What is postmillennialism?
Postmillennialism is the view that Christ will return AFTER a long period of gospel-grown peace and righteousness on earth — a golden age produced by the success of the church’s mission. Then the final judgment and the new creation.
It was a common view among the Reformers and Puritans, and saw a revival in 19th-century America. World wars dampened its mood, but it is held today by some Reformed theologians.
Postmillennialism takes seriously the Great Commission’s promise: nations will be discipled, and the kingdom yeast will work through the world.
It differs from premillennialism in seeing the millennium as gradual gospel triumph rather than a sudden post-return reign. With other views, it confesses Christ’s return, final judgment, and eternal kingdom.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.