Keep Looking Up
(What to Do 'Til Jesus Comes - Part 1)
(The truth is, Jesus is coming again. Christians have every reason to be encouraged in their lives now, because of this truth. We will be looking at what our attitude and priorities should be – until He comes.)
Last week, we concluded a near four-year study in the life and ministry of Jesus as presented in the four gospels of the NT… Let's be reminded of what the two special messengers of the Lord told the disciples who were standing, gazing up into the sky –
Acts 1:11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."
Over the next two Sundays, we are going to seek to address the question; What should we do until Jesus comes again?
I believe there is at least a two-fold answer to this question… I believe that the simplest way of answering this question is, first – keep looking up… And second – keep reaching out!
These two answers remain closely connected:
- Keep Looking Up… Our focus is on One
- Keep Reaching Out… Our concern is for others - others who need to come to know THE One!
- Keep Looking Up… Is our motivation –
- Keep Reaching Out… Is our mission – we are to take the gospel to the world, wherever we have opportunity!
- Keep Looking Up… Speaks to the imminent – the imminent return of our Lord!
- Keep Reaching Out… Speaks to the immediate – our time and opportunities are limited!... "night is coming when no one can work"! (John 9:4)
Today will address the first part of this answer – keep looking up!
This will not be a thorough message about the Second Coming of Jesus – by that I mean, we can not consider everything about His coming in one simple message… There is so much more detail involved in studying the second coming of Jesus… The reality is, there is a life-long study to be done just to get a good working knowledge of what is called the Doctrine of Eschatology (the doctrine of last-things)... The Second Coming of Jesus is just a part of eschatology, and there is a lot of debate among Christians when it comes to our understanding of the details surrounding the … what, when, where, and how of His coming…
There is a two-page appendix in your listening guide where I've done my best to provide the simplest of overviews of the major historical views, with their historical roots. There is a statement about the strengths and weaknesses of each view – along with a list of well-known proponents of each view….
Listen, this is offered with the intent to help you have some working knowledge of these views, as well as to embrace the reality that well-meaning, Bible-believing scholars hold to different views!
This should call us to humility and grace:
- Humility, because the view we currently hold may change as we grow in our understanding of Scripture – and our current view is questioned, if not refuted by other faithful believers…
- Grace is needed by all of us, and we should be gracious toward others who hold a different view than we do!... The truth is, each view seeks to be based on legitimate hermeneutics, and a desire for biblical fidelity… Each view appeals to the believer to be faithful and simply trust that … The Lord is in control and will bring about His purposes for all things!
The point for today's message is simple. Jesus is coming!... Are you ready?... Are you looking for Him?... What are you doing until He comes?...
Keep looking up is a call to stay alert; remain focused and aware that Jesus is in fact, coming again!
There are many places throughout the Bible that speak to the second coming of Jesus!... Today we are going to address just three matters … that should occupy our minds and hearts when it comes to the truth that Jesus is coming again!...
It is my prayer that the Lord will captivate your heart and mind – and that you will leave here today with a deeper understanding – a deeper love for, a greater anticipation, and a stronger determination to be found faithful when He comes!
Let's begin with, perhaps with what makes most sense, and that is simply –
1. Our Assurance of His Coming
How do we know that Jesus is coming again? For centuries, ever since Jesus ascended into heaven, people have been saying that Jesus is coming…
We are living in a time that many simply want to … deny this truth… Write this reference down – Peter said days, like our days, were coming –
2 Peter 3:3-9 3 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation."
Is that not our day?... People deny what God has promised… and get this, Peter goes on to explain that the deniers are not only denying what is coming in the future – they … "conveniently" deny what God had done in the past!... The revision of history, is a sign of the last days as well!... Read on –
5 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, 6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. 7 But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
This passage would be a great text for a message unto itself!... Just why would the Lord want to … have the return of Christ be … centuries after His departure?... Let's read on –
8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Keep looking up! Jesus is coming!... How do we know? Jesus made the Personal promise for it!
John 14:3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
The Lord cited the OT Scriptures, as having promised it!
Matthew 24:30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.
Listen to the writer of Hebrews –
Hebrews 9:28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.
Are we getting the truth that we can be assured that Jesus is coming, because Jesus promised He will – the Scriptures proclaim He will – and deep down … you know He will!
The NT addresses it in many places – one of my favorite aspects associated with His promise is when the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians –
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
In his message entitled; "Reward and Punishment at Christ's Return" on Luke 12:41-48, a message you can listen to on gty.org, John MacArthur made a couple of statements that I believe are certainly accurate, encouraging, and challenging –
John MacArthur said – "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith. It is not minor, it is not unimportant, it is not secondary or tertiary, it is critical. It is a substantial reality in our faith… His return consummates the history of the world and the history of redemption and the fulfillment of all God's pledges and promises and covenants and threats and warnings. All blessing and all judgment in its final disposition is connected with the coming of Jesus Christ… [T]he very movement of history is under the sovereign control of God, who is moving it inexorably, exactly to the point which He has predetermined, and that is the return of Jesus Christ."
He also said –
John MacArthur – "Why there must be a Second Coming: 1. Jesus must return because the promise of God demands it. 2. The claims of Christ Himself demand it. 3. The testimony of the Holy Spirit demands it. 4. The future of the church demands it. 5. The corruption of the world demands it. 6. Jesus must come because the covenant He made with Israel demands it. 7. The vindication of Christ Himself demands His return. 8. The judgment of Satan demands His coming. 9. The hope of believers demands it. 10 The groaning of the whole creation demands it."
We should rest assured in the truth that … Jesus is coming again! Keep looking up.
The second matter we need to address has to do with –
2. Our Attitude about His Coming
Listen… Christians can not treat the truth of Christ's return with … impartiality, disinterest, or apathy!... This is not a … minor matter in the Bible!
I think the word "attitude" is important here… Listen, attitudes possess emotion – but they are more than emotion… They are beyond emotion – deeper than emotion… Attitude involves both; perspective and passion!... Follow along with me, and let's examine our … attitudes when it comes to the promise of Jesus' second coming.
First, there is –
● The anticipation we experience
Listen to some of his final words to the young pastor, Timothy –
2 Timothy 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Paul acknowledges that he would soon be standing before the Lord, and anticipates the specific reward, identified as "the crown of righteousness" – and notice this … the crown will also be awarded to those who "love His appearing"!... Loving His appearing is what we mean by … keep looking up!
In this language of "loving His appearing" is the idea of … anticipation, and affection all rolled in together!... There is the expectation for the Lord's return! There is the desire for His return!... And Paul speaks of being … ready for His return!... Keep looking up!
Closely associated with anticipation is another, yet deeper attitude that we experience as well, and we'll call it –
● The yearning we possess
Yearning may be a word that has fallen out of our vernacular, but it is still an appropriate word to use here to describe a deeper … attitude than anticipation…
Paul speaks to this when addressing the Corinthians… Look with me to –
2 Corinthians 5:2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven,
Paul acknowledges that this "house" – these bodies … "groan"... The longer we live – the more reason we have to groan… And though this is true, this is not the main reason for turning to this passage… Notice what he says is the underlayment to this groaning – it is … a "longing", a longing to exchange these tents, for our eternal home!
The term translated "longing" is ἐπιποθέω (epipotheō). It has been translated as – "to long for", "to strongly desire", or "to greatly long after"... This is no mere passing emotion… This is a passionate, all-consuming, desire!... Keep looking up!
For time's sake, we will look at one other … attitude that should govern the Christian's perspective when it comes the second coming of Jesus… We'll call it –
● The patience we practice
Now, there is a passage – one of several – that speaks to this attitude that we need to consider… Turn with me to the first chapter of 1 Thessalonians… Now, there is a lot more here than we have time to develop, but for context sake, let's just begin with verse :1 –
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 1 Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, 4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. [Now slow down and let's pay special attention to the next two verses…] 9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and to [get this…] wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
When it comes to the second coming of Jesus… We anticipate… we long for… and we also … wait!... Waiting is a word about patience! Waiting involves spiritual fortitude… Waiting is determined-endurance, sanctified stick-to-itiveness… It is a … willing-to-wait attitude…
Let me ask you a question… Do you ever have trouble … waiting?
Let me share one more passage, before we move on… Let's look at –
Hebrews 9:28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.
The term translated; "await Him" (Ἀπεκδέχομαι (ap-ek-dekh'-om-ahee)) – appears 7 times in the NT, and, according to the Strong's Concordance, it has the literal meaning of – "assiduously and patiently waiting for", "to expect fully:—look (wait) for"... (Assiduous is not a term I use every day… It means to "work diligently at something with great care and perseverance")....
The Bible calls us to "await" the coming of Jesus with "great care and perseverance"!
This leads to another matter we need to focus on, when it comes to our call to keep looking up!... We not only have the assurance that Jesus is coming, and we not only have the … right attitude about it – but we need to have a clear understanding of –
3. Our Priorities until He Comes
What follows are three … primary priorities!... God's Word clearly calls us to live by these priorities… You may think of others, but … if we take to heart these three, there is no doubt that you are well on the road to a life balanced with the priorities prescribed by Scripture…
I've labeled these with the word "personal"... Don't make the mistake of thinking about these as … abstract theory! These are personally applied truths … that you and I need to follow as we … keep looking up!
First there is the priority of –
● Personal holiness in the Lord
The Apostle John links the matter of Jesus' return, to the … responsibility we each have to address our personal holiness… Let's turn to – 1 John chapter 3.
1 John 3:2-3 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Do you see it?... What is our "hope"? – Jesus will "appear"!... In light of that, what is our response? –
1 John 3:3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Not only does the Apostle John address this, but so does the Apostle Paul. Consider what he wrote to Titus –
Titus 2:11-13 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
Pay attention to the practical aspects of personal holiness he address –
- To deny ungodliness
- To deny worldly desires
- To live sensibly – righteously – and godly in this present age!
And – let's get his connection to our topic! –
Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
Not only is there the priority of walking in personal holiness with the Lord, there is the priority of maintaining a –
● Personal passion for the Lord
Let's look again to Titus 2 for a moment. Pick up again with verse :13, where our … passion for the Lord is clearly linked to our "blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus"! –
Titus 2:13-14 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
For this point, underline the last phrase – "zealous for good deeds"!... One of the purposes for our redemption is not only the cleansing, the forgiveness that comes – but also for the … new life that comes!
This new life has new … motivations. New desires. New … passions!
I love what two 19th century, faithful preachers said about this matter. First, Spurgeon's commentary on this passage –
C.H. Spurgeon – "See what Christ died for, see what Christ lives for, see what we are to live for,-that we should not only be a people purified, but purified unto Himself. We are not only to have good works, but we are to be zealous of them; we are to burn with zeal for them, for zeal is a kind of fire, it is to burn and blaze in us until we warm and enlighten others also… As well a chariot without its steeds, a sun without its beams, a heaven without its joy, as a man of God without zeal… If by excessive zeal we die before reaching the average age of man, worn out in the Master's service, then glory to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of heaven.
THAT is a lot to think about … and to pray for.
Consider what his older, contemporary said about such zeal –
J.C. Ryle – "Zeal in religion is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire which the Spirit puts in the heart of every believer when he is converted—but which some believers feel so much more strongly than others, that they alone deserve to be called zealous. It impels them to make any sacrifice, to go through any trouble, to deny themselves to any amount, to suffer, to work, to labor, to toil, to spend themselves and be spent, and even to die, if only He can please God and honor Christ. They see only one thing, care for one thing, live for one thing, are swallowed up on one thing, and that one thing is to please God. Whether they live or whether they die; whether they have health or sickness, whether rich or poor; whether they please others or give offense; whether they are thought wise or foolish; whether they get blame or praise; whether they get honor or shame—for all this the zealous person cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please God and to advance God's glory. I want to strike a blow at the lazy, easy, sleepy Christianity of these latter days, which can see no beauty in zeal, and only uses the word 'zealot' as a word of reproach. I want to remind Christians that 'Zealot' was a name given by our Lord to His Apostle Simon as a mark of honor, and to persuade them to be zealous men.... There is in a sense in which it may be said that zeal is contagious. Nothing is more useful to the adherents of Christianity than to see a real live Christian—a thoroughly zealous man of God.... Zeal is good for a Christian's own soul.... It will help mightily to promote inward feelings of joy, peace, comfort, and happiness. None have so much enjoyment of Christ as those who are ever zealous for His glory.
Oh that the Lord would cultivate within us such a … zeal for Him, His will, His ways as we … keep looking up!
Now, there is one more priority we should live by… For lack of a better word, we'll call it, our –
● Personal focus on the Lord
A focus in life speaks of … just what / who one looks to in life!... The truth is, we not only look to Christ for life – we look to Him … in life!
Let me try to clarify what we mean… We look to Christ for life, because life is found only in Him! He Alone gives life – eternal life … to those who look to Him! We look to Him for salvation!...
But, we also look to Christ … in life itself!... In other words, we just don't look to Christ for what He gives us / eternal life — we look to Him as the very object of our devotion! It is our relationship with Christ that gives the greatest purpose in life! It is our "looking" / "gazing" upon Christ that brings meaning, purpose, joy, peace, a sense of … fulfillment in this life!
Looking to Jesus brings heaven in our future – but it also brings a measure of heaven to our lives even now!...
We are to "focus" on the Lord!... Let's look to a passage that speaks to this directly –
Hebrews 12:1-3 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us [that is, all of those faithful ones listed in chapter 11!... They, and others, encourage us to…], let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [now get this –] 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jesus is more than our example – but He is our example!... We are called to "fix our eyes on Him" – fix our gaze upon Him, even as we are living in this fallen world, challenged by our flesh, the world, and even the devil himself!...
Keep looking up is a call to look for – look forward to – His return. But, keep looking up is also a call for us to … fix our focus upon the Lord – His will – for His glory even in our lives right now, not just in the life to come!...
The Apostle John opens, and closes the book of Revelation with the announcement that Jesus IS coming!
Revelation 1:7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.
And again, it is Jesus Himself Who closes His Book with the clear declaration –
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." [to which John says – and we join him in saying –] Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Questions to Consider in Community Group:
- Why is it important for Christians to study eschatology, especially the Doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus?
- What assurances do we have that Jesus is coming again?
- What should our attitude be toward His coming? Why do you think many Christians do not seem to have such attitudes as are described / prescribed in Scripture?
- What "priorities" should guide us until He comes?
- What does it mean to "fix our eyes" (our gaze) upon Jesus (Hebrews 12)?
- How helpful were any of the quotes shared in the message?
- Will the appendix offered along with the listening guide encourage your study of these truths, or do you find it too much in too little space to be helpful?
Notable Quotes from the Message:
John MacArthur – "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a cardinal doctrine of the Christian faith. It is not minor, it is not unimportant, it is not secondary or tertiary, it is critical. It is a substantial reality in our faith… His return consummates the history of the world and the history of redemption and the fulfillment of all God's pledges and promises and covenants and threats and warnings. All blessing and all judgment in its final disposition is connected with the coming of Jesus Christ… [T]he very movement of history is under the sovereign control of God, who is moving it inexorably, exactly to the point which He has predetermined, and that is the return of Jesus Christ."
John MacArthur – "Why there must be a Second Coming: 1. Jesus must return because the promise of God demands it. 2. The claims of Christ Himself demand it. 3. The testimony of the Holy Spirit demands it. 4. The future of the church demands it. 5. The corruption of the world demands it. 6. Jesus must come because the covenant He made with Israel demands it. 7. The vindication of Christ Himself demands His return. 8. The judgment of Satan demands His coming. 9. The hope of believers demands it. 10 The groaning of the whole creation demands it."
C.H. Spurgeon – "See what Christ died for, see what Christ lives for, see what we are to live for,-that we should not only be a people purified, but purified unto Himself. We are not only to have good works, but we are to be zealous of them; we are to burn with zeal for them, for zeal is a kind of fire, it is to burn and blaze in us until we warm and enlighten others also… As well a chariot without its steeds, a sun without its beams, a heaven without its joy, as a man of God without zeal… If by excessive zeal we die before reaching the average age of man, worn out in the Master's service, then glory to God, we shall have so much less of earth and so much more of heaven.
J.C. Ryle – "Zeal in religion is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire which the Spirit puts in the heart of every believer when he is converted—but which some believers feel so much more strongly than others, that they alone deserve to be called zealous. It impels them to make any sacrifice, to go through any trouble, to deny themselves to any amount, to suffer, to work, to labor, to toil, to spend themselves and be spent, and even to die, if only He can please God and honor Christ. They see only one thing, care for one thing, live for one thing, are swallowed up on one thing, and that one thing is to please God. Whether they live or whether they die; whether they have health or sickness, whether rich or poor; whether they please others or give offense; whether they are thought wise or foolish; whether they get blame or praise; whether they get honor or shame—for all this the zealous person cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please God and to advance God's glory. I want to strike a blow at the lazy, easy, sleepy Christianity of these latter days, which can see no beauty in zeal, and only uses the word 'zealot' as a word of reproach. I want to remind Christians that 'Zealot' was a name given by our Lord to His Apostle Simon as a mark of honor, and to persuade them to be zealous men.... There is in a sense in which it may be said that zeal is contagious. Nothing is more useful to the adherents of Christianity than to see a real live Christian—a thoroughly zealous man of God.... Zeal is good for a Christian's own soul.... It will help mightily to promote inward feelings of joy, peace, comfort, and happiness. None have so much enjoyment of Christ as those who are ever zealous for His glory.
Appendix: Overview of Major Eschatological Views
Eschatology is the study of what the Bible says is going to happen in the end times. Though there are different "schools of thought" in these matters, they are not a basis for denying fellowship with faithful, Bible-believing Christians. There are four major historical views, and they differ primarily in the timing of Christ's second coming relative to the millennium and their method of interpreting biblical prophecy.
1. Historic Premillennialism
This view holds that Christ will return before a literal thousand-year reign on Earth, which follows a period of great tribulation. There is continuity between Israel and the Church, and the Church is expected to go through the tribulation. Historic Premillennialism (also known as chiliasm) was common among many early church fathers, and was the dominant view until the time of Augustine.
- Scripture: Interprets prophecy more literally than non-premillennial views, including Revelation 20:1-6 as a literal 1,000-year reign. It also points to passages like Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4, seeing a period of tribulation before Christ's physical return.
- Strengths: Takes biblical prophecies, especially the explicit mention of 1,000 years in Revelation 20, at a more literal value, and provides hope that justice will ultimately prevail on earth under Christ's direct rule after enduring suffering. It aligns with the early church's expectation of Christ's imminent return.
- Weaknesses: Relies heavily on a specific sequence of events in Revelation 20, which other views argue is symbolic. It can be difficult to reconcile a literal earthly kingdom with the New Testament's focus on the spiritual nature of Christ's reign.
- Proponents include: Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Charles Spurgeon, Francis Schaeffer, John Piper, John Gill, Albert Mohler
- Books to consider: The Blessed Hope by George Eldon Ladd, A Case for Historic Premillennialism: An Alternative to "Left Behind" Eschatology edited by Craig L. Blomberg and Sung Wook Chung, The Gospel of the Kingdom by George Eldon Ladd
2. Amillennialism (Inaugurated millennialism)
Amillennialism (Inaugurated millennialism), which interprets the millennium symbolically, gained prominence through Augustine in the 5th century and became the dominant view throughout the Middle Ages.
- Scripture: Interprets the "thousand years" in Revelation 20 symbolically as the entire current Church Age, from Christ's first coming until His second coming. It uses passages like Ephesians 2:6 (believers seated in heavenly places) and John 5:25 (spiritual resurrection now) to support a present, spiritual reign of Christ in heaven. Other Scriptural support includes John 18:36 and Colossians 1:13. Interprets the "binding of the strongman" in Matthew 12:29 as limiting Satan's power to blind entire nations, for an undetermined period of time allowing the NT church to reach Gentile nations with the gospel.
- Strengths: This view offers a unified interpretation of scripture, and avoids speculative timelines and aligns well with the allegorical interpretation of apocalyptic literature. It emphasizes the present reality of Christ's reign and the church's ongoing mission.
- Weaknesses: Critics see it as allegorizing scripture, which explains its rejection of a literal interpretation of the 1,000 years, which some see as an arbitrary approach to scripture. Some argue that its view of a worsening world before Christ's return justifies a more passive approach to cultural engagement.
- Proponents include: Origen, Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Louis Berkhof, J.I. Packer, B.B. Warfield, Voddie Baucham
- Books to consider: A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger, Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative by Sam Storms, The Bible and the Future by Anthony A. Hoekema, Our God Reigns: An Amillennial Commentary on Revelation by Sam Storms
3. Postmillennialism
Postmillennialists believe Christ returns after a future period of gospel success and righteousness on Earth. This view gained influence after the Reformation, but declined after the World Wars.
- Scripture: Uses parables like the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and prophecies of global peace (Isaiah 2:2-4, Habakkuk 2:14) to support the idea that the gospel will progressively triumph throughout the world. Key passages include Matthew 28:18-20 and Isaiah 2:2-4.
- Strengths: It promotes an optimistic worldview that motivates believers to actively work for positive change in culture, politics, and social issues, believing the world will improve.
- Weaknesses: Critics question its reliance on theological assumptions over the exegesis of Revelation 20. Its optimistic view of global Christianization seems difficult to reconcile with the prevalence of evil and suffering in the modern world. Like amillennialism, it interprets the millennium non-literally.
- Proponents include: Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, William Carey, Charles Hodge, R.C. Sproul, Greg Bahnsen, James White, Doug Wilson, (Some put B.B. Warfield on this list.)
- Books to consider: Postmillennialism: An Eschatology of Hope by Keith A. Mathison, He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology by Kenneth L. Gentry Jr., The Puritan Hope by Iain Murray, God's Plan for Victory: The Meaning of Postmillennialism by R. J. Rushdoony
4. Dispensational Premillennialism
This view agrees that Christ returns before the millennium but may be before, in the middle, or following the tribulation. It also emphasizes a distinction between Israel and the Church. This view emerged in the 19th century through John Darby; it was popularized by the Scofield Reference Bible.
- Scripture: Emphasizes a strictly literal interpretation of prophecy and a sharp distinction between God's plan for Israel and His plan for the Church. Key passages include Daniel 9:24-27, which outlines a 7-year tribulation, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, used to support a pre-tribulation rapture. Significant scriptures cited are 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and Romans 11:25-27.
- Strengths: It adheres to a literal interpretation of scripture. It offers a detailed, seemingly clear, and linear timeline of future events, which many find compelling. It gives a central role to the modern nation of Israel in end-times prophecy.
- Weaknesses: Critics see it as a novel interpretation that lacks historical support. The concept of a secret, pre-tribulation rapture is a relatively new interpretation not explicitly present in early church history. The strict separation of Israel and the Church is a point of contention with other views, which see the Church as the "new Israel".
- Proponents include: John Nelson Darby, C.I. Scofield, J. Dwight Pentecost, Charles C. Ryrie, A.W. Pink, John MacArthur (who called himself a "leaky dispensationist"), Adrian Rogers, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, J. Vernon McGee
- Books to consider: Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology by J. Dwight Pentecost, Dispensationalism by Charles C. Ryrie, The Millennial Kingdom by John F. Walvoord, The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey (a fictional work, not a scholarly treatise of the subject)
For a balanced overview and comparison of these perspectives in one volume, consider the The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views Paperback – April 1, 1977 by Robert G. Clouse (Editor), George Eldon Ladd (Contributor), Anthony A. Hoekema (Contributor), Herman A Llodt (Contributor), Lorraine Boettner (Contributor)
