Transcript Overview of Premillenialism

Overview of Premillennialism
(Colossians 1:13-18)
PREMILLENNIALISM
• One of the most popular
doctrines among
fundamental denominations
• Different shades, especially
among the cults
• Our focus will be on
classical or mainline
premillennialism
Popularity of Premillennialism
Among Denominational Churches
• 86% believe Jesus will
return to establish His
kingdom on earth
• Most Pentecostal and
Baptist churches
• Most radio and TV
preachers
• Many religious books
Popularity of Premillennialism
Among Churches of Christ
• Made popular in the
1930’s by R. H. Boll
• Word and Work still
being published
• Mostly located in
Kentucky/Indiana area
and Louisiana
Church of Christ
Premillennialism Defined
• “The doctrine or belief that the Second
Coming of Christ will precede the
millennium”
The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Second
Edition, Unabridged), p. 1526
• “This interpretation teaches that the age
will end in judgment at the second coming
of Christ, who will restore the kingdom to
Israel and reign for at least 1,000 years.”
New Unger's Bible Dictionary, via PC Study Bible (CD-ROM)
Premillennialism Defined
• “The doctrine or belief that the Second
Coming of Christ will precede the
millennium”
Pre millennial ism
The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Second
Edition, Unabridged), p. 1526
before 1,000teaches
years that
doctrine
• “This interpretation
the age
will end in judgment at the second coming
of Christ, who will restore the kingdom to
Israel and reign for at least 1,000 years.”
New Unger's Bible Dictionary, via PC Study Bible (CD-ROM)
Objectives
• Survey the various components of this
popular doctrine
• Contrast the premillennial concept of the
kingdom with Bible teaching about the
kingdom
Premillennial Schedule
• Jesus coming to set up an earthly kingdom
– Based on misinterpretation of OT prophecy
– Demands a literal interpretation of all scripture
• Jewish rejection and kingdom postponed
– A flawed Jewish expectation
– Rejection of a spiritual kingdom
Premillennial Schedule
• Last minute substitution of the church
– Implies the church was not in God’s plan
– Mission of the church is to call a few
• Christ’s return for His saints in “Rapture”
– End of the “church age”
– Signals either the beginning, middle, or end of
the “Great Tribulation”
Premillennial Schedule
• Beginning of the “Great Tribulation”
– Intense persecution for seven years
– Some believe the saints are already in
heaven, having been judged and rewarded
– Marriage feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19),
and the appearance of “The Antichrist” who
tries to deceive the 144,000
Premillennial Schedule
• Christ’s return with His saints
– Claims those converted during the Tribulation
– Judgment of nations (Matthew 25:31-46)
– Kingdom established in Palestine with Christ
on the throne of David
– Battle of Armageddon and the binding of
Satan
Premillennial Schedule
• Beginning of the millennium
– Based on a perversion of Revelation 20:1-6
– Time of unparalleled peace
– Satan’s release for a little season to test those
who were converted during the millennium
– Satan leads the forces of Gog and Magog for
a final battle
– “Great White Throne Judgment”
Premillennial Schedule
• End of the world
– Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and all
who follow them are sent to their doom
– Righteous sent to heaven
God’s Schedule
•
•
•
•
•
Christ’s first coming to set up His kingdom
Establishment of the kingdom, or church
Christ’s second coming for judgment
Judgment of all the living and dead
Eternity
Unsupported Assertions
• No mention of a rebuilt Jerusalem temple;
• Neither Daniel nor Revelation uses “Antichrist”;
• There is no record in Revelation or Daniel of the
Antichrist making a covenant with Israel;
• There is no record in Daniel or Revelation of the
Antichrist breaking a covenant with Israel;
• There is no mention that Jesus will set up an
earthly throne in Jerusalem
– Gary DeMar, End Times Fiction: A Biblical Consideration of The
Left Behind Theology, pp. 32, 44
Premillennial Idea of Kingdom
• Earthly in nature
– Rejected by Jesus (John 6:15)
– Declared it to be spiritual (John 18:36, 37)
• Different from the church
– Old Testament prophecies fit the church
(Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:31-45; Micah 4:1-4)
– Peter’s use of Joel (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16)
The Truth About The Kingdom
• Church was part of God’s eternal plan
– The rebuilding of David’s dynasty (Amos 9:11,
12; Acts 15:16-18)
– Paul’s direct teaching (Ephesians 3:10, 11)
• Kingdom established on schedule
– Paul was in it (Colossians 1:13)
– John was in it (Revelation 1:9)
– Many others and us (Hebrews 12:28)
Conclusion
• Do not be deceived
– Denies the church’s mission (1 Timothy 3:15)
– Voids the apostles’ work (Matthew 28:18-20)
• Become knowledgeable
– Become aware of its teaching
– Be prepared to show others the truth