Premillennialism Lesson 1

Premillennialism - Introduction The Theory  The Implications The Text  Revelation 20 The Scriptures Response “..if any man speaketh, speaking as it were the oracles of God” I Peter 4:11 “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit” 2 Peter 1:20-21

Premillennialism - The Theory Defined Pre (before) Millennial (one thousand) Ism (a doctrine) Summarized Christ came to earth for the purpose of establishing His kingdom. He was, however, surprisingly rejected by the Jews. Hence, He postponed the kingdom, and set up the church instead. When He returns, He will raise only the righteous dead (commonly referred to as the rapture). The rapture ushers in the Tribulation Period during which Solomon’s temple is rebuilt and Old Testament sacrifices are restored. The second half of the tribulation period is consumed by a conflict that is consummated by the Battle of Armageddon. He will then restore national Israel, sit upon David’s literal throne in Jerusalem, and then reign for 1,000 years. After the 1,000 year reign comes the resurrection of the wicked and the judgment.

Premillennialism - The Theory Hal Lindsay’s View via The Late Great Planet Earth written in 1972 “Israel will soon be invaded by a confederation of Arab-African forces headed by Egypt. When this happens, Russia and her allies will use such as an occasion to invade and conquer (for a short time) the Middle East. Subsequently, the Russians learn of the progressive mobilization of Oriental forces (under Red China) and Western European forces (under the Anti-Christ, a fuehrer-like dictator). She will prepare to fight but will be completely destroyed (probably in a nuclear attack) by Western Europe (which is supposed to be the revived Roman Empire). Accordingly, this sets the stage for “the final climactic battle of Armageddon: the combined forces of the Western civilization under the leadership of the Roman Dictator and the vast hordes of the Orient probably united under the Red Chinese war machine.” This mighty battle between the Oriental forces (with 200 million solders) and the armies of the Anti-Christ will occur “with the vortex centered at the Valley of Megiddo.” So many will be killed that “blood will stand to the horses’ bridles for a total distance of 200 miles northward and southward of Jerusalem”; in fact, Lindsey claims, this war will spread over all the earth, destroying cities like London, Paris, New York, etc. Finally, ”as the battle of Armageddon reaches its awful climax and it appears that all life will be destroyed on earth – in this very moment Jesus Christ will return and save man from self-extinction.”

Premillennialism - The Theory O.T. Age Jesus Rejected Church Age begins 1,000 Year Reign in Israel on David’s Throne Christ Returns Rapture 7 Year Tribulation Temple Rebuilt Conflict Armageddon Judgment & Eternity

Premillennialism - Introduction Commonly Accepted  7 th Day Adventists  Jehovah’s Witnesses  Southern Baptists  Holiness Churches Proponents  C. Scofield “Scofield Reference Bible”  The Late Great Planet Earth Hal Lindsay

Premillennialism - Introduction Apostacy within the Lord’s Church  1920s-1940s was period of key battles  Most prominent in Kentucky…lesser degree in Indiana and Missouri  Prominent spokesman and debater was R.H. Boll Former writer for Gospel Advocate  “The Exhorter” still published and associated with “Churches of Christ” Defenders of Truth  Foy E. Wallace Neal – Wallace Debate God’s Prophetic Word  Boll – Boles Debate  The Kingdom of Prophecy by R.L. Whiteside

Premillennialism - The Implications Abrahamic promise not yet fulfilled Restoration promise not yet fulfilled Rejection of Christ by Jews was unpredictable Church substituted for kingdom (postponement theory) Church not a part of God’s eternal plan Kingdom not imminent in days of John the Baptist Apostles not in the kingdom in 1 st century Kingdom of Dan 2:44 not yet established Rome will be restored to prominence Great world conflict with Israel and allies victorious, ending with a physical battle of Armageddon on the plains of Megiddo Jews will be converted and restored as a nation Nation of Israel will be restored to prominence Solomon’s temple will be rebuilt Jewish ordinances will be restored

Premillennialism - The Implications Revelation teaches a literal 1,000 year reign Jesus will reign over earthly kingdom of Israel for literal 1,000 years Resurrection of righteous precedes resurrection of unrighteous Denies that Christ is now reigning These are not the last days