Let me say up front this is not an issue that should divide true believers. This debate is not a mark of orthodoxy. This explains why R. C. Sproul, Ligon Duncan, and I are such close friends. The Together for the Gospel conference is a perfect example of how we should interact with those who disagree with us over secondary matters (see this video on theological triage and/or read Mohler's helpful article).
Let me make five points right off the bat: 1) Eschatology is a “secondary” biblical issue because the heart of the gospel is not at stake. Having said that, 2) This is an important issue because the Bible contains so many prophetic end times passages. You cannot proclaim the full counsel of God and ignore eschatology and/or biblical prophesy. 3) As with all things our doctrinal convictions need to be interpreted through the grid of Scripture. "What sayeth the Scriptures" must be our frequent refrain. 4) All of us must strive to do faithful biblical exegesis in effort to have a truly biblical theology. We must not impose a theological system upon any passage of Scripture. 5) Spiritualizing prophetic literature will lead to a wrong eschatology.
One thing is absolutely certain: the Bible can not teach both Premillennialism and Amillennialism. We should realize upfront that there are some mistaken notions as to what Dispensationalists and Covenant theologians believe. We should work hard so as to not build straw man arguments when trying to defend our own theological positions and our own personal convictions.
The following verses are some of the key passages that need to be understood: Hosea 3; Ezekiel 40-48; Zech 12-14; Matthew 24-26; Rom 9-11; Revelation 20-22.
Historically: Roman Catholic eschatology could be labeled Amillennial. It should be noted that Martin Luther did not reform completely from all of his Roman Catholic heritage (see Luther's views on infant baptism, eschatology, communion, etc). If our Presbyterian brethren are wrong about infant baptism (within their Covenantal framework) they could certainly be wrong concerning Amillennialism. If infant baptist is correct then it is more likely that Amillenialism is sound.
If you use a consistent (normal) hermeneutic you come up with Premillennialism. Honest Amillennialist's have conceded this point (note what various prominent Covenant Theologians have said over the years: Floyd Hamilton, L. Boetner, and O.T. Allis). Historical grammatical hermeneutics need to be employed throughout all the genres of Scripture. Many Amillennialists employ a different hermeneutic when interpreting prophetic texts; (note the Redemptive-historical or the Christo-centric method).
In the New Testament their are many examples of Old Testament promises that were fulfilled literally. Such as the promise in Genesis 17:6. Daniel's predictions in chapters 2, 7, 8 were also literally fulfilled. Habakkuk predicted the Babylonian captivity and it was fulfilled literally. The promise in Gen 49 (tribe of Judah) was fulfilled literally as were many other OT prophetic passages. According to Romans 9-11 the future salvation and restoration of Israel will be fulfilled literally as well. Israel is only set aside temporarily as Romans 9-11 clearly teaches.
The following verses are some of the key passages that need to be understood: Hosea 3; Ezekiel 40-48; Zech 12-14; Matthew 24-26; Rom 9-11; Revelation 20-22.
Historically: Roman Catholic eschatology could be labeled Amillennial. It should be noted that Martin Luther did not reform completely from all of his Roman Catholic heritage (see Luther's views on infant baptism, eschatology, communion, etc). If our Presbyterian brethren are wrong about infant baptism (within their Covenantal framework) they could certainly be wrong concerning Amillennialism. If infant baptist is correct then it is more likely that Amillenialism is sound.
If you use a consistent (normal) hermeneutic you come up with Premillennialism. Honest Amillennialist's have conceded this point (note what various prominent Covenant Theologians have said over the years: Floyd Hamilton, L. Boetner, and O.T. Allis). Historical grammatical hermeneutics need to be employed throughout all the genres of Scripture. Many Amillennialists employ a different hermeneutic when interpreting prophetic texts; (note the Redemptive-historical or the Christo-centric method).
In the New Testament their are many examples of Old Testament promises that were fulfilled literally. Such as the promise in Genesis 17:6. Daniel's predictions in chapters 2, 7, 8 were also literally fulfilled. Habakkuk predicted the Babylonian captivity and it was fulfilled literally. The promise in Gen 49 (tribe of Judah) was fulfilled literally as were many other OT prophetic passages. According to Romans 9-11 the future salvation and restoration of Israel will be fulfilled literally as well. Israel is only set aside temporarily as Romans 9-11 clearly teaches.
Three more important things to consider:
I. The Future Kingdom of God's Forever King will include an EARTHLY Reign
Note Revelation 5:10; 11:15-18; 20:3, 8.
I. The Future Kingdom of God's Forever King will include an EARTHLY Reign
Note Revelation 5:10; 11:15-18; 20:3, 8.
King Jesus the Messiah rules today over the hearts, wills, and consciences of men (John 18:36-37; Luke 17:21). In the future he will establish a kingdom on earth (per all the Old Testament promises). See also Matt. 6:9-10; Luke 13:33-35; Acts 1:6-8. Rev. 20. In eternity future "heaven and earth shall be one" (note Rev. 21-22).
II. The Future Restoration of Israel
II. The Future Restoration of Israel
(Jer 30:3, 11, 22; 31:35-37; Zech 12-14; Rom. 11:26).
III. The Promises of the Davidic Kingdom
III. The Promises of the Davidic Kingdom
(Psalm 89; Jer 33; 2 Sam 7; Is 7:14; Luke 1-2; Acts 1:6-8).
To be continued- on Monday I will highlight the 11 Reasons Pastor MacArthur gave for why he is most definitely not an Amillennialist.
To be continued- on Monday I will highlight the 11 Reasons Pastor MacArthur gave for why he is most definitely not an Amillennialist.
