postmillennial

Postmillennialism is a Christian eschatological view that holds that the millennium, a period of 1,000 years, will be brought about by the efforts of the church in the present age, and that it will not be a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth, but rather a golden age of unprecedented Christian influence and righteousness that will gradually transform the world.

In this view, Christ's second coming will occur at the end of this period of widespread Christianization. Postmillennialists believe that the kingdom of God is progressively advancing on earth through the preaching of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. They interpret biblical prophecies, particularly those in Revelation, as symbolic representations of the church's increasing victory over sin and evil throughout history. This victory is not seen as an abrupt, supernatural intervention, but as a gradual, organic growth of God's kingdom.

This perspective contrasts with premillennialism, which anticipates Christ's return before the millennium, and amillennialism, which views the millennium as a symbolic representation of the present church age or the intermediate state of believers in heaven. Postmillennialists often emphasize the positive transformation of society and culture as a result of Christian principles becoming dominant. They believe that the church's mission is to disciple nations, leading to a world characterized by peace and justice, ultimately preparing the way for Christ's return.