WHITBY AND POSTMILLENNIALISM

History, Objections October 26, 2021 Leave a comment

WhitbyPMW 2021-079 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

Most dispensationalists are quite confused regarding the origins of postmillennialism. Hal Lindsey has as confidently declared its modern origins as he has the latest date for the Rapture: “There is no evidence of the distinctive teachings of Postmillennialism earlier than the seventeenth century.”

Charles Baker states: “Its advocates admit that it was first taught in the seventeenth century.” In fact, many dispensationalists wrongly assume that we may trace postmillennialism back only as far as Daniel Whitby in 1703. Continue reading →

THE MILLENNIUM EXAGGERATED (2)

Interpretation, Millennium, Theology October 19, 2021 Leave a comment

MisdirectionPMW 2021-079 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

This is the second and concluding study on the exaggerated role of the millennium in eschatological studies. It is important for you to read the preceding article before jumping into this one. I am arguing that John’s half-chapter is given too much place in prophetic discussions. This has led many Christians to misunderstand the function of the millennium in Revelation, as well as its length.

Properly understood, the thousand-year time frame in Revelation 20 represents a long and glorious era and is not limited to a literal 365,000 days. Continue reading →

THE EXAGGERATED MILLENNIUM (1)

Interpretation, Millennium, Theology October 15, 2021 Comments: 2

Millennium exaggeratedPMW 2021-076 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

I am beginning a two-part series on the millennium. I will be highlighting how its significance in eschatological discussions is exaggerated. I am calling for balance on this issue.

Revelation 20:1–6 present us with a time frame that plays a far greater role in the eschatological debate than it warrants. Oddly, Stanley J. Grenz asserts of “evangelical postmillennialists” that “as a millenarian viewpoint, of course, it builds its primary case from a futurist interpretation of John’s vision.” This is simply not so. Continue reading →

REV 11:2 AND ISRAEL CAST OUT (3)

AD 70, Israel October 12, 2021 Leave a comment

Stephen stoned 2PMW 2021-075 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

In this blog I continue the thought introduced in my last one. That is, I am continuing to show that Israel was excommunicated by God in AD 70. This is the third in a series on Rev 11:2, and the second in this two-part installment on excommunication. You will need to read the other installments for context.

Corporate Excommunication

The symbolic impact of the temple’s destruction should reinforce the theological reality of her corporate excommunication, for the loss of the temple indicates the removal of the favorable presence of God (2Ch 7:20; Jer 7:14–15). At the end of Rev we learn regarding “the [new] city” of God that “outside [exō] are the dogs” (22:15; cp. Php 3:2). After the vision of the temple’s call for destruction, John hears the seventh angel declare: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever” (11:15b). Continue reading →

REV 11:2 AND ISRAEL CAST OUT (2)

AD 70, Israel, Temple October 8, 2021 Leave a comment

Ancient synagoguePMW 2021-074 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.
In Rev 11:2 we find an important clue to the meaning of the message of Revelation. In this passage we learn that the outer court of the temple is to be cast out. The external court represents the external husk of ancient Judaism, as viewed over against the true essence of Israel. John is here reflecting on Christ’s words in Luke 21:24.

In my last blog article I began a consideration of the significance of the word “cast out” as it applies to the temple’s rejection in AD 70. This is the second installment, highlighting another concept lying behind the image. Continue reading →

REV 11:2: ISRAEL CAST OUT (1)

Israel, Revelation October 5, 2021 Comments: 3

Jesus casting outPMW 2021-073 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

Rev 11:1-2 is an important passage in John’s drama about Israel’s judgment. There John receives a command to actually engage an action in his visionary experience:

“Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months.” Continue reading →

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY; OUR HOPE (3)

Theology October 1, 2021 Comments: 3

Sovereignty 3PMW 2021-072 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

This is the last in a three-part series that is basically citing verses demonstrating God’s sovereignty over the affairs of the world. It is important that postmillennialists always bear in mind that, no matter what the current external circumstances may suggest, God is in control He sovereignly ordains whatsoever comes to pass. He graciously and sovereignly saves sinners; and he will continue to do so until this world is overwhelmed by the presence of his grace-filled people.

In this series I am basically citing one Scripture after another in demonstration of God’s marvelous sovereignty. God’s word is more compelling than mine in expressing the postmillennial hope. And his word’s statements on his sovereign and gracious power should encourage us to recognize that he has a plan that he intends to fulfill by his almighty power. Continue reading →