Christ Our Comming King Series

Christ Our Coming King

Introduction

A. This is a subject that has causes many different reactions among Christians

1. Some will look forward to discussing the idea.

2. Some will dread it

3. Very few will remain natural

B. Before we get into the different aspects of the Coming King, I need to make a disclaimer

1. this is an important subject and should be treated as such

2. However, this is something that should not cause division in the Church

3. The truth is that there are plenty of scriptural references for each point.

4. However, the important idea to understand is that Christ is coming back

C. Before we can begin to explain the different views we first have to define what the millennium means.

1. Rev 20:4-6

2. From the Latin word meaning thousand, The reign of Jesus Christ on earth, specifically mentioned only once in scripture in Revelation 20:4-6.

I. Historical Premillennialism

A. What they Believe

1. Definition: Historic Premillennalism is the belief that the Second Coming of Christ will be before the millenium and that the Church has replaced the nation of Israel as god’s covenant People.

2. They feel that Christians will remain here on earth during the great tribulation.

3. Also God’s covenant with Abraham is based on obedience, since Abraham was not obedience the covenant was broken

4. When Israel is mentioned it is used symbolically to refer to the Church

B. Scripture they Use

1. 2 Thess. 2:3-4 seems to indicate that the Anti-Christ will precede Christ’s return. Therefore the second coming will happen Before the millennial reign

2. Rev 13:7 when it is talking about war against the saints, this must before the millennial reign

3. Verses such as Gen. 22:18, 2 Chronicles 33:8, Isa 1:19-20, Jer 7:to 6-7, Romans 9:6-8, James 1:1 appears to state the those promises were indeed conditional

C. Problems with their ideas

1. Good:

a. They view society as more and more evil

2. Bad:

a. with out giving Israel their just rewards, that make it seem like Christ does not keep His promises

b. What do they do with rapture? 1 thess 4:15-17(We will look at that later)

II. Amillennialism

A. What they Believe

1. Definition: Amillennialism is the belief the millennium symbolizes Christ’s reign in the lives of his people form the beginning of the Church until His Second Coming

2. the millennial reign is occurring now in this according to this view

3. The millennial reign started at the resurrection

4. The tribulation has been occurring since the formation of the Church (ex Martyrs)

5. Israel is symbolic with the reference to the people of god on earth

6. Revelation then is viewed as concepts not literal numbers to be interpreted (ex 6 equals incompleteness, 7 = completeness, 10 = something that is extreme but not limited, 1000 = a great long period of time

B. Scripture they Use

1. Psalms 50:10, 90:4, 105:8, 2 Peter 3:8 all use the number 1000 figuratively.

2. Romans 11:13-15 and Eph. 2:1-4 the first resurrection could easily refer to the spiritual resurrection of those who trust in Christ.

3. Both Dan. 12:2-3 and John 5:28-29 you realize that the Second Coming of Christ and the resurrection of the saved and unsaved can occur at the same times.

4. Rev 13:7 makes it sound like the saints are on earth during the tribulation

C. Problems with their ideas

1. Good

a. I admire ammillennislm for itssimplicity.

b. The Second coming could happen at any time

2. Bad

a. Ammilennialist tend to over simplify things too much

b. The Bible does not waste time, therefore the Numbers are there for a reason

III. Postmillennialism

A. What they Believe

1. Definition: Postmillennialism is the belief the Second Coming of Christ will occur after the Millennium

2. The millennium is a long time when most of the World will end up following Jesus Christ

3. During this reign Satan will have no power over the earth and evil will collapse

4. The great tribulation will proceed the millenium reign.

5. Christ will reign the earth during the millenium however, He will do it through his Holy Spirit

6. In there view, society will continue to get better and better

B. Scripture they Use

1. Math. 24:14 and Mark 13:10 tells us that every group will receive the gospel before the Second Coming of Christ

2. Rev 20:4 could refer to the spiritual resurrection of persons who trust in Christ

3. Dan 12:2-3 and John 5:28-29 appear to say that the second coming of Christ and the resurrection of the people will happen at the same time

C. Problems with their ideas

1. Good:

a. I like the idea that most of the world would submit to Jesus (that is a great idea)