Published on 08/15/2008

We continue our discussion of the Second Coming and end times with a look at the different approaches to the book of Revelation.

We continue our discussion of the Second Coming and end times with a look at the different approaches to the book of Revelation. Yesterday, we examined three of these, and today we will look at the last four which deal with the “millennium.” "Postmillennialists" believe that the church will usher in the Kingdom on earth for a thousand years, and that Jesus will return after ("post") this millennium. At one time this was a very popular position, but following two world wars it is much less attractive today.

"Amillennialists" (from the Greek word "a" for "no") believe there will be no literal millennium. Many in this approach find seven cycles within the book of Revelation, each descriptive of life on earth from Jesus ascension to his return. For them, Israel is the Church today awaiting the Second Coming of our Lord.

"Dispensational premillennialism" views Revelation and other eschatological texts primarily as a forecast of the very last days of history. It separated Israel and the Church, believing that any promises made to Israel in the Old Testament have been or will be fulfilled literally. Interpreters using this approach divide history into "dispensations," various time periods during which God dealt with humanity in different ways. Jesus will "rapture" the church out of the world so God can return to his work with Israel during the "Great Tribulation." This period will culminate in Jesus' return to earth and the millennium (thus "premillennialism"), followed by the final judgment and eternity in heaven or hell.

This is the most popular position with many laypeople and pastors in conservative traditions, especially in the South. The Scofield Study Bible, Dallas Theological Seminary, and similar schools have done much to advance this approach.

"Historic premillennialism" believes that Jesus will return to earth prior to the millennium, but does not expect a "rapture" or seven-year Great Tribulation. It typically views Old Testament prophecies as fulfilled in the church, the spiritual Israel. This is probably the most popular position today in conservative scholarship.

As we saw earlier, no one knows when or exactly how Jesus will return to earth. But we know that he will. As we consider the divisive subject of end-times theories, three guiding principles may be helpful.

One: interpretive approaches must not divide fellowship. We can agree on the essentials of the Christian faith while disagreeing about this speculative theological area.

Two: we should always interpret the Bible according to its intended meaning. Scripture can never mean what it never meant. If a suggested interpretation would hold little or no relevance or meaning for the original audience of God's word, it is suspect for us as well.

Three: we must be ready to meet the Lord whenever that day arrives. He may come for us today, or we may go to him. Our earthly lives may end in physical death or Jesus' return, but we will all one day stand before his throne (2 Corinthians 5:10). And we have only today to be ready. "Tomorrow" is promised nowhere in God's word. So live every day as if it were your last, because one day you'll be right.