By Tim Warner - 03-2002
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A-MillennialismThe following is our rebuttal of 50 points made by an a-millennialist against pre-millennialism. These points that are supposed to prove A-millennialism and disprove pre-millennialism were originally posted on our message board.
I.
A-mill: Number of passages in the Bible mentioning a 1000 year
period = 1
Number of passages in the Bible mentioning a 1000 year period on earth.
= 0
Number of passages in the Bible mentioning a 1000 year period for the
Jews = 0
Pre-mill: While Rev. 20 is the only passage that mentions the length of time between the resurrection of the righteous and the last judgment, it is NOT the only passage that refers to the physical Kingdom of God on this earth AFTER the second coming. Many OT passages clearly speak of this including, Joel 3, Zech. 14, Ezek. 47, etc.
II.
A-mill: Interpretive assumptions for the kingdom of God:
1. Scripture interprets Scripture. Progressive revelation: The N.T.
apostles interpret the O.T. prophets, not vice versa. The apostles’
interpretation supersedes all others, including the “literal
hermeneutic.”
2. Ethnic Jews (as opposed to the chosen nation of Israel) will be
restored to God (Rom. 11) in Christ, in the Church (probably during the
Tribulation.)
Pre-mill: 1. I agree that
the Apostle's interpretive methods are valid. The problem is, they
typically used literal interpretation, especially regarding OT
prophecy. A case in point is Hebrews 12:25-29 quoting Hag. 2. The
prophecy in Hag. 2 concerns the rebuilding of the Temple. God promises
that the glory of the latter Temple will be greater the Solomon's
Temple, and that all nations will come to see His glory there.
2. I agree that the Jews who are restored become part of the Church. But that fact does not necessarily support a-mill or counter pre-mill.
III.
A-mill: 1. What is the name of the kingdom, “the kingdom of earth”
or “the kingdom of heaven?” “…the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:3, 5:10,
etc.) Where is the kingdom presently head quartered, on earth or in
heaven?
“…the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:3, 5:10, etc.)
2. Did Christ intend to establish a kingdom on earth at His 1st coming?
“Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take
Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by
Himself alone.” (Jn. 6:15)
Pre-mill: 1. The expression "kingdom of heaven" does not necessarily mean it is IN heaven. The language could just as easily mean the "kingdom FROM heaven." The expression "kingdom of heaven" is used by Matthew only. The other Gospels and the Epistles all use "Kingdom of God." Furthermore, the Old Testament clearly refers to the kingdom of God as being on earth AFTER the second coming.
Dan 7:13-14,18,27
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man
came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days,
and they brought him near before him.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all
people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an
everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that
which shall not be destroyed....
18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess
the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. ...
27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom
UNDER the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints
of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all
dominions shall serve and obey him.
(KJV)
2. Christ came to die for our sins, and to call out a remnant of Israel who would inherit His Kingdom. What a-mills fail to perceive is the Kingdom has two stages. The first stage is the "gathering" or "harvest" stage, where those who will reign with Christ are converted and trained for their future role as rulers together with Christ. The second stage is where they actually reign with Him on the earth. In the verse you quoted above, Jesus did not reject the idea of a physical Kingdom. He merely knew it was not TIME for that stage of His Kingdom. This is proven in Luke.
Luke 19:11-15
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable,
because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because
they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to
receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and
said unto them, Occupy till I come.
14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We
will not have this man to reign over us.
15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the
kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to
whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had
gained by trading.
16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast
been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
(KJV)
This parable indicates that the Kingdom would NOT immediately appear. The mistake of the Jews was NOT that it would appear physically, but that it would IMMEDIATELY appear. Jesus' parable shows that His going away to heaven and coming back again INTERVENES before he reigns. The rewarding of the servants in verses 16-19 prove this conclusively. After He returned, having received the Kingdom, THEN His servants were judged and rewarded. Their rewards were to have authority over various CITIES in His Kingdom. This proves that the physical part of the Kingdom is future, after the second coming and rewarding of the righteous.
When Jesus was before Pilate, being accused of the Jews that He was their King, Pilate asked Him about His Kingdom. Here is Jesus' reply.
John 18:36
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were
of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews: but NOW is my kingdom not from hence.
(KJV)
The word "now" means at this time. Jesus was saying that His kingdom was not an earthly Kingdom YET. But this strongly implied that it would be in the future.
IV.
A-mill: When is the King’s coming, at His 2nd coming only or at His
1st coming also? “…Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and
sitting on a donkey…” (Mt. 21:5)
Pre-mill: Jesus was the King from the moment He was born. But, that does not mean He was reigning yet. He awaited His Kingdom to be established. In fact, the Bible clearly says that Jesus' position in heaven now at the Father's right hand is a place of WAITING UNTIL His Kingdom is established.
Heb 10:12-13
12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for
sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.
13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,
(NIV)
This is in fulfillment of the
following Psalm.
Psalm 110:1
1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, UNTIL I make
thine enemies thy footstool.
(KJV)
Therefore, there is an interval between Christ's atonement and His reigning over His enemies.
V.
A-mill: How does the kingdom come, all at once or gradually and
progressively? “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed which a
man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the
seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a
tree…” (Mt. 13:32; The kingdom grows.) “The kingdom of heaven is like
leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it
was all leavened.” (Mt. 13:33; The kingdom spreads.)
Pre-mill: The Kingdom is in two stages, as I have already shown. Other passages refer to the coming of the Kingdom at Christ's second coming.
Luke 21:27-31
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with
power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift
up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the
trees;
30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that
summer is now nigh at hand.
31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the
kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
(KJV)
Other NT passages speak of believer entering the Kingdom at a future date. This would not be possible if all there was to the Kingdom was the spiritual Kingdom present now, of which all believers are members.
2 Tim 4:1
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who
shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
(KJV)
Heb 12:28
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have
grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly
fear:
(KJV)
James 2:5
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this
world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to
them that love him?
(KJV)
2 Pet 1:11
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(KJV)
Rev 11:15
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in
heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of
our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
(KJV)
Rev 19:14-15
14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses,
clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should
smite the nations: and he SHALL rule them with a rod of iron:
and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty
God.
(KJV)
VI.
A-mill: How does the kingdom come, visibly or invisibly? “The
kingdom of God does not come with observation (visibly)” (Lk. 17:20)
Pre-Mill: It depends on the stage of the Kingdom to which the context refers.
VII.
A-mill: When is Satan defeated, at Christ’s 2nd coming or His 1st
coming? “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the
kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s
house and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man” (Mt.
12:28-29) "Then the 70 returned…I saw Satan fall like lightning from
heaven.” (Lk. 10:17-18) “now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all to Myself.’ This
He said, signifying by what death He would die” (Jn. 12:31-33) “…I go
to my Father and you see me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of
this world is judged.” (Jn. 16:10-11) “having disarmed principalities
and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in
it.’ (Col. 2:15) “that through death He might destroy him who had the
power of death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14) “For this purpose the
Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the
devil.” (1 Jn. 3:8)
Pre-mill: Conqoring Satan is not the same as binding Him universally. Jesus bound the demonic powers over certain individuals when he cast out demons. That is not the same as binding Satan across the board so he can no longer deceive the nations. According to Rev. 20, Satan is BOUND so that he can no longer deceive the nations UNTIL the end of the 1000 years. If Satan is bound now, and is unable to deceive the nations, you'd better tell him, cause he is doing it on a grand scale! ALL of the nations are deceived NOW. None follow God. ALL follow Satan and are going along with his grand scheme. Christ's seeing Satan fall from heaven was prophetic, of the scene in Rev. 12. Furthermore, his falling from heaven in Rev. 12 does not stop him from his activities on earth. In fact, it seems to INCREASE it. Satan's being "judged" also does not have anything to do with his being bound. His judgment is not carried out UNTIL the end of the Millennium. Making a public spectacle of Satan's activities in no way binds Satan. Jesus' destroying the Devil is FUTURE, not past. Destroying the works of the devil is the ultimate goal, it has not been fully accomplished yet.
VIII.
A-mill: When is the kingdom received by Christ, at His 2nd coming
or at His ascension? “A certain nobleman went into a far country to
receive for himself a kingdom and to return (Lk. 19:12)
Pre-mill: You forgot to read the rest of the parable. He went to heaven to receive the Kingdom. That won't work in an a-mill scheme, where the Kingdom is alleged to have begun with the crucifixion. Furthermore, the parable goes on to say that Jesus returned "having received the kingdom" and THEN he gave authority to His servants to rule over various cities. The implication is clear that their ruling with Him in His Kingdom is AFTER the second coming and their being judged.
IX.
A-mill: When is the time that Christ is glorified, during a future
millennium or now? “ought ot the Christ to have suffered these things
and too enter into His glory?” (Lk. 24:26) “…He testified beforehand
the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.” (1 Pet.
1:11) “…for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not
yet glorified.” (Jn. 7:39) “…the hour has come that the Son of Man
should be glorified” (Jn. 12:23) “…the God of our fathers, glorified
His Servant Jesus…” (Acts 3:13)
Pre-mill: What does being "glorified" have to do with the Millennium? Christ is now glorified at the Father's right hand. Yet the same Bible says He is AWAITING His enemies to be placed under subjection to Him. While Jesus is now glorified, He is NOT yet reigning as King over the nations.
X.
A-mill: When does the kingdom come, in the future or now that He is
glorified? “‘…there are some standing here who shall not taste death
till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.’…and He was
transfigured (glorified) before them. His face shone like the sun, and
His clothes became as white as the light.” (Mt. 16:28-17:2)
Pre-mill: The vision on the Mount of Transfiguration was of the FUTURE coming Kingdom. Peter clearly says so.
2 Pet 1:16-18
16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made
known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there
came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved
Son, in whom I am well pleased.
18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with
him in the holy mount.
(KJV)
Jesus promised the disciples that some of them would see the coming Kingdom. The next day He took them up into the mountain where they say the vision of the future Kingdom. That does not mean the Kingdom CAME at that time. It means they were given a glimpse of what it will be like when it does come.
XI.
A-mill: When is all authority in heaven & earth given to
Christ, in the future only, or also now? “All authority has been given
to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Mt. 28:18)
Pre-mill: That authority
is not fully exercised UNTIL the second coming. Do you really think
that God's will is NOW being done on earth as it is in heaven? If so,
then God's will is pretty dismal!
XII.
A-mill: When is Christ ruler over the kings of the earth, only in
the future, or also now? “Jesus Christ…the ruler over the kings of the
earth.” (Rev. 1:5)
Pre-mill: That Jesus is "King of kings and Lord of lords" or "Ruler of the Kings of the Earth" is His title, just as Messiah (Aramaic) or "Christ" (Greek) is His title. The title "Christ" means "anointed one" in reference to His being the King. According to Luke 2:11, the angels who announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds said, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Clearly, Jesus was the "Christ" (anointed King) from the moment of His birth. But, did He rule the nations from the manger? No. Much needed to be accomplished before He could rule the nations. Similarly, such titles as "King of Kings," "Lord of Lords," "Ruler of the Kings of the Earth," do not necessarily indicate a present position of exercising His Kingship over the nations. David was the prototype for the "Anointed one," and Jesus is to rule on the throne of David. David was anointed King of Israel by Samuel, yet he had to wait for years until God removed Saul. This is precisely the situation now. Jesus IS the "Christ" (anointed King). But, like David, He is WAITING until his enemies are placed under subjection to Him.
Psalm 110:1
1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make
thine enemies thy footstool.
(KJV)
Matt 22:44
44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make
thine enemies thy footstool?
(KJV)
Acts 2:34-35
34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself,
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
(KJV)
Heb 10:12-13
12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for
sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.
13 Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool,
(NIV)
These verses are not compatible with a-mill. Jesus is seated at the Fathers side ONLY UNTIL His enemies are put in subjection to Him. This implies that once His enemies are subjected to Him, he will NO LONGER be seated at the Father's side! Furthermore, in the last verse above, Paul clearly indicates that Jesus was STILL WAITING some 25 years after the ascension!
Heb 2:7-9
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him
with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under
him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for
the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by
the grace of God should taste death for every man.
(KJV)
XIII.
A-mill: When does Christ reign, after His enemies are subdued or
until His enemies are subdued? “Rule in the midst of Your enemies” (Ps.
110:2) “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
(Acts 2:34-35, 1 Cor. 15:25, Heb. 1:13, Heb. 10:13)
Pre-mill: Christ is NOW seated at the Father's side WAITING for His enemies to be subdued. If He was already reigning over them, they would be subdued already.
XIV.
A-mill: When & where is Christ’s reign from David’s throne, in
the future on earth or in heaven now? “He would raise up Christ to sit
on His (David’s) throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the
resurrection of the Christ…Therefore being exalted to the right hand of
God…Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’”
(Acts 2:30-35)
Pre-mill: That is a misapplication of that passage. Peter is not arguing that Jesus was already ruling. He was arguing that Jesus IS the Messiah who IS TO RULE on David's throne. See my article on this topic: Is Jesus Seated on the Throne of David?.
XV.
A-mill: When must Christ reign, after or until the resurrection of
the dead?
“…the resurrection of the dead…even so in Christ all shall be made
alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward
those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He
delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when he puts an end to all rule
and all authority and power. For He must reign (presently) till
(“until,” not “after”) He has put all enemies under His feet. The last
enemy that will be destroyed is death…So when this corruptible has put
on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality (the
resurrection), then shall be brought to pass the saying that is
written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Cor. 15:21-26, 54)
Pre-mill:The reigning here is AFTER Christ's coming. This passage gives a SEQUENCE to resurrections. He begins by saying that ALL die through Adam, and ALL will be resurrected through Christ. BUT, every man in his own ORDER. This word means "sequence." The mere fact that there is a SEQUENCE to resurrections proves there is more than one general resurrection. Paul puts Christ's resurrection first, as a prototype of the resurrection of believers. Next, he says that ONLY those who belong to CHRIST will be raised at His coming. The word "afterward" means NEXT IN SEQUENCE. That is, next after Christ's resurrection. Paul has EXCLUDED the wicked from this resurrection at Christ's coming. "THEN comes the end..." The word "then" also means "next in sequence." This is AFTER the millennium, when Jesus turns over the Kingdom to the Father. It is AFTER referring to the second coming that Paul speaks of Christ's reigning. The Greek does not allow for the "end" when Christ has destroyed the last enemy (death) to occur at the second coming, because the word "THEN" in verse 24 (eita - "after that") proves that he is speaking of a later time after the second coming. Since Paul is giving a sequence of resurrections, this is the THIRD in his sequence (just as in Rev. 20). ONLY those who belong to Christ are raised "at His coming." The rest are raised at "the end."
XVI.
A-mill: When is Christ’s reign, only in the future or also now?
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Mt.
28:18)
Pre-mill: "Authority" is not the same thing as reigning.
XVII.
A-mill: "For the Father judges no one, but has committed all
judgment to the Son…and has given Him (the Son) authority to execute
judgment also…” (Jn. 5:22, 27)
Pre-mill: "Judgment" is not the same as reigning.
XVIII.
A-mill: "God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and
Savior…” (Acts 5:31)
Pre-mill Being a prince does not translate into actively reigning. As pointed out in part 1, David was anointed King of Israel, but had to wait years until his enemy Saul was taken out. Why would you expect anything different from the one who is to sit on David's throne. Furthermore, Jesus is now seated with His Father on HIS throne. Only after the second coming will Jesus be seated on HIS OWN throne, the "throne of David."
Rev 3:21
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
(KJV)
Matt 25:31
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels
with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
(KJV)
Jesus is now ONLY seated beside His Father in the Father's throne. That implies a position of waiting, as Hebrews 10:12,13 clearly says.
XIX.
A-mill: "…He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right
hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and
might and dominion…And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him
to be head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:20-22)
Pre-mill: His being head over all things is TO THE CHURCH, not to the whole world. ONLY the Church is presently under His direct rule. He is still waiting UNTIL the rest of mankind is subdued.
XX.
A-mill: “…those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at
the right hand of God.” (Col. 3:1)
Pre-mill: What does this prove? Jesus is seated at the Father's side waiting until His enemies are made His footstool.
XXI.
A-mill: “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the
dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth…” (Rev. 1:5)
Pre-mill: This is His title, but not yet realized. It is the same sort of title as "King of kings and Lord of lords." It is the same sort of title as "Christ" (Anointed one). This also has specific reference to Jesus' role as King, yet He was called "Christ" from the moment of His birth. And we know that He was not reigning then (Luke 2:11).
XXII.
A-mill: “…And her Child was caught up to God and His throne…
Pre-mill: Rev. 12:5 shows that the context of His reigning in this passage is FUTURE.
Rev 12:5
5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who WILL rule all the nations
with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his
throne.
(NIV)
The phrase, "who WILL rule all the nations..." is an explanatory note, and should be viewed in the context of the time John received his visions (AD96). The future tense indicates He was not yet RULING the nations even by AD96. This fact is also proven in Rev. 19:15, which speaks of Christ's ruling the nations in the FUTURE TENSE at His second coming. At present Jesus is ruling His Church only (which constitutes His spiritual Kingdom). But, He does not rule the NATIONS until after the second coming, when He sits on His own throne.
XXIII.
A-mill: Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God,
and the power of His Christ have come…” (Rev. 12:10)
Pre-mill: This verse is in the context of the latter part of the tribulation, AFTER Satan has been overpowered by Michael. The words "now comes" (in reference to the Kingdom) precludes the possibility of this Kingdom being present previously! This is a statement anticipating the imminent appearing of the Kingdom AFTER the tribulation. It cannot refer to a kingdom that had been in place for 2000 years! The word "comes" means it arrives. Furthermore, at the 7th trumpet, the 24 Elders proclaim that "the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever." Not until the 7th trumpet does Jesus take the role of ruler of the nations. The verb tenses indicate that Jesus AT THAT TIME takes possession of the kingdoms of the world. The expression "he SHALL reign" is future tense. In essence, it says at the 7th trumpet, Jesus takes His place as ruler of the kingdoms, and from that point on He WILL reign.
XXIV.
A-mill: Who can see and enter the kingdom, both unregenerate &
regenerate or the regenerate only? “…unless one is born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jn. 3:3) “…unless one is born of water
and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (Jn. 3:5)
Pre-mill: Jesus was speaking to the first century Jews. If they did not believe, they would not see the Kingdom because they would not be resurrected at the beginning of the Millennium in order to see it. Same with entering the Kingdom. That He was not referring to His spiritual Kingdom that was established at the crucifixion, is proven by the fact that these Jews did indeed see that Kingdom.
XXV.
A-mill: When do we enter into the kingdom, in the future or now?
“…It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather
than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire…” (Mk. 9:47)
Pre-mill: Jesus was using hyperbole here. He did not intend for people to pluck out their eyes. Furthermore, entering the Kingdom is in direct contrast to being thrown into hell fire, something in the future. It stands to reason that entering the Kingdom was also future, as the alternative to being thrown into hell fire.
XXVI.
A-mill: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and
conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13)
Pre-mill: There are two stages to the Kingdom. Here Paul is referring to the present stage which is a spiritual Kingdom.
XXVII.
A-mill: When are saints raised to live with Christ, in the future
only (physically) or also now (spiritually)? “But even Moses showed in
the bush that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ For He is not the God
of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” (Lk. 20:37-38)
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the
Son gives life to whom He will…he who hears My word and believes in Him
who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but
has passed from death into life…the hour is coming, and now is (1st
century), when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and
those who hear will live… (Jn. 5:21-25) “just as Christ was raised from
the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of
His death, certainly we also shall be (united together) in the likeness
of His resurrection…we believe that we shall also live with Him…He
lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to
sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord…but present yourselves
to God as being alive from the dead…you have your fruit to holiness,
& the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the
gift of God is eternal life in Christ” (Rom. 6:4-23) “even when we were
dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you
have been saved, & raised us up together…” (Eph. 2:5-6) “…you also
were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, Who raised
Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses & the
uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him…If
then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above…”
(Col. 2:12-3:1)
Pre-mill: The Bible sometimes refers to salvation using "resurrection" in a metaphorical sense. That is not license to claim that any reference to the resurrection is spiritual and not physical. This distinction is not difficult to make in the Greek text, because when "resurrection" is used with the definite article, it ALWAYS refers to an EVENT, THE resurrection of the dead. Rev. 20 uses the definite article with "resurrection" and therefore refers to the EVENT called "the resurrection" and not to some spiritual resurrection.
XXVIII.
A-mill: When do saints reign with Christ, in the future only, or
also now?
“those who receive abundance of grace & of the gift of
righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ…grace
might reign through righteousness to eternal life… (Rom. 5:17, 21)
Pre-mill:
Rom 5:17
17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they
which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall
reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
(KJV)
Reigning is FUTURE tense from Paul's perspective. It should be PRESENT tense if a-mill was correct.
Rom 5:21
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign
through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
(KJV)
This verse is not referring to PEOPLE reigning, but the principle of GRACE having victory over SIN in the life of the believer. It has nothing to do with reigning over the nations.
XXIX.
A-mill: “made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus (Eph. 2:6, cf. 1:20)
Pre-mill: Again, this is a metaphor, in a series of metaphors. Paul speaks of our being "dead" in sin (metaphorically), and then "raised" (metaphorically) referring to salvation, and then seated with Christ in the heavenlies (also metaphorically).
XXX.
A-mill: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal (kingly)
priesthood, a holy nation…” (1 Pet. 2:9) “has made us kings and
priests…” (Rev. 1:5-6)
“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and
kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ…” (Rev. 1:9)
Pre-mill: There are two stages to the Kingdom. We presently are in Christ's Kingdom. But neither He nor us are ruling the nations.
XXXI.
A-mill: Who are the primary subjects of the kingdom, Jews or
Gentiles?
“…All nations (gentiles) shall serve Him…All nations (gentiles) shall
call Him blessed.” (Ps. 72:11, 17) “Now it shall come to pass in the
latter days (last days)…Many nations (gentiles) shall come and say,
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of
God…He shall judge between many peoples…” (Mic. 4:1-3) “…I have not
found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many
will come from east and west (Gentiles), and sit down with Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom
(Jews) will be cast out into outer darkness.” (Mt. 8:10-12)
“…He will declare justice to the Gentiles.” (Mt. 12:18) “…the kingdom
of God will be taken from you (Israel) and given to a nation (1 Pet.
2:9) bearing the fruits of it.” (Mt. 21:43) “And this gospel of the
kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the
nations (gentiles)…” (Mt. 24:14) “All authority (kingly rule) has been
given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of
all the nations (gentiles)…” (Mt. 28:18-19)
“…He who shall rise to reign (as king) over the Gentiles…” (Rom. 15:12)
“…In you all the nations (gentiles) shall be blessed.”(Gal. 3:8)
“She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations (gentiles) with a
rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne
(Christ’s coronation as king)” (Rev. 12:5)
Pre-mill: I have no disagreement that Jews and Gentiles (who make up the body of the redeemed) will rule in the Millennium.
XXXII.
A-mill: Which will be ushered in at Christ’s return, a millennium
or the new heavens and a new earth? “Jesus Christ…whom heaven must
receive until the times of restoration of all things” (new earth) (Acts
3:20-21)
Pre-mill: The word "restoration" does not mean something entirely new or different. It means to restore the PRESENT earth. This is the Millennium. Furthrmore, Peter says this is what was spoken by ALL THE PROPHETS. Please show me WHERE in all the prophets the eternal state (as understood by a-mills) is to be found??? Nowhere! The prophets predicted a physical Kingdom ON THIS EARTH with the present city of Jerusalem restored. It even refers to geographical changes, such as the Dead Sea being purified and having abundant fish. If, as a-mills do, you spiritualize these passages that refer to the Kingdom, placing their fulfillment in the present age, then you are left with NOTHING in OT prophecy about the age to come! Yet, Peter said clearly that Jesus would come AGAIN at the time of the "restoration of all things spoken of by all the holy prophets." This proves that the pre-mill understanding of the OT is correct, ie., that these prophecies of the "kingdom" are indeed AFTER the second coming of Jesus.
XXXIII.
A-mill: “Where is the promise of His coming?…But the heavens and
the earth which are now pre-served by the same word, are reserved for
fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men…the heavens
will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with
fervent heat …we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a
new earth…” (2 Pet. 3:4-13)
Pre-mill: This does occur at the second coming. But, it does not refer to the complete destruction of this planet. Rather, it describes a purging of the earth by fire to remove the curse. Several OT passages speak of it, including Joel 2 and Mal. 4. Peter was referring to Isaiah 65, where the "new heaven and new earth" refers to this present earth, WITH the present city of Jerusalem inhabited. (See my article, 2 Peter 3 & the Day of the Lord.)
XXXIV.
A-mill: Which is our primary hope, a millennium or the new heavens
and new earth? “…since all these things will be dissolved, what manner
of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for
and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the
heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt
with fervent heat? Never-theless we, according to His promise, look for
new heavens and a new earth…” (2 Pet. 3:4-13)
Pre-mill: Peter was speaking metaphorically about the heavens and earth passing away. He did the same thing earlier in the chapter in reference to the flood, where he said the world PERISHED. He then said that the fiery destruction would be IN THE SAME MANNER. You said that you read my article on this, so you should be aware of this fact.
XXXV.
A-mill: When do we receive the kingdom, before or after the removal
of the created earth? “…the removal of those things that are being
shaken, as of things that are made (the created earth), the things
which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore since we are receiving a
kingdom which cannot be shaken…” (Heb. 12:27-28)
Pre-mill: He is not referring to the removal of the earth, but this world system under the control of the Gentile nations. The earth will remain forever, according to Psalm 104:5
XXXVI.
A-mill: When will Christ return from heaven, before or after the
times of restoration of all things? “Whom heaven must receive until the
times of restoration of all things (the new earth)” (Acts 3:21)
Pre-mill: We did this one already. Restoration means renovation NOT something totally new.
XXXVII.
A-mill: How many judgment(s) will there be, multiple judgments or
only one?
“the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous revelation of God who
will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those
who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and
immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the
truth, but obey unrighteousness – indignation and wrath, tribulation
and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil…” (Rom. 2:5-9)
Pre-mill: This merely refers to the FACT that all will be judged, not the timing of it. Rev. 20 clearly has the saints reigning with Christ 1000 years before the "rest of the dead" are judged. Are you suggesting that they reign BEFORE they are judged?
XXXVIII.
A-mill: When Christ returns, will the wicked enter into His kingdom
and repopulate the earth or be cast into the fire?
Pre-mill: The wicked who worship the Beast will be cast into the fire. BUT, there will be some unbelievers who enter the millennium in natural bodies.
Zech 14:16-19
16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the
nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year
to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of
tabernacles.
17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of
the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even
upon them shall be no rain.
18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no
rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the
heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all
nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
(KJV)
XXXIX.
A-mill: “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time
of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares
and bind them in bundles to burn them…as the tares are gathered and
burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age…will gather
out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice
lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire…’” (Mt.
13:30-42) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast
into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full,
they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into
vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just,
and cast them into the furnace of fire.” (Mt. 13:47-50) “the master of
that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at
an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint
him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and
gnashing of teeth.” (Mt. 24:50-51) “‘After a long time the lord of
those servants came and settled accounts with them…and cast the
unprofitable servant into the outer darkness.’” (Mt. 25:19, 30) “Then
He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you
cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his
angels…And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the
righteous into eternal life.’” (Mt. 25:41, 46) “‘A certain nobleman
went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to
return…But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to
reign over them, and slay them before me.’” (Lk. 19:12-27) “…when the
lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming
fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do
not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished
with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the
glory of His power, when He comes in that Day…” (2 Th. 1:7-10)
Pre-mill: This will be the fate of the vast majority of the unsaved (those who worship the Beast). But, as Zech. 14 shows, there will be SOME who enter the Millennium.
XL.
A-mill: Which will saints do in the resurrection, marry, have
children, & repopulate the earth or remain unmarried? “The sons of
this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are counted
worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, nether
marry nor are given in marriage.” (Lk. 20:34-35)
Pre-mill: No pre-mills I know of suggest that the resurrected believers will repopulate the earth. This will be done by a small number of Jewish converts who are saved at the second coming, AND by the children who were born just before Jesus' coming. www.geocities.com/lasttrumpet_2000/repop.html
XLI.
A-mill: When is the saints’ bodily resurrection, 1000-1007 years
before the last day or at the last day? “…everyone who sees the Son and
believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at
the last day.” (Jn. 6:40, cf. 39, 44, 54) “…I know that he (Lazarus)
will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (Jn. 11:24)
Pre-mill: Jesus referred to distinct "ages" (this age and the age to come). So it is natural to understand the expression "last day" in reference to the last day of this age.
XLII.
A-mill: When will the just and the unjust be physically raised,
1000 years apart or at the same hour? “…And at that time…And many of
those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to
everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Dan.
12:1-2)
Pre-mill: You need to look again. First of all, the NASB gives the most accurate rendering of this verse.
Dan 12:2
2 "And MANY of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake,
THESE to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting
contempt.
(NASB)
The word "many" proves that not ALL are raised at this time. Many means only SOME, but certainly not all. THESE (many) will arise to everlasting life. The words "the others" means those BESIDES the "many" who arise. These OTHERS who did not arise will go to disgrace and everlasting contempt.
XLIII.
A-mill: “the hour is coming, in which all who are in the graves
will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the
resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection
of condemnation.” (Jn. 5:28-29)
Pre-mill: Jesus refers to two different resurrections. One is the "resurrection of life" and the other is the "resurrection of condemnation." The word "hour" does not necessarily indicate that they are at the same time. It could just as easily mean that each has his "hour" to be raised. The definite article in the KJV is not found in the Greek text. Without the definite article "hour" does not necessarily refer to any specific hour or time. It is properly translated, "a time is coming when all in the graves will hear the voice..." This construction can easily mean that each person in the grave has his time to hear and be raised. John 16:2 uses precisely the same construction, yet is is perfectly clear from the context that Jesus was not referring to one specific day or hour, but to a general time period sometime in the future, which could and would be different for each one involved.
John 16:2
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that
whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
(KJV)
XLIV.
A-mill: “…there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the
just and the unjust.” (Acts 24:15)
Pre-mill: This indicates TWO resurrections. The word "both" means TWO. The Greek text actually reads, "resurrection there shall be, just and also unjust." The Greek grammar allows either interpretation, and does not require that they be at the same time.
XLV.
A-mill: Will this present age ever be characterized by
righteousness or always by evil? “…that He might deliver us from this
present evil age…” (Gal. 1:4)
Pre-mill: That is not a characterization of this age. It is merely a promise of OUR deliverance from it. It says absolutely NOTHING about a change in the world itself. Furthermore, if this age is presently "evil," and if Satan is bound as a-mills claim, why is he still deceiving the nations?
XLVI.
A-mill: Is all of history and time divided into three ages (incl. a
millennium) or two ages? “…not only in this age but also in that which
is to come.” (Eph. 1:21)
Pre-mill: That proves nothing, except there is another age after this one.
XLVII.
A-mill: Are you still a millennialist, yes, not sure, or no?
See answer in Acts 2:30-35
Pre-mill: Yes, absolutely. After seeing these arguments that are so easily refuted, I am moreso a premillennialist. :)
XLVIII.
A-mill: Christ in His glorified body must live on a cursed,
non-glorified earth. Saints in their glorified bodies must live on a
cursed, non-glorified earth. Those with glorified bodies & those
with non-glorified bodies live together.
Pre-mill: When Jesus was raised from the dead He had a glorified body. He lived on a cursed earth for 40 days among the disciples who did not have glorified bodies. Paul says we will have bodies like His glorified body. Romans 8 says the earth will be renovated for the Millennium, so there is no reason to think the earth will still be "cursed."
XLIX.
A-mill: There is no millennium in Rom. 11, the primary passage on
the future of the Jews.
Pre-mill: Well, the word "millennium" might not be found in Romans, but it does speak of the restored creation in chapter 8. How could the whole creation be groaning under the curse, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, if it was going to be destroyed at that time???
L.
A-mill: Belief in a literal earthly kingdom was the reason the Jews
rejected Jesus Christ.
Pre-mill: Nonsense! The inability to distinguish between Jesus' first and second comings, both of which were prophesied in the Old Testament, is what contributed to their rejection. As Luke tells us regarding the parable of the talents, the misconception among the Jews was that the Kingdom would IMMEDIATELY appear in physical form. Jesus' parable corrects the misconception by pointing out that there would be a rather lengthy delay, and that He must go away and then return with the Kingdom. After which His servants would be judged and rewarded, being given places of ruling in His Kingdom.