Lesson #12: Biblical Truth versus Premillennial Theory Introduction: The doctrine of Premillennialism always seems to find its way into the headlines whenever some major disaster occurs. Whether it is a devastating natural disaster or an occasion\ of upheaval on the part of man, such events bring would be prognosticators of the "end times" to the surface by the scores. Those who hear them and give them credence fail to realize that hundreds just like them have said the same things on dozens of occasions in the past when the same type of disasters occurred. Further, they fail to see what miserable failures were those who preceded their current generation of prophets of doom. Current premillennial prognosticators will likewise fail in their attempts to predict the end of the world and the establishment of "Christ's earthly kingdom." How can this be said with certainty? Because the Bible does not support th theory nor maintain the doctrine of Premillennialism. It simply cannot be found in Scripture. In fact, if the doctrine of Premillennialism is true, there are many passages of Scripture that are false. In our study, we have refuted and examined some of these in this light and determine if Premillennialism or Scripture contains the truth. What do you believe?

Lesson #11: Judgment Day and Eternity Introduction: Premillennialist Position:  In discussion of 2 Peter 3:10-13, Lindsey says, “In other words, Christ is going ‘to loose’ the atoms of the galaxy in which we live. No wonder there will be a great roar and intense heat and fire. Then Christ will put back atoms together to form a new heaven and earth, in which only the glorified persons without their sinful natures will live. There will be no more rebellion of man’s will against God; only righteousness, peace, security, harmony and joy” (The Late Great Planet Earth, p. 179).  “The sequence is clear in the last chapters of Revelation. First there is a return of Christ at the climax of the greatest war of all time. Second, Christ separates surviving believers from the surviving unbelievers; the unbelievers will be judge and cast off the earth (Re. 20:1-6; cf. Mt. 25:41-46). Third, Christ establishes the millennial kingdom and the surviving believers go into it as mortals and repopulate the earth (Re. 20:11-15; cf. Mt. 25:31-40). Fourth, at the end of a thousand years the unbelieving children rebel, Christ judges them, then He completely changes the old heaven and earth and creates a new one (Re. 21; Is. 65:17; II Pt. 3:8-13). This is the ultimate destiny of all persons who are redeemed by Christ” (Lindsey, p. 178).

Lesson #10: The Millennial Reign Introduction: Premillennialist assert that Jesus will return to this earth before he establishes his kingdom spoken of in the Old Testament and that he will rule with his saints in Jerusalem for a period of 1,000 years. This theory is taken out of Revelation 20:1-6. Yet, these verses say nothing of...  The second coming of Christ.  Does not specify a reign on earth.  A bodily resurrection.  Does not mention all the righteous. (John saw "the souls of them that were beheaded" - the martyrs).  Does not locate Christ on earth.  Says nothing of the establishment of a kingdom.  Says nothing of the throne of David.  Says nothing of the Jews being gathered to Palestine. THESE THINGS ARE THE VERY "HEART AND SOUL" OF THE DOCTRINE! YET, THEY DO NOT APPEAR IN THEIR IS SO-CALLED "PROOF TEXT!" Premillennialist Position:  After the second coming of Christ, the Millennium finally is here. Destroyed are the forces of evil, Christ is victorious. He sits ruling on David’s throne, the temple is rebuilt and the 1000 years of ultimate utopia begins. Scofield tells us, “It is impossible to conceive to what heights of spiritual, intellectual, and physical perfection humanity will attain in this, it’s coming age of righteousness and peace.”  A Return to Judaism. “Passages of the Old Testament which have been studied previously anticipating a future day of glory for Israel find their fulfilment in the millennial reign of Christ. The regathering of Israel, a prominent theme of most of the prophets, has its purpose realized in the re-establishment of Israel in their ancient land. Israel as a nation is delivered from her persecutors in the time of tribulation and brought into the place of blessing and restoration.” (The Millennial Kingdom, John F. Walvoord, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1974. P. 303)  During the 1,000 year reign of Christ, several things will happen. 1) Gentiles will be the servants of the Jews. Is. 14:1-2, 49:22-23, 60:14, 61:5, Zech 8:22-23. 2) Jerusalem will be the center of the world. Is. 2:2-4, Jer. 3:17. 3) Worship in Ezekiel’s Temple. Is. 2:4, Micah 4:1-4, Ezek. 37:26, 49:22-23, 60:14, 61:5, Zech 8:22-23. 4) Reinstitution of s system of animal sacrifices in the Temple. Ezek. 43:18, 46:24, Zech. 14:16, Is. 56:6-8. (Things to Come, Pentecost, J. Dwight, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1964. P. 508, 514, 517)  “Christian ordinances will be terminated at the beginning of the millennium.” (Ryrie, p. 150)  “The millennium is a period of a thousand years of the visible, earthly reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, who after His return from heaven, will fulfill during that period the promises contained in the Abrahamic, Davidic and new covenants to Israel, will bring the whole earth to a knowledge of God, and will lift the curse from the whole earth.” (Ryrie, The Basis of the Premillennial Faith, p. 145-146). Questions for Discussion (Biblical Position): 1. What was to happen to Satan during the 1,000 years (Re. 20:1-3)?  “The chain is not literal; one would hardly use a literal chain on a spiritual being. The thousand-year period is no more literal than the chain. Numbers in Revelation are symbolical. “Ten” is a complete

Lesson 9: Apocalyptic Literature and the Battle of Armageddon Introduction: Premillennialist teach that the battle of Armageddon will take place at the end of the Tribulation and before the Millennium, in which Christ will wage a worldwide battle with the world forces of evil and overcome them. During these last 7 years, there is a building of events which will lead to this great Battle of Battles. The development of world leaders causes this to take place. Revelation 16:13 speaks of these three influences that will drive the world to the brink of disaster.Apocalyptic literature is not be interpreted literally. For instance, geographical locations are used to depict a larger message. Geographical sights come to be used to signify ideas, based on events or other connections with that sight. E.g., “hell” (valley of Hinnom), “Zion” – place of spiritual rule of the Messiah, Ps 2:6, of covenant relationship, Jer 50:5, of fellowship with God, Heb 12:22 (part of Jerusalem); “Jerusalem” – e.g. Gal 4:26. We use similar language today such as “Watergate” (scandal involving abuse of power by public officials); “Waterloo” (final, crushing defeat). In Revelation, see also Babylon (14:8), Sodom and Egypt (11:8), and the Euphrates (16:12). What would a physical war in the mid-east in 2000+ have to do with avenging the blood shed by Judaism or Rome in the first century? The Scriptures must be kept in context.Premillennialist Position: “Fleshly Israel will pass through a seven-year tribulation consummated in the battle of Armageddon, after which they will return to God” (Orlin L. Mankamer, The Battle of Armageddon, p. 58). “Writers of this school of uniformity consider the Beast to be the personal anti-christ of the last days and think that his army will be a literal military force, brought to the repossessed the land” (Albertus Pieters, Studies in the Revelation of St. John, p. 169). “With the United Arab and African armies neutralized by the Russian invasion, and the consequent complete annihilation of the Russian forces and their homeland, we have only two great spheres of power left to fight the final climatic battle of Armageddon: the combined forces of the Western civilization united under the Roman Dictator and the vast hordes of the Orient probably united under the Red Chinese war machine” (Hal Lindsey, “The Greatest Battle of All Time,” The Late Great Planet Earth, p. 162).Questions for Discussion (Biblical Position):Apocalyptic Language:1. Whose “revelation” is the book of Revelation (Re. 1:1)?2. The word “revelation” is from the Greek word “apokalupsis.” It means an uncovering, a laying bare, makingnaked: (Thayer). With the use of symbols, images, and visions, Jesus uncovers and reveals a message to His servants of impending persecution and ultimate triumph. This is highly symbolic writing has been termed “apocalyptic literature.” The term “apocalyptic” comes from the word “apokalypsis.” This literary style was used in times of intense trial and crisis. The Spirit chose this style in the book of revelation to dramatize the conflict between Satan and Jesus which played out in persecution of the Christians by Rome. Perhaps this symbolic language was used to protect Christians. If these prophecies had been written in literal language, the Christians who help this book could have been charged with treason.3. When John wrote this book in about 95 AD, when did he say the prophecies would come to pass (Re. 1:1, 3; 22:6, 10)?4. To whom was the book addressed (Re. 1:11)? 5. What was the situation of Christians at the time (Re. 1:9; 2:2, 10, 13-14; 3:9)?

Lesson 9: Apocalyptic Literature and the Battle of Armageddon Introduction: Premillennialist teach that the battle of Armageddon will take place at the end of the Tribulation and before the Millennium, in which Christ will wage a worldwide battle with the world forces of evil and overcome them. During these last 7 years, there is a building of events which will lead to this great Battle of Battles. The development of world leaders causes this to take place. Revelation 16:13 speaks of these three influences that will drive the world to the brink of disaster.Apocalyptic literature is not be interpreted literally. For instance, geographical locations are used to depict a larger message. Geographical sights come to be used to signify ideas, based on events or other connections with that sight. E.g., “hell” (valley of Hinnom), “Zion” – place of spiritual rule of the Messiah, Ps 2:6, of covenant relationship, Jer 50:5, of fellowship with God, Heb 12:22 (part of Jerusalem); “Jerusalem” – e.g. Gal 4:26. We use similar language today such as “Watergate” (scandal involving abuse of power by public officials); “Waterloo” (final, crushing defeat). In Revelation, see also Babylon (14:8), Sodom and Egypt (11:8), and the Euphrates (16:12). What would a physical war in the mid-east in 2000+ have to do with avenging the blood shed by Judaism or Rome in the first century? The Scriptures must be kept in context.Premillennialist Position: “Fleshly Israel will pass through a seven-year tribulation consummated in the battle of Armageddon, after which they will return to God” (Orlin L. Mankamer, The Battle of Armageddon, p. 58). “Writers of this school of uniformity consider the Beast to be the personal anti-christ of the last days and think that his army will be a literal military force, brought to the repossessed the land” (Albertus Pieters, Studies in the Revelation of St. John, p. 169). “With the United Arab and African armies neutralized by the Russian invasion, and the consequent complete annihilation of the Russian forces and their homeland, we have only two great spheres of power left to fight the final climatic battle of Armageddon: the combined forces of the Western civilization united under the Roman Dictator and the vast hordes of the Orient probably united under the Red Chinese war machine” (Hal Lindsey, “The Greatest Battle of All Time,” The Late Great Planet Earth, p. 162).Questions for Discussion (Biblical Position):Apocalyptic Language:1. Whose “revelation” is the book of Revelation (Re. 1:1)?2. The word “revelation” is from the Greek word “apokalupsis.” It means an uncovering, a laying bare, makingnaked: (Thayer). With the use of symbols, images, and visions, Jesus uncovers and reveals a message to His servants of impending persecution and ultimate triumph. This is highly symbolic writing has been termed “apocalyptic literature.” The term “apocalyptic” comes from the word “apokalypsis.” This literary style was used in times of intense trial and crisis. The Spirit chose this style in the book of revelation to dramatize the conflict between Satan and Jesus which played out in persecution of the Christians by Rome. Perhaps this symbolic language was used to protect Christians. If these prophecies had been written in literal language, the Christians who help this book could have been charged with treason.3. When John wrote this book in about 95 AD, when did he say the prophecies would come to pass (Re. 1:1, 3; 22:6, 10)?4. To whom was the book addressed (Re. 1:11)? 5. What was the situation of Christians at the time (Re. 1:9; 2:2, 10, 13-14; 3:9)?

Lesson #8: The Tribulation – Matthew 24 Introduction: Premillennialists believe and boldly teach that when the world is to come to an end the church will be “raptured” and this event will be followed by a seven (7) year period called the “great tribulation” on the earth. When the rapture signals the beginning of the last seven-year period before the second coming and the establishment of the Millennium, the great tribulation will begin. The church will be raptured (taken to heaven) and the Holy Spirit will be removed. An outbreak of evil and tribulation such as the earth has never known will begin, we are told. The purpose of this tribulation is: 1. bring about the conversion of Jews, 2. turn the Gentiles to God, 3. pour out judgment on unbelievers. The word “tribulation” means “to press”, “to press together,” “to press hard upon,” and refers to times of oppression, affliction and distress (Thayer). It is used to describe the state of:  Those hard pressed by siege and calamities of war (Matt. 24:21,29; Mark 13:19,24).  Those pressed by want and poverty (2 Cor. 8:13; Phil. 4:14).  A woman in child-birth (Jno. 16:21).  Afflictions Christ had to undergo (and from which His followers must not shirk. (Col. 1:24).  Anxiety, burden of heart (2 Cor. 2:4). According to the religious world, the ‘tribulation’ will be a period of great tribulation out of which many will be saved. They want to use (Rev. 7:14) as one of their strongholds of this fabricated theory of a “great tribulation.” The Premillennialists use of (Matthew 24:21) of a ‘Great Tribulation’ is ably refuted by Foy E. Wallace, Jr., who stated: There are some very definite reasons why this passage cannot refer to the Millennial Tribulation idea. First, the faithful disciples were commanded to flee to the mountains at this time, as seen in (verse 16) but according to the Millennial tribulation theory, the disciples would be up in the heavens with Jesus and there would be no disciples left on the earth to flee to the mountains. That alone nullifies the argument that the ‘tribulation’ of (Matt. 24) is the millennial tribulation. Second, the disciples were told to pray that their flight from Jerusalem should not be in the winter, as mentioned in (verse 20). Third, they were told to pray that their flight be not on the Sabbath day, — lest they find the gates closed. Premillennial Position:  “The nature of tribulation. …First, it is a unique period. …Secondly, it is a period of judgment upon the nations. …Thirdly, it will be a period of persecution of Israel. …Fourthly, it will be a period of salvation” (Charles Ryrie, The Basis of the Premillennial Faith, p.141-142).  Concerning Matthew 24, LaHaye says, “The first thing our Lord wanted His disciples – and us – to know about the end times is that there will be many deceivers and false messiahs who will lead people astray…Historically, the church age has seen many false religious teachers but they will be even more pronounced just before the Tribulation and increasingly throughout it” (Charting End Times, p.35).  “The first great purpose of the tribulation is to prepare the nation Israel for her Messiah. The prophecy of Jeremiah (30:7) make it clear that this time that is coming has particular reference to Israel, for it is “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” God’s purpose for Israel in the Tribulation is to bring about the conversion of a multitude of Jews, who will enter into the blessings of the kingdom and experience the fulfilment of all Israel’s covenants. The good news that the King is about to return will be preached (Matt. 24:14) so that Israel may be turned to their deliverer.” (Things to Come, Pentecost, J. Dwight, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1964. P.237).

Lesson #7: The Rapture Introduction: “It is common today to see bumper stickers with slogans such as: "In case of Rapture this car will be unoccupied." The term Rapture stands for the so-called coming of a millennial reign of Christ on earth. The word Rapture comes from the Latin, RAPARE, which means to "take away" or "snatch out." It is taught by many who endorse the theory that Christ at his second coming will silently remove from this world the righteous - and this just before a terrible tribulation shall take place on the earth. This alarmist doctrine portrays quite a drama. Families will be shocked by the strange disappearance of a mother, father, or child. Driverless cars will collide in streets. A man and wife are in bed; she hears a noise, turns her head, and he is gone. Planes crash with no pilots found. The theorist continues by stating that the tribulation on earth will last for seven years during which time the Lord will pour out His wrath upon all those who have rejected Him. At the end of the tribulation, they say, the Lord will return to the earth with ten thousand of His saints and a great battle will be fought. They add that Christ and His army will be victorious and will then execute judgment upon the ungodly. Then, according to the theory, the Lord will usher in His Kingdom, an earthly reign of Christ on earth which shall last for 1,000 years.” (Steve Rudds Web Site, www.Bible.ca.) The conclusion of this suggested millennium will pose another great battle. This is supposed to involve a last-ditch effort of evil against good - to no avail, of course. Then they affirm that a second resurrection will-take place; and all who remain from the time of Adam will be raised and shall receive their just desserts. When Jesus comes again, “every eye will see Him” (Re. 1:7). Jesus will not appear “secretly” to His saints, and “silently” take them from earth to be with Him for seven years. Premillennial Position:  Robert Strong says, "By the rapture is meant the sudden and possibly secret coming of Christ in the air to catch away from the earth the resurrected bodies of those who died in the faith and with them the living saints." (Loraine Boettner, The Millennium, p. 159)  “The Rapture — The Lord's coming FOR his saints. The Revelation -- The Lord's coming WITH his saints and for Israel and the world.” (W. E. Blackstone, Jesus Is Coming, p.207) o Blackstone argues that I Thess. 4:13-17 "reiterates and emphasizes" that the dead in Christ shall rise first, when the Lord descends with a shout. Further he says the unrighteous are not mentioned and therefore have no part in the first resurrection. o Finally, he argues that Rev. 20:4-14 shows the first resurrection completed by the resurrection of the tribulation saints and the reign with Christ occurs before the rest of the dead are raised.  “Some Bible teachers see the second coming in two phases. The Rapture of the church is the first phase and Christ’s glorious coming in power to earth as the second” (LaHaye, Charting the End Times, p.111). Questions for Discussion (Biblical Position) – The Resurrection: 1. Concerning what two groups of people did Paul give instruction (1 Th. 4:13-15)?  Why might the Christians have concern for their Fellow-Christians who had died?  Does this context discuss what will happen to the non-Christian? Why not? 2. What will be the sequence of events at the coming of the Lord (1 Th. 4:16-17)?  In 1 Th. 4:17, the term “caught up” is “rapiermur” in the Latin Vulgate. From this Latin term, we get our English term “rapture.” Will Christians be “raptured” (! Th. 4:17) 3. Concerning what two groups of people did Paul give instruction (1 Th. 5:1-11)? 4. Most premillennialists believe 1 Th. 4:13-17 refers to the rapture of the church BEFORE the Tribulation period and 1 Th. 5:1-11 is referring to Jesus returning to earth AFTER the Tribulation period. Do the events of these - print attached Lesson 7 to continue.

Lesson #6: Kingdom/Church Established and Jesus Is On His Throne Introduction: Premillennialist asset Christ will return to earth with the raptured saints, call the Jews back to Palestine (they will be in the process of returning, but this will complete the return), resurrect the righteous dead, and sit on David’s throne to establish the 1000-year reign in the millennium. Since premillennials are convinced that Christ's kingdom is yet in the future they are forced to account for the existence of the church and explain what role the church plays in God's kingdom plan. Premillennialism tries to account for the church by what is sometime called the "Gap Theory" the "Postponement Theory" or "The Church Age."God had a plan for a spiritual kingdom before the foundation of the earth (Ep. 1:4-5). Passages look FORWARD to the immanent establishment of Christ's kingdom before Pentecost. AFTER Pentecost, the kingdom is spoken of as being established, NOT awaiting some future establishment (Col. 1:13-19). Promises to restore fleshly, national Israel were fulfilled (Jer. 29:10-12; Neh 1:8-10). Premillennial Position: (Hal Lindsey "Late Great Planet Earth" pg. 92) "Daniel 7:19...speaks of the first phase of the forth kingdom. In phase one, this kingdom gains world authority (as Rome did), and then disappears to emerge again Just before Christ returns...In phase two of the forth kingdom, Rome, will be in the form of a 10 nation confederacy. " (Late Great Planet Earth, pg. 28) "...Israel is to be the leading nation of the world under the reign of the Messiah who would bring universal peace, prosperity, and harmony among all peoples of the earth." “Because of an anticipated future literal fulfilment, certain facts present themselves concerning Israel’s future. 1. First of all, Israel must be preserved as a nation. 2. Israel must have a national existence and be brought back into the land of her inheritance. Since David’s kingdom had definite geological boundaries, and those boundaries were made a feature of the promise to David concerning his son’s reign, the land must be given to this nation as the site of their national homeland. 3. David’s son, the Lord Jesus Christ, must return to the earth, bodily and literally, in order to reign over David’s covenanted kingdom. The allegation that Christ is seated on the Father’s throne reigning over a spiritual kingdom, the church, simply does not fulfill the promises of the covenant. 4. A literal earthly kingdom must be constituted over which the returned Messiah reigns. 5. This kingdom must become an eternal kingdom. Since the “throne”, “house”, and “kingdom” were all promised to David in perpetuity, there must be no end to the Messiah’s reign over David’s kingdom from David’s throne.” (Things to Come, Pentecost, J. Dwight, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1964, p.114-115). Questions for Discussion (Biblical Position):Kingdom Prophecies 1. What promise was made to David (2 Sm. 7:12-13)? 2. How would the decedents of David know God remembered His promise (Is. 7:13-14)? 3. When would the kingdom be established (Da. 2:44-45)?

Introduction: Premillennialist “rejection theory” says that Christ came to set up an earthly kingdom but He was rejected by the Jews and put it off. As a result of the rejection of Jews of Christ’s earthly kingdom, the church was substituted as an entirely new concept given to man, not found in the Old Testament. Thus, the Premillennialist refers to the “church age” as a parenthesis, (___): a “mystery gap” that must run from the coming of Christ to the second coming when the kingdom will be established. We need to understand the Biblical position versus theories.Premillennial Position: (Late Great Planet Earth, pg. 31) "...many rejected him because they were looking' for a great conqueror. They were looking for a political leader who would deliver them from Roman oppression." (Late Great Planet Earth, pg. 29) "Why did the majority of the Jewish people...reject Jesus? They took very literally the portrait of the Messiah who would come as their reigning King." (Late Great Planet Earth, pg. 29) "..there has come a Jew who claimed to be the Messiah. He fulfilled many of the ancient predictions but was rejected by those who should have recognized Him." (Kingdom of God, pg. 46) Bolls said the kingdom was "...automatically deferred until the time when the nation (of Israel) would acknowledge Jesus Christ and be forgiven." “The purpose of the writing of the Gospel of Matthew was to record the presentation of Jesus Christ as Messiah (1:1-11:1), to trace the opposition to Him and his offered kingdom by the nation (11:2-16:2), and to record the official and final rejection of that King and kingdom by Israel (16:13-28:20)” (Things to Come, Pentecost, J. Dwight, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1964, p.456). “Because the nation has rejected Him, the Lord announces the severance of every natural tie by which he was bound to the nation (Matt. 12:46-50). From this announcement of the Lord concerning the rejection of the nation, definite movement may be traced in the withdrawal of the offer of the kingdom. In the parables (Matt. 13:1-50) the Lord outlines the program in the development of the theocratic kingdom during the period of the King’s absence, and announces the inception of an entirely new, unheralded, and unexpected program – the church (Matt. 16:13-20). He prepares the disciples for a long delay in the kingdom program as it relates to Israel (Luke 19:11-27). He promises the second advent at which time the kingdom program with Israel will be resumed (Matt. 24:37-31), and give the nation signs that will herald His second advent (Matt. 24:4-26)” (Things to Come, Pentecost, J. Dwight, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House, 1964, p.463-464).Questions for Discussion (Biblical Position):The Rejection of the Jews:1. Was the rejection of the Jews a surprise to God? Did Isaiah say the Jews would accept or reject Jesus (IS. 53:1-4)? Note: John 12:37-38 – During the week leading up to the death of Christ (well after Matthew 12), John said the Jews fulfilled the prophecy by rejecting Jesus.2. What did the Psalmist prophecy would happen to the Messiah (Ps. 118:22-24)?3. Did the rejection of Jesus force Him to change His plans (Lk. 24:46-47)?4. Did the Jews reject Jesus (Mt. 11:21-24)?5. The Premillennialist says because of this rejection, Jesus withdrew His offer to establish an earthly kingdom and changed the “mystery of the kingdom.” Please read through Matthew 11 and the beginning of chapter 12. Do you see the change?6. After this supposed change Matthew 14:31-21 records the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. John records the same miracle in John 6:1-13. Please read John 6:14-15. What did the Jews want to do with Jesus?  Was Jesus pleased that the Jews wanted to make Him their king (Jh. 6:15)? Why not (John. 6:26-27, 61-66)?The Kingdom was “at hand.”1. When did John say the promised kingdom was coming (Mt. 3:2)?2. When did Jesus say the promised kingdom was coming (Mk. 1:14-15)?3. When was the kingdom to come with

Lesson #4: Restoration of IsraelIntroduction: Premillennialist believe that Israel must return to its land and become a great nation. Christ will return to earth with the raptured saints, call the Jews back to Palestine (they will be in the process of returning, but this will complete the return), resurrect the righteous dead, and sit on David’s throne to establish the 1000-year reign in the millennium.From a Biblical perspective, we know that the kingdom of Israel was split after King Solomon’s death. Israel continues as a separate nation until taken into captivity by the Assyrians in 722 BC. Judah continues as a spate nation until taken into Babylonian captivity in 586 BC. God foreseen the captivity of His people and prophesied their return to the land of their fathers (Is. 1:5-9; 10:20-23; Je. 30:3).Every one of the restoration prophecies were spoken before or during the period of return of a remnant from exile in Babylon. One group returned with Zerrubbabel in 536 BC and a second group with Ezra in 486 BC. There is not a single New Testament prophecy of national Israel’s restoration. The land promise made to Abraham was fulfilled along with the promise to bring back a remnant after captivity. God has nothing more for the Jews except that which is in Christ through the gospel (Ro. 11:16-27). Conclusions:1. Paul’s preached the real hope of Israel, but it was not what they wanted to hear and caused them topersecute Christians (Ac. 26:1-7; 28:16-20). Israel was looking for an earthly Messiah and hoping for anearthly kingdom.2. Racial and national boundaries are removed in Christ (Ga. 3:26-29; 6:15-16; Ro. 2:28-29; 4:13-17). For nationalIsrael to be restored means the gospel, Jesus, His work, and the church – everything precious to Christians –would have to be removed.3. Jerusalem has been removed as a specific locale for worship (Jh. 4:19-24).4. National Israel cannot inherit with spiritual Israel (Ga. 4:21-31).