A closer look at the positions on the Millennium

In yesterday's blog we began discussing the Bible's teaching on the Millennium.  We focused briefly on Pre-millennialism.  In today's blog we want to briefly discuss two other positions that have existed throughout the history of biblical Christianity. 

Why the Millennial views are important for the Christian to know

      How will the world end?  Is there a purpose to life?  Will history end more on a positive note or a negative one?  Can Christianity give true hope in the midst of changing times?  Questions like these are answered by studying Bible prophecy.  1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to give an account to the world for the hope that is in us.  I always tell people when studying prophecy, to consider all the passages that speak on the subject.  Our limitation in studying prophecy, unlike other Bible doctrines, is that much of what we study as not yet happened.  However that does not mean that we should not have something to say to a world in need of the Gospel.  1 John 3:2-3 tells us that the soon return of Christ purifies the saint of God and gives much hope in the here an now. 

With that said, lets continue our study of the positions on the Millennium by noting Amillennialism and Post-millennialism. 

A-millennialism - This position is the one held most commonly among Christians worldwide. It suggests that Christ began His reign at His ascension into Heaven and is ruling and reigning over a spiritual kingdom right now.  Being that it denies a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ, the term "A-millenialism" is used (a=no and millennium = 1,000 years).  History will continue in its downward spiral and at the end Christ will return, judging the world and satan, and bring about the new heavens and new earth.  Some have appealed to passages such as Matthew 13 for proof.  Amillenialism's strengths are its simplicity, its scriptural justification and that it is held by the vast majority of Christians worldwide.  However one has a hard time holding to this position in light of Revelation 20, which clearly states four times that Christ "will reign 1,000 years".  Also too, most Amillenialists (not all) do not see a future restoration of national Israel, a teaching that is taught in passages such as Romans 11.

Post-millennialism - This position has been in and out of popularity.  It proposes that Christianity will continue to increase until the whole world is taken over by the gospel.  Though not every individual will be saved, yet post-millennialists contend that every nation will eventually see many of their people saved.  It generally teaches that the church will in a sense evangelize until so many people are converted that Christ will then return at the end of the future golden age or "millennium" )post = "end" millennium= 1,000 years).  Post-millenialists take passages such as Psalm 2 and missionary passages such as Matthew 28:18-20 to refer to the triumph of the gospel over unbelief.  The perks to this position is the optimism it communicates and its robust view of missions.  Some of the greatest, conservative Bible teachers of church history have been Post-millenialists.  Unfortunately its greatest criticism have been the general trend of history is decline rather than improvement. 

That completes the overview of the Millennial views.  Tomorrow we will continue in our study of prophecy and end times (eschatology).  I pray that you, dear reader, are increasing in hope and faith in our soon coming King, Jesus Christ.   

Bible prophecy and the Millennium

Acts 1:7 "And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."

1 Thessalonians 4:13 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

Two guard rails of Bible prophecy

    The two passages above give us guard rails to use when studying eschatology or what is more commonly called "Bible Prophecy".  On the one hand, eschatology by its nature is not a precise science, being that God has not told us how everything (in minute detail) fits together.  We can certainly make definite statements in warning people of Christ's literal bodily return, however the timing and chronology of events can be a bit more tricky.

    With that said, the second text reminds us of how important it is to know what we believe on Bible prophecy, since our responsibility is to tell people why it is we have such hope about what Christ is going to do in the future, and why it is they need to get ready for His return (please read 1 Peter 3:15).

In the essentials unity, in the non-essentials flexibility, in all things love

    Christians in general, and Baptists in particular, have held that when it comes to viewpoints on the timing and events surrounding Christ's return, legitimate differences do exist that should never cause Christians to break fellowship with one another.  For instance, in the September 22, 2011 edition of Baptist Messenger, a paper produced by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (Southern Baptist), a fine series of articles were written by Godly, respected Bible scholars.   Though differing in their takes on the timing of events surrounding Christ's return,  they all affirm the literal bodily return of Jesus Christ.  From yesterday's blog, we would say that the literal bodily return is a "definite", the various views on - say the millennium - are "positions" and the various views on - say the rapture - are "opinions". 

Defining the Millennium and its major positions

    In our last blog we saw the 8 definite areas of Eschatology.  Today we want to begin noting some key positions that one finds when studying this area of doctrine.  Clearly all Christians are in agreement that Christ will have a literal, bodily, visible return.  According to Bible Teacher John MacArthur, 1 out of every 25 New Testament passages speak on His return. 

   With that said, the areas of difference arise from what is believed will occur once He returns, and whether or not to expect a 1,000 year reign on earth, or if the kingdom is more of a spiritual kingdom.  Three major positions exist on this matter, with all of them centering around the nature of what Bible teachers call "The Millennium" or "the 1,000 year reign of Christ".  Today's blog will feature what is called "Pre-millennialism". 

Premillennialism - This is by far the most familiar to many readers.  Those who hold to this teach that, when Christ returns, He will set up a literal earthly kingdom for 1,000 years, followed by a brief loosing of Satan to deceive the nations, the Great white throne judgment and then the bringing in of the "New Heavens and New Earth".  Pre-millennialists draw their conclusions by combining the "earthly" descriptions of Christ's return in the Old Testament and Matthew 24, as well as the term "1,000 years" in Revelation 20.   

Among the strengths of the Pre-millennial position is first of all its longevity, being the longest held view in the history of the church.  Biblically this position is able to handle the many "earth-bound" descriptions of the coming kingdom seen in the Old and New Testaments as well as giving room for the future restoration of Israel at Christ's return.  Many Pre-millennialists (not all) will also point out that the promises of God to Abraham and David of the Savior and King coming through their bloodlines were and are to be fulfilled in both a heavenly and earthly way.  Some of the weaknesses of the position are that in a literal Millennium, there is a mixture of both resurrected saints and people born who are living in unressurected bodies.  Others have pointed out that many of the disciples' desire for an earthly manifestation of Christ's kingdom was seemingly dismissed by Jesus when he emphasized the coming Kingdom's predominately "spiritual" and "unseen" characteristics. 

More could be said, however we will only offer thumbnail sketches of these major positions.  The aim right now is to introduce the reader to the major viewpoints in Bible Prophecy, so as to encourage further study of scripture.  In tomorrow's blog we will look at two other positions on the Millennium.  

Beginning your study of Bible Prophecy

1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

Defining the term "Eschatology"
    As much as the scripture addresses issues of what Christ did and what He is doing in believers at this present time, it is equally important to realize that God's purpose for the future is also covered.   This study of Bible doctrine is what Bible teachers call "Eschatology" or "study of last things" ("eschatos" = last and "ology" = study of).

Important distinctions: Definites, Positions and Opinions
   In any area of doctrine in the scriptures there are some issues which are more "weighty" or more central to Christian identity than others.  The first category are what I term "definites".  A "definite" is a core doctrine that determines salvation.  The second type of doctrine is what I term a "position".  This is a doctrine that, though important, is not a determining matter on the nature of one's salvation.  The third type of doctrine is what I term "opinions".  These are doctrines which are "in-house" debates among Christians, which have valid scriptural support, and are by no-means determinate of one's salvation.  With these categories understood, we can  now list the eight major "definites" the comprise any discussion of Bible prophecy or "Eschatology":

8 major definite areas in Eschatology (or Bible Prophecy)
a. Christ's literal, bodily, visible return - By far the most important
b. Final Judgment
c. Resurrection
d. Satan will be finally defeated
e. The Saints will never suffer God's wrath
f. Everything the Bible says will come true
g. Christ is the focus of Bible prophecy
h. Hope in Christ is the goal and result of Bible Prophecy

Why Eschatology matters
As you look at those eight major "definites", each of them are innerconnected to each other.  In surveying all of the major patterns of thought that have been promoted in the history of the church on Bible prophecy, these themes are the ones that are common to all.  Chief among the list of definites is the first one: Christ's literal, bodily return.  

These definites also impact other areas of doctrine. For instance the belief in the Final judgment impacts what I believe on the Sovereignty and goodness of God.   When I realize that "everything that the Bible says will come true", it is based upon a high view of scripture - which states that the Bible is without error in every word. 

Finally, knowing what are "definites" will enable me as a student of scripture to keep the "main thing the main thing".  If for instance I develop a theory of Bible prophecy that leads more to despair and less focus on Jesus Christ, then I need to go back to the drawing board of scripture.   In our next blog we will look at the various "positions" found in eschatology that flow from the "definites" just listed (see above definitions of these terms). 

Thoughts towards the future

As I was thinking on what I had submitted in today's blog, I was struck once again by the wonderful prophetic hope we find in God's word.

The Bible can be summarize by four major events
When we consider the scope of biblical revelation, four events dominate the fabric of scripture:

1. The Bible's first big event - creation.  Over 60 passages speak on the God of glory creating the heavens and earth in six 24 hour periods of time.  Man was originally created sinless, yet capable of choosing for or against God.  Genesis 1-2 are the chief chapters that deal with this event.  Not only did God create what is seen, but also what is unseen - namely the angelic realm. 

2. The Bible's second big event - the fall.  From Genesis 3 onward we find the first and greatest catastrophe ,the fall.  It is here where Adam and Eve broke the Covenant of works, having been tempted by the fallen angel Lucifer, who led a third of the angelic hosts astray and by himself, entered the garden of Eden in the form of a serpent.  (Please compare Ezekiel 28, Revelation 12). 

With the Covenant of works broken, God offered a second Covenant, the Covenant of grace.  As God would repeat that second covenant in various forms through various people (like Abraham, David), two things were being assumed: that a redeemer would have to come and fulfill the first covenant that had been broken - the covenant of works, and that this same redeemer would also come to pay for and fullfill the Covenant of Grace.

3. The Bible's third big event, the cross.  It was in God the Son assuming upon himself human flesh that led to the third event - namely His death, Burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven.  For 33 years God in human flesh - Jesus Christ - lived in active, perfect obedience to the Father's will.  According to Romans 5, Jesus Christ is the New Adam, who did accomplish the completion of the Covenant of works. 

By doing that, Christ then submitted himself in obedience to the cross, thus purchasing the price for the Covenant of grace.  Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that "by grace are you saved through faith, this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man should boast."  Thus when I, called by grace, am positioned by God, I then by faith truly receive the benefits of all that Christ accomplished.  The event of the cross truly becomes an experience in my life.

4. The Bible's fourth big event - Christ second coming.  Following Christ's ascension into heaven, the apostles (the disciples who witnessed Jesus' life and ministry and who preached the gospel in the early church) were told that Christ would come back again.  The Bible in both Old and New Testaments speaks about Christ's second coming, with eight times more mentionings of His second coming than His first coming! This event of course has yet to occur, however its of such great significance that it not only determines the purpose and end of history, but affects how Christians live their lives now  (please compare 1 John 3:1-3). 

Starting tomorrow, I want to focus our attention on what the Bible has to say about Christ's return and prophecy, with the aim of raising our hope and our eyes to our Imperial Majesty, Jesus Christ. 

The Trinity's intention in creating human beings - p2

Yesterday we looked at why the Triune God originally created human beings.  We discovered that humanity cannot be defined apart from Christ, and that the only way one can discover what it means to be human is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  Today we continue noting why it is that human beings were created, and why it is that our humanity makes no sense apart from the God of the Bible. 

God had entered into covenant with man    
                 Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2:16-17 form what is called by theologians "The Covenant of works".  Quite simply put, God had given man the promise of inheritance to man.  It was man's to take and man's right to rule over the earth.  God had entered into covenant with man.  All man had to do was obey four simple rules:


a. Be fruitful and muliply
b. Rule the earth and all in it
c. Eat freely from every tree in the garden
d. Not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil


If Adam and Eve obeyed these four simple rules, then their status as God's man and woman without sin would remain forever.  This covenant arrangement was still based in grace, since God offered it freely from His own heart.  The question of the hour would be: "would man follow through with all the God laid before him?"  It certainly was within his ability - since he was created free from sin and able not to sin.  However man was also created with a free will - meaning that at some point he would be given the opportunity to follow through or forfeit all that God had given him.

Only by Grace through, not works, can man discover his real identity
Man broke the original Covenant of works, so God had to offer one of Grace.  That Covenant, revealed in God slaying to two animals in the place of Adam and Eve, and covering them with coats of skin, would be the only way man could now have relationship and fellowship with the Lord.  By grace, through faith, in the shed blood of promise, would be the only way. 


However man forfeited that when he rebelled against God in the Garden.  The "title deed" to earth was transferred over from man's dominion to Satan's control.  The only way the title deed was going to be returned back to its rightful owner would be if a man would come to both reclaim its rights and then take up complete dominion over the planet.

         Jesus Christ, the New Adam, has done that very thing. (Please compare Romans 5)  On the cross he defeated Satan and by right is the heir.  All who by grace through faith trust in Christ, are considered co-heirs with him.  (Please read Ephesians 2:6-9)  We look forward to the time when Christ returns, and sets up His earthly kingdom, that his right as the heir will become a sure fact in His Kingly reign upon the earth. (Please read Revelation 20)   God's original inheritance for man is regained through the New Adam            The fact that God gave man the authority and privilege to rule the earth is proven in the title deed we see here in Genesis 1:26-30.  Man was to be God's "co-regent" or "co-king".  Every square inch of planet earth, every last form of life was to be under man's supervision. 

The Trinity's intentions in creating human beings

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

        By the time we reach this portion of the creation account in Genesis 1, God has already spoken 11 different times, creating everything from stars to moons to plants to animals.  It is on this twelfth occasion that God addresses Himself and says the words: "Let us".  Why the plural "us"?  From what we have studied in previous blogs concerning the nature and character of God, we can say at least this early in the Bible that God is communicating within Himself, undoubtedly foreshadowing what would be the later revelation of God's Triune nature.                  

The significance of man being made in "God's image"
        The fact God is wanting to create a creature unique from all other animate or inanimate created things means God is doing something on a grand scale.  Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 2 gives us the account of God's creation of the man and woman, Adam and Eve.  Today we want to unfold the significance of the phrase "image of God" to understand how it gives us insight into God's purposes and character as it relates to relationship with human beings.
1.God alone can define man                  Mankind was to have "dominion" over three realms in the earth - "the sky, the land and the sea".  Like God, man, (in a delegated sense) had the capacity to have authority, excercise rulership and manage the affairs of the domain under his supervision.  Man alone was given the capacity to have a one on one relationship with God.
2. God desired to become man                  When God made man he gave him the name "Adam", which is the literal Hebrew word for "man".  Whenever you take the name "Adam", you discover it is made up of two words.  The first part "a" is an abbreviated form of the name of God "Adonai".  The second part of "Adam" - "dam", comes from a Heebrew word meanin "blood".  Whenever we consider these two words together, "Adam" literally means "Lord of the blood".  Within the very name of "Adam" is spelled out the intent and plan of God that was agreed upon before man came on the seen.  In fact, Genesis 5:2 tells us that God called the name of the man and woman together by the term "Adam", indicating that His plan of entering into the human bloodline was going to involve them both.

Tomorrow we will explore further the significant intentions God had in making human beings. 

Three Unbreakable Promises for daily living

Your Christian life can be likened to a ship, traveling upon the sea of life.  At times that sea may be tranquil as glass, with the sails of your faith fully unfurled and the mast of your obedience pointed strait at the sun in a cloudless sky.  At other times our Christian walk is that same ship, only the sea of life is a couldron of white capped waves.  Our ship is being tossed about, the sails of faith are being ripped and the mast is creaking.  We fear we will be capsized if Christ, the Master of the sea does not show up and speak into our lives. 

I have found three incredible promises in Hebrews 13 that gives hope to Christians who are in that second description.  Though our faith may flicker, God has promised that by His word it will not go out.  Though our little ship, called the Christian walk, may threaten to capsize and be made shipwreck, yet in the hands of our Lord, it will not.  May the three promises below anchor you today my friend, as they have anchored me.

Promise #1 Hebrews 13:5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “⁽I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,”


Promise #2 Hebrews 13:6 ⁶ so that we confidently say,    “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”



Promise #3 Hebrews 13:8 ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.