Why a postmillennialist?

[A.ModerateOne]

There have been 3 main theories of eschatology held in the church; historic pre-mil, a-mil & post-mil. Good men of God have held the various theories. Here are some verses that prompt me to embrace the postmillennial theory. I'm not dogmatic on it nor do I consider it worth debating, but for those who can't understand why one would be postmillennial in this day, here are my reasons. I must go by faith on what's written, living by faith, not sight.

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.'” (Gen 1:26 RSV)
-read with-
"...Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Eph 4:23-24 RSV)
"...Put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." (Col 3:10 RSV) *Aren't we being renewed back to the original image of God at the creation before sin and the dominion given us?

"For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (he is God!), who formed the earth and made it (he established it; he did not create it a chaos, he formed it to be inhabited!): “I am the LORD, and there is no other." (Isa 45:18 RSV)
"The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the sons of men." (Ps 115:16 RSV)

"Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed." (Ps 112:1-2 RSV)

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matt 5:5 RSV)
"For the wicked shall be cut off; but those who wait for the LORD shall possess the land... But the meek shall possess the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity...for those blessed by the LORD shall possess the land, but those cursed by him shall be cut off." (Ps 37:9, 11, 22 RSV)

"...for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." (Col 1:16 RSV)

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven." (Matt 6:10 RSV)

"...and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Rom 8:17 RSV)
-read with-
"...but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." (Heb 1:2 RSV)

Conclusion:

"When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain." (Isa 57:13 RSV)

"And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.’" (Dan 7:27 RSV)

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." (Isa 9:6-7 RSV) See Acts 2:30-36

Speaking to and about Jews, Jesus said:
"For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matt 7:14 RSV)
Speaking about the Gentiles, Jesus said:
"When Jesus heard him, he marveled, and said to those who followed him, 'Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and sit at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.'” (Matt 8:10-12 RSV)

The kingdom is now: Matt. 12:28
Christ is king now: John 12:14-16
Christ reigns now: Acts 2:30-36
Satan is bound now: John 12:27,31; Matt. 12:28,29; Heb. 2:14
The justified are a new creation and reign now: Rom. 5:17, 8:17; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:6
Thousand years are symbolic: Psa. 50:10; 91:7; 105:8; Isa. 30:17; 60:22 KJV/REB

 

[Andrewn]

The kingdom is now: Matt. 12:28
Christ is king now: John 12:14-16
Christ reigns now: Acts 2:30-36
Satan is bound now: John 12:27,31; Matt. 12:28,29; Heb. 2:14
The justified are a new creation and reign now: Rom. 5:17, 8:17; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:6
Thousand years are symbolic: Psa. 50:10; 91:7; 105:8; Isa. 30:17; 60:22 KJV/REB

As an Amillennialist, I agree with all this. Actually, Amillennialists should be called Postmillennialists, except that the latter term has taken certain political overtones with which Amillennialists disagree.

"b. Recently, postmillennialism has seen a resurgence, with the rise of Christian reconstructionism and theonomy. In addition, there is mass confusion generated by critics of postmillennialism, such as Dave Hunt and Hal Lindsey, who portray the movement as taking two quite different and confusing forms -- that of "Theonomy," and that of "Dominion Theology." Thus many Evangelicals fail to see these two forms as distinct and divergent movements. Setting out the differences between the two forms then is helpful.

"1). The "theonomic" form of postmillennialism was initially presented by J. Marcellus Kik, and reworked into a full--blown ethical system known as "theonomy" or "reconstructionism" by R. J. Rushdoony. The business of the church was to work to see a theocracy restored upon the earth by emphasizing the continuity of OT law (civil, ceremonial and moral) with the NT. Once established, this victorious church would be the divine vehicle from which the ever advancing kingdom of God would bind Satan and subdue all evil in the world. The emphasis of theonomic postmillennialism is that it is God who exercises dominion through his church establishing His law as the law of the land. Other theologians in the postmillennial theonomic movement are, the late Greg Bahnsen, Ray Sutton and Gary North. Popular writers include Gary DeMarr, Kenneth Gentry, and Peter J. Leithart.
2). The "dominion" form of postmillennialism (though not all "dominion" advocates are postmillennial) is exclusively Pentecostal. This form believes the charismatic revival "Latter Rain") is God's means of binding Satan and allowing the Spirit-lead church to reclaim material possessions and wealth, which had been surrendered to unbelief and the kingdom of Satan. Once the Church understands its role and potential for dominion, through the work of the Spirit, be able to establish the kingdom of God on earth in it fullness, thereby bringing in a millennial age. The emphasis here is that it is the believer who must learn to exercise dominion if he is to take part in the advancing kingdom. Bishop Earl Paulk, Paul Yongli Cho and perhaps Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin and Pat Robertson."

Eschatology Chart

 

[Hazelelponi]

As an Amillennialist, I agree with all this. Actually, Amillennialists should be called Postmillennialists, except that the latter term has taken certain political overtones with which Amillennialists disagree.

"b. Recently, postmillennialism has seen a resurgence, with the rise of Christian reconstructionism and theonomy. In addition, there is mass confusion generated by critics of postmillennialism, such as Dave Hunt and Hal Lindsey, who portray the movement as taking two quite different and confusing forms -- that of "Theonomy," and that of "Dominion Theology." Thus many Evangelicals fail to see these two forms as distinct and divergent movements. Setting out the differences between the two forms then is helpful.

"1). The "theonomic" form of postmillennialism was initially presented by J. Marcellus Kik, and reworked into a full--blown ethical system known as "theonomy" or "reconstructionism" by R. J. Rushdoony. The business of the church was to work to see a theocracy restored upon the earth by emphasizing the continuity of OT law (civil, ceremonial and moral) with the NT. Once established, this victorious church would be the divine vehicle from which the ever advancing kingdom of God would bind Satan and subdue all evil in the world. The emphasis of theonomic postmillennialism is that it is God who exercises dominion through his church establishing His law as the law of the land. Other theologians in the postmillennial theonomic movement are, the late Greg Bahnsen, Ray Sutton and Gary North. Popular writers include Gary DeMarr, Kenneth Gentry, and Peter J. Leithart.
2). The "dominion" form of postmillennialism (though not all "dominion" advocates are postmillennial) is exclusively Pentecostal. This form believes the charismatic revival "Latter Rain") is God's means of binding Satan and allowing the Spirit-lead church to reclaim material possessions and wealth, which had been surrendered to unbelief and the kingdom of Satan. Once the Church understands its role and potential for dominion, through the work of the Spirit, be able to establish the kingdom of God on earth in it fullness, thereby bringing in a millennial age. The emphasis here is that it is the believer who must learn to exercise dominion if he is to take part in the advancing kingdom. Bishop Earl Paulk, Paul Yongli Cho and perhaps Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin and Pat Robertson."

Eschatology Chart

I do think the main difference is what you believe will occur prior to Jesus's return. A decline or falling away from truth, or a utopian state where Christianity only increases...

While I believe that the only thing that can "fix" the world is the spread of the faith, I also don't believe it will occur, I believe we have likely already peaked, and are in decline. ...

 

[A.ModerateOne]

As an Amillennialist, I agree with all this. Actually, Amillennialists should be called Postmillennialists, except that the latter term has taken certain political overtones with which Amillennialists disagree.

"b. Recently, postmillennialism has seen a resurgence, with the rise of Christian reconstructionism and theonomy. In addition, there is mass confusion generated by critics of postmillennialism, such as Dave Hunt and Hal Lindsey, who portray the movement as taking two quite different and confusing forms -- that of "Theonomy," and that of "Dominion Theology." Thus many Evangelicals fail to see these two forms as distinct and divergent movements. Setting out the differences between the two forms then is helpful.

"1). The "theonomic" form of postmillennialism was initially presented by J. Marcellus Kik, and reworked into a full--blown ethical system known as "theonomy" or "reconstructionism" by R. J. Rushdoony. The business of the church was to work to see a theocracy restored upon the earth by emphasizing the continuity of OT law (civil, ceremonial and moral) with the NT. Once established, this victorious church would be the divine vehicle from which the ever advancing kingdom of God would bind Satan and subdue all evil in the world. The emphasis of theonomic postmillennialism is that it is God who exercises dominion through his church establishing His law as the law of the land. Other theologians in the postmillennial theonomic movement are, the late Greg Bahnsen, Ray Sutton and Gary North. Popular writers include Gary DeMarr, Kenneth Gentry, and Peter J. Leithart.
2). The "dominion" form of postmillennialism (though not all "dominion" advocates are postmillennial) is exclusively Pentecostal. This form believes the charismatic revival "Latter Rain") is God's means of binding Satan and allowing the Spirit-lead church to reclaim material possessions and wealth, which had been surrendered to unbelief and the kingdom of Satan. Once the Church understands its role and potential for dominion, through the work of the Spirit, be able to establish the kingdom of God on earth in it fullness, thereby bringing in a millennial age. The emphasis here is that it is the believer who must learn to exercise dominion if he is to take part in the advancing kingdom. Bishop Earl Paulk, Paul Yongli Cho and perhaps Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin and Pat Robertson."

Eschatology Chart

Great information there, Andrew! My favorite post-mil book is by Kik, An Eschatology of Victory. I am a partial preterist, so the best commentary I know on the book of Revelation is by D. S. Clark, Message from Patmos. But in my understanding of the Scripture, I do actually fit most very early post-mil presentations; certainly NOT the theonomy or dominion ideas and in this day I reject calling myself a fundamentalist or an evangelical. The old Baptist John Gill taught the "Spiritual Reign of Christ" and then a later in the future the "Personal Reign of Christ" and 1000 year reign view is nothing like a dispensationalist. My personal view of post-mil is actually close to what Gill describes as the "spiritual reign" which is powerful through the gospel. Just a couple paragraphs from the introduction to that chapter I'll quote:

"It has been observed in the preceding chapter, that Christ has been exercising his kingly office in all ages of time, both before and since his incarnation: and there are two remarkable periods of time yet to come; in which Christ will exercise his kingly office in a more visible and glorious manner; the one may be called, the "spiritual reign of Christ"; and the other his "personal reign"; it is the former of these that will now be attended to; and which is no other than the present reign continued; and which will be administered in the same manner: only,

1. First, with greater purity, and to a greater degree of perfection; both as to doctrine and practice.

1a. The kingdom of Christ will be carried on by the ministry of the word, as now; the gospel will then be preached; and in this the spiritual reign will differ from the personal one, in which there will be no ministry of the word, all God's elect being gathered in, and the saints in a perfect state; but in this there will be multitudes to be converted, and will be converted by the word, and saints be in an imperfect state, and to be edified and comforted. The gospel is to be preached unto the end of the world, and Christ has promised his presence with his ministers so long; and hence the gospel is called the "everlasting gospel", #Mt 28:19,20 Re 14:6 but in the spiritual reign it will be preached,

1a1. With more light and clearness than now. The light of the present time is fitly described as being neither "clear nor dark"; not so clear as in the first times of the gospel, nor so dark as in the darkest times of Popery, or as it may be before a brighter day appears. It is "one day", a remarkable uncommon day; "known to the Lord", how long it will last, and to him only; "not day nor night", not clear day nor dark night, but a sort of an evening twilight; and at "evening time", when a greater darkness may be expected to be coming on, "it shall be light", #Zec 14:6,7 a blaze of light shall break out, and that to such a degree, that "the light of the moon", which at most is the light we now have, "shall be as the light of the sun" in its meridian splendour; and "the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days"; as great as the light of seven days could it be collected together; so great will be the difference between the gospel light as now, and as it will be then, #Isa 30:26. "The angel having the everlasting gospel to preach"; by whom is meant a set of gospel ministers in the spiritual reign; is said to "fly in the midst of heaven" with it, which not only denotes the public but the clear ministration of it, #Re 14:6." This is from his "Body of Divinity".
His By Grace--"John Gill: A Body of Doctrinal & Practical Divinity"-Doctrinal Book 5, Chapter 14

The Message from Patmos, the commentary by Clark is also available online:
https://cheungyclarkenespanol.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/david-s-clark-messagefrompatmo00clar.pdf

I sometimes think of myself as a very optimistic a-mil or a post-mil with not quite such a rosy outlook for the future. Thanks for the eschatology chart link, I'll bookmark that one.

 

[A.ModerateOne]

I do think the main difference is what you believe will occur prior to Jesus's return. A decline or falling away from truth, or a utopian state where Christianity only increases...

While I believe that the only thing that can "fix" the world is the spread of the faith, I also don't believe it will occur, I believe we have likely already peaked, and are in decline. ...

For me, this question points out that no matter how we try, we are unable to read the signs as were given to the Apostles to see when 70AD was approaching. If I compare life and living conditions now in the 21st century, would it not seem like the golden age to believers living in the 1st century under Rome? Are we in a sad period of time similar to life prior to the Protestant Reformation where a revival of the Holy Spirit was/is needed? Or, are we in the little season at the end of the millennium when Satan is released? Who knows, today may be "the last day"?

 

[Hazelelponi]

For me, this question points out that no matter how we try, we are unable to read the signs as were given to the Apostles to see when 70AD was approaching. If I compare life and living conditions now in the 21st century, would it not seem like the golden age to believers living in the 1st century under Rome? Are we in a sad period of time similar to life prior to the Protestant Reformation where a revival of the Holy Spirit was/is needed? Or, are we in the little season at the end of the millennium when Satan is released? Who knows, today may be "the last day"?

True..

 

[Davy]

There have been 3 main theories of eschatology held in the church; historic pre-mil, a-mil & post-mil. Good men of God have held the various theories. Here are some verses that prompt me to embrace the postmillennial theory. I'm not dogmatic on it nor do I consider it worth debating, but for those who can't understand why one would be postmillennial in this day, here are my reasons. I must go by faith on what's written, living by faith, not sight.
.....

The kingdom is now: Matt. 12:28
Christ is king now: John 12:14-16
Christ reigns now: Acts 2:30-36
Satan is bound now: John 12:27,31; Matt. 12:28,29; Heb. 2:14
The justified are a new creation and reign now: Rom. 5:17, 8:17; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:6
Thousand years are symbolic: Psa. 50:10; 91:7; 105:8; Isa. 30:17; 60:22 KJV/REB

I cannot agree that the Scripture you refer to supports your conclusion list at the bottom.

Jesus said His kingdom is NOT of this world: John 18:36.
Jesus begins His kingdom reign over all nations at His return: Revelation 11:15-18; Matthew 25:31
Christ is not reigning over the nations yet: Rev.11:15
Satan is not bound yet today, but is soon to be cast down to earth for the trib: Revelation 12:7 forward; Revelation 20.
Those in Christ reign with Christ when He returns: Revelation 20.
The "thousand years" of Rev.20 are literal: Revelation 20; Isaiah 24:20-23
(all references to the KJV Bible)