Amillennial interpretation of Revelation 20:1–6, consistent with the principle of interpreting apocalyptic imagery symbolically and in light of clearer didactic texts:

1. The Binding of Satan (Revelation 20:1–3)

Amillennial View:
Satan is already bound—not absolutely, but with respect to deceiving the nations (v.3). This aligns with the reality of the gospel going to the Gentiles after Christ’s first coming.

Supporting Scriptures:

These texts show that Satan was decisively restrained at Christ’s first coming, specifically in his ability to hinder the spread of the gospel to the nations (cf. Acts 1:8).


2. The Thousand Years (Revelation 20:2–7)

Amillennial View:
The “thousand years” is symbolic of a long, complete period—the Church age—between Christ’s first and second coming.

Supporting Scriptures:


3. The First Resurrection (Revelation 20:4–5)

Amillennial View:
The first resurrection is either:

Supporting Scriptures:

Thus, the souls seen in Revelation 20:4 are the disembodied saints in heaven, reigning with Christ until the second coming.


4. The Reign with Christ (Revelation 20:4, 6)

Amillennial View:
This reign occurs in heaven, not on earth. It refers to the intermediate state—the conscious reign of departed saints with Christ.

Supporting Scriptures:

These verses show that believers go to be with Christ immediately at death, where they reign in joyful communion with Him.

 

5. The Rest of the Dead (Revelation 20:5)

Amillennial View:
These are the unbelievers, who do not live (i.e., are not spiritually reborn) during the Church age, and will be bodily resurrected only at the end.

Supporting Scripture:

 

6. The Second Death (Revelation 20:6, 14)

Amillennial View:
The second death is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire (v.14). Believers are already victorious over it (v.6).

Supporting Scripture:

 

Summary:

The amillennial view exalts Christ by portraying Him as the sovereign and reigning King even now—not merely in the future, but throughout this present age. It teaches that at His first coming, Christ decisively conquered sin, death, and the devil through His atoning death and triumphant resurrection. He ascended to the right hand of God and now reigns in majesty, advancing His kingdom by the power of the gospel. This view magnifies the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work and aligns with Reformed soteriology by affirming that the present age is the age of salvation—the time when God's elect from every nation are effectually called, justified, sanctified, and kept by His sovereign grace. It highlights the glory of the cross, the power of regeneration (the “first resurrection”), and the already-but-not-yet nature of Christ’s kingdom. Far from awaiting a future earthly reign, the amillennial view proclaims that Jesus Christ is already enthroned, His people are already spiritually raised, and Satan is already defeated and restrained—all to the praise of God’s eternal purpose and glorious grace.

 

Conclusion:

The amillennial interpretation sees Revelation 20:1–6 as a symbolic portrayal of the present Church age: