THE LORD’S RETURN - Schools of thought

1. The ages of history a) The age of Innocence – Creation to the Fall b) The age of Conscience – the Fall to the Flood c) The age of Humanism – the Flood to Babel d) The age of Promise – Abram to Sinai e) The age of Law – Sinai to Pentecost f) The age of Grace – Pentecost to the Lord’s Return (the Church age) g) The age of the Kingdom – the Millennial Reign.

2. The times of God's judgement The age of Innocence – the Curse, Genesis 3 v 14 - 19 The age of Conscience – the Flood, Genesis 6 v 5 - 8 The age of Humanism – the division of languages, Genesis 11 v 5 - 9 The age of Promise – the plagues and the Red Sea drowning The age of Law – the loss of the land and the temple The age of Grace (the Church age) – the Tribulation, Isaiah 24 and Revelation 6 – 18 The age of the Kingdom – the final rebellion, Revelation 20 v 7 - 10

Isaiah 9 v 6 - 7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

PREMILLENNIAL

1. There will be a millennial reign of 1000 years, with Jesus on earth as King of Israel. Many OT prophesies and Revelation 20 v 1 - 6

2. The Church age comes to an end with a time of judgement called the Tribulation. Isaiah 24 and Revelation 6 - 18

3. There will be advance signs of this great change of dispensation. Matthew 24 and Luke 21

Daniel 12, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13. 4. A political leader will dominate world affairs during the Tribulation, the Antichrist. He will be assisted by a very powerful spiritual leader. Daniel 12, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13.

Pretribulation rapture Midtribulation rapture Post tribulation rapture 5. At some point the Church (Christ’s bride) will be “raptured” away for the wedding supper of the Lamb. 3 schools of thought: Pretribulation rapture Midtribulation rapture Post tribulation rapture 1 Thessalonians 4

Revelation 19 and Zechariah 14 6. Having returned for the Church (the Rapture) the Lord then returns with the Church (the Second Coming). Revelation 19 and Zechariah 14

7. After the millennial reign there is a final conflict with Satan followed by the Great White throne judgement and the eternal order. Revelation 20 v 7 to 22 v 21

AMILLENNIAL

1. There will be no separate millennium, or golden age 1. There will be no separate millennium, or golden age. Mention of 1000 years in Revelation is to be taken allegorically.

2. The Church is the new Israel and the Old Testament nation of Israel has no further special place in God’s purposes.

3. The Old Testament prophesies regarding the messiah refer to the church age. The promised blessings apply to the influence of the Church.

4. The church age is, in fact, the Kingdom age of Jesus 4. The church age is, in fact, the Kingdom age of Jesus. We are in the kingdom of Jesus now.

5. There is only one further “coming” with one final time of judgement and the eternal order then takes place.

Postmillennialism

1. There is a future golden age but it will only happen after the Church has conquered the world through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

2. Israel will not have any special part, and the Old Testament promises relate to the Church.

Pan millennialism

Basically, a way of avoiding taking a point of view, believing “it will all pan out in the end”!