayer?
- Q&A: Is God fair?
- Q&A: When we pray, “Your kingdom come,” what are we praying for?
- Q&A: How can I better manage what God has given me this year so that I glorify him?
- Q&A: What are ways to glorify God besides singing in church?
- Q&A: I have no special gifts, and I mess up all the time. Does God really need me?
- Q&A: How do I overcome the feeling that my life has no purpose and I don’t make a difference?
- Q&A: My friend died and was not a professing Christian. What do I say to the family?
- Q&A: How can my mother and I forgive my father for being unfaithful and causing my parents to divorce?
- Q&A: Why were demon possession, gifts of healing, and gifts of tongues more prevalent in biblical times?
- Q&A: Is Christianity the only religion that gives the certainty of heaven?
- Q&A: If people go to hell, isn’t it their fault because God gave them free will and they rejected him?
- Q&A: Why are the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and his ascension important for the disciples and for us?
- Q&A: Can you explain Jesus’ words to the wailing women he met on his way to be crucified?
- Q&A: What if spouses don’t “love” each other anymore?
- Q&A: Is it wrong to have a cross with Jesus’ body on it?
- Q&A: Is our time of grace really unchangeable?
- Q&A: I know that we are saved by grace apart from works, but how can it be that easy?
- Q&A: Are there degrees of glory in heaven as a reward for good works?
- Q&A: Do Lutherans take the Bible literally and teach millennialism?
- Q&A: Are there different interpretations of the Bible?
- Q&A: How can we be sure the Bible includes what God originally gave us?
- Q&A: Why does it seem like Christianity is so negative?
- Q&A: How can I explain how Jesus’ resurrection is possible and if the Bible is reliable?
- Q&A: Is it okay to live together if we are planning to get married?
- Q&A: How is the Bible God’s Word?
- Q&A: Were we “created to make a difference”?
- Q&A: Am I being judgmental if I point out someone’s sin?
- Q&A: Do I need to read the Bible to have a relationship with God?
- Q&A: Can a Christian vote for a political candidate who supports abortion?
- Q&A: Does God really care?
- Q&A: Does it really matter how God made the world?
- Q&A: Does God send people to hell?
- Q&A: Is death natural?
- Q&A: How can I forgive and forget?
- Q&A: Does God help those who help themselves?
- Q&A: How can we say that the Old Testament God is the same as the New Testament God?
- Q&A: Is Jesus the only way to get to heaven?
- Q&A: Doesn’t God want me to be happy?
- Light for our path: Does God hate us?
- Light for our path: What kind of comfort can you give someone when a loved one commits suicide?
- Light for our path: What does a submissive wife in a Christian marriage look like?
- Light for our path: Is it a sin to want to die from a terminal illness?
- Light for our path: What advice can you give about applauding in church?
- Light for our path: Can you please explain Matthew 5:20?
- Light for our path: What is karma?
- Light for our path: Can the devil personally be tempting me and a lot of other people at exactly the same time?
- Light for our path: Does the word Easter refer to Ishtar, the Babylonian fertility goddess?
- Light for our path: What role does emotion play in contrition?
- Light for our path: What does the white stone in Revelation 2:17 mean?
- Light for our path: Is the cross symbol now anti-Christian?
- Light for our path: Were Joseph and Mary engaged or married when Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy?