INTRODUCTION It is quite a difficult task to come to a conclusion about a Bible verse for which there is simply no answer. What I am referring to is Revelation chapter 20:1-6 where we see a picture of Satan cast into the abyss for a thousand years and Christ ruling over the earth. As I analyzed the research paper directions for this assignment, I dove into the process of learning about each of the opinions that scholars contend for. There were several of them and each of them quite complex. Very early in the task I easily came to a conclusion; it wouldn't have been easy. This task is certainly not for the faint of heart and cannot be answered by looking at a few verses and then coming to a conclusion. If it were that easy then there would be no debate about the meaning of this eschatological (end times) passage. In a nutshell here is the topic; What is the meaning of chapter 20 of the Apocalypse? Should we view the thousand years referred to in the chapter as symbolic or literal? It has certainly sparked an interesting debate but how should we view this time span taught to us by the apostle John on the island of Patmos? The opposing views that traditional Christians hold today help us get to the heart of the matter. There are some questions we need to explore to fully understand the topic; (1) what are the three main views believers have today, (2) what happens during the millennium, (3) how long it will last, (4) who will be present (and what is the relationship between Israel and the church with respect to the millennial kingdom) and finally (5) when it occurs in relation to the Second Coming of Christ. VARIOUS ESCATOLOGICAL VIEWS Three views have dominated the discussion as we attempt to understand the Apocalypse...... middle of paper ..... .the Tribulation and come to lasting faith in Him. The Scriptures teach us that Israel it will have an eternal place in the government of Christ (Romans 11:26-27; Daniel 4:3, 7:14; Jeremiah 23:5). The chosen believers will be appointed to reign under Christ, who will rule as King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Government and religion also appear to still be a necessity during His reign (Revelation 20:4-6). Furthermore, there will be believers in glorified bodies who will literally reign on the earth with Christ. At the beginning of the Millennium there will be those believers who are still alive after the Tribulation and who will still have their old physical bodies (Zechariah 10:8; Jeremiah 30:20). These believers who made it through the tribulation will still have their sinful nature. Some of these believers will die and there will also be some who live the full 1,000 years.