Premillennialism is one of the main views about the end of time in Christianity, which believes in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth before the millennium of peace.
According to this view, after Christ’s return, he will reign on earth for a thousand years, during which absolute peace and justice will reign throughout the world. After this thousand-year period, Satan will be released for the last time and the final battle between good and evil will take place, and in the end, Christ will win and the eternal kingdom of God will be established on earth.
Premillennialists believe in a literal interpretation of the last days. This view sees the events mentioned in Revelation chapters 19 and 20 as a forward-looking and progressive time sequence that includes the following:
rapture
The emergence of a single antichrist
A seven-year ordeal
The second coming of Christ
Battle of Armageddon
Judgment against Christ and chaining of Satan
resurrection of the dead
establishing a thousand-year reign of peace (Millennium)
Satan’s release and a final rebellion
Final judgment
The beginning of a new heaven and a new earth (“eternal state”)
Historical pre-millennium versus separation pre-millennium
Within the concept of premillennialism, proponents are divided into two categories: historical (or “covenant”) premillennialists (CP) and dispensational premillennialists (DP). Both groups fall under the umbrella of “premillennialism” because they believe that the second coming of Christ will occur before the millennial period of peace. However, when it comes to the rapture and modern Israel, there are significant differences between the two views.
Historical premillennialism (HP) believes in the “post-tribulation,” meaning that the rapture of the church will occur after the seven-year tribulation. This view holds that the church will be caught up to meet Christ in the air and then escort him to earth to share in his literal millennial reign. Historical premillennialism does not see a fundamental theological distinction between Israel and the Church. This view holds that the church supersedes the promises made to Israel, and as such, the millennium is for the church, not Israel.
This view is referred to as “historical” because many of the Church Fathers, including Justin Martyr and Irenaeus in the second century, held this view.
Proponents of this view include John Gale, Charles Spurgeon, John Piper, Albert Mohler, Francis Schaefer, Carl F.H. Henry, Harold Lindsell, D.E. Carson, Brian Chappell, and Gordon Clarke.
Dispensational premillennialism (DP) provides the most complex chronology for the last days. This view argues that the current church age will end with the rapture of the church (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17), which, along with the appearance of the Antichrist, will mark the beginning of the seven-year tribulation on earth.
Dissociative premillennialism also holds that God has a place for both the nation of Israel (cf. Rom. 11:28-29) and the church (“believing Israel”; cf. Rev. 7:4). A premillennial distinction states that in the present age, the Jews must accept Jesus as their savior so that Jesus can return in glory to establish his thousand-year reign.
Then, during the millennium, Christ will sit on David’s throne and rule the world from Jerusalem; Israel will regain a place of honor among the nations, and the temple will be restored with the revival of the temple sacrifices as a memorial.
The modern form of premillennialism has its roots in the 1830s with John Nelson Darby (1882-1800), the popularization of Scofield’s reference book, and, on a scholarly level, with the eight-volume Systematic Theology of Lewis Sherry Chaffer.
Proponents of this view include Wayne Grudem, Erwin Lutser, Charles L. Feinberg, John Valverde, Charles Rayer, and J. Dwight Pentecost, and it is promoted through Hal Lindsay’s 1970 bestseller, The Last Great Planet Earth, and the Survivor series. Made famous by Tim Lahey and Jerry Jenkins.
Premillennial benefits
A literal interpretation of Revelation: Many Christians favor a literal interpretation of the book of Revelation. Premillennialists argue that the book of Revelation is not just about the end times. Rather, it is about destiny (God’s plan), salvation, true divine rule, and eternity. This book is about principle endings, not the destruction of the earth (there will be a new earth).
Giving hope: This comprehensive list of events gives people hope. In the midst of evil, injustice, and pain, we can look forward knowing what the end will be like. There is a purpose and a plan for when and how Jesus will deliver the earth from evil, and we can look forward to it.
Disadvantages of pre-millennium
Weaknesses in Textual Interpretation: Critics argue that there are many gaps in textual interpretation in premillennialism. Sam Storms talks about the problem that sin and death will continue even after Jesus returns to usher in His Millennium. If slavery and corruption remain, what can be said about the reign of Christ? Isn’t death defeated by the return of Christ (1 Corinthians 15)?
Why Christians will be raptured: There is also the question of why Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, if at all. This type of interpretation can lead to a disinterested and indifferent view of the last days. If Christians think they won’t be in any of the apocalyptic events, why should they care?
Today in the article : What Is Premillennialism? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity
