The 6000 Years Theory
The 6000 years theory is called the Millennial day theory or the Sabbath millennium theory. It is a theory in Christian eschatology in which the Second Coming of Christ is believed to occur six thousand years after the creation of mankind, followed by one thousand years of rest. It is a very popular belief accepted by certain premillennialists who usually promote young earth creationism.
This view states that each millennium is actually a day according to God (as found in Psalm 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8), and that eventually during the beginning of the seventh millennium, or at the end of the 6000 years since the creation, Jesus will return. It teaches that the seventh millennium is actually called the Sabbath Millennium, in which Jesus will rest the earth and His children. Just as God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day and commanded man to work six days and rest on the seventh day (Exodus 20:8-11), likewise, our planet will labor six thousand years and rest on the seventh millennium.
The 6000 years of man’s self-rule appears to be a Biblically sound teaching and gives a useful insight into the plan of God for preparing man for the second coming of Christ. However, it should not be used to predict the date for the second coming because no one knows the exact year for “the fall of man,” and hence, “no man knows the day or hour” to the Second coming (Matthew 24:36).
Those who have tempted to calculate precisely how many years remain before the appearance of Christ would do well to heed the counsel in Matthew 24:36, and also that of Acts 1:7. It is the privilege and duty of Christians to remain alert at all times and to watch for the signs of His return (Matthew 24:33).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
