Millennial Debate
The Last Question

Have you noticed what was the last question asked of our Lord just before His ascension? “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” [Acts 1:6 ESV]. Of course, He tells them in no uncertain terms that it is not their business to know when things God has ordained happen…their job is to be witnesses when they receive the power of the Holy Spirit.

But, from this last question, we see why it is not surprising that folks are interested in eschatological matters. Just as His first disciples, we cannot know when He will come again. Yet, what we believe about that certainly affects our actions as a Christian. Everywhere you find believers who are not much interested in affecting the culture in which they live and are looking forward to being raptured out of here before the Great Tribulation. And, that has a lot to do with how the American culture was ceded to the pagan influence that is prevalent today.

We also have another war in the Middle East. You can almost hear the books being written showing how this latest conflict will be bringing Armageddon closer to a reality in our time. [Call your office Hal Lindsey!] It seems like a good time to wade into the millennial debate. Not because we can discern what is going to happen. But, because what we believe about the Kingdom of God in terms of its realization will have a profound affect on our living and witness for the Gospel.

As a beginning, let’s review the standard, garden variety accepted millennial systems:

Pre-millennialism—There will be a future, literal, earthly millennial kingdom and it will begin when Christ returns.
Chronology: Church Age-->Second Coming-->Partial resurrection and Judgment
-->Millennium-->Apostasy-->Remaining Resurrection and Judgment-->Eternal State

A-millennialism—There will be no literal millennial kingdom.
Chronology: Church Age=Millennium-->Apostasy-->Second Coming-->General Resurrection and Judgment-->Eternal State

Post-millennialism—Christ will return after the millennial kingdom concludes.
Chronology: Church Age-->Millennium-->Second Coming-->General Resurrection and Judgment-->Eternal State

We will look more closely at these millennial systems, examine strong and weak points and offer some commentary that will both challenge and confront what are commonly held ideas. It should be interesting.