Barry Smith - End Times prophecy etc...OK?

[salamacum]

What do the reformed traditionally or currently make of end-times scenarios, most forcefully, for example put foreward by the likes of Barry Smith.

You know, Babylon > Medio-Persia > Greece > Rome > EC > Financial System > AntiChrist > Apocalypse > Return of Christ > Establishment of the millenium.

(Obviously bits missed off, here)

Is it valid? Can the Bible be used like this?

And for those that DO think it's important, how dangerous is it spiritually for us to neglect it?

 

[Epiphoskei]

The Reformed are traditionally amillenial, which means most would have little time for the highly dispensational, premillenial theology which seems to fuel eschatology in the modern church. Reformed Baptists, such as myself, tend to be not very amillenial at all, but we're not much keener on these end time scenerios either.

 

[salamacum]

Thanks for that,

But I'm not really after the expression of preference, but really an explanation of why the Bible can't be used like this.

Or if not that then an assessment that these scenarios are internally incoherent.

 

[ReformedChapin]

Thanks for that,

But I'm not really after the expression of preference, but really an explanation of why the Bible can't be used like this.

Or if not that then an assessment that these scenarios are internally incoherent.

The bible shouldn't be used like this because it's pure speculation. We should focus on our exegesis not trying to predict end times scenarios and date setting.

 

[mlqurgw]

What do the reformed traditionally or currently make of end-times scenarios, most forcefully, for example put foreward by the likes of Barry Smith.

You know, Babylon > Medio-Persia > Greece > Rome > EC > Financial System > AntiChrist > Apocalypse > Return of Christ > Establishment of the millenium.

(Obviously bits missed off, here)

Is it valid? Can the Bible be used like this?

And for those that DO think it's important, how dangerous is it spiritually for us to neglect it?

The problem is that those things are not what the Scriptures are about. They are about Christ, His person and work. John 5:39 When Satan can get the focus on end time prophecy or end times he has won the day. Not the war but the battle of the day. Our business isn't to tell folks what is going to happen or to interpret what is happening but to tell them about Christ. If they know Him and know about what He did and how He did and who He did it for they have all that can give them perfect peace in this troubled world. Focusing on prophecy is preaching speculations as well. We have no right or responsibility to preach our opinions and speculations to eternity bound sinners. There are 2 things that are clearly revealed in the Scriptures concerning future events: Christ is coming back and there will be a judgement. Give no heed to any who try and tell you about prophetic events. They are not called of God as His messengers.