July 24, 2024

The Five End Times Frameworks Part 2 | S4 Ep. 9

33 minutes

Understanding Preterist Amillennialism and Millennial Views in Christian Eschatology

Check out the Ebook: https://renew.org/endtimes/

In this episode of Scripture in Black and White, Bobby Harrington and Anthony Walker explore various perspectives on millennial views in Christian eschatology, focusing particularly on Preterist Amillennialism. They discuss how this view interprets the millennium and the binding of Satan as symbolic periods starting with Jesus' resurrection. Comparisons are made to Classic Amillennialism, Historic Premillennialism, and Dispensational Premillennialism, covering the origins and beliefs of each view. The discussion also critiques Hyper-Preterism as heretical and emphasizes understanding symbolic versus literal interpretations of biblical prophecies. The episode aims to educate and engage listeners with a thorough exploration of these eschatological views.

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction to Preterist Amillennialism

01:19 Exploring Preterist Amillennialism

03:57 Critique of Hyper Preterism

06:41 Symbolism in Revelation

10:40 Classic Amillennialism Explained

17:47 Historic Premillennialism

21:17 Dispensational Premillennialism

27:16 Postmillennialism: An Optimistic View

31:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Other RENEW.org Resources:

Identity -- Who You Really Are in Christ: https://renew.org/product/preview-of-identity-who-you-really-are-in-christ/

The Disciples Mind -- Thinking Like a Disciple of Jesus: https://renew.org/product/the-disciples-mind-thinking-like-a-disciple-of-jesus/

This episode, provides an in-depth examination of various eschatological views within Christian theology, focusing on millennial perspectives. The discussion is led by two hosts, one explaining the perspectives while the other asks clarifying questions.

Preterist Amillennialism

The episode begins by exploring Preterist Amillennialism. This perspective, endorsed by theologians like R.C. Sproul, posits that the kingdom of God began with Jesus' resurrection, marking the start of a millennium during which Satan is bound and unable to hinder the church's growth. This view sees the church's expansion as a fulfillment of Revelation 20, with the righteous reigning with Jesus in heaven until His return. This will be followed by the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked, final judgment, and eternal destinies. The hosts caution against Hyper-Preterism, which contends that Jesus' second coming, the resurrection, and the final judgment already occurred in 70 AD, contradicting foundational Christian beliefs and scripture passages like 2 Thessalonians 2.

Classic Amillennialism

The discussion then moves to Classic Amillennialism, which aligns with the belief that the millennium began with Jesus' resurrection, inaugurating a period during which Satan is bound, allowing the church to expand globally. This timeline includes a last days' decline, the rise of the Antichrist, and significant tribulations before Jesus intervenes. The episode emphasizes the symbolic interpretation of the thousand-year period, a concept rooted in literature like Plato's "Republic."

Historic Premillennialism

Next, Historic Premillennialism is examined. This view, prevalent in the early church until the time of Augustine, posits an Old Testament era followed by the church age. A notable decline and great tribulation ensue, featuring the Antichrist and cosmic disruptions. Jesus' return initiates a literal thousand-year reign on earth with the righteous, followed by Satan's release, a final apostasy, and ultimate divine intervention, leading to final judgment and eternal destinies.

Dispensational Premillennialism

The conversation then shifts to Dispensational Premillennialism, a modern view originating in the 1830s with John Nelson Darby and popularized by the Schofield Reference Bible. This perspective introduces a distinct period for Israel, delineating a church age that pauses prophetic fulfillment regarding Israel until the rapture, which removes Christians from the earth. A seven-year tribulation follows, focused on Israel, marked by the Antichrist's rise and severe persecution. After this tribulation, Jesus' return inaugurates a literal thousand-year reign, followed again by Satan's release, final judgment, and eternal destinies.

Postmillennialism

The episode also explores Postmillennialism, characterized by optimism about the church's future. It suggests the millennium began with Jesus' resurrection, leading to gospel prosperity and global church growth. Although this view posits a brief rebellion before Jesus' return, it anticipates a general improvement in adherence to Jesus' teachings worldwide.

Throughout the podcast, the hosts reference biblical texts, historical contexts, and scholarly works, offering a comprehensive overview of various theological positions. They emphasize respect for differing views and encourage listeners to engage critically and reflectively, underscoring the importance of scriptural fidelity and historical consistency.

Summary and Reflection

The episode concludes with a summary, highlighting the intention to accurately represent each eschatological view. The hosts reflect on the importance of understanding these perspectives and invite audience interaction.

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