A study of Premillennialism#1 PROPHECY:  WHO, WHAT, WHEN? (Acts 3:12-26)

 INTRODUCTION

A. The pulpits and air waves of the religious community of America are filled with predictions of the end of time due to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.

B. Every time something happens in the Middle East, many are sure these are the signs of the coming of Christ.

1. This happens with every episode then fades as their predictions fail to come to pass.C. Since what we hear about end time, the coming of Christ is said to be established by Biblical prophecy,

we need to first take a look at prophecy and prophets in general.   I. WHO IS A PROPHET AND WHAT IS PROPHECY?

A. Who is a prophet?1. Word means – a speaker or spokesman of or for God. One who is divinely inspired to

communicate God’s will to his people and to disclose the future to them.2. Brother Jack Lewis says:  “A prophet is one whose organs of speech are at the disposal of deity.

a. God told Moses “and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet” (Ex. 7:1).b. God spoke to David through Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 7:1ff).

3. Must be able to distinguish between true and false prophet  (Deut. 18:20-22).4. Prophets spoke as they were guided by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:20-21; Nehemiah 9:30).

a.       To resist the prophets was to resist the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51-53).5. Prophets spoke concerning the coming of Christ and man’s salvation (Luke 24:44; 1 Peter 1:9-

11; 2 Peter 1:19-21).B. hat is prophecy?

1. Word means, “to speak before.”2. It is the message of the prophets.3. Message was according to the needs of the people.  A prophet could speak of God’s will to the

people of his day or he could foretell certain things were to come to pass later.  II. WHAT ARE SOME ESSENTIALS TO UNDERSTANDING PROPHECY?

A. All prophecy must be interpreted with the general plan of God in mind.  Any interpretation not in harmony with revealed truth is erroneous.

B. The Bible is the record of God fulfilling two promises.1. He promised to make Abraham’s descendants a great nation and give them the land of Canaan

(Gen. 12:2-7; 15:12-21).  This is the physical element of God’s promise.2. He promised to send His Son as the savior of the world (Gen. 3:15; 12:3; Isaiah 7:14).  This is

the spiritual element of God’s promise.C. Three fold purpose of prophecy.

1. To prepare the world for the coming of Christ (Acts 26:22-23; Rom. 15:4).2. To prepare the world for the spiritual nature of Christ’s teaching (1 Peter 1:9-12).3. To bear witness to the truth of Christianity (John 5:37-39).

D. Predictive Prophecy  - “A declaration of future events, in such a way as no human wisdom or forecast is sufficient to make – depending on a knowledge of the innumerable contingencies of human affairs, which belong exclusively to the omniscience of God, so that from its very nature, prophecy must be divine revelation.” (McIlvaine).

E. Characteristics of Biblical Prophecy.1. Must deal with nations, persons, and/or things (events) that are at the time of the prophetic

utterance, remote enough in time as to be incapable of mere guess work or logical deduction. This criterion requires that a prophecy be the foretelling of an event far enough removed in time that the prophet cannot have any immediate part in its fulfillment and that it be such a nature as to exclude all elements of chance.

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2. True prophecy is not vague generalizations, but involves minutely detailed predictions.  People are named,destinies are traced before they are born.  Nations are characterized before they exist; wars described before they are fought.

3. The fulfillment of the prophecy is clear and unequivocal.  Mere prediction is no evidence of supernatural presence and power.  It is the clear fulfillment of prophecy in an unmistakable fashion that proves its divine character.

4. Prophecies related to Christ were given either in reference to his first or second coming.  What the prophecy meant at the time it was spoken it meant for all time to come.  No such thing as a postponement of prophecy!

 III. THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY!

A. Only infallible interpretation of prophecy is an inspired one.  A New Testament writer taking an Old Testament prophecy and saying, “this is that which was spoken by the prophet” or words to that effect is an infallible interpretation of that prophecy which settles the matter once and for all.

B. Example (Acts 3:12-26)1. “Things” of verse 18 and the “times” of verse 21 are all embraced in the gospel dispensation.

a. God had before spoken these “by the mouths of all his holy prophets” (v. 21).b. “Hath fulfilled” (v. 18) is past tense.  “These things”(v. 21) belong to something

already come to pass.c.  “He hath so fulfilled” shows how-in connection with the first coming of Christ.

2. Moses referred to these “times” when he spoke of the prophet God will raise up – Jesus Christ (Deut. 18:15-18).

3. All the prophets “told of these days” – the days of which Moses spoke.4. “These days” and “these times” are the same as included in the promise to Abraham.

a.  Paul said, fulfilled in the gospel dispensation (Gal. 3:8).b.  Peter says they were fulfilled when God raised up Jesus and “sent him to bless you, in

turning you away from your iniquities” (Acts 3:26).5. Therefore:  “the heavens must retain Jesus until the times of the restoration of all things have

been completed.”a. Not till they begin.b. Till all things are restored – completed.

C. Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled.1. Jesus (Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:44)2. Also see (Matt. 1:21-22; 2:15, 23; 8:17; 26:56)

 CONCLUSION

A. Prophecy can be understood.B. The bible must be allowed to speak for itself.C. We must not impose our ideas and beliefs on it.

 

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A study of Premillennialism#2 WHAT IS PREMILLENNIALISM?

 INTRODUCTION

A.     Pre – means beforeB.     Millennial – 1,000 yearsC.     In Baker’s Dictionary of Theology under “Pre-millennialism” we read, “One of the main turning

points in millennial teaching is the view that it has regarding the kingdom of Christ.  It is believed that the Old Testament prophets predicted the re-establishment of David’s Kingdom, that Christ himself intended to bring that about.  It is alleged, however, that because the Jews refused his person and his work, he postponed the establishment of his kingdom until the time of his return.  Meanwhile, the Lord gathered together the church as a kind of interim measure.”

D.     In the Handbook of Theological Terms by Vance Harvey, page 151, we read, “Generally pre-millennialists believe that shortly before the second coming of Christ, the world will be marked by extraordinary tribulation and evil, and the appearance of the antichrist, and believers will be raised from the dead. There will follow then a MILLENNIUM of peace and order over which Christ will reign with his saints.  At the close of this time Satan will be loosed and the forces of evil will again become rampant.  Then the wicked will be raised and a final judgment will take place in which Satan and all the evil ones will be consigned to eternal punishment.”

E.      In Christian Doctrine by James A. Nichols, he says this concerning the Jews:  “For centuries the Jews have been scattered among  many nations.  In preparation for the return of Christ and the beginning of the millennium they are being gathered back to their own land, according to prophecy, in a national restoration.  David’s throne will be re-established in Jerusalem, and through these restored people, as a nucleus, Christ will reign with his immortal saints over the whole world, for a period of a thousand years.”

F.      Simply put, “It is the teaching that Christ will return in person prior to the one thousand years to assume a personal, visible, and bodily reign in the city of Jerusalem on David’s throne during the one thousand years.

 I.                   MAJOR TEACHINGS OF THE DISPENSATIONAL PRE-MILLENNIALISTS!

A.     Purpose of Christ’s coming was to set up the Kingdom, but the Jews rejected him a Messiah, misunderstood the kingdom he came to establish and crucified the King.

B.     The church was established as a temporary substitute to function until Christ returns.C.     The second coming of Christ has two major phases:

1.      Phase one is called THE RAPTURE.a.       The Rapture – the invisible, secret coming of Christ – for the Old and New

Testament Saints – The “dead” will be resurrected.  The “living” changed.b.      Raptured saints will go to heaven for seven years to receive their reward and be

assigned their places in the coming kingdom.c.       The seven years known as the “tribulation” on earth will be the most severe known

to man.(1)   First three and one-half years (42 months) – many that remain on earth will

be converted.  The anti-christ will come.(2)   Last three and one-half years (42 months) – all those converted during the

seven years will either die or be killed.  These are known as the “tribulation saints.”

(3)   During this seven year period “all” fleshly Israel will be saved.d.      During the latter part of the Tribulation, the “Battle of Armageddon” will occur. 

Battle of Armageddon will take place in Palestine between forces of West and East.  So vast is the destruction, that life is almost extinct.  At that moment Jesus, returning with his saints, will save the world and usher in the millennium.

2.      Phase two is called “The Revelation.”  At this time, all those “tribulation saints” who died will be resurrected.

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a.       Christ will then set up his kingdom in Jerusalem to reign a thousand years.b.      At the end of one thousand years, the wicked dead are raised and the Great White

Throne judgment takes place (Rev. 20:11-15). 

II.                PRE-MILLENNIALISM VERSUS THE BIBLE!A.     Pre-millennialism teaches the church and kingdom not sameB.     Bible teaches church and kingdom are the same (Matt. 16:18-19).C.     Pre-mil. teaches “The Rapture” is a seven year periodD.     The Bible teaches rapture is “the resurrection of all the dead”.E.      Pre-mil. teaches the kingdom is earthly.F.      Bible teaches the kingdom is a spiritual kingdom (John 18:36).G.     Pre-mil. teaches the kingdom has not been established yet.H.     Bible teaches the kingdom has been established and the saved are in the kingdom (Col. 1:13).I.        Pre-mil teaches Jesus will reign on earth for a thousand years.J.       Bible teaches that Jesus will not set foot on this earth again (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

 III.             CONSEQUENCES OF PRE-MILLENNALISM!

A.     Denies that Christ is reigning now (Heb. 1:1-3).B.     Annuls this dispensation as last days.C.     Makes God false to His promises.D.     Alternates Judaism and Christianity. (Means they take turns)E.      Minimizes the gospel – belittles the Church.F.      Demotes Christ from throne in Heaven to he earth his footstool.G.     Makes the first coming of Christ a failure.H.     This is a false doctrine, which needs to be exposed by the Word of God.

 MAJOR TENETS OF THE DISPENSATIONAL PRE-MILLENNALISM1.      Jesus came to establish an earthly kingdom, but set up the church as a substitute due to rejection by Jews.2.      The kingdom prophecies were postponed, i.e. since they were not fulfilled at Christ’s first coming, they will

be fulfilled when he comes again.3.      There were no Old Testament prophecies of the church; all of the kingdom prophecies referred to the

anticipated establishment of an earthly kingdom.4.      In order for prophecy to be fulfilled (such as Daniel 2:44), the Roman Empire must be rebuilt.  Some believe

this is occurring in the emergence of the European Common Market.5.      Jesus will come “for” his saints in the Rapture and will come “with” his saints at the end of this seven-year

celebration of the marriage of the Lamb.6.      While the saints are in the Rapture, those on earth will endure the Tribulation.  Some regard the last half of

this period (31/2years) as the “Great Tribulation” or the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:7).7.      When Jesus returns at the end of the seven-year period (of the Rapture and Tribulation), he will defeat his

enemies at the Battle of Armageddon and set up his earthly kingdom for 1000 years.8.      There are at least three resurrections: (1) The dead in Christ will be resurrected when Jesus comes in the

Rapture; (2) some will be converted during the Tribulation, who will die during the seven years; these “Tribulation Saints” will be resurrected when Jesus comes at the end of the seven years to set up his kingdom; and (3) the wicked dead will be raised at the end of the 1000 years.

9.      After the Rapture and Tribulation, Jesus will establish his earthly millennial kingdom; he will set on David’s throne and rule from the city of Jerusalem.

10.  The “signs” in Matthew 24 are taken as signs of the end.  Hal Lindsey stated that when the Jewish people “became a nation again on 14 May 1948 the ‘fig tree’ put forth its first leaves.”  He further stated that “within forty years or so of 1948, all these things could take place.”  It seems obvious that Lindsay anticipated that the Rapture and Tribulation would begin by 1988.

CONCLUSION            Although Dispensational Premillennialism is believed and taught today by many of the conservative denominational bodies, it is clearly a system of speculation, error, false teaching, and fanciful conclusions.   

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     PREMILLENNIALISM

HAS THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST BEEN ESTABLISHED? Lesson 3INTRODUCTION

A.     The Pre-millennial teaching does not recognize the church as the Kingdom of Christ.B.     However, the bible identifies the Kingdom and Church to be the same.

   I. PRE-MILLENNIAL TEACHING!

A.     No doubt the Old Testament prophets predicted the coming of the Kingdom.B.     John the Baptist and Christ taught the kingdom was nearby, at hand (Matt. 3:1-2; 4:17).C.     There is no doubt that Jesus Christ came into the world to establish  “The Kingdom.”D.     Pre-millennials teach that Jesus was rejected by the Jews so he could not establish the kingdom which

God sent him to establish – reestablishing the Kingdom of Israel, sitting on David’s throne.1.      M.R. Dehan –The Second Coming of Jesus, P. 98, “the kingdom of Heaven is the reign of

Heaven’s King on earth.  That Jesus offered to the nation of Israel when he came the first time, but they rejected it and he went to the cross.”

2.      W.E. Blackstone – Jesus is Coming, P. 46, “He would have set up the Kingdom, but they rejected and crucified Him.”

3.      George Ladd – Crucial Questions About The Kingdom Of God, P. 50, “The Kingdom was announced by John the Baptist, Christ and the apostles.  The gospel of the Kingdom (Matt 4:23; 9:33) and the proclamation that the Kingdom was at hand (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7) consisted of a legitimate offer to Israel of the promised earthly David’s Kingdom, designed particularly for Israel.  However, the Jewish nation rejected their King.”

E.      Kingdom thus postponed till the second Advent of Christ.F.      What about the Church?

1.      They say it is not a subject of Old Testament prophecy.2.      S.D. Gordon Quite Talks, About Jesus, P. 114, “It can be said at once that His dying was not

God’s own plan.  It was conceived somewhere else and yielded to by God.”  P. 118, “There is no cross in God’s plan of atonement.”

3.      The Church and the Kingdom are not the same, according to the Pre-Mil.4.      Thus you have the “postponement theory” of Pre-Mil.  (God just put it off until Christ could

come again)5.      But, this brings us questions.

a.       If the Kingdom was to be an earthly Kingdom, why did the Jews reject Christ as they were looking for Him to reestablish David’s throne?

b.      If they rejected Him the first time, why can’t they reject Him again?  II. PROPHECIES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT!

A.     Look at the important prophecy in Daniel 2:24-45.B.     There are four world empires in view in the dream it its interpretation.

1.      Head of gold – Babylonian (606-535 B.C.)2.      Breast and arms of silver – Medo-Persian (536-330 B.C.)3.      Belly and thighs of brass – Grecian of Alexander the Great (330-63 B.C.)4.      Legs of iron, feet of iron and clay – Roman (63 B.C. – 475 A.D.)

C.     A stone is cut out of the mountain without hands, is the Kingdom of God (vs. 34, 44).D.     This was to be a Spiritual Kingdom which would supercede all earthly kingdoms.E.      The two feet are not descriptive of two kingdoms, but one (vs. 33, 40, 41, 42).

 

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III. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S KINGDOM!A.     Did not originate with man (Dan. 2:34a).

1.      Jesus said “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).B.     Kingdom is aggressive in nature (Dan. 2:44c).

1.      “…break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms.2.      Disciples were to take the message into all the world (Matt. 28:19-20).3.      Disciples went everywhere preaching (Acts 8:5).4.      With whole armor of God disciples are to fight against Satan’s Kingdom (Eph. 6:10-18).

C.     Kingdom is universal in nature (Dan. 2:35c). “became great mountain and filled the whole earth.”1.      Jesus used example of mustard seed (Matt. 13:31-32).

D.     Kingdom is indestructible (Dan. 2:44c).1.      Christ was born to be a king of a kingdom without end (Luke 1:30-33).2.      Kingdom without end (Heb. 12:28).

  IV. WAS THIS KINGDOM SET UP, IF SO, WHEN?

A.     Jesus was born during the days of “these kings” – Augustus Caesar of Rome.B.     John the Baptist preached “the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:1-2).C.     Jesus preached the same (Matt. 4:17).D.     Jesus promised to build the church-kingdom (Matt. 16:18-19).E.      The Kingdom was to come with power before the apostles died (Mark 9:1).F.      This power was to come when the apostles were in Jerusalem (Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:8).G.     This power would be poured out in the “last days” (Joel 2:28).H.     This power came on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).I.        Therefore the Kingdom was established on the day of Pentecost.J.       Up to Acts 2 the Kingdom was future, after Acts 2 it was present.

1.      John was in the Kingdom (Rev. 1:9).2.      Hebrews had received a kingdom (Heb. 12:28).3.      Colossians had been translated into the Kingdom (Col. 1:13).

   V. ARE KINGDOM AND CHURCH THE SAME?

A.     Both have the same OWNER – CHRIST (Matt. 16:18; John 18:36).B.     Both have same RULER (Eph. 5:23; 1 Tim. 6:15).C.     Both have same BEGINNING PLACE (Isa. 2:1; Acts 2)  JerusalemD.     Both have same LAWS (Isa. 2:3; John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13).E.      Both have same KEYS (Matt. 16:16-19; Acts 2:47).F.      Both have same TERMS OF ADMISSION (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5-6).G.     Both have the same MEMBERS (Col. 1:2,13).H.     Both have the same MEMORIALS (1 Cor. 11:20-27; Matt. 26:28-29).I.        Both have the same BEGINNING DATE (Dan. 2:44; Isa. 2:1; Acts 2:16-17).

  VI. PROBLEMS IF GOD DID NOT ESTABLISH THE KINGDOM PROPHECIED IN DAN 2:44!

A.     God would not be faithful to his prophecy.B.     Daniel would be a false prophet.C.     Jesus would not now be a king.D.     Rome must be restored to power again for the Kingdom to be established.

 CONCLUSION

A.     The church was not an after thought due to a failed mission in establishing an earthly kingdom, but the wisdom of God in the salvation of the souls of mankind (Eph. 3:8-12).

   PREMILLENNALISM

WILL JESUS REIGN ON EARTH FOR 1,000 YEARS?

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 Lesson 4INTRODUCTION

A.     Revelation 20 is the scripture used by Pre-Mil to establish their doctrine of the 1,000 year reign of Christ.

B.     Pre-millennialism is the view of the “last things” which holds that the second coming of Christ will be followed by a period of world wide peace and righteousness, before the end of the world, called “the millennium” or “the kingdom of God” during which Christ will reign as King in person on this earth.” (J.G. Vos)

C.     “By Pre-millennial we mean before the Millennium.  That is, before the period of 1,000 years spoken of in Revelation 20:1-6.  This period is spoken of in others scriptures as the Kingdom, and is described in glowing terms by the prophets as a time when the earth shall be blessed with a universal rule of righteousness.” (Clarence Larken – Dispensational Truth).

D.     Since we have already shown the kingdom and the church are the same institution and are now in existence, it follows that the Pre-millennials are also wrong in their concept of Christ reigning on earth for 1,000 years.

1.      We need to see that Revelation 20 does not teach an earthly reign of Christ.2.       Christ is now King, reigning on David’s throne in Heaven.

E.      Teaching of Revelation 20:1-6:1.      What this passage DOES NOT mention:

a.       A second coming of Christ.b.      A bodily resurrectionc.       A reign on earth.d.      The literal throne of David.e.       Jerusalem or Palestinef.        Us – you and meg.       Christ on earth

2.      What passage DOES mention:a.       Binding of Satan-Key passage (Verse 1-3; Matt. 12:28-29; Heb. 2:14-15)b.      Souls on Thrones (v. 4), Who were these souls?  Those beheaded for witness of

Jesus.  Those who had not the mark of the beast, nor worshipped the beast or his image. Who was reigning?  These souls were reigning with Christ.  In Rev. 6:9-11, these same souls were under the altar, here they are elevated to thrones (plural).  If the 1,000 years are literal, the beheading is literal and that leaves us out of the millennium.  These souls “lived and reigned,” past tense.  Only those souls “they”, not “we” lived and reigned.

c.       What is the “Thousand Years?”  Thousand is a definite number put for an indefinite.  It is the vision of victory, complete victory.  No reference to time (Psa. 50:10; 105:8; 2 Peter 3:8).  Number denotes completeness, perfection, infinity.

3.      Literal or figurative – which?a.       Revelation is a book of symbols, figures, and signs.b.      Signs, symbols, and types do not signify, symbolize and typify themselves.c.       It is a violation to make literal application of the figurative imagery of Revelation.

 I.                   NOTICE THE LANGUAGE IN REVELATION CHAPTERS 19& 20!  Literal or Figurative –

which?A.     White horse and rider.B.     Armies – horses – warC.     Sword out of mouthD.     Rule – rod of ironE.      Name on thighF.      Ear flesh – kings, men, horses by fowlsG.     Beast – mark – imageH.     Key – chain – pit

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I.        Dragon – tail – starJ.       Shut – sealK.    Thrones – beheadedL.      Camp of Saints – compassed aboutM.   Fire and brimstone

THERE IS NO QUESTION – THESE ARE SYMBOLS! 

II.                IS CHRIST NOW REIGNING ON DAVID’S THRONE?  (Acts 2:22-36)A.     Old Testament prophecies concerning reign of Christ (Psa. 110:1; Dan. 7:13-14; 2 Sam 7:12-16; Isa.

55:3; Amos 9:11-12; Zech. 6:12-13).B.     New Testament fulfillment of these prophecies.

1.      Psalms 110:1 – Acts 2:34-362.      Daniel 7:13-14 – Acts 2:32-33.  Jesus received the Kingdom when he ascended into

heaven – not when He comes back.3.      2 Samuel 7:12-16 – Acts 2:29-30.  Peter argued that Christ was on David’s throne now in

heaven.  This was to be done while David was in the tomb, not after his resurrection.4.      Isa. 55:3 – Acts 13:32-385.      Amos 9:11-12 – Acts 15:13-18

a.       Setting up of tabernacle is the establishment of the Church and the admission of Gentiles.

b.      A descendant of David (Jesus) would be seated on David’s throne when the tabernacle was restored (built).

c.       Thus Christ was sitting on David’s throne at that time and the Gentiles were being admitted to it.

d.      If this is future – then no Gentiles can have salvation now.6.      Zech. 6:12-13 – 1 Cor. 3:16; Eh. 2:19-20; Heb. 1:3, 8; Acts 2:36; Heb. 4:14-16; 8:4.

a.       The branch is Christ – Isa. 11:1; Romans 15:12b.      Will build the temple – Eph. 2:21-22; 1 Cor. 3:16 – Church is the Templec.       Sit on His throne – Acts 2:34d.      Rule on His throne – Heb. 1:8e.       Priest on His throne – Heb. 8:14, 4)

 Christ cannot be priest on earth.Christ is a priest on His throne.Therefore His throne cannot be on earth. Christ is priest on His throne now.Christ is priest in Heaven now.Therefore His throne is in Heaven now.

C.     New Testament teaching about reign of Christ.1.      1 Cor. 15:25 – must reign till…death is destroyed.  Then deliver Kingdom back to Father

(1 Cor. 15:24).2.      Eph. 1:20-21 – Sit at right hand in Heavenly places.3.      1 Timothy 6:15 – King of Kings.4.      John 8:38 – Jesus was born to be King.

 III.             CHRIST’S THRONE NOT ON EARTH!

A.     Jer. 22:28-30 – Coniah or Jeconiah1.      Coniah last King of Judah.2.      No more descendents of Choiah ever sat on the throne of David, ruling in Judah.3.      Yet, Jesus is a descendant of Coniah (Matt. 1:12-16).4.      Conclusion:

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Since Christ is the seed of Coniah, and since no man of Coniah’s seed can set on David’s throne and rule any more in Judah, it follows that Jesus Christ cannot occupy the throne of David on earth. But, since Jesus Christ is said to occupy David’s throne, and since the throne is not on earth, it follows that Jesus is reigning on David’s throne in Heaven.

  PREMILLENNIALISM

WHAT ABOUT ISRAEL AND THE JEWS?(Acts 28:16-20)

Lesson 5INTRODUCTION

A.     M.R. DeHaan said, “Following the Rapture of the church, God will gather Israel into Canaan, rebuild the temple, re-establish the Old Testament form of worship and sacrifices.”

1.      Christ then appears to set up the earthly kingdom with Jerusalem as its capital.B.     Hal Lindsey – “Late Great Planet Earth” pp. 42-47

1.      Uses Matthew 24 to teach a rebuilt temple.2.      Israel restored to her land.3.      Sacrificial system and Sabbath re-instituted.

C.     According to Pre-Mill., the land promises God made to Israel have not been fulfilled, and were eternal in nature.

D.     Questions to be answered:1.      What were the promises God made to Israel?2.      Have these promises been fulfilled?3.      Were those promises conditional or unconditional?4.      Where is the “Israel of God” today?

 I.       WHAT WERE THE PROMISES GOD MADE TO ISRAEL? (Gen. 12:1-7; 13:14-17).

A.     God promised Abram:1.      A new land.2.      Would be a great nation3.      God would bless him and make his name great4.      Through Abram, all families of the earth would be blessed.5.      Physical and spiritual blessings.

B.     What land was promised?1.      The land he traveled to upon the command of God (Gen. 12:6-7).2.      The larger land of Canaan (Gen. 15:18; Ex. 23:30-31) to the river Euphrates.3.      Promises made to Abraham and His seed (Gen. 17:8; Ex. 6:4-8).

  II. HAVE THESE PROMISES BEEN FULFILLED?

A.     Land of Promise has been fulfilled (Deut. 1:7-8; Joshua 21:43-45; 2 Samuel 8:3; 2 Chron 9:26; Neh. 9:7-8).

B.     When was this promise fulfilled? 1.      Following the bondage in Egypt as Moses let Israel to and Joshua lead them into the Canaan

Land.2.      Abraham himself received not one foot of Canaan – but his seed did.3.      Pre-Mill. say that Abraham must be raised from the dead to enter millennial kingdom in order

to possess the land.4.      Stephen said “the time drew near” while Israel was in Egyptian bondage (Acts 7:17).

 III. WERE LAND PROMISES CONDITIONAL OR UNCONDITIONAL?

A.     Pre-Mill. Say unconditional (Gen. 17:7-8). “Everlasting covenant”

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1.      Word translated “everlasting” means “age-lasting.”  Same for Sabbath and other O.T. rituals which are not kept today.

2.      As long as Law of Moses lasted, these things lasted.  When Law of Moses ended, these things ended.

B.     Notice the conditions of keeping the land (Deut. 8:19-20; 28:29-30, 63, 64; Josh. 23:14-16; 1 Kings 9:3-7).

C.     Israel lost their land.1.      Northern Kingdom carried away by Assyria.2.      Southern Kingdom carried away by Babylon (2 Chron. 36:17-19).

D.     Restoration promises (Deut. 30:1-3; Ezek. 37:11-22; Isa. 10:20-23 (remnant return) Jer. 30:3).E.     Has Israel been restored?  (2 Chron. 36:20-23; Jer. 25:11-13; Ezra 9:9).

1.      All prophecies concerning the return to the land, rebuilding of the temple, etc., were made prior to 516 B.C.  Since the rebuilding of the temple of that time – following a return to Palestine – there have been no prophecies concerning a return to the land or a rebuilding of the temple.

  IV. WHO ARE THE ISRAEL – JEWS OF GOD TODAY?

A.     Jesus spoke of a “new kingdom” to the Jews of his day (Matt. 21:41-45; 23:38; 24:1-35).B.     Circumcision nor uncircumcision avail anything – but new creature (Gal. 5:6).C.     Christians are now God’s Jews – God’s Israel (Rom. 2:28-29; Gal. 3:26-29; Rom. 4:13-16; 9:7-

8).D.     Conversion destroys nationality (Col. 3:10-11).E.     Paul’s allegory of two women (Gal. 4:21-31).

1.      Two women are two covenants – OLD AND NEW.2.      Two sons – two nations – fleshly and spiritual.3.      Hagar and Ishmael had nothing in common with Sarah and Isaac.  National Israel has

nothing in common with spiritual Israel.4.      Final verdict – “Cast out the bondwoman and her son.”  National Israel cannot have an

inheritance with Spiritual Israel.  CHRISTIANS ARE THE ONLY ISRAEL GOD HAS TODAY!

F.      Can Jews be saved today?1.      Yes, all men come to God the same way, through Christ (Eph. 2:14-18).2.      The same gospel is for all (Matt. 28:18-20).3.      Great commission was for the Jews also (Acts 10:34-43).4.      Paul’s prayer for Israel was “that they might be saved” (Rom. 10:1-4).5.      No New Testament passages affirm or predict a return of Jews to Palestine and a second

chance to accept Christ as Messiah.  It is now or never!  CONCLUSION

A.     God promised Israel the Canaan land and they occupied that land hundreds of years ago.B.     The nation God promised to make of Abram’s seed no longer exists as it did in Old Testament

times.   PREMILLENNIALISM

THE GREAT TRIBULATION - PAST OR FUTURE?Lesson 6INTRODUCTION

A.     What is the tribulation according to pre-mill teaching?1.      W.E. Blackstone, Jesus is Coming, p. 98, “We use the term to designate the whole period of

earthly history, between the Rapture and the Revelation, or between the church and the millennial kingdom…Doubtless it embraces the last one of Daniel’s seventy weeks (Dan. 9:24-27), for the reason that God begins with Israel again, after he has taken the church away.”

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2.      Raymond Ludwigson, A Survey Of Bible Prophecy, p. 136, “The great tribulation is a visitation of the wrath of God upon those who dwell on the earth and on Israel who rejected Christ.  It is the time of ‘Jacob’s trouble.’ It does not concern the church.”

3.      Jack Van Imp, Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Prophecy, p. 23, “Is there a name for the period of time that follows the Rapture?  Yes, it is called ‘the tribulation’ and also often referred to as ‘Daniel’s seventieth week.’  The tribulation lasts seven years and is undoubtedly the worst bombardment of tragedy the earth will every experience.  The final 42 months or three and one-half years is so terrifying that it is called ‘The great tribulation’” (Rev. 7:14).

   I. WHAT EVENTS TRANSPIRE DURING THIS TIME PERIOD?

A.     Period divided into two periods of three and one-half years each.B.     During first period:

1.      Jews will return to Palestine in unbelief.2.      The temple will be rebuilt.3.      The Anti-Christ will arise and become the leader of a confederacy of ten western nations (ten

toes of Daniel’s image and 10 horns of Rev. 13:1).  This ten nation confederacy is to come from the European Common Market Nations.   A few years ago Greece was admitted making 10 nations in the Common Market.  Many thought that was it.  BUT IT WASN’T!

4.      This Anti-Christ signs a peace treaty with Israel and many nations.C.     During the second period:

1.      After 42 months, the Anti-Christ breaks the treaty revealing his true character as the man of sin.

2.      Kills the two witnesses who have been prophesying during that time (Moses and Elijah).3.      Stops the daily sacrifices which has been resumed, and has his own image set up in the holy

place.4.      The Devil and his angels are cast out into the earth, having great wrath, because their time is

short.5.      Jerusalem is trodden under foot setting off the time of the great tribulation which under the

Anti-Christ and his prophet (Rev. 13:12), shall come upon the whole world.6.      The penalty of death is suffered by as many as refuse to worship he image of the beast,

unparalleled persecution undergone by all who receive not his mark.7.      The climax of the three one-half years is the Battle of Armageddon which is the greatest,

bloodiest battle ever fought, followed by the appearing of Christ WITH his saints (The Revelation) to set up his kingdom.

  II. WHAT THE BIBLE HAS TO SAY ABOUT THESE THINGS!

A.     Jeremiah 30:7 – “the time of Jacob’s trouble” – is identified with the Babylonian captivity has been fulfilled.

B.     Daniel 12:1 – “the time of trouble” – is a reference to the time in Jewish history 175 years before Christ when Antiochus Epiphanes defiled the temple in Jerusalem and killed many Jews.

C.     Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:19 – “the great tribulation” – refers to the events accompanying the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. by the Roman armies under Vespesian and Titus (Matthew 24:1-34).  FULFILLED DURING THAT GENERATION (Matt. 24:34)!

D.     Book of Revelation misused to apply the events of the book to today.  How much greater could the tribulation get to those first century Christians who were suffering at the hands of Rome?  Rev. 1:1,3; 22:6, 10 point out that the events in Revelation were shortly coming to pass, not 2,000 years in the future

1.      In contrast, God had told Daniel  “but you Daniel, shut up he words, and seal the book until the time of the end…” (Daniel 12:4).

2.      Yet, the things John saw and wrote in Revelation were to “shortly come to pass.” III. TRIBULATION IN THE BIBLE!

A.     Some 20 times the word “tribulation” is used in the N.T. by Christ and apostles.

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1.      Used to refer to suffering, trials, and persecution in this life that will befall faithful Christians.2.      Parable of Sower (Matt. 13:21). Some shall fall away because of tribulation.

B.     Bible references to tribulation.1.      Rev. 7:14 – has Saints coming out of it.2.      1 Peter 1:7-8 – has Saints tried as gold.3.      Acts 14:22 – “through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God.4.      John 16:33 – “in this world you have tribulation.”5.      Rom. 5:3 – “we glory in our tribulations.”6.      Rm. 12:12 – “patient in tribulations.”7.      Rev. 1:9 – “I John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and Kingdom…”8.      Rev. 2:10 – “you will have tribulation ten days.”

 CONCLUSION

A.     “Nowhere in the bible is the word “tribulation” used in connection with a seven year period at the end of the age, either while the church is still on earth…or after the church is removed from the earth as Dispensationalism holds.  Instead, it is used to describe:

1.      The suffering of Christians during this present age,2.      The sufferings inflicted upon worldly rejectors of Christ,3.      The sufferings especially prophesied for the Jewish nation at various times in its past history.

The most general use is to describe the sufferings of Christians during this present age.”  Lorrianne Boettner, The Millennium p. 177.

    PREMILLENNIALISMTHE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

Revelation 16:12-16)Lesson 7INTRODUCTION

A.     One of the most sensational aspects of Dispensational pre-mill is the constant talk about the most bloody holocaust every known – the battle of Armageddon

B.     Many assert it will happen in our lifetime.C.     It is to occur at the end of the Great Tribulation.

   I. BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON AS DEFINED BY THE PRE-MILL!

A.     Salem Kirban, The Beginning of Sorrows, p. 140.  “Battle of Armageddon will occur at the end of the seven year Tribulation Period when the Lord Jesus Christ comes down from Heaven and wipes out the combined armies of more that 200 million men.  The blood bath covers 185 miles of Israel.”

B.     Raymond Ludwigsen, A Survey of Bible Prophecy, p. 123.  “Immediately preceding the second coming of Christ, there will be a brief period of great tribulation on earth during the manifestation and reign of the Anti-Christ and the false prophet, the kings of the earth will assemble at Armageddon to make war against the Lord.  Then Christ will return to earth and destroy them, after which he will set up the millennial kingdom.”

C.     Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth, pp. 151-158.1.       Political indications suggest that likely Israel will soon be invaded by confederation of Arab-

African forces headed by Egypt.2.       Russia and her allies will use such an occasion to invade and conquer (for a short time) the

Middle East.3.       Subsequently, the Russians learn of the progressive mobilization of Oriental forces (under

Red China) and Western European forces (under the Anti-Christ, a fueher-like dictator).4.       Russia will be completely destroyed (probably in a nuclear attack) by Western Europe (the

revived Roman Empire).

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5.       Final climatic battle Armageddon takes place between the combined forces of the Western civilization and the blast hordes of the Orient probably United under Red Chinese.

6.       This mighty battle involving 200 million soldiers will occur with vortex centered at the Valley of Megiddo.

7.       So many will be killed that “blood will stand to the horses bridles for a distance of 200 miles  northward and southward of Jerusalem.”

8.       War will spread over all the earth destroying cities like London, Paris, New York.9.       Finally, when it seems that all life will be destroyed, Jesus will return and save man from

extinction.  II. PROPOSED BIBLICAL BASIS! (Revelation 16:12-16; 19:11-12)

A.     Ezekiel chapters 38 & 39 are said to be referring to this battle.1.       Gog is Russia, from Rosh, we are told.2.       Battle described by Ezekiel.3.       Question – is Ezekiel describing a literal battle?????????4.       He is speaking of returning the Jews to their homeland (39:21-29).

 III. WHAT IS ARMAGEDDON?

A.     Found only ONE time in the Bible (Rev. 16:16).B.     Armageddon or Megiddo in history.

1.       Important city in North central Palestine overlooking the plain of Esdraelon.  Key to defense of Jordan Valley.

2.       Literally means “mountain or Megiddo.”  (Hill about 70 feet high)3.       Site of many important battles of Jewish history.

a.       Deborah and Barak over Canaanites (Judges 4:15).b.       Gideon over Midianites (Judges 7).c.       King Josiah killed in battle with Egyptians (2 Kings 23:29).d.       What Marathon is to the Greeks, Gettysburg is to America, Waterloo is to the

English, Armageddon is in Hebrew history.  It is a symbol of the decisive victory God and forces of good will win over Satan and the forces of evil.

C.     Use of Revelation 16.1.       Revelation a book of symbols.2.       Armageddon is one such symbol.  What did it mean to first century Christians when they

read it?  Conflict – VICTORY!3.       What Rev. 16 says:

a.       Only place where term is found.b.       Occurs near end of ch. 16 which pictures God’s bowls of wrath “designed to be

universal, strictly punitive, and final.c.       Plain of Megiddo 29 miles long – 14 miles wide – far too small to accompany

hundreds of millions of soldiers involved.d.       Notice Rev. 16:13 – literal frogs out of the mouths of literal creatures lead literal

soldiers into literal valley????????????e.       Forces are merely gathered together awaiting “the war of the great day of God, the

Almighty” when he comes as a “thief” (16:14-15).  This is the judgment day!D.     Battle described in (Rev. 19:11-16).

1.       One coming from Heaven is Christ.2.       White horse symbol of conquest.3.       Coming to judge and make war.4.       Smite the nations at his coming with the sword of his mouth.5.       Summary of argument:

a.       The battle of Armageddon will occur when Christ comes to judge (Rev. 16:16; 19:11).

b.       Christ comes to judge at his second coming (Matt. 25:31; John 12:48).c.       Therefore, the battle of Armageddon will take place at his second coming.

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 a.       The Armageddon war will take place when Jesus destroys his enemies with the

breath of his mouth.b.       Jesus will destroy his enemies with the breath of his mouth at his second coming.c.       Therefore Armageddon will occur when Jesus comes again to destroy his enemies.

6.       Armageddon then symbolizes the ultimate victory of Christ over the forces of evil which will occur when he comes to judge and to punish the wicked.  The bible teaches no such thing as a carnal, physical battle which has yet to be fought.

E.      Ezekiel 38, 391.       According to Pre-Mill, Gog is Russia, Magog is Iran (Persia).2.       Invading army will come from North (Russia) on horse back.3.       Rosh-may mean Russia, Meshech sounds like Moscow, and Jubal could be Russian province

of Tobeleski. 4.       From reading these two chapters we note the following things which must be taken literally

if pre-mill interpretation is right:a.       Invading army was to be horses and horsemen (38:4). All of them riding horses

(38:15).b.       Every soldier wields a sword (38:4).c.       Commander-in-chief, Gog, will use bows and arrows (39:3).d.       Wooden weapons would be burned 7 years as fuel (39:9-10).e.       All of this had to do with the return of Israel from Babylon captivity (39:23-29).

 CONCLUSION

A.     The battle of Armageddon is a figment of overactive imagination and a false view of the scriptures.  God indeed will destroy the forces of evil, but will do so in a devil’s hell (Rev. 20:10-15).

    PREMILLENNIALISMTHE SECOND COMING OF CHRISTLesson 8INTRODUCTION

A.     Dispensational Pre-Mill. Teach that the second coming of Christ will occur in two states.1.       The rapture which is Jesus coming FOR his saints.2.      The revelation which is Jesus coming WITH his saints.

   I. PREMILLENNIAL TEACHING ON “REVELATION”!

A.     Raymond Ludwigson, A Survey of Bible Prophecy, p. 134, Of the 7 years between the rapture and the revelation Mr. Ludwigson says, “An interval of time between his coming FOR and his coming WITH his saints is required for the judgment of the believers and the marriage supper of the Lamb to take place.”

B.     Their Biblical basis for this theory is they argue that Greek language has one word for rapture (parousia) and two words for revelation (epiphaneia and apocalypse).

1.      Thus 1 Thess 4:13-18, where the word “coming” is for parousia, means the “rapture”.2.      In 1 Timothy 6:14, the reference to Christ’s appearing is from “epiphaneia” which is the

revelation.C.     Refutation of this theory:

1.      There are four Greek words used in the N.T. to describe the second coming of Christ.2.      They are translated most often by their English words appearing, revelation, coming, and

day.  All four refer to the same event and are used interchangeably in the N.T.a.       Parousia – “arrive”, “presence”, translated “coming” in the New Testament (1

Thess. 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:1; James 5:7).

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b.      Epiphaneia – “appearing”, “ a manifestation”, “brightness”.  From root word meaning to “shine upon”, “give light”, “becoming visible” (1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 4:1,8; Titus 2:13).  Translated appearing.

c.       Apokalupsis – “disclosure”, “appearing”, “coming”, “revelation.”  From root word meaning “to take the cover off”, “to disclose or reveal” (Rom. 8:19; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Tim. 1:7, 1 Cor. 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7,13 translated “appearing” and “revelation”).

d.      Hemera “day”.  Such expressions as “the day of the Lord” (2 Thess 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10), “the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14) “that day” (Matt. 7:22; 14;36; 24:36; 2 Thess 1:20), “the last day” (John 6:39-40; 11:24; 12:48).  All refer to the same event, the second coming of Christ.

e.       Each word emphasizes a different aspect of the one event.3.      1 Thess 3:13 – “Coming” here is parousia, which according to the Pre-Mill is rapture or

Christ coming for his saints – here it mentions Jesus coming with his saints.  Was Paul inspired of God through the Holy Spirit, wrong?

4.      2 Thess. 2:8 – Here the word “brightness’ is epiphaneia and “coming” is parousia.   Paul talks about the “brightness of his coming” as the same event.  No time period between the two.

  II. THE TIME OF THE REVELATION!

A.     Pre-Mill. hesitates to pinpoint the exact time of the rapture, but not the revelation.1.      Jack Van Impe, Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Prophecy, pp. 9,10.  “Can

anyone know the day and hour of the “revelation”, the day Christ returns to earth?  Yes, one can know the exact date Christ will return to earth.  When the Antichrist persuades Israel to sigh his international peace contract, one can begin marking days on his calendar.  The battle of Armageddon and Christ’s return will be exactly 2,520 days from the date of this signing.”

2.      Dr. John F. Walvoord, President of Dallas Theological Seminary, sates, “According to Daniel 9:27, the last seven years leading up to the second coming of Christ will begin with a peace settlement.  It will lead to the countdown towards Armageddon and introduce the new world leader who will be destined to become the world dictator, the infamous Anti-Christ.”

 III. WHAT THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES ABOUT THE SECOND COMING!

A.     It is a fact he will come again (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:36-44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-4; 2 Peter 3:10-14).

B.     The manner of his coming:1.      In person, as he went away (Acts 1:9-11).2.      Sudden and unexpected (1 Thess. 5:1-4).3.      Quickly (Rev. 22:7)4.      In glory (Matt. 16:27).5.      With his holy angels (Matt. 25:31).6.      With great noise (1 Thess 4:16).7.      With power (Matt. 25:31).

C.     The time of his coming.1.      Man does not know (Matt. 24:36).2.      Angles do not know (Mark 13:32).3.      Christ does not know (Mark 13:32).4.      Only God knows (Mark 13:32).

D.     What will Christ do at his coming?1.      Raise the dead (John 5:28-29).2.      Destroy present world (2 Peter 3:7,10-12).3.      Bring all mankind into judgment (Rev. 20:12,15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 25:31-46).4.      Reward the faithful (1 Thess 4:17).5.      Punish the wicked (Matt. 25:41-46).

E.      What can I do now?1.      Watch and pray (Matt. 24:42-43).2.      Be always ready for his return (Matt. 24:44-51).

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3.      Work diligently (Matt. 25:14-40).4.      Be steadfast (1 Cor. 15:58).5.      Find comfort in the hope of saved (1 Thess 4:13-18).

  

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