Pre millennial Eschatology by David M. Williams

Pre-millennial eschatology

By David M. Williams

This essay is free for distribution in any manner, with the provision that it remains completely intact, with this notice, the author's name and the full text of the essay. Any comments are gratefully welcomed. Copyright 1995.

INTRODUCTION

The pre-millennial, pre-tribulational eschatological system is a theological framework widely held in modern times. It is the eschatological system which most literally follows scripture under consistent and proper hermeneutics (Walvoord, 1978, p. 270), and most closely represents the eschatological hope of the early Church. It further distinguishes clearly between Israel and the Church and their respective programs (Walvoord, 1978, p. 270).

This system is marked by a number of essential distinctives. It requires a futurist interpretation of the bulk of the book of Revelation. It holds to the "rapture" - the snatching away of the Church out of the world at an unknown time (I Thessalonians 4:13-18).

This in turn will set in motion a series of subsequent events that will culminate in the ascendancy of the Antichrist, who will rule the world for seven years - the seven years being the final "week" of years in the angelic message to Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27) - the time of the great tribulation to come on the earth as Christ treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God (Revelation 19:15).

The rule of the Antichrist will be overturned by the victorious descent of Christ at His Second Coming to the Mount of Olives with the Church (Zechariah 14; Revelation 19:11-16), who defeats him at the Battle of Armageddon, inaugurating a literal thousand year reign (the millennium). Uninterrupted bliss would be enjoyed during this time (which is contiguous with the spiritual rebirth of Israel, the Jewish peoples acknowledging Christ as their Messiah).

This would continue until Satan is "loosed" for a season (Revelation 20:7-8). Then, heaven and earth will give way to a new heaven and a new earth, the final judgment will commence, and Satan will be cast forever into eternal damnation (Revelation 20:10-21:1). The system derives its name from its chronological ordering of events: the pre-tribulational rapture and the pre-millennial tribulation.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

It has been contended by some that the pre-millennial system is a recent invention. Thomas Foster, co-founder of the Christian Revival Crusade, noted for its British-Israel doctrine, states :

In 1539 Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus.
Their main purpose was to bring Protestants back to
the fold of Rome by any means possible. From their
number there arose Francisco de Ribera, a Spanish
priest, who wrote a commentary on the book of
Revelation, which was printed in 1585 A.D.

His
thesis [pre-millennialism] was inserted in the form
of notes in a Vulgate Bible, in order to counter the
Protestant Reformers who had identified the Papacy as
the Antichrist, and the Catholic Church as the
"Babylon" of Revelation 18:5. . . .

Dr Maitland
discovered this Futurist view of the Revelation, as
taught by Francisco Ribera from Spain, and he
published it just for the sake of interest.

About this time, 1841, the Plymouth Brethren were formed. . . . Their leader was John Nelson Darby and he eagerly read and accepted the Futurist view of Revelation. . . . little realizing that the Plymouth Brethren from
then on would be preaching a Roman Catholic message
on the Revelation! (Foster, 1983, p. 1-3)

Whether Foster's view have any historical truth or not, John Nelson Darby is often considered the "founder" of pre-millennialism (Cartledge, n.d., p. 157). It would be more correct to say Darby was the founder of dispensational pre-millennialism (Zoba, 1995, p. 21), for the faith of the early Church was undoubtedly chiliasm - based on the Greek word in Revelation 20:3 denoting the number 1,000.

Chiliasm was an ill-defined pre-millennial outlook (Zoba, 1995, p. 21; Berkhof, 1975, p. 262) which anticipated the imminent return of Christ, and His reign for a literal thousand years before the final judgment. Unfortunately some were inclined to dwell fondly on their millennial hopes in a crassly materialistic manner, such as Papias and Irenaeus (Berkhof, 1975, p. 262).

In the fourth century, the great Christian thinker, Augustine rejected the literal and materialistic notions behind chiliasm, concluding that the kingdom of God was already manifest in the presence of the Church.

The age between Pentecost and the return of Christ was seen to be the very millennium itself, marked by the ever-increasing influence of the Church in overturning evil in the world before Christ's return (Zoba, 1995, p. 20) - the first incarnation of post-millennial thinking, although by the end of the first millennium A.D. this line of thought developed into a-millennialism, the denial of any literal thousand year period.

Berkhof (1975, p. 262) suggests Augustine's thinking was influenced by the material success of the Church since Constantine's edict of tolerance. Indeed, during the Middle Ages the thought of a literal millennium was generally regarded as heretical (Berkhof, 1975, p. 263). The post-millennial position was refined and further developed by Daniel Whitby (Cartledge, n.d., p. 115) but can no longer be held with any serious thought due to the succession of wars experienced in this century.

Pre-millennial thought was revived after being meticulously delineated by Baptist lay preacher William Miller in the early and mid-1800s. His views fell into disrepute after two failed attempts to set a date for the Lord's return (Zoba, 1995, p. 20-21).

The next rebirth occurred with John Nelson Darby in the late 1850s in the form of dispensational pre-millennialism, mentioned above - the notion that God interacts with humanity in a series of epochs or dispensations. "Darby wove these diverse strands into a tight cohesive system that he buttressed at every point by copious biblical proof texts, then tirelessly promoted through his writing and preaching tours" (Zoba, 1995, p. 21).

Cyrus Scofield popularised this system of belief with the publication of his Reference Bible and catapulted it into the Protestant mainstream (Zoba, 1995, p. 21).

THE RAPTURE AND THE TRIBULATION

Pre-millennial eschatology holds to a "rapture", or catching up, of the Church at a future and unknown time, to be with Jesus in the air. This is based largely on I Thessalonians 4:15-17 and I Corinthians 15:51-52. It is inexorably intertwined with the "tribulation" period which is to follow, and essentially the purpose of the rapture is to deliver the Church which God has ordained for salvation (I Thessalonians 5:9) from the time of wrath to come - the tribulation.

This period will have seven years duration, being the final of Daniel's heptads (Daniel 9:24-27), designated specifically for Israel and the Jewish people.

It is identified in scripture as a time of trouble (Daniel 12:1), the time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30:4-7), the great Day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1:14-18; I Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 6:16-17), the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21, 29; Revelation 2:22; 7:14) and the wrath of God (Zephaniah 1:15; Revelation 6:16-17; 11:18; 14:10; 15:1; 16:1).

This wrath will be unleashed upon the world (Revelation 15:7) and will test those who dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10) and purge the nation of Israel (Daniel 11:35; Zechariah 13:8-9).

The pre-millennial system holds to a futurist interpretation of the Book of Revelation from 4:1 onwards and this is believed to outline the events from the rapture, detailing specifically the tribulation period.

THE BEMA SEAT OF CHRIST

The raptured Saints are most active during the ensuing seven year period. Immediately judgment is enacted on the Christians at Christ's judgment seat. It is important to understand the nature of this judgment. As Dr. Lehman Strauss states,

In the large olympic arenas, there was an elevated
seat on which the judge of the contest sat. After
the contests were over, the successful competitors
would assemble before the bema to receive their
rewards or crowns. The bema was not a judicial bench
where someone was condemned; it was a reward seat.
Likewise, the Judgment Seat of Christ is not a
judicial bench. . . . (Willmington, n.d., p. 827)

Christ's judgment seat is not a negative one; the materials to be judged are the individual believer's works for Christ (I Corinthians 3:10-13). These works are classified as gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and stubble.

It is unwise to speculate on what acts fall into each of the above categories, but it is most likely that acts out of a pure motive, with God-given talents, for the cause of Christ will fall into the higher categories. Nevertheless, at the Bema seat no person shall be cast from Christ's presence; rather rewards will be given based on the result of the testing of one's acts (I Corinthians 3:14).

THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB

Immediately following shall be the marriage supper of the lamb. This is described through Jesus' parables (Matthew 22:2; 25:1; Luke 12:35-36) and through John's revelation (Revelation 19:7). The bridegroom is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:27-30; Luke 5:32-35) - the very lamb of God (John 1:29) and the bride is the very Church who has been presented without spot or blemish, perfected through Christ's sanctifying work (Ephesians 5:22-32; II Corinthians 11:2). Christ has given His life for the Church (Matthew 20:28) and so shall the Church be with the Lord forever (I Thessalonians 4:17) !

THE ANTICHRIST

A different scene transpires on the earth however. The son of destruction, the lawless one (II Thessalonians 2:2-7) will make his appearance, but only after the Church (his restrainer) has been raptured. By searching the scriptures a mosaic of this end-time figure's life may be painted.

Undoubtedly society will be troubled both by its increasing lawlessness (II Timothy 3:1-5), but also by the sudden disappearance of millions of people - the Church.

"Two men will be in the field;" Christ said, "one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left" (Matthew 24:40-41). Willmington (n.d., p. 827) attempts to describe the confusion and alarm upon the earth at this time.

It is conceivable that a troubled society will produce the atmosphere for a dictator such as the Antichrist, and his personality will draw many to him. Yet it is certain that his is not a government given by God :

In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have
become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a
master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very
strong, but not by his own power. He will cause
astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever
he does.

He will destroy the mighty men and the holy
people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will
consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he
will destroy many and take his stand against the
Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not
by human power (Daniel 8:23-25).

He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or
for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any
god, but will exalt himself above them (Daniel 11:37-
38).

Immediately the Antichrist seeks to resolve the world's problems. He begins by confirming a peace treaty in the Middle East between Israel and the Muslim nations for a seven year period (Daniel 9:27).

Yet, as Paul warns, while people are saying "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly (I Thessalonians 5:3). The Antichrist breaks the treaty in the middle of this seven years (Daniel 9:27) and commits the "abomination of desolation" spoken of by Daniel and by Jesus, until the end that is decreed is poured out upon him (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14).

THE SECOND HALF OF THE TRIBULATION

During the reign of the Antichrist in the former three and a half years of the tribulation period, war and famine, plague and death occurred (Revelation 6:1-11). Earthquakes occur, the sun becomes black, the moon like blood and even the very stars shall appear to fall (Revelation 6:12-13), perhaps referring to meteor strikes (Dake, 1963, p. 290).

Nevertheless, the situation is dramatically different in the second half of the tribulation period. John provides a parenthetical view behind the scenes - at the spirit realm where war in the heavenly realms takes place (Revelation 12:7-17).

Satan, it may be seen, is the real force behind the evil occurring. He fought with Michael the archangel, but was cast down from heaven with his angelic followers. Seeking to enact revenge, Satan, the dragon, gives power to the Antichrist, the beast (Revelation 13:4).

With Satanic empowerment, the Antichrist appears to suffer a fatal wound yet is seemingly miraculously healed (Revelation 13:3). The Antichrist even orders a particular mark be emblazoned on the right hand or forehead of people, without which they may not buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-17) - but with which one will be damned (Revelation 14:9-11).

The False Prophet arises, instituting a religious system involving worship of the image of the beast (Revelation 13:11-15), the penalty for failure to comply being death.

The seven bowl judgements of Revelation 16 are next enacted: grievous sores on those who had received the mark or worshipped the image; the seas become as blood; the rivers and fountains become as blood; the sun scorches with its heat; darkness covers the earth; the Euphrates dries up and demonic armies are released; and widespread destruction takes place - lightning, hail and an enormous earthquake that flattens the cities of the earth and destroys the islands and mountains.

THE RETURN OF JESUS

The tribulation draws to a spectacular close when suddenly John sees heaven open and he beholds a white horse - the rider is the Faithful and the True and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes were as a flame of fire and on his head were many crowns.

His name is the Word of God and on his thigh is written "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19:11-13, 16). The tribulation, and indeed this present age, are virtually at a cataclysmic end, with the promised return of Jesus Christ, accompanied by the perfected raptured Church (Revelation 19:14).

With swift judgment the battle of Armageddon takes place. The Antichrist and the False Prophet are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20), their followers are slain (Revelation 19:21) and Satan is bound in a bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-3).

THE MILLENIUM

Thus begins the millennium period. Christ and the Saints reign over the earth for a thousand years. The earth is restored, every valley is raised, the rugged becomes a plain (Isaiah 40:4). Longevity, such as before the flood, becomes common - indeed he who dies at a hundred is thought to be a mere youth (Isaiah 65:20). Animals dwell together in peace (Isaiah 65:25).

At the culmination of this period, however, Satan is loosed and he immediately proceeds to deceive the nations, organising a rebellion against Christ's kingdom. This rebellion is short-lived with fire coming from heaven and devouring all (Revelation 20:7-9).

THE END OF THIS AGE

Immediately Satan himself is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10). The great judgment occurs - all are judged and those not found in the book of life are also cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

The present heavens and earth pass away and all things are made new. The new Jerusalem descends from heaven and John hears a voice say, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them and be their God" (Revelation 21:1-3).

CONCLUSION

As may be seen, the pre-millennial position is not lacking for scriptural support. Nevertheless there exists those who maintain that some of the interpretations required are problematic.

Croucher (n.d.) states, "This view robs the book [of Revelation] of all value for the early Christians, and, indeed, for all subsequent generations right up to the last". This is an important objection, especially when one considers the opinions of those who give Revelation an early dating, placing it in the midst of Roman persecution.

Indeed, the beast worship of Revelation 13:15 bears a remarkable resemblance to the Emperor worship required in such times. The "abomination of desolations" is very remniscent of Antiochus IV's sacrificing of pigs in the Temple (Stern, 1992, p. 827) - although Jesus' mention of this event requires it to have a later fulfillment. However, unlike other systems such as Preterism, pre-millennialism is independent of when Revelation was written.

Others question if Revelation has a strict chronological ordering, given that prophetical works like Jeremiah do not, and the existence of passages labelled as "parenthetical" such as Revelation 12.

Furthermore, such an interpretation of Revelation requires a relatively non-literal understanding of "the time is at hand" (Revelation 22:10) and "the things which shall be hereafter" (Revelation 1:19), given that the events of Revelation will not take place until at least 1,900 years after John saw them.

Yet, this is mixed with a strictly literal understanding of the seven year period, the thousand year period, and even the 144,000 Jews who are saved during the tribulation. Yet, elsewhere in the scriptures such numbers are taken to be figurative. If the Lord literally owned the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), He would be no more wealthy than a modern-day cattle rancher.

Ultimately, however, it must be concluded that if the pre-millennial framework does err, it does so on the side of being too literal, rather than too figurative such as is the case with post-millennialism.

Indeed, Walvoord (1979, p. 270) states that pre-millennialism is the only view which allows a literal interpretation of all the Old and New Testament passages pertaining to the tribulation. It is the only view which preserves the unity of Daniel's seventieth heptad, clearly distinguishing between Israel and the Church.

Every Christian must ensure they are like the "faithful and wise servant" who ran his master's household assiduously while waiting for the master's return (Matthew 24:45-46). In the words of J. I. Packer, the Christian must live "packed up and ready to go, and packed up and ready to wait" (Zoba, 1995, p. 23).

WORKS CITED

Berkhof, L. 1975 (1937). The History of Christian
Doctrines, Baker Book House, Michigan.

Cartledge, D. n.d. Eschatology, Rhema Bible College,
Townsville.

Croucher, R. n.d. What are we waiting for?, John Mark
Ministries, Melbourne.

Dake, F. 1963. Dake's Annotated Reference Bible, Dake
Bible Sales, Inc., Georgia.

Foster, T. 1983. Amazing Book of Revelation Explained!,
Crusade Centre, Victoria.

Stern, D. 1992. Jewish New Testament Commentary, Jewish
New Testament Publications, Inc., Maryland.

Walvoord, J. 1978. The Rapture Question, Zondervan,
Michigan.

Willmington. n.d. Willmington's Guide to the Bible,
Pacific College Study Series, Melbourne.

Zoba, W. 1995, 'Future Tense', Christianity Today, vol.
39, no. 11.