INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Rapture (caught up) at His Coming?
2. Ruin (tribulation) at His Coming?
3. Reign (1000 years) at His Coming?
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme: “then cometh the end.” We will address three theories in pre-millennialism in this lesson: “the rapture, the tribulation and the 1000 year reign” of Christ upon the earth. Some teach these things shall occur at the second advent of Christ. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians clearly establishes that at the Lord’s Second Advent, “then cometh the end.”
2. First, we will consider the question, “will there be a rapture (caught up) at His coming?” Paul’s first Letter to the Thessalonians was written to comfort the brethren, during the sleep of the saints. He reminds them that when the Lord returns, the “dead in Christ shall rise first, and ascend to meet the Lord in the air.” And, there they shall “forever be with the Lord.” The theory of the “rapture” sets forth that the saints shall be a “caught up” from the earth for 7 years; to remove them from the tribulation that will plague the earth. We will consider this theory in our lesson.
3. Second, we will discuss the question, “will there be a ruin or 7-years of tribulation at His coming?” As mention earlier, these teachers believe the rapture will remove the saints from the ongoing tribulation taking place upon the earth. Paul in his second Letter to the Thessalonians wrote: “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come ... in that day,” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. Paul states: “they shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.” Not, for seven years as these teachers advocate.
4. Lastly, we will investigate the question, “will there be a 1000 year reign at His coming?” Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthians, he renounces the theory of a 1000 year reign, when the Lord returns. He wrote: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. ... But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he (Christ) must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,” 1 Corinthians 15:20-26. This Letter settles the question of a 1000 year reign of Christ, upon the earth. Much of this theory is forged from the many “symbols and keys” mentioned in the Book of Revelation and prophetic utterances. We will discuss a few of them in this lesson. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I RAPTURE AT HIS COMING
A. An overview of the “rapture,” as taught be many pre-millennialist. Reference: See God's Prophetic Word, by Foy Wallace, p. 347-349; cf. Lion and the Lamb on Planet Earth, by Rodney Miller.1 There are many views regarding the pre-millennialist’s theories. We present this one because it is clear and concise regarding this theory.
1. The theory of the rapture: “Jesus will first come invisibly, unknown to men in general (Gr: Parousia), raise the righteous dead, and take them from the earth to heaven for a 7-year period, which is call the ‘rapture.’"1 This is the first part of the theory of pre-millennialism.
2. Text of discussion. Paul wrote: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep... For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words,” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. We will begin this lesson with Paul’s discussion of the return “coming of Christ.”
B. The return of the Lord. After affording comfort to the saints regarding the “sleep” of the saints; and that they should not be troubled by there “sleep in Jesus.” He states: “That they sorrow not, even as others which have no hope,” 1 Thessalonians 4:13. As Christians, we and our family and love ones which have “fallen asleep in Jesus” have hope in the Lord, and in His return with the saints, 1 Thessalonians 3:13. He then directs his attention to the return of the Lord. Notice:
1. The promise of his return: “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (proceed) them which are asleep,” 1 Thessalonians 4:14. We will talk about the order later; but for now, let’s consider the promise of His return.
2. At His ascension the angels announced Christ’s return. Notice: “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven,” Acts 1:9-11; John 20:17.
3. Recall, in the first part of this theory: “Jesus will first come invisibly, unknown to men in general (Gr: Parousia).” Here they use the word in (Gr: Parousia), which means: “coming to a place.” This word is used in 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
a. The word “invisible” in (Gr: aoratos), means: “not seen, i.e., unseen, or that cannot be seen, or invisible.” This word is used in Colossians 1:15-16; 1 Timothy 1:17.
b. However, the angel said to the apostles: “As they had seen Him go; they shall see Him return,” Acts 1:11. This will be a visible sighting of the Lord’s return from heaven. Notice:
1) He went into heaven “in the clouds.”
2) The Lord was seen by the apostles “go into heaven.”
3) The Lord will be seen “during his return to earth.”
c. John the Revelator: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen,” Revelation 1:7; Zechariah 12:10; Psalms 22:16-17; John 19:36-37.
d. John the apostle: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is,” 1 John 3:1-3; Colossians 3:4. John states: ‘We shall see Him as He is.”
e. Paul’s statement of Christ: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself,” Philippians 3:20-21. Paul affirms:
1) Christ is now in heaven.
2) Christ is in heaven with a “glorious body.”
3) Christ shall fashion our “vile body” to be like His body.
4) When shall this occur? We shall be changed at His coming. We will discuss this further when we speak to our last point, “Reign (1000 years) at His Coming?”
5) Illustrate: Christ’s glorious body, Luke 24:36-43.
C. Lord shall descent from heaven. Paul further explains: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words,” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. The beloved apostle now speaks to the Lord’s return and the order of our appearance with him. Notice:
1. For the Lord Himself (in person; in bodily form) shall descend from heaven.
2. With a shout, with the voice of the archangel (voice of the Son of God), John 5:25-29.
3. With the trump of God (at the last trump: for the trump shall sound), 1 Corinthians 15:52. His return will be proceeded by a loud shout and the trump of God.
D. The order of the resurrection. Paul states: “And the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds,” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Notice:
1. And the dead in Christ shall rise first.
2. Then we which are alive and remain.
3. Shall be caught up together with them in the clouds.
4. How does this coincide with pre-millennialism? They speak of an invisible appearance at the “rapture.” Only the righteous shall be raised.
5. Paul here does not speak of the ungodly resurrection. He established an order between the living; and the dead at the Lord’s return. Notice the order:
a. First, “the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
b. Second, “then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up.”
c. Third, “to be caught up together with them in the air.”
E. Meet the Lord. Paul’s conclusion, we are: “To meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord,” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18. Notice:
1. We shall meet the Lord in the air.
2. We shall so ever be with the Lord.
3. The statements of Paul disagree with the pre-millennialist.
4. How does this coincide with pre-millennialism? They state:
a. The rapture will be “silent and invisible.” But, Paul affirms, this coming will not be silent, invisible, or unobservable. It will be accompanied by a shout, voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God.
b. They teach: “the dead in Christ shall rise first"; means they will rise at the first resurrection. Then the 1000 years reign will take place; before the wicked are raised. But the context contrasts the dead in Christ, with those that are alive at Christ’s coming. The wicked dead are not being discussed in this text. The dead in Christ shall rise "first," then those who are alive in Christ are caught up to meet the Lord.
c. Finally, all shall be “caught up to meet the Lord in the air.” There the saints shall ever be with the Lord.
d. There is no mention of a tribulation on the earth for 7 years.
e. Conclusion: We should endeavor to support one another in times of sorrow, not deaden one another's spirits, nor weaken one another's hands, but should comfort one another. This may be done by serious consideration and discourse on lessons to be learned from the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead, the second coming of Christ, and the glory of the saints in that day.
II RUIN AT HIS COMING
A. An overview of the “7 years of tribulation” as taught by pre-millennialist. Reference: See God's Prophetic Word, by Foy Wallace, p. 347-349; cf. Lion and the Lamb on Planet Earth, by Rodney Miller.1 There are many views regarding the pre-millennialist’s theories. We will discuss Paul’s discourse on the return of Christ to exercise judgment on those that persecute the saints. Notice:
1. Seven years of tribulation. During this time of trial there will be great suffering on earth for the wicked. “At the end of the 7 years, the forces of evil will gather to fight against Jesus, who will visibly return (Gr: epiphaneia) to defeat them at the battle of Armageddon.”1 This is the second part of the theory of pre-millennialism. We will speak to the “Battle of Armageddon” in our list point in this lesson.
2. Text of discussion. Paul wrote: “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day,” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.
B. Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven. Paul sets forth this idea: “The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,” 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:13. Paul in his earlier writings to these saints, suggest that God shall bring vengeance on those that trouble them. This shall occur when the Lord is revealed from heaven. The text sets forth these few things:
1. The Lord shall be revealed from heaven.
2. The Lord shall be accompanied with His mighty angels.
3. To inflict “vengeance upon them that trouble the saints.”
C. In flaming fire. Jesus is coming: “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 1:8. Paul outlines three things at His coming in this text. Notice:
1. He is coming “in flaming fire,” 2 Peter 3:9-12.
2. He is coming to “take vengeance on them,” Revelation 22:12-13.
3. He is coming to pronounce judgment upon:
a. One, “that know not God,” Acts 17:30-31; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
b. Two, “that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,”2 Thessalonians 1:8-9.
c. Three, “Judgment will begin at the house of God,” 1 Peter 4:17-18; Romans 2:16.
4. Pre-millennialists teach this will be His “second return to the earth.” They allege:
a. This will be a “visibly return to earth.” The first return was invisible, if you recall in our previous point in this lesson.
b. This will culminate the 7 years of tribulation.
c. This will spark the “battle of Armageddon.” In this battle, Jesus will, “puts all enemies under His feet,” Psalms 110:1.
d. Christ will defeat the forces of evil that gather to fight against Him. “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his Anointed,” Psalms 2:1-2.
e. After the defeat of His enemies, the Lord will:
1) Set up His earthly kingdom. This presupposes that the kingdom of Christ has not yet been established. Jesus said to Pilot: “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36.
2) Begin His 1000 years reign upon David’s throne.
3) Reign in Palestine, the city of Jerusalem.
f) Pre-millennialist expends great energy to advance this doctrine. These assertions are fabricated by pre-millennialist’s teaching and preaching.
5. Paul however, makes no mention of these events in his Letter to the Thessalonians. He clearly establishes these things. Notice:
a. "In that day" at Jesus' coming; and His revelation from heaven with His holy angels, the following will happen:
1) The afflicted Christians will receive their desired rest.
2) Those who know not God and obey not the gospel of Christ, will receive:
a) Vengeance in flaming fire,
b) Punishment, and
c) Eternal destruction, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9.
b. Conclusion: The righteous will enter their rest from their troubles on the same "day" that the wicked will be punished. There is no time between these judgments of Christ. Judgment will take place on the last day. Notice:
1) Jesus said: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day,” John 12:48.
2) Jesus’ teaching of judgment: “When Jesus comes with the holy angels, then all nations are gathered and He will separate the good from evil,” Matthew 25:31-46.
a) The righteous will enter eternal life, Matthew 25:34; Matthew 25:46.
b) The wicked will depart into everlasting fire, Matthew 25:41; Matthew 25:46.
c) There will not be two comings, nor will the righteous be enjoying rest; while the wicked are punished.
d) Both the good and evil shall enter into their final reward at the same time.
3) Paul to Timothy: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom,” 2 Timothy 4:1.
4) Paul to the Roman saints: “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living,” Romans 14:9.
c. Premillennialists teach the righteous will rest and rejoice through the rapture and millennium before the wicked and ungodly are punished. Paul makes no mention of this rapture or millennium at the Lord’s coming. We will address these and other assertions in the last point in our lesson.
D Who shall be punished. Those He takes vengeance upon: “Shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” 2 Thessalonians 1:9. I want to emphasize the words, “everlasting destruction.”
E. When he come to be glorified. This will occur: “When Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day,”2 Thessalonians 1:10. Let’s now consider our last point.
III REIGN AT HIS COMING
A. An overview of the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth. Reference: See God's Prophetic Word, by Foy Wallace, p. 347-349; cf. Lion and the Lamb on Planet Earth, by Rodney Miller.1 There are many views regarding the pre-millennialist's theories.
1. After Satan’s defeat in the battle of Armageddon: “Jesus will then establish his earthly, civil kingdom (like that of David), on earth. He will reign as King in Palestine (Jerusalem) for 1000 years. At the end of His 1000 years reign, the wicked dead will be raised, then all men will be judged and receive their eternal rewards.”1 This is the third part of the theory of pre-millennialism.
2. Text of discussion. Paul wrote: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. ... But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards they that are Christ’s at His coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he (Christ) must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,” 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Hebrews 2:14-15.
B. Christ is risen. Paul affirms: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order; Christ the first fruits afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming,” 1 Corinthians 15:20-23. In these verses Paul establishes several things. Notice:
1. Christ is risen from the dead. Paul makes an empathic statement: “Christ is risen from the dead.” He states this from three sources. They are the:
a. Prophecy of scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
b. Proven sighting (eyewitnesses), 1 Corinthians 15:5-10.
c. Preaching sanctioned (by God), 1 Corinthians 15:11-19.
2. Christ is the first fruits of them that slept. The ideal of “first fruits” goes back to the Old Testament “feast of weeks” or “Pentecost,” Leviticus 23:10-11; Romans 11:16. Paul’s mentioning of Christ being the “first fruits” is testimony there is more to come. In this case, Christ the first resurrected; at His come “others will resurrected.”
3. In Adam all die, in Christ all shall be made alive: “And so it is written, the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit,” 1 Corinthians 15:45; Genesis 2:7; John 6:39-40; John 6:54.
4. Every man in his own order: “Every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards they that are Christ’s at his coming,” 1 Corinthians 15:23.
a. Christ the first fruits: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept,” 1 Corinthians 15:20.
1) Christ's resurrection is a pledge and earnest of our resurrection, if we remain faithful to our calling and election to Christ.
2) We are a part of the consecrated lump, and shall be made partaker of the blessings of the first fruits (the resurrection of Christ).
3) As Christ has risen, we shall also rise; just as the lump is holy, because the first fruit is holy. Paul wrote: “For if the first fruits be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches,” Romans 11:16.
4) Christ has not risen merely for himself, but as head of the body, the church; we too shall be raise like Him. So Christ's resurrection must, in order of nature, precede that of the saints. That He should be the “first fruits” of the resurrection of the saints.
b. Afterward they that are Christ’s: Christ rose as the first-fruits; therefore those that are Christ's shall also rise from the dead. Thus, this shall occur at His coming. Paul speaks of the “redemption of our mortal bodies.” Notice:
1) First, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11.
2) Further, “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body,” Romans 8:23.
3) Finally, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30. This will occur at His second coming.
c. At His coming. The resurrection and the redemption of our mortal bodies will occur when Jesus returns to raise the dead. Paul continues with the resurrection:
1) First, “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption,” 1 Corinthians 15:42.
2) Further, “It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power,” 1 Corinthians 15:43.
3) Next, “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body... Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual,” 1 Corinthians 15:44-46. Illustrate: The Glorious Body of Jesus, Philippians 3:20-21.
4) Additionally, “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly,” 1 Corinthians 15:47-49.
5) Finally, “Now this I say, brethren... Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we (that are alive) shall be changed,” 1 Corinthians 15:50-52.
6) Conclusion, “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality. So when this this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then, shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ... Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 15:53-57.
7) Summary: Paul affirms that at Christ’s second coming there will be a resurrection and a change by both the dead and those yet alive. It will occur at the last trump, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. And the dead shall be raised incorruptible, having immortality and eternal life, 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2 Peter 1:3-4. Notice:
a) Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling... But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” 2 Timothy 1:9-10.
b) Peter’s words to the saints: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” 1 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Peter 1:10-11.
c) Jesus speaks of the resurrection: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation,” John 5:28-29.
i. The "hour" is coming in which "all that are in the graves" will hear his voice, and be raised, both the good and the evil. This will occur in the same "hour"; not after 1000 years.
ii. Pre-millennialists insist that prophecy must be taken literally; this therefore, leaves no room for 1000 years between the resurrection of the good and the evil. It will happen in the very “same hour.”
iii. The event after the resurrection of the good and evil; will be their appearance at the judgment seat of Christ, Matthew 25:30-47; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 22:12-13.
d) Paul speaks of the resurrection: “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust,” Acts 24:14-15. Notice:
i. Paul speaks of only (one) general resurrection (“There shall be a resurrection of the dead.”) This resurrection will occur at the Lord’s second coming.
ii. The just and the unjust, at the same time (“shall be raised from the dead.”)
iii. There is no mention of two resurrections, separated by a 1000 years. There was no mention of a 1000 year reign before or after (“the resurrection of the dead.”)
C. Then cometh the end. We now come to the real importance of this lesson. The End! What happens immediately after the clause: “they that are Christ’s at his coming,” verse 23; and the empathic statement: “Then cometh the end,” verse 24. Let’s be clear Paul’s view of what will occur immediately after the return of Christ is far different; than those who believe, teach and preach the “pre-millennialist's” doctrine. Notice:
1. Paul states: “Then cometh the end.” When He (Christ) shall have:
a. Delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father (not set it up).
b. Put down all rule and all authority and power (not set it up), 1 Corinthians 15:24.
2. Pre-millennialist states: “Then begin the rapture.” Jesus will:
a. Make an invisible appearance.
b. Jesus will raise the righteous dead.
c. The rapture will begin in earnest (righteous caught up into heaven).
d. This will prompt the “seven years of tribulations” upon the earth.
3. There is no mentioning of these events in Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians.
4. Illustrate: R-7, 1000. The rapture, 7 years tribulations and 1000 year reign of Christ.
D. Christ must reign. Paul further wrote: “For he must REIGN, TILL he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,” 1 Corinthians 15:25-26. Notice:
1. Paul affirms these 3 things:
a. “Christ must reign, till.” This statement notes that Christ was currently reigning, and shall reign “till,” which is an adverb of time. Christ was then reigning over His kingdom, when Paul wrote this Letter to the Corinthians. He is reigning NOW!
b. Christ “is alive who was dead, and liveth forever,” Revelation 1:18; Revelations 2:8. He doth now reign, and will continue to reign; till the redemption of our mortal bodies is complete; and the destruction of all Christ’s enemies, and then death itself.
c. Christ reigns NOW over His kingdom. Paul wrote, “For He must reign till:”
1) “He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father.”
2) “He shall have put down all rule and all authority, and power.”
3) “He hath put all enemies under his feet.”
4) “The last enemy shall be destroyed which is death.”
2. The pre-millennialist affirms: 1000 year reign will begin at the Lord’s visible return after the “rapture and the 7 years of tribulation.”
3. When did Christ begin His reign? Paul states Christ: “shall reign till He returns and delivers up the kingdom to God, the Father.” Paul’s instruction concerning the reign of Christ is different to that of the pre-millennialist. Therefore, it is necessary for us to investigate when did the reign of Christ begin?
4. Peter on Pentecost. Peter’s interprets David’s prophecy regarding the resurrection and reign of Christ on David’s throne. Notice: “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David... He ...Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne... Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand. Until I make thy foes thy footstool,” Acts 2:29-35.
5. Peter states regarding Christ resurrection and reign:
a. “Christ was RAISED from the dead to SIT on his (David’s) throne.”
1) He is prophesied to sit on David’s throne, Psalms 16:9-11; Psalms 132:11; 2 Samuel 7:12-13.
2) He was raised to sit on David’s throne, Luke 1:32-33; Acts 2:30-32; Romans 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:8.
b. “Christ is NOW exalted at the right hand of God.”
1) He is prophesied to be exalted, Hebrews 1:2-3.
2) He is now exalted at the right hand of God, Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:5-11.
c. “Christ has ASCENDED into the heavens.”
1) He is prophesied to have ascended into the heavens, Daniel 7:13-15.
2) He has ascended into the heavens, Acts 1:11; Acts 2:34; Acts 7:56; Ephesians 1:20-21.
d. “The LORD said unto my Lord (Christ): Sit thou on my right hand.”
1) He is prophesied to sit on the right hand of God, Psalms 110:1.
2) He now sits at the right hand of God, Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 1:13; Acts 2:34, 1 Corinthians 15:25.
e. “Until I make thy FOES thy footstool.”
1) He is prophesied to have all His foes put under His footstool, Psalms 110:1.
2) He is now reigning until all His enemies are put under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26; Acts 2:35.
6. Conclusion: Peter preached Christ was raised from the dead, to sit on David’s throne; once he ascended (return) into the heavens. Christ ascended into heaven to be exalted at the right hand of God. Christ took His seat at the right hand of God, to begin His reign, which will continue until God makes Christ’s foes His footstool. Peter preaching agrees with Paul narrative regarding the resurrection and reign of Christ over His kingdom. Christ reigns over His Kingdom NOW, Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9; Acts 8:12.
E. The 1000 year reign. Paul makes no mention of a 1000 year reign of Christ upon the earth in Palestine, the city of Jerusalem. He states: “Christ is coming; and that will be the end.” I suggest the following regarding this teaching.
1. The problems with the pre-millennialists, they use: “keys, symbols and prophetic statements” to be the foundation of their doctrine.
a. The principles of sound “hermeneutic”2 will use the: “New Testament text to interpret the Old Testament prophetic utterances,” where appropriate. Peter wrote: “No prophecy of scriptures is of any private interpretation,” 2 Peter 1:20-21.
b. Pre-millennialists use Old Testament scriptures (prophetic utterances) and the “keys and symbols” from the Book of Revelation to establish their pre-millennial teachings. They use these “keys and symbols” to interpret the clear passages of the New Testament regarding its teaching.
2. This action is a reverse of sound interpretation principles. Let me illustrate a few of their passages of scripture that are used to establish their teaching. Notice:
a. Joel’s prophecy of the “out pouring of the Holy Ghost,” Joel 2:28-29.
1) Has this prophecy already been fulfilled, or is it something yet in the future?
2) Using the New Testament scriptures to interpret this prophecy, Peter said: “This is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel,” Acts 2:14-17. Anytime we see a “this is that”; that will be “the end of that.” We have our interpretation, no more debate or discussion is needed.
b. The battle of Armageddon: “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rules take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us,” Psalms 2:1-3; Revelations 16:14-16.
1) Does Psalms; or Revelation give prophetic meaning to a “battle of Armageddon?”
2) Using the New Testament scriptures to interpret these prophecy, we consider the Apostles prayer: “And being let go, they... lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord ... Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilot, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and counsel determined before to be done,” Acts 4:23-31. According to Peter, this battle has already been fought and won by God’s anointed.
c. The rule of Christ: “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool,” Psalms 110:1.
1) Does this Psalm prophesy of an event to be fulfilled regarding the reign of Christ?
2) Using the New Testament scriptures we can see it has already been fulfilled.
a) Peter’s statement on Pentecost, Acts 2:30-35.
b) Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, Hebrews 1:13.
c) Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 15:25.
d) Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Ephesians 1:20-23.
e) Peter’s letter to the saints, 1 Peter 3:22.
3. There are many more passages that they use; which can be properly understood by using the techniques I have just illustrated. This lesson cannot, or will not deal with all their teachings in this lesson; but we have sought to provide a foundation to understand the errors of pre-millennialism, Matthew 22:29. As I hasten toward my conclusion, I leave these final thoughts with you. Notice:
a. We should always: “Rightly divide the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15.
b. I charge you to: “Seek ye out of the book the Lord, and read, no one of these shall fail,” Isaiah 34:16; Nehemiah 8:8.
4. References:
a. I recommend the [Neal – Wallace Discussion on “The thousand Years Reign of Christ”] by Foy E. Wallace, Jr., Publication, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Copyright 1933. This discussion was conducted at Winchester, Kentucky, during January 2 to 6, 1933.
b. 1God's Prophetic Word, by Foy Wallace, p. 347-349; cf. Lion and the Lamb on Planet Earth, by Rodney Miller.
c. 2Merriam-Webster, since 1828, by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (merriam-webster.com), 2017.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Rapture (caught up) at His Coming?
2. Ruin (tribulation) at His Coming?
3. Reign (1000 years) at His Coming?
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the question, “will there be a rapture (caught up) at His coming?” Paul’s first Letter to the Thessalonians was written to comfort the brethren, during the sleep of the saints. He reminds them that when the Lord returns, the “dead in Christ shall rise first, and ascend to meet the Lord in the air.” And, there they shall “forever be with the Lord.” The theory of the “rapture” sets forth that the saints shall be a “caught up” from the earth for 7 years; to remove them from the tribulation that was to plague the earth. We found this theory to be false.
2. Second, we discussed the question, “will there be ruin or 7-years of tribulation at His coming?” As mention earlier, these teachers believe the rapture will remove the saints from the ongoing tribulation taking place upon the earth. Paul in his second Letter to the Thessalonians writes: “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come... in that day,”2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. Paul states: “they shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.” Not, for seven years as these teachers’ advocate. We have also found this theory to be absolutely false.
3. Lastly, we investigated the question, “will there be a 1000 year reign at His coming?” Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthians, he renounces the theory of a 1000 year reign, when the Lord returns. He wrote: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. ... But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterwards they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he (Christ) must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death,”1 Corinthians 15:20-26. This Letter settles the question of a 1000 year reign of Christ, upon the earth. Much of this theory is forged from the many “symbols and keys” mentioned in the Book of Revelation. We found this theory also to be without merit and false teaching.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
