Revelation 20:4–6 is a passage that has been widely debated within Christian eschatology. From an amillennial perspective, this passage is interpreted symbolically rather than literally.
Amillennialism, a view held by many in the Reformed tradition, understands the “millennium” as a symbolic representation of Christ’s present reign through His church, beginning with His resurrection and continuing until His return.
Below is an explanation of this passage from this perspective.
The Passage: Revelation 20:4–6 (ESV)
4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years.
Key Interpretations
The Thrones and Those Who Sit on Them
Amillennialists view the thrones as symbolic of the authority given to believers, particularly those who have died in Christ. This imagery recalls Daniel 7, where thrones are set in place for judgment, and is interpreted as the heavenly reign of the saints with Christ.
Those seated on the thrones represent the “church triumphant,” believers who have died and are now reigning with Christ in heaven. This reign is understood as spiritual, not earthly or political.
The Souls of the Faithful Martyrs
The passage specifically mentions martyrs who were faithful to Christ even to death, as well as those who resisted the pressures to worship the beast (a symbol of idolatrous worldly powers) and refused its mark.
Amillennialists emphasize that the “souls” refer to disembodied believers who are spiritually alive and reigning with Christ in the intermediate state (heaven) before the final resurrection.
“Came to Life” and the First Resurrection
The phrase “they came to life” is interpreted spiritually, referring to the believers’ entrance into eternal life through union with Christ. It does not denote a physical resurrection at this point.
The “first resurrection” is understood as the believer’s regeneration (being born again). This spiritual resurrection contrasts with the “second resurrection,” which will be the physical resurrection of all people at the end of time.
The Thousand Years
The “thousand years” is interpreted symbolically as a long, complete period of time. It represents the era between Christ’s first coming (His life, death, and resurrection) and His second coming.
During this time, Christ reigns from heaven alongside the souls of believers who have died. This reign is a present reality in the church age, not a future, literal 1,000-year reign on earth.
The Rest of the Dead
The “rest of the dead” refers to the unbelieving dead who do not share in the blessings of the first resurrection. They remain spiritually dead and await the final judgment at the end of the age.
Blessed and Holy Are Those Who Share in the First Resurrection
Believers are described as “blessed and holy” because they are secure in Christ. They are not subject to the “second death” (eternal separation from God in the lake of fire) because they have been redeemed by Christ.
These believers are described as priests and rulers, reflecting their participation in Christ’s kingdom and their role in interceding and worshiping.
The Second Death
The “second death” is understood as eternal judgment and separation from God, which has no power over those who belong to Christ. Their salvation is secure, and they participate in the eternal kingdom of God.
Theological Implications
Christ’s Present Reign
Christ is currently reigning in heaven, and His kingdom is advancing through the church. The reign of the saints described here is part of this heavenly rule, not an earthly millennial kingdom.
The Already/Not Yet Tension
Amillennialists emphasize the “already/not yet” nature of the kingdom of God. Believers already reign with Christ spiritually (through regeneration and their heavenly state after death) but await the consummation of this reign at Christ’s return.
Encouragement to the Persecuted
The vision of the saints reigning with Christ offers hope to believers who suffer in this world. Their ultimate victory and vindication are assured in Christ, even if it is not yet fully realized on earth.
Conclusion
Revelation 20:4–6 portrays the spiritual reign of believers with Christ during the present church age.
This reign is not earthly or political but occurs in heaven as the saints share in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
This passage offers assurance of salvation, security from eternal judgment, and the hope of eternal life in the fullness of God’s kingdom.
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