noun
- people who believe in chiliasm, the doctrine that Christ will reign on earth for a thousand years
Usage: religious; theological
Examples
- The chiliasts interpreted biblical prophecy literally regarding the thousand-year reign.
- Early Christian chiliasts expected Christ’s imminent return to establish his earthly kingdom.
- Medieval chiliasts often faced persecution for their apocalyptic beliefs.
- The sect’s chiliasts prepared for what they believed would be the end times.
- Theological debates arose between chiliasts and those who rejected millennialism.
- Some chiliasts sold their possessions in anticipation of Christ’s return.