Revelation 20 and the Millennial Debate

by Matthew Waymeyer
(The Woodlands, TX: Kress Christian Publications, 2004), 129pp., paperback,

The author is a graduate of The Master's Seminary and pastor of Grace Church in Kalispell, Montana. According to the author:

This book arose from my own quest to understand what the Bible teaches about eschatology. Having read a number of works dealing with the end times from a systematic perspective, I decided to embark on an exegetical study of various key passages that addressed the questions swirling around in my mind. This, I decided, would enable me to lay a foundation for my own understanding of Scripture's teaching about the future. Revelation 20 was one of these passages, and this book is the fruit of my study on this crucial chapter.

The result is a book in the format of an extensive detailed outline combined with extensive endnotes.

One of the great strengths of the book is the extensive bibliography from which the author draws while examining the views of premillennial, postmillennial, and amillennial interpreters of Revelation 20. Frequently, the material includes quotes from key proponents of each view – pointing to additional works of interest to the inquiring student of Scripture.

The result is a compelling study of the passage which demonstrates the bankruptcy of the postmillennial and amillennial views. Issues such as the binding of Satan, the nature of the two resurrections (Rev. 20:4-5, 12-13), and the 1,000 year kingdom are set forth with clarity of logic demonstrating a premillennial understanding as the only view which is exegetically consistent.

Concerning the absurd view that Satan is bound today:

According to Cox, “Satan, though bound, still goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The chain with which he is bound is a long one, allowing him much freedom of movement” (Cox 1966: 139).

Concerning the view which regards the individuals who come to life in Rev. 20:4 as describing a spiritual birth:

“If this verse refers to the new birth, then the martyrs were beheaded before they were born again”(MacLeod, 2000: 57). This interpretation introduces “the absurdity of having souls being regenerated after they had been beheaded for their faithfulness to Christ!” (McClain 1974: 488).

There are many insights in this book which the outline format make easily accessible – even as a reference. The sizable bibliography (for a work this short) and interesting endnotes are worth the price of the book itself.

Highly recommended.

Review by Tony Garland of www.SpiritAndTruth.org.

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