The False Premise of Premillennialism

by David Rollert

Premillennialism is the doctrine teaching that, at the end of time, Jesus will set up a kingdom on earth and reign for a thousand years (the so-called “millennial reign of Christ”). It includes the idea that God’s people will be taken to heaven in an instant (or, “raptured”) while the unrighteous continue to live on earth, as well as the idea of a great tribulation preceding His millennial reign.

The doctrine of Premillennialism relies on the false premise that Jesus failed in His mission when He came to earth two thousand years ago. The claim is that Jesus was supposed to set up an earthly kingdom in Jerusalem. When the Jews rejected Him, they thwarted God’s plan and the church was set up as an emergency backup plan. It also relies on the false premise that the return of Christ will be preceded by various signs, which will alert the faithful that His return is imminent.

If a person does not know the Bible very well, then all of this sounds very believable. But, let’s look at what the Bible actually says.

1. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus was part of God’s plan from the beginning (Acts 2:22-24). To assert that humans have the power to ruin God’s plan is a great disrespect to God and His power.

2. The kingdom was established on the day of Pentecost (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4). Jesus will give His kingdom back to the Father when He returns, thus ending His reign at the time of His second coming (1 Cor. 15:24-25).

3. The establishment of the church was God’s plan from the beginning, not an emergency backup plan (Eph. 3:10-11).

4. Jesus’ return will not be secret. When He returns, every eye shall see Him (Rev. 1:7). Furthermore, He will return in the clouds in the same way as He left (Acts 1:11).

5. Jesus coming for the righteous and the judgement of the wicked will not be separate events. At His coming, the righteous will join Him in the sky (1 Thess. 4:13-17), and the wicked will be judged (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

6. Jesus will not reign on the earth when He returns. Instead, the earth and all its works will be destroyed by intense heat (2 Peter 3:10).

7. The time of His return is not known by mankind. He is described as coming like a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10). Jesus Himself said that only the Father knows the day and hour of His return (Matthew 24:36). Furthermore, Jesus said that there will be no signs to herald His imminent return (Matt. 24:37-39).

I encourage you to take time to study the passages referenced above. Don’t be deceived by the false doctrine of Premillennialism.