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The third major interpretation is known as post- millennialism. As the name implies, this view argues that Christ will return following a long, blessed era of peace and righteousness created by the global expansion of the Christian faith and the practice of Kingdom values. Postmillennialists argue that Revelation 20:1–6 symbolically envisions this golden age of Christian expansion which at some point in the future will develop out of the current era of human history. Thus, the "thousand years" will be a long period of time similar to our own, but with a vastly heightened experience of goodness and grace exemplified by the pervasive practice of Christian principles on a global scale. Postmillennialists argue that this is a glorious work of the Holy Spirit who empowers human effort to affect the advance of God's kingdom. The most prominent proponents of the post-millennial view in church history have been the American Puritan pastor John Cotton (1585– 1652), the colonial minister Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758), and the great Baptist theologian A. H. Strong (1836–1921). As we survey the mystery of the millennium, a question of application confronts us. What does this doctrine and its various interpretations mean for Christians today? In response, I'd suggest that it is relevant and important for three reasons. First, regardless of one's understanding of the millennium, the Bible's focus on eschatology shows us that history has intrinsic meaning and is moving toward a glorious conclusion. God has not abandoned His fallen world but is working in it and through it to accomplish His grand purpose of redemption (Rom. 8:28–39). Second, because God is working out His plan in human history, both individual believers and churches can leverage their time, talents, and treasures for the advance of God's Kingdom, knowing that their work for the Lord is not in vain (I Cor. 15:58). Third, the return of Christ and its final expression—be it in a pre-, post-, or amillennial form—provide us with hope. Despite the trials and tangles of our earthly existence, which are real and sometimes formidable, we know that Christ is coming to consummate His glorious and eternal reign. That's a hope worth living for and one that we can always point others toward as well. IN THE CLASSROOM ENGAGE 19 patrickheagney/iStock Dr. Scott Wenig PROFESSOR OF APPLIED THEOLOGY Dr. Scott Wenig serves as professor of applied theology and as the Haddon Robinson chair of biblical preaching, teaching in the areas of homiletics, church history, and pastoral ministry. He earned a PhD from the University of Colorado at Boulder, an MDiv from Denver Seminary, and a BS from the University of Colorado at Denver. He has served on the staff of four local churches and now preaches regularly in churches along the front range.