Examining Historic Premillennialism

Premillennialism as defined by George Eldon Ladd.

 

A Preview of the New Covenant

From this morning's reading. Jeremiah speaks of the New Covenant well before we get to chapter 31, as he reveals to the northern and southern kingdoms what will take place when He gives His people shepherds who will care for them, shepherds will skill and wisdom.

And the ark which contained the tablets of stone, which was still missing in Jeremiah's day, will not be thought of. For just as Paul wrote about the glory of the New over the Old (2 Cor 3:7-11), so was Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 3:14-17 Return, you faithless children” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “for I am your master, and I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. I will give you shepherds who are loyal to Me, and they will shepherd you with knowledge and skill. When you multiply and increase in the land, in those days” — the Lord’s declaration — “no one will say any longer, ‘The ark of the Lord’s covenant.’ It will never come to mind, and no one will remember or miss it. It will never again be made. At that time Jerusalem will be called, Yahweh’s Throne, and all the nations will be gathered to it, to the name of Yahweh in Jerusalem. They will cease to follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

Here's how Paul commented: 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 Now if the ministry of death, chiseled in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the Israelites were not able to look directly at Moses’ face because of the glory from his face — a fading glory — how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness overflows with even more glory. In fact, what had been glorious is not glorious now by comparison because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was fading away was glorious, what endures will be even more glorious.

If we have been raised up in new life in Christ, let us not return to to beggarly elements. Again, from Paul:

Galatians 4:9-11 But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.

Look unto Christ! For He is our help in every trial and He is our strength and wisdom and grace.

Examining Postmillennialism

From this morning, examining Postmillennialism.

As I state in the opening, this is a look at what 2 well known advocates of our day have said and is not presented as a comprehensive overview.

These men are not heretics, but I do believe they are focused on the wrong things.

Examining Dispensationalism

In this lesson, I take a look at the essential elements of dispensationalism according to Charles Ryrue.

Introduction to a Series on Eschatology

What is eschatology? Is it important? Any guidance in the Bible as to how we should approach it?

 

Proverbs from Hebrews 12 & 13

The Bible is replete with practical instructions for walking as children of light in this wicked world.

Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us.

keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith

consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.

Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons.

strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees

make straight paths for your feet

Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up

make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau

Make sure that you do not reject the One who speaks.

Let brotherly love continue.

Don’t neglect to show hospitality

Remember the prisoners

Respect marriage

Be satisfied with what you have

Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.

Don’t be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Pray for us

receive this message of exhortation

Helpful Observations

The Old Testament is not the same as the Old Covenant; the New Testament is not the same as the New Covenant. While the Greek word for testament is the same as for covenant, that does not make these the same. The Bible does not refer to the “Old Testament” or “New Testament” – these are handy labels man developed.

Genesis and Job are Old Testament books which show the lives of people that are not in the Old Covenant. Much of the gospels describe life in the Old Covenant and much of the other New Testament books describe life during transition from old to new covenant.

The Old Covenant is life under the Mosaic Law.

The New Covenant is life in Christ, by grace through faith in the Son of God.

The whole Bible shows us the futility of trying to live apart from faith in Jesus, pointing us to eternal life that He gives through faith, not the works of our hands.