Christian History Home > Issue 61 > Reformation Amillennialism: Salvation Now, Salvation Forever
Reformation Amillennialism: Salvation Now, Salvation Forever
Luther and Calvin challenged the Catholic church on many key teachings—but not on the doctrine of last things.
John R. Franke | posted 1/01/1999 12:00AM
Though radical apocalyptic movements arose in the late Middle Ages, they were rare exceptions. Since Augustine, most theologians believed the Millennium of Revelation 20 referred to the present age of the church. The focal point of eschatology was not the consummation of history but the future status of individuals before God.
Beginning with Martin Luther's 95 Theses, the major Reformers challenged many medieval church doctrines, but with eschatology, they seemed mostly satisfied with this traditional emphasis and teaching.
Hidden future
Martin Luther taught that where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. Thus individual salvation is a present reality.
However, Christians will continue to struggle with a contradiction: "We do not wait for forgiveness and all graces as though we would not receive them until the life to come; rather, they are now present for us in faith—even though they are hidden and will be revealed only in the life to come." To be a Christian involves ...
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