Category Archives: Theology

AN ESCHATOLOGY GLOSSARY (1)

Theology April 4, 2014 Comments: 2

PMT 2014-041 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Definitions

Eschatology is a fascinating study in systematic theology. However, it is an easily abused doctrine that is taken up by so-called “prophecy experts.” To reclaim eschatology as a legitimate field for evangelical study, it might be helpful to define a few key concepts. In this and the next two blogs, I will be offering “An Eschatology Glossary.”

Abomination of Desolation. A phrase deriving from Daniel (9:27; 11:31; 12:31) which is cited by Christ in his Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24:15). In Dispensationalism this refers to the desecration of a future rebuilt Jewish Temple. That event occurs during a seven year Great Tribulation which Dispensationalists believe precedes the Second Coming of Christ. The term actually refers to the physical and ritual desecration of the Temple in September, A.D. 70 when the Roman soldiers “brought their ensigns to the temple and set them over against its eastern gate; and there did they offer sacrifices to them” (Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 6:6:1). The phrase is found in the portion of the Olivet Discourse introduced by Jesus’ reference to the destruction of the first century Temple (Matt. 24:1-3) and ended by the declaration that “all these things” will occur in “this generation” (Matt. 24:34).

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POSTMILLENNIAL HYMNS

Theology October 28, 2013 Comments: 6

PMT 2013-019 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.
(Use the COMMENT to send in your favorite postmillennial hymn.)

Many contemporary Christians, especially among the dispensationalists, denounce postmillennialism as aHymn singing 2 late-blooming, liberal approach to Scripture. Generally postmillennialism is written off as a narrowly-held and insignificant influence in evangelicalism.

But oddly enough, even while writing off this hope-filled eschatology, they break out their hymnals and begin singing postmillennial hymns! The great hymnody of the church provides evidence of postmillennialism’s influence on the Christian faith. And what better means for promoting this bright eschatology than by singing such joyful hymns?

I will cite three important hymns that reflect an optimistic eschatological outlook. Continue reading →

God’s Law Today

Theology October 16, 2013 Comments: 5

PMT 2013-014b by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

Below is a study on God’s Law’s is binding on Christians in the new covenant: Continue reading →

POSTMILLENNIALISM AND COVENANT

Theology October 9, 2013 1 Comment

PMT 2013-11 Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

An important foundation stone for Reformed postmillennialism is the idea of “covenant.” Paul subsumesAbrahamic covenant all the Old Testament covenants under one principle: gracious promise. When he writes to the Gentile Christians, he urges them to “remember that at that time you were… foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). Although there were “covenants” plural, they all developed “the promise” singular.

Old Testament Foundation

A key manifestation of the Covenant of Grace in the Old Testament, a fundamentally significant covenant “of promise,” is found in the Abrahamic Covenant. First recorded in Genesis 12, the Abrahamic Covenant continues the creational principle of universal glory to God and the redemptive power of God in history: “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:2-3). This important covenant is alluded to a great number of times in the New Testament. Continue reading →

THE IMPLICATIONS OF ESCHATOLOGY

Theology October 4, 2013 Comments: 5

PMT 2013-009 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

Building blocksEschatology tremendously affects the Christian’s worldview and, consequently, his practical, daily living. The one particular eschatological theme that dominates the entire prophetic Scriptures and most influences hope-filled family living, a full-orbed Christian witness, and Bible-based social activism is: the gospel victory theme. We must understand the biblical worldview and its practical influence on the Christian’s approach to culture. Broadly speaking three approaches to culture lie before us: the Identificationist Model, the Separationist Model, and the Transformationist Model.

The Identificationist Model essentially represents Christianity’s left wing. It sees the church’s role as flowing alongside of and sanctifying the evolutionary changes in culture, while adapting to them. It is wholly this-world in orientation, inevitably adopting the contemporary worldview. Liberation theology and main line denominations are contemporary representatives of this view. Continue reading →

CREATION AND ESCHATOLOGY

History, Theology September 23, 2013 Comments: 3

CreationPMT 2013-004 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

Theology is holistic. That is, all theological principles hang together. As Cornelius Van Til stated: “Theology is a seamless garment.” Consequently, one’s eschatology should fit into one’s larger theological (and biblical!) system. And postmillennialism does just that.

Eschatology deals with the final days leading up to the actual conclusion of history. And since history is all connected under God’s providence, when considering history’s end we should be able to see it anticipated in its beginning. Why did God create the world? What was His holy design for his highest creature, man? When answered from Scripture, these and related questions clearly point to the postmillennial hope. Continue reading →