Eschatology Objectives After completing this segment you will

Eschatology

Objectives After completing this segment, you will be able to: 1. Articulate the importance of Eschatology. 2. Describe the basic terminology that relates to the topic under investigation. 3. Compare and contrast the various opinions on the topic of Eschatology. 4. Explain what the various sections of the Bible say about the Eschatology. 5. Correlate the gathered biblical information to create scriptural conclusions. Also, you will use the formulated conclusions to assess the various perspectives and to identify the correct view. 6. Utilize the tool of apologetics to defend the biblical view of Eschatology. 7. Apply the acquired truths with the aim of glorifying God.

WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS Hebrews 1: 1 -2 - In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. Acts 2 - “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dreams. ” – Peter claims that Pentecost is “what was spoken by the prophet Joel”(16).

I. Basic Definitions Matthew 24: 14 -16: And this gospel of the kingdom will be preachedof in the whole world as a testimony all. OTnations, 1. Abomination Desolation - This idea appears four times intothe (Danand 8: 13; then 9: 27; the 11: 31; 12: 11); it is 15 expressed verbatim timesstanding in the endandwill come. “So when you 2 see in NT (Matt 13: 4). the word abomination usually the 24: 15; holy. Mark place ‘the. Biblically, abomination that causes desolation, ’ occurs inspoken the context idolatry and phrase refers the of of through the sacrilege. prophet. This Daniel—let theto reader spiritual and/or physical desolation of a significant religious object or place. understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the Most commentators identify this event with one of more of the following: mountains. Antiochus IV, pagan king of Syria, sacrificed a hog on the holy altar before the Temple of Jerusalem (165 B. C. ) The desolation of Jerusalem and its temple (1 st Century) An event at the end of time. 2. Antichrist – This word means “against Christ. ” The exact word only occurs 4 times in the Bible, all in the epistles of John (1 John 2: 18, 22; 4: 3; 2 John 7). John talks about both the Antichrist and many antichrists, for “as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come” (1 John 2: 18).

I. Basic Definitions 3. Bema (Judgement) Seat – This refers to the 3: 11 -15 time when 1 st Corinthians Christ will judge believers according to their works. This 11 For nodoes onenot candetermine lay any foundation than the one already laid, which is evaluation whether a other believer receives Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this admission into heaven, for Christ alone is thefoundationusing of gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because salvation; this judgement is focused on eternal rewards (Rom. the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the 14: 10 -11; 1 Cor. 5: 9 -10; 1 John quality of each 3: 11 -15; person’s 2 work. 14 If what has 2: 28; been. Rev. built survives, the builder 3: 11 -12). will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even oneat escaping through the flames. Some commentators argue that this willthough occur at theonly raptureas and/or the second coming; the judgment of unbelievers will occur 1, 000 years later. Other commentators argue that this evaluation takes place at the same time as the judgment of unbelievers. 4. Eschatology - This “ology” refers to the study of end times (Greek word eschaton = last).

I. Basic Definitions Matthew 24: 21 -22 - For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the 5. Great Tribulation– word tribulation refers to a trial or world until The now—and never to be equaled again. hardship. “If. The Great Tribulation referscut to short, a severe those days had not been notrial onethat would individuals will undergo directly to elect the Second survive, but for the sakeprior of the those Coming days will be shortened. of Christ (Matthew 24: 21 -22). 6. Great White Throne Judgment – This event is described in Revelation 20: 11 -15. Some interpreters believe that the unsaved will be resurrected and judged after the millennium at this event; others believe that this judgement will happen with the Bema judgment during the Second Coming.

I. Basic Definitions Philippians 1: 21 -23 - For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what I choose? do 7. Historical-Grammatical Method - Thisshall method seeks to. Iextract not know! torn two: the “plain” meaning out of 23 any. I am given text, between which isthe found by I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is understanding the author’s intent. The author’s intent is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for discovered by using the normal principles of language and by you that I remain in the body. understanding the historical setting that the author existed in. 8. Intermediate State – The Bible affirms both that the resurrection will occur at the end of time (Matt 22: 23 -30; Luke 14: 14; John 5: 28 -29) and that when believers die they are immediately in God’s presence (Luke 23: 43; Phil 1: 20 -24; 1 Thess 4: 14). This phrase describes the era of existence between death and the future resurrection; believers will consciously exist as a disembodied soul in the presence of God.

I. Basic Definitions 9. Kingdom of God – The sovereign activity and reign of God in the lives of His people; this kingdom is “here and not yet. ” The Kingdom of the Son precedes the Kingdom of the Father. Jesus will reign until he places every enemy under his feet; he will then “be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all” (1 st Cor 15: 28). 10. Millennium – This Latin word means “one thousand years. ” It is mentioned six times in the Book of Revelation (20), and it describes the reign of Jesus and the binding of Satan. Scholars debate on whether the millennium is currently in operation or whether it will begin after the Second Coming.

I. Basic Definitions 11. New Covenant Hermeneutic – This interpretive method believes that the mystery of certain Old Testament predictive verses was not unlocked until the Spirit gave understanding to the New Testament writers. Therefore, one must use the New Testament in order to properly interpret certain OT predictive prophesies. 12. Recapitulation (Genre) – This genre occurs in the Scriptures when a biblical author repeats certain truths in various ways in order to bring a comprehensive understanding of the motif to his audience.

I. Basic Definitions 13. Rapture – This term comes from the Latin word rapio, which means to be “caught up. ” The Bible does not use this term, but the Greek word harpazo carries a similar connotation (1 Thess 4). Scholars disagree on whether the rapture will occur before the great tribulation (pre-trib), during the great tribulation (mid-trib), or at the time of the Second Coming (post trib). 14. Resurrection – This word is most frequently used to describe a divine miracle in which God awakens dead physical bodies to life. Jesus is called the “first fruits” because he was the first one to be resurrected (Lazarus was merely resuscitated). The bodies of both believers and unbelievers will be raised in the future. The physical bodies of believers will be upgraded and raised imperishable. The bodies of unbelievers will be raised for judgement. Less frequently, the Bible describes a spiritual resurrection that converts experience in Christ (Colossians 3: 1)

I. Basic Definitions 15. Second Coming – This event describes the physical return of Christ. The Bible uses the words coming, appearing, and revelation to describe this incident. Scholars disagree on what actions will take place during this occurrence.

III. SHARED CORE TRUTHS #1: The Bible is Inspired and Without Error Interpretive Disagreements are different from Nature (of Scripture) Disagreements 2 Timothy 3: 16: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

III. SHARED CORE TRUTHS #2: The Physical Return of Christ One day, Jesus will physically come back. Acts 1: 11 - “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. ”

III. SHARED CORE TRUTHS #3: The Defeat of Sin & Death, sin, and the devil will be totally defeated. “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory. ” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? ” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ” 1 Corinthians 15: 54 -57

III. SHARED CORE TRUTHS #4: The Judgement of the Wicked Unsaved persons will be judged for their wickedness. “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. ”” Revelation 21: 8 ESV “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ” Matthew 13: 41 -42 ESV

III. SHARED CORE TRUTHS #5: The Resurrection and Transformation of Believers “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. ” 1 Corinthians 15: 51 -53 ESV

III. SHARED CORE TRUTHS #6: The New Heavens and the New Earth “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. ” Revelation 21: 1 -4

IV. Different Perspectives THE STARTING POINT

IV. Different Perspectives THREE MAIN ISSUES: The Kingdom of God The Millennium The Consummation (all-inclusive word that includes the rapture, Second Coming, judgment of believers, judgement of unbelievers, etc. )

IV. Different Perspectives 4 MAIN VIEWS – OVERVIEW CHARTS

IV. Different Perspectives 4 MAIN VIEWS – OVERVIEW CHARTS

IV. Different Perspectives 4 MAIN VIEWS – OVERVIEW CHARTS M Reign of Jesus New H/E

IV. Different Perspectives 4 MAIN VIEWS – OVERVIEW CHARTS New H/E M Reign of Jesus THE BOOK OF REVELATION Idealist Futurist Historicist Preterist

IV. Different Perspectives II. Dispensational Premillennialism

IV. Different Perspectives II. Dispensational Premillennialism 2. Story Line

IV. Different Perspectives II. Dispensational Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments and Verses i. The OT Kingdom Promises were made to the Jewish people (see underlined words in point 2), not to the church. ii. The OT Kingdom prophetic descriptions are physical and global; this type of fulfillment has not yet occurred. God is faithful; thus, the fulfillments will come to pass in the future before the New Heavens and the New Earth.

IV. Different Perspectives II. Dispensational Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments and Verses iii. A Premillennial view is implicitly taught in the Old Testament and explicitly taught in Revelation 20. iv. During the future millennium, God will fulfill the OT Kingdom Promises.

IV. Different Perspectives II. Dispensational Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments and Verses v. A pre-trib rapture is logically necessary in order to ensure that nonglorified (natural) believers will enter the millennium. If the millennium only consists of glorified believers (they cannot have children), it would be impossible for a rebellion to occur at the end of the millennium.

IV. Different Perspectives II. Dispensational Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments and Verses vi. A pre-trib rapture is taught in the Scriptures. a. God promises to exempt His children from divine wrath b. God promises to exempt His children from the time of wrath c. A few Scriptures separate the rapture event from the Second Coming Event

Dispensational Premillennialism Individual: Fill in the Chart Group: What arguments do adherents within this camp use to justify the conclusions?

IV. Different Perspectives II. Dispensational Premillennialism Q & A Strengths and Weaknesses Proverbs 18: 17: The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 1. Key Adherents - Papias - Irenaeus - Tertullian - Montanists - Many Anabaptists - D. A. Carson - Wayne Grudem - Jim Hamilton - George Ladd - Al Mohler - John Piper

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 2. Story Line of Historic Premillennialism - The storyline of this view is similar to the dispensational view except on the following points. Difference #1 Historic premills believe that the Old Testament Kingdom Promises are fulfilled in the Church Era, the Millennium (after Christ comes back), and the New Heavens and the New Earth. This is different than the Dispensational View, which teaches that the Church Era is an interpolation in the plan of God. The Old Testament Kingdom Promises are only fulfilled in the Millennium and the New Heavens and the New Earth. Difference #2 The rapture happens at the same time as the 2 nd Coming; historic premills believe in a post-trib rapture.

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments for a Post-Tribulation View i. The post-tribulation view of the rapture is the unanimous view of the church before the 19 th Century The blessed hope of the early church in all known writings is the Second Coming of Jesus to the earth, not a pre-tribulation rapture into heaven. This is more fully developed in the following section using Biblical texts, but for now the extra-biblical Christian writings of the first and second century will be observed, that it might be made known what the belief was of the disciples of the apostles. The Didache is called the first Christian catechism by many and even considered canonical by some early Christian Fathers. This compilation of Christian doctrine was written close to the end of the first century, and the sixteenth chapter included a call for the church to prepare themselves to go through the tribulation, that they might not succumb to the deception of the antichrist. Furthermore, early Christians including Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, the Shepherd of Hermas, and Hippolytus, have written documents which warn of the Antichrist and his kingdom persecuting the church during the great tribulation. Irenaeus even clearly states that the resurrection of the church takes place after the coming of the Antichrist. - Donovan Neufeldt in The Case for a Post-Tribulation Rapture

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments for a Post-Tribulation View ii. The Bible indicates that the timing of the rapture of the church will occur after the Great Tribulation 1 st Thessalonians 4: 15 -5: 2: According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Matthew 24: 29 -31: Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1 -4: Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless (or until) the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness[b] is revealed, the son of destruction, [c] 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments for a Post-Tribulation View iii. The positive arguments for a pre-trib rapture are exegetically weak. John 14: 3: 1 -4 - Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going. Response: “The pretribulational interpretation would require us to believe that the Church will occupy heavenly mansions for a short period of seven years, only to vacate them for a thousand years” (Stanley N. Gundry). 1 st Thessalonians 4 - For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever Response: This verse is placed after the great tribulation in Matthew 24; also, this is not a secret event, for the trumpet call of God will go forth. The dispensational view is guilty

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments for a Post-Tribulation View iii. The positive arguments for a pre-trib rapture are exegetically weak. Revelation 3: 10: Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. Response: 1. This promise was made to the church in Philadelphia, an actual historic church. The “hour of trial” could refer to the Roman persecution that broke out during this time. The phase the “whole world” is, at times, hyperbolic in nature. For example, Colossians 1 states that just as the gospel is bearing fruit in Colossae, “In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world” (1: 6). 2. The Greek word “tereo ek” means to keep someone from the dangers of tribulation, not from the presence of tribulation. There is only one other time that “tereo ek” is used in the Scriptures; it confirms this interpretation. "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that You should protect them from (tereo ek) the evil one” (John 17: 15). 3. The idea of God protecting His people from the dangers of tribulation (as opposed to the time period) is consistently taught in the Bible. Example: Noah and the Universal Flood Scripture: Isaiah 26: 20 -21: “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. 21 See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments for a Post-Tribulation View iii. The positive arguments for a pre-trib rapture are exegetically weak. Revelation 6 -18: No Mention of the Word Church Response: “It is often argued because the Greek word ecclesia (church) is not used in many of the main passages dealing with the great tribulation, namely Revelation 6 -18, that members of the church are not involved because they have been raptured before the events take place. The places where the terms; saints, elect, believers, the righteous, etc. are mentioned (Revelation 5: 8, 8: 3, 8: 4, 11: 18, 12: 17, 13: 10, 14: 12, 15: 3, 16: 6, 17: 6, 18: 24) are then taken to mean Jews or in some cases tribulation saints (a new class of believer who is not part of the church and cannot receive the Holy Spirit nor the full benefits of the cross) … One main problem with this is that in passages like the Olivet discourse Jesus was speaking to Christian believers who built the church in the second person plural you. Another is that both the terms, saints and elect are used about fifty times each in the New Testament to refer to the church. Additionally, the word church is not used in six of the epistles (2 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, 2 John, and Jude). A consistent hermeneutic would demand that these are applicable to only Jews living after the rapture of the Church. Furthermore, Revelation 6 -18 describes what is happening in heaven as well as what is happening on earth. One must then conclude that the Church is not in heaven either during this time. Finally, Rev. 14: 2 explicitly shows that Christians are on earth during the tribulation. ” - Donovan Neufeldt in The Case for a Post-Tribulation Rapture

IV. Different Perspectives III. Historic Premillennialism 3. Key Arguments for a Post-Tribulation View iii. The positive arguments for a pre-trib rapture are exegetically weak. Left Behind Verses (Matthew 24: 40 -42; Luke 17: 34 -36) Response: “Many think that the people taken while in the field, at the mill, or sleeping in Matthew 24: 40 -42 and in Luke 17: 34 -36 are suddenly raptured, but is that what the text is even talking about? Matt 24: 39 reveals that they will be taken in the same way that the wicked were taken by the flood in the days of Noah. Genesis 7: 23 makes it clear that Noah and those in the ark were the only ones left behind. This is why when the disciples ask Jesus where these people are taken, Jesus answers by saying, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather" (Luke 17: 37). These people are obviously taken in judgement and death. With this understanding, all Christians will be left behind and will be thankful because of it. ” Donovan Neufeldt in The Case for a Post-Tribulation Rapture

IV. Different Perspectives II. Historic Premillennialism Q & A Strengths and Weaknesses

History of Amillennialism • Many Church Fathers - Clement of Rome (died 99) - Polycarp (69 -155) - Authors of Didache (written late first century) - Caius of Rome (died 296) - Hippolytus (170 -235) - Origin (AD 185 -254) • • • Eusebius (AD 260 -340) Augustine (354 -430) Majority position between 5 th century – 18 th century (“Traditional View”) Majority position among the Reformers Contemporary Adherents - Greg Beale - Mark Dever - Floyd Hamilton - Anthony Hoekema - Dennis Johnson - Kim Riddlebarger - Sam Storms - Rodman Williams - Dean Davis

History of Amillennialism Amillenialism - Amillennialism literally means “no” millennium; this title is misleading. - Amillennialists believe that the millennium occurs between the ascension (or Pentecost) experience and the 2 nd Coming. - The headquarters for the millennium is in heaven, no earth.

Amillennialism M Reign of Jesus New H/E

Amillennialism 1. God’s people should use a New Covenant Hermeneutic on the OT Kingdom promises; this approach affirms that all OT promises are fulfilled in either the church age or the new heavens and new earth. – 1 Peter 1: 10 -12 – Ephesians 3: 2 -6 Augustine – “The Old Testament is the New Testament Concealed; the New Testament is the Old Testament Revealed. ” “All evangelical Christians are accustomed to viewing the Old Testament sacrifices and feasts and ceremonies as being types, that is, teaching tools pointing forward to the work of Christ. Why then should the elements that we will consider now – the land of Canaan, the city of Jerusalem, the temple, the throne of David, the nation Israel itself – not be understood using the same interpretive rights that we use in interpreting the sacrifices and ceremonies? ” Robert B. Strimple

Amillennialism Psalm 110 Acts 2: 29 -36 Of David. A psalm. 3: 6 -9 Isaiah 59: 19 -21 Hebrews 10 and Romans 11: 25 -27 1 The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you Salvation has always occurred via Law and Promise – Christ fulfilled Law Faith my right hand until I make your confidently that the patriarch David 19 From the west, people will fear “For you have not come to what could be touched, to a enemies a footstool for your feet. ” 2 died and was buried, and his tomb is nd Corinthians 6: 14 -16 Ezekiel 37: 26 -28 2 Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, The Abrahamic Covenant includes the name of the Lord, and from the blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, etc. ” (18 -21) The Lord will extend your mighty here to this day. 30 But he was a then understand that those who have faith are Abraham’s sons. Now the both Jews and Gentiles rising of the sun, they will revere scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in prophet and knew that God had Valley of Dry Bones 4 Do not be yoked together with Scripture saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and told the his glory. For he will come like a “Instead, you have come (past tense) to Mount Zion, to the midst of your enemies!” Your promised him on oath that he would unbelievers. For what do righteousness good news ahead of time to Abraham, saying, “All nations will be blessed city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of Type. Hosea or pent-up flood that the breath of the Fulfillment Scriptures troops will be willing place one of his descendants on his 11: 1 Matthew 2: 15 through you. ” So those who have faith are blessed with Abraham, who had faith. and wickedness have in common? Or Lord drives along. [a] angels in festive gathering, to the assembly of the firstborn on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, Shadow 26 I will make a covenant of peace with what fellowship can light have with “When Israel was a child, I 13 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord 20 “The Redeemer will come to whose names have been written in heaven, to God who is the splendor, your young men will come he spoke of the resurrection of the 3: 16 them; it will be an everlasting covenant. darkness? 15 What harmony is there Isaiah 41 -53, Matthew 8: 16 -17, Acts 8: 30 -35; Hosea Zion, to those in Jacob who repent Judge of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, to 1 loved him, and out of Egypt I National Jesus = The True Israel appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up, ” he to you Messiah, that he was not abandoned I will establish them and increase their between Christ and Belial[b]? Or what Jesus = the true seed of Abraham 11: 1; Matthew 2: 15 of their sins, ” declares the Lord. Jesus (mediator of a new covenant), and to the sprinkled like dew from the morning’s womb. [b] to the realm of the dead, nor did his Israel Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say called my son. ” said, “take the child and his mother and escape numbers, and I will put my sanctuary does a believer have in common with 21 “As for me, this is my covenant blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel” (22 -24). 4 The Lord has sworn and will not body see decay. 32 God has raised “and to seeds, ” as though referring to many, but referring to one, and to your among them forever. 27 My dwelling an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is 2 to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is Galatians 3, 6: 15 -16, Exodus 19: 5 -6, Deuteronomy with them, ” says the Lord. “My Israel – OT change his mind: “You are a priest The Extended Israel = NT this Jesus to life, and we are all seed, who is Christ. place will be with them; I will be their there between the temple of God and 7: 6, 10: 15, Isaiah 43: 21, 1 st Peter 2: 9, 4: 16, Jeremiah Spirit, who is on you, will not ---- witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the forever, in the order of Melchizedek. ” going to search for the child to kill him. ” 14 So he Believers God, and they will be my people. 28 idols? For we are the temple of the 31: 31 -34, Hebrews 8, Ephesians 2: 11 -18 depart from you, and my words The Purpose of the Law 5 The Lord is at your right hand[c]; right hand of God, he has received Context: God is faithful to got up, took the child and his mother during the living God. Then the nations will know that I the that I have put in your mouth will Romans 11: 25 -27 - I do not want you to be ignorant of this he will crush kings on the day of his from the Father the promised Holy Lord make Israel holy, when my 27 -29 Everyone connected to Jesus – always be on your lips, on the lips mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be national Israel; he called night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until wrath. 6 He will judge the nations, Spirit and has poured out what you Luke 1: 30 -33; Psalm 110; Acts 2: 29 -36 3 Davidic Initiated at the Resurrection sanctuary is among them forever. ’” As God has said: “I will live with them For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a Descendent of Abraham of your children and on the lips of conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the heaping up the dead and crushing now see and hear. 34 For David did them out … they worship the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the and walk among them, and I will be garment. There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all Throne and Ascension of Jesus their descendants—from this time full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all the rulers of the whole earth. 7 He not ascend to heaven, and yet he one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, their God, and they will be my people. ” Baals (2) Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt on and forever, ” says the Lord. Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come will drink from a brook along the way, said, Amos 9: 11 -12; Acts 15: 12 -21; Ezekiel 37: 26 -28; 2 nd heirs according to the promise. 4 Restoration of Jesus and His Church from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And and so he will lift his head high. I called my son. ” Corinthians 6: 14 -16 Temple this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins. ” “‘The Lord said to my Lord: The Gospel – The Servant of God Also see Ephesians 2 “Sit at my right hand Isaiah 54, Galatians 4: 25 -27, Isaiah 59: 19 -21; Hebrews 5 Zion, Church Age and/or New - Nowhere does it say they will return to a land 35 until I make your enemies Galatians 6: 15 -16 Church = The Israel of God 10; Romans 11: 25 -27; Isaiah 65 -66, Romans 4: 13, 2 nd Jerusalem, Heavens and New Earth - Christ will come to them FROM ZION. They will be a footstool for your feet. ”’[f] For both circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing: what matters is a new Peter 3: 13; Revelation 21: 1 transformed by the gospel … come into the church … just like Land creation. May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy to Paul and the other Jewish disciples. the Israel of God. 36 “Therefore let all Israel be 1. God’s people should use a NT interpretive approach on the OT promises; this approach affirms that all OT promises are fulfilled in either the church age or the new heavens and new earth.

Amillennialism 2. The New Testament presents the 2 nd Coming as an All -Inclusive Grand Finale, which necessarily disallows for a future millennium. “Not only does the NT not teach a future millennial kingdom, in what it teaches about the second coming, the NT rules out an earthly millennial kingdom following Christ’s return, because the NT reveals clearly that the following events are all concurrent; that is, all will occur together in one cluster of end time events, one grand dramatic finale of redemptive history: the second coming of Christ, the resurrection of believers (and the “change” of living believers, 1 Cor 15: 51), the resurrection of the unjust, judgement for all, the end, the new heaven and the new earth, and the inauguration of the final kingdom of God, the blessed eternal state of the redeemed. ” – Robert Strimple

Amillennialism 2. The New Testament presents the 2 nd Coming as an All -Inclusive Grand Finale, which necessarily disallows for a future millennium. John 5: 28 -30 2 nd Thessalonians 1: 5 -10 2 Peter 3: 3 -14 Matthew 13: 37 -43 1 st Corinthians 15: 20 -28, 51 -52 Matthew 13: 37 -43 Matthew 24: 29 -31 1 st Thessalonians 4: 15 -18

3. Revelation 6 -20 should not be read in a strict chronological fashion; this section contains 5 -6 divisions that include repetitious and complementary truths.

3. Revelation 6 -20 should not be read in a strict chronological fashion; this section contains 5 -6 divisions that include repetitious and complementary truths. Binding of Satan (Church Age): Revelation 20: 1 -5 & Revelation 12, Jude 6, Luke 10: 18 -19 “First, in v. 3, John says that Satan was bound “so that he should not deceive the nations any longer. ” Then secondly, in v. 8, John tells us that upon his release from the abyss Satan will come out “to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war. ” Note well what John does and does not say. He does not say that Satan was bound so that he should no longer persecute Christians, or so that he should no longer prowl about “like a roaring lion” (1 Pt. 5: 8) devouring believing men and women. He does not say that Satan was bound so that he should no longer concoct schemes to disrupt church unity (2 Cor. 2: 11), or so that he should no longer disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11: 14). He does not say that Satan was bound so that he should no longer hurl his flaming missiles at Christians (Eph. 6: 16), or so that he should be kept from thwarting the plans of the apostle Paul (1 Thess. 2: 18). ”- G. R. Beasley-Murray "In Rev. 20: 1 -3 the binding of Satan and the fact that he is hurled into the abyss to remain there for a thousand years indicates that throughout this present Gospel Age, which begins with Christ’s first coming and extends nearly to the second coming, the devil’s influence on earth is curtailed so that he is unable to prevent the extension of the church among the nations by means of an active missionary program. During this entire period he is prevented from causing the nations---the world in general---to destroy the church as a mighty, missionary institution. . By means of the preaching of the Word as applied by the Holy Spirit, the elect, from all parts of the world, are brought from darkness to light. In that sense the church conquers the nations, and the nations do not conquer the church. “ - Hendrickson Heavenly Millennial Reign of Christ with Departed Saints (Church Age): Revelation 20: 4 -6 & Revelation 6: 9 -11, John 5: 24 -28 Final Battle Before the Second Coming: Revelation 20: 7 -10, 19: 11 -21, 16: 12 -16 “In both Rev. 16: 14 and 19: 19 the campaign against Christ and his people is designated as the war. The definite article in both texts draws our attention to the distinctive identity of this war as the eschatological battle which brings the present age to its end. It seems only reasonable to conclude that the use of the definite article in 20: 8 is anaphoric. The war of 20: 8 is the war of 19: 19 and 16: 14. This point is confirmed when one observes the absence of the definite article in 9: 7, 9; 11: 7; 12: 7, 17; and 13: 7. ” – Sam Storms

Amillennialism Reign of Jesus Eternal State

Discussion Time Strengths and Weaknesses