Does the Book of Revelation Teach Premillennialism What

Does the Book of Revelation Teach Premillennialism ?

What is Premillennialism? “At the close of the age…Christ will return for his church, meeting her in the air, which event, called the rapture or translation, will usher in a sevenyear period of tribulation on the earth. After this the Lord will return to the earth to establish His kingdom on the earth for a thousand years, during which time the promises to Israel will be fulfilled. ” (Charles Ryrie, The Basis of Premillennial Faith, p. 12).

What is Premillennialism?

Revelation Overview • “Revelation” is from the Greek word Apokalupsis, meaning “an uncovering. ” • “…things hitherto withdrawn from view are made visible to all. ” (Thayer) • Revelation is written in a style of writing common in Hebrew literature (e. g. Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, etc. ). • It relies on fantastic visions and images to convey its message. • Frequently used in troubled times. • Revelation is written to give assurance to Christians living in the troubled times of the first century that God is in control – they would overcome and gain the victory through Jesus their King.

Revelation 1: 1: The KEY to Understanding Revelation “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John” • Divine Source. “The Revelation…which God gave” • Divine Channel. Jesus -> angel -> John -> servants • Divine Media. “Signified” symbolic imagery (cf. John 12: 32 -33; 18: 32; 21: 18 -19) • Divine Timetable. (Revelation 1: 1, 3; 22: 6, 10) • “How long is “shortly take place” or “the time is near” in prophetic language? (Isaiah 13: 6, 22) • These phrases may cover two hundred years or so, but NOT 2, 000 years!!!

The Premillennial View of Revelation • “Premillennialism holds to a literal interpretation of the end times. It sees the events in Revelation 19 -20 as a futuristic, progressive chronology” (What is Premillennialism? Michell Reyes, Christianity. com) • “The Antichrist: God has forewarned us of a time when the man of sin, a super human dictator known as the Beast, will be given power over all kindred, tongues and nations. All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (except the saints), and he will cause all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive his mark, number or name, in order to work, buy or sell. (See II Thessalonians 2: 4 and Revelation 13: 7, 8, 16, 17)” (Bible. Ministries. org)

Problems with the Premillennial View of Revelation • The antichrist had already come when Revelation was written, and the beast would “shortly come. ” (1 John 2: 18, 22, 4: 3; 2 John 7) • The mark of the beast is not nearly as important as the mark of the Lamb. (Revelation 13: 7 -18; 7: 1 -4; 14: 1) • The Battle of Armageddon cannot be a physical war. Billy Graham claimed, “There is no doubt that global events are preparing the way for the final war of history, the great Armageddon” (Till Armageddon, p. 15).

What is Armageddon according to the Bible? • The word “Armageddon” is Hebrew for “Mount Megiddo. ” • It is a gathering place for a great battle in Revelation 16: 16; 19: 19 -21. • In the Old Testament, a place of conflict between God’s people and their enemies (Judges 5: 19; 1 Kings 9: 27; 2 Kings 23: 29). • Because of the convergence of major roads, any invading armies coming from north, south or east or west would funnel to Armageddon.

Mount Megiddo

Armageddon from the air

Problems with the Premillennial View of Revelation • The binding of Satan and the thousand-year reign (Rev. 20: 1 -6) • Satan’s power to “deceive the nations” – to manipulate a world empire to systematically persecute Christians – was taken away when Rome fell (cf. Daniel 7: 18 -28). • Satan is prevented from deceiving the nations in this way for 1, 000 years (symbolizing a long period of time). • The first resurrection represents the emergence of the cause of Christ out of apparent defeat (cp. Ezekiel 37: 11 -13).

Errors of Premillennialism in Revelation 19 -20 • Literal is mixed with figurative to suit their interpretation • Plain statements regarding the time of the fulfillment are ignored (Revelation 1: 1, 3; 17: 10; 22: 10) • God’s Power is limited (Daniel 2: 31 -35; Isaiah 2: 2 -4; Mark 9: 1) • Christ is dethroned (Acts 2: 30 -31; Revelation 2: 24 -27) • A material kingdom is sought (Luke 17: 20 -21; John 18: 36 -38) • The Church is made a substitute (Ephesians 3: 10 -11)

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