Eschatology and Ecclesiology Millennial Systems – Part I

Two Major Theological Systems, Three Major Eschatological Systems Theological Systems Theological Systems Covenant Theology – Developed in 16 th and 17 th centuries; based on the theological covenants of works, grace, and redemption (none of which are explicit in Scripture). Covenant Theology – Developed in 16 th and 17 th centuries; based on the theological covenants of works, grace, and redemption (none of which are explicit in Scripture). Dispensational Theology – maintains clear distinction between church and Israel and consistently interprets scripture literally. Dispensational Theology – maintains clear distinction between church and Israel and consistently interprets scripture literally. Eschatological Systems Eschatological Systems Premillennialism Premillennialism Amillennialism Amillennialism Postmillennialism Postmillennialism All three systems are named with regard to the relationship between the return of Christ and the millennium (1000 year reign) described in Revelation 20. All three systems are named with regard to the relationship between the return of Christ and the millennium (1000 year reign) described in Revelation 20.

History of the Various Systems Premillennialism dominated for the first 3 centuries of the Church’s history. Premillennialism dominated for the first 3 centuries of the Church’s history. Influence of Greek philosophy (matter is evil) and allegorical interpretation (Origen, c ) gave rise to other systems. Influence of Greek philosophy (matter is evil) and allegorical interpretation (Origen, c ) gave rise to other systems. Influence of Augustine ( AD) was tremendous in moving the church towards amillennialism. Influence of Augustine ( AD) was tremendous in moving the church towards amillennialism. Reformation did not change this; church became predominantly amillennial in the Middle Ages. Reformation did not change this; church became predominantly amillennial in the Middle Ages. Premillennialism made a post-reformation comeback, first in England, then in the US; Scofield Reference Bible was a major factor. Premillennialism made a post-reformation comeback, first in England, then in the US; Scofield Reference Bible was a major factor.

Premillennialism Two types: Two types: Covenantal (aka Historical) Premil Covenantal (aka Historical) Premil Posttribulational Rapture Posttribulational Rapture Blurs the distinction between Church & Israel Blurs the distinction between Church & Israel Makes its case solely on Rev 20, not the OT. Makes its case solely on Rev 20, not the OT. “Dispensationalism forms its eschatology by a literal interpretation of the Old Testament and then fits the New Testament into it. A nondispensational eschatology forms its theology from the explicit teaching of the New Testament. It confesses that it cannot be sure how the Old Testament prophecies are to be fulfilled” (Ladd, The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, 27). “Dispensationalism forms its eschatology by a literal interpretation of the Old Testament and then fits the New Testament into it. A nondispensational eschatology forms its theology from the explicit teaching of the New Testament. It confesses that it cannot be sure how the Old Testament prophecies are to be fulfilled” (Ladd, The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, 27). Dispensational Premil Dispensational Premil Pretribulational Rapture Pretribulational Rapture Maintains clear distinction between Church and Israel Maintains clear distinction between Church and Israel Makes its case on OT and Rev 20. Makes its case on OT and Rev 20. “The Old Testament prophecies if literally interpreted cannot be regarded as having been fulfilled or capable of fulfillment in this present age” (Allis, Prophecy and the Church, 238). “The Old Testament prophecies if literally interpreted cannot be regarded as having been fulfilled or capable of fulfillment in this present age” (Allis, Prophecy and the Church, 238).

Diagram of Dispensational Premillennialism Christ’s 2 nd Coming, Sheep & Goats Judgment Present Church Age Eternal State 2 nd Res. Great White Throne Judgment Tribulation 7 years Millennium 1000 years Rapture OT & Trib. Saints Believer’s judged before bema seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10). 1 st Res. Note: Covenantal premillennialism puts the rapture after the tribulation and makes no clear distinction between the Church and Israel.

Typical Objections to Premillennialism Based on only one passage of Scripture. Based on only one passage of Scripture. Literal interpretation of OT misses the “Christian” interpretation provided by NT writers. Literal interpretation of OT misses the “Christian” interpretation provided by NT writers. A millennium is superfluous since there is the establishment of the eternal kingdom on earth after all the judgments have taken place. A millennium is superfluous since there is the establishment of the eternal kingdom on earth after all the judgments have taken place. Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world. Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world. The focus on Israel makes the church superfluous. The focus on Israel makes the church superfluous.

Amillennialism Word means “no millennium.” Word means “no millennium.” This is a bit of misnomer, as most adherents believe in a “spiritual” millennium. This is a bit of misnomer, as most adherents believe in a “spiritual” millennium. They do deny a literal reign by Christ over the earth for a period of 1000 years. They do deny a literal reign by Christ over the earth for a period of 1000 years.

Amillennialism Two Types: Two Types: The millennium is being fulfilled in heaven as Christ reigns over the glorified saints. The millennium is being fulfilled in heaven as Christ reigns over the glorified saints. The millennium is being fulfilled in the present age in the church and is on the earth. The millennium is being fulfilled in the present age in the church and is on the earth. Basic Tenets Basic Tenets Christ is today reigning in the church in the hearts of believers, as well as over the souls of believers in heaven, sitting on David’s throne. Christ is today reigning in the church in the hearts of believers, as well as over the souls of believers in heaven, sitting on David’s throne. The 1000 years noted in Revelation 20:1-6 is not intended to be taken literally; this period is not future but present. The 1000 years noted in Revelation 20:1-6 is not intended to be taken literally; this period is not future but present. Christ was victorious over Satan at the cross/resurrection, and thus the kingdom of God was begun then and continues until the second coming. Christ was victorious over Satan at the cross/resurrection, and thus the kingdom of God was begun then and continues until the second coming.

Diagram of Amillennialism Christ’s 2 nd Coming Church Age = Tribulation + Millennium Eternal State All Judgments 1 st Resurrection (spiritual) 2 nd Resurrection (physical)

Evaluation of Amillennialism Inconsistent interpretation of OT prophecies; interprets some literally, others figuratively. Inconsistent interpretation of OT prophecies; interprets some literally, others figuratively. Also “symbolically” interprets the numbers of Revelation without good reason. Also “symbolically” interprets the numbers of Revelation without good reason. Does not do justice to the description of the binding of Satan in Rev 20:1-3, nor to the work of Satan in the present age (2 Cor 4:3-4; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 5:19). Does not do justice to the description of the binding of Satan in Rev 20:1-3, nor to the work of Satan in the present age (2 Cor 4:3-4; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 5:19). Inconsistently interprets first resurrection in Rev 20 as spiritual and the second as physical. Inconsistently interprets first resurrection in Rev 20 as spiritual and the second as physical.

Postmillennialism Holds that Christ will return after the millennium (which should not be interpreted as a literal 1000 years). Holds that Christ will return after the millennium (which should not be interpreted as a literal 1000 years). “Postmillennialism is that view of the last things which holds that the kingdom of God is now being extended in the world through the preaching of the gospel and the saving work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of individuals, that the world eventually is to be Christianized and that the return of Christ is to occur at the close of a long period of righteousness and peace commonly called the millennium” (Loraine Boettner, The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, 117). “Postmillennialism is that view of the last things which holds that the kingdom of God is now being extended in the world through the preaching of the gospel and the saving work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of individuals, that the world eventually is to be Christianized and that the return of Christ is to occur at the close of a long period of righteousness and peace commonly called the millennium” (Loraine Boettner, The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views, 117).

Postmillennialism “The millennium to which the postmillennialist looks forward is thus a golden age of spiritual prosperity during this present dispensation, that is, during the Church Age. This is to be brought about through forces now active in the world.... The changed character of individuals will be reflected in an uplifted social, economic, political and cultural life of mankind. The world at large will then enjoy a state of righteousness which up until now has been seen only in relatively small and isolated groups: for example, some family circles, and some local church groups and kindred organizations. “The millennium to which the postmillennialist looks forward is thus a golden age of spiritual prosperity during this present dispensation, that is, during the Church Age. This is to be brought about through forces now active in the world.... The changed character of individuals will be reflected in an uplifted social, economic, political and cultural life of mankind. The world at large will then enjoy a state of righteousness which up until now has been seen only in relatively small and isolated groups: for example, some family circles, and some local church groups and kindred organizations. This does not mean that there will be a time on earth when every person will be a Christian or that all sin will be abolished. But... Christ will return to a truly Christianized world” (Boettner, Meaning of the Millennium, ).

Diagram of Postmillennialism Christ’s 2 nd Coming Church Age 1 st Res. (spiritual) All Resurrections All Judgments Eternal State 2 nd Res. (physical) Golden Age

History and Future of Postmillennialism Earliest roots are in the works of certain Puritan scholars (16 th century); received its most influential formulation by Anglican Daniel Whitby. Earliest roots are in the works of certain Puritan scholars (16 th century); received its most influential formulation by Anglican Daniel Whitby. Jonathan Edwards ( ) emphasized the place of America in the establishment of millennial conditions on the earth. Jonathan Edwards ( ) emphasized the place of America in the establishment of millennial conditions on the earth. Suffered a tremendous blow by two world wars. Suffered a tremendous blow by two world wars. Has made a comeback recently in the forms of preterism and theonomy. Has made a comeback recently in the forms of preterism and theonomy.

Good Summary Quote “If you believe only the Old Testament, you could possibly be either a premillenarian or a postmillenarian, but you could not possibly be an amillenarian.” “If you believe only the Old Testament, you could possibly be either a premillenarian or a postmillenarian, but you could not possibly be an amillenarian.” “If you believe the New Testament (except for the book of Revelation), you could possibly be an amillenarian or a premillenarian, but you cannot possibly a postmillenarian.” “If you believe the New Testament (except for the book of Revelation), you could possibly be an amillenarian or a premillenarian, but you cannot possibly a postmillenarian.” If you believe the whole Bible, you can only be a premillenarian” (Kenneth S. Kantzer, A Case for Premillennialism, p. 9). If you believe the whole Bible, you can only be a premillenarian” (Kenneth S. Kantzer, A Case for Premillennialism, p. 9).

Next Week: Millennial Systems – Part II Syllabus pp Benware pp