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What are messianism, millennialism, and apocalypticism?

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Fresco The Last Judgment by Michelangelo covers the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, depicting Christ at the center surrounded by angels and human figures in dramatic poses. — eschatology The Second Coming as depicted in “The Last Judgment,” fresco by Michelangelo, 1536-41, on the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Palace, Vatican City.

In the study of eschatology, messianism, millennialism, and apocalypticism represent three distinct frameworks for understanding the end of history and the future of humanity.1

Messianism: This belief centers on a single redemptive figure—an "anointed" one—who is expected to deliver the faithful from oppression, restore a golden age, or lead them into a better historical future. While rooted in the Jewish expectation of a Davidic king, the concept has evolved to include various redeemer figures across many religions, such as the Mahdi in Islam or Maitreya in Buddhism.12
Millennialism: Derived from the Latin for "1,000 years," this view focuses on collective, public salvation. It asserts that after enduring great cataclysms, humanity will experience an earthly paradise—a 1,000-year kingdom of peace and prosperity—often associated with the reign of Christ and his saints.13
Apocalypticism: This perspective emphasizes a sudden, cataclysmic intervention by God to judge humanity. It posits that the current world is incapable of bearing divine justice and must be destroyed and replaced by a new, righteous order for the faithful elect.14