2015-4th Qt. Premillennialism -ipad BibleTube

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).