5
The Basis of Chiliasm
Chiliasm Defined
In discussing the subject of chiliasm, it is desirable to first establish what is
meant by the term. Ferguson suggests that it refers to
The hope, common to many religions, for a long period of God-given prosperity
and peace on this earth, to be enjoyed by believers before the final consummation
of history; also known as millenialism or millenarianism. The terms "chiliasm" and
millenialism are derived from classical expressions for "thousand" (Greek chilias;
Latin mille), since religious literature often speaks of such a "Golden Age", like all
idealized ages, for a thousand years.
2
The Oxford Dictionary of Theology also considers "chiliasm" to be synonymous
with Millenarianism, which holds that Christ will return to earth to reign for one thousand
years before the establishment of the eternal state. It adds that the basis for the belief is a
literal interpretation of Revelation 20:1-5.
3
It should be noted here that it is a
misconception to believe that chiliasm is based solely on a literal interpretation of
Revelation 20
4
. This misconception is not uncommon
5
. Yet while Revelation 20 does
2
Everett Ferguson, Ed., Encyclopedia of Early Christianity (New York: Garland
Publishing, 1990), 193.
3
F.L. Cross, Ed., The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (London:
Oxford University Press, 1974), 275.
4
Sinclair Ferguson, New Dictionary of Theology (Downers Grove: Inter Varsity
Press, 1988), 428. This work states that "Millenarianism... may owe something to the
book of Daniel and (other non-canonical and especially apocalyptic works)...the main
source of the teaching is, however, the book of Rev., ch.20."