Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 177:706 (Apr 2020)
Article: From The Editor
Author: Glenn R. Kreider

From The Editor

Glenn R. Kreider

The doctrine of eschatology is fittingly defined as the study of last things, based on the etymology of the word. But it is more than that; it is the study of the completion of God’s work of redemption of his fallen and cursed creation. The biblical story ends with a new heaven and new earth, with the Trinity making their home on earth with the redeemed of all ages, forever (Rev 21:1–5). In short, the “last things” introduce the eternal state.

One controversy in eschatology is how to interpret Revelation 20:1–10. Does “1000 years” refer to a period of time during which Christ reigns over the earth from the earth, as premillennialism affirms, or the time from his ascension to his return, as amillennialism and postmillennialism assert? Two articles in this issue evaluate the evidence of historical priority for the millennial position.

It is good to be reminded that both millennialists and amillennialists are looking to the bodily return of Christ to the earth and the resurrection of the dead. As important as understanding the biblical support for a millennium is, our hope is not found there but in the promise of resurrection and recreation of all things. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (22:10).