Sunday, September 14, 2008 pm
PREMILLENIALISM EXAMINED (3)
Exposing Its Pillars (2)
We have begun a
study of the doctrine of premillenialism.
This is part of an ongoing study dealing with the end of time as
far as the earth is concerned.
We began this part of the study two weeks ago by noting some of
the problems with premillenialism and defining it.
Last week we examined one of the key pillars upon which this
doctrine is based – that the land promise to Israel through Abraham is
yet to be completely fulfilled.
The contention is that even though they inherited the land for
awhile, all the promises indicate Israel must again be restored based on
various passages and that the process has begun.
We examined some of the passages used and showed why their
teachings did not necessitate that view, and in light of the rest of
scripture, they could NOT be the proper interpretation.
Today we want to
examine another pillar or key element of premillenialism.
We want to talk about the church and the kingdom.
We intend to show that it is taught by some that Jesus came to
establish the kingdom, but because the world was not ready, the church
was established in its place.
We will also examine what the Bible actually says about the
relationship of the church and the kingdom as well as notice some
characteristics of the kingdom.
a.
In times
past, I have frequently mentioned that some teach that the church was
established as an afterthought.
Because of the seriousness of that charge (and its consequences)
I would like to take a few moments to help verify this is NOT something
made up, but it is actually taught.
Following are some quotes from authorities who teach either
dispensationalism or premillenialism.
b.
In his
book, Things to Come
by Dwight Pentecost (©1958), a respected authority in the denominational
world on this subject, we find the following quotes.
Dealing with the gospel of Matthew, on pages 463-64 we find the
following statement, "...the
pivotal point in the Lord's ministry to Israel was reached in the
twelfth chapter, where the rejection of Israel by Christ, because of
their announced rejection of Him, and
the withdrawal of the offer of
the kingdom is recorded."
He then describes the parables that Jesus spoke to His apostles in
chapter 13 (the Sower, mustard seed, treasure, dragnet, etc.) saying, “the
Lord outlines the program in the development of the theocratic kingdom
during the period of the King’s absence,
and announces the inception of an
entirely new, unheralded, and unexpected program – the church (Matt.
16:13-20). He prepares the
disciples for a long delay in the
kingdom program as it relates to Israel (Luke 19:11-27).
He promises the second advent, at
which time the kingdom program
with Israel will be resumed (Matt. 24:27-31), and gives the nation
signs that will herald His second advent (Matt. 24:4-26).” (ibid.
464).
(Taken from excerpts of the book bound at:
www.books.google.com )
c.
Other
dispensationalists like Darby and Harry Ironside make reference to the
covenant God established with Israel and note that the church is NOT a
part of that covenant.
However, they say that we a benefactors of the “blessings of the
covenant” but not the covenant itself.
For example, Ironside speaking on the book of Lamentations says,
“It is important to note that
while the blessings of the new covenant are ours, yet it is never said
to be made with the Church. … The Mediator of that covenant is the Lord
Jesus Christ. The blood of the new covenant is that which he shed for
our sins. Therefore believers now rejoice in the distinctive blessings
it insures; but it is with the
earthly, not with the heavenly, people that the covenant itself is to be
made” (http://pjmiller.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/dispensationalism-today-yesterday-and-tomorrow-part-7/)
d.
In
describing the 70 weeks of Daniel 9:24-27 which describes a period of
time that was supposed to begin with the completion of the rebuilding of
Jerusalem (cf. Nehemiah) and conclude with the coming of the Messiah.
They believe that the first 69 weeks were fulfilled from a time
standpoint when Christ came.
BUT, after that and before the 70th week , which was supposed
to be the advent of Christ as He begins His reign on earth, they speak
of a gap or “a parenthesis” of an indefinite period.
In other words, “God’s plan was put on hold – and the church was
presented in place of the kingdom.
e.
Other
Premillenialists believe that the church IS a part of the kingdom, but
it was still established as an afterthought.
For example, Robert H. Boll in his book, “The Kingdom of God”
says, “We have now briefly traced
the kingdom-teaching of Matthew, the kingdom-gospel, from beginning to
the end. We have seen how the Old
Testament hope of the Messianic kingdom of Israel and its world-wide
sway was at first entirely in the foreground; how the crisis came
when the opposition of Israel culminated in plans of murder;
how then the Lord Jesus Christ
began to announce an entirely new and different aspect which His kingdom
was to assume; and how thenceforth, not leaving out of view the Old
Testament promise of the kingdom, the present, spiritual, veiled
suffering form of the kingdom of Heaven, until He should come again,
occupied the foreground of His teaching.”
In other words, Jesus changed plans and began to prepare for the
church because the Jews rejected Him, but he will return and resume his
work with restoring physical Israel.
The Kingdom of God, Chapter 1, “The
Kingdom in Matthew”, Last paragraph.
(Found at,
http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/rboll/kog3/KOG300.HTM)
a.
Premillenialism depends on there being a clear distinction between the
kingdom and the church. That
is how they explain the church in existence today AND a future kingdom.
If we can show with scripture the relationship between the kingdom and
the church we can deal a serious blow to this theory.
b.
Scriptures
teach a relationship that exists between the kingdom and the church
which is inseparable. You
cannot separate them from one another as so many attempts to do.
If one is a part of one he is a part of the other.
Notice the correlation between the two.
c.
Both were
established at the same time – Acts 2.
i.
Prior to
that event, every text dealing with both looked toward its
establishment.
Matthew 16:18-19, “I will build My church” “I will give you the keys to
the kingdom.”
The timeframe of the kingdom had been established as imminent – Mark
9:1.
The timeframe had been established in history as well - cf. Dan. 2:44.
ii.
On the day
of Pentecost – some 3000 souls were baptized.
Acts 2:47 notes (NKJV) that the Lord added to the church daily
those who were being saved.
While the word “church” is not used in the text, it is clear that is
what is addressed as you see its development in the book of Acts (cf.
Acts 5:11, 8:1-3, etc.)
iii.
After
Pentecost, both are presented as in existence.
Concerning the church – Not only does Acts continually describe the
church, but many letters written to churches in existence (1 Cor. 1:2,
Gal. 1:2, etc.)
Much of the writings
are directed toward churches.
Concerning the kingdom – Acts. 8:12 – Philip preached things concerning
the kingdom.
2 Thess. 1:5 – they
were suffering for the kingdom
Colossians 1:13 – we are
conveyed into His kingdom.
iv.
Christ is
head of:
1.
The church
– Ephesians 1:21, 22
2.
The
Kingdom – Acts 17:7 – Christ called a king
v.
The Law it
is under
1.
The church
– 1 Cor. 15:1-4 – the gospel was preached to the church at Corinth.
2.
The
kingdom – Acts 8:12 – the gospel preached were “things concerning the
kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.”
vi.
Subjects
1.
The church
– Ephesians 1:22, 2:19 – members of the household of God.
2.
The
kingdom – Ephesians 2:19-20 – fellow citizens built upon the foundation
of Christ.
vii.
Territory
1.
The Church
– Colossians 3:15 – in their hearts
2.
The
kingdom – Hebrews 8:10-11 – in their hearts
viii.
Its
duration
1.
The church
– Matt. 16:18 – the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
2.
The
Kingdom – 1 Cor. 15:24 – the end He will deliver the kingdom to the
Father.
NOTE: There is no necessity that the ending of these two things is
different!
ix.
Entered
into through baptism (based upon faith)
1.
The church
– 1 Cor. 12:12-13, Acts 2:47
2.
The
Kingdom – John 3:3-5, born again.
Acts 8:12 where Philip preached “things concerning the kingdom”
which resulted in them being baptized.
x.
More
examples could be added to these.
However, these are sufficient to show how the church and kingdom
ARE related to one another.
They have the same beginning and end and cannot be separated the way
premillenialism attempts to do.
In reality, the two terms simply describe different aspects of those who
belong to God.
1.
The church
– means a called out body.
We are to be separated from the world and seek to join ourselves with
others of “like precious faith”
2.
The
kingdom – describes how we are in subjection to God and Christ.
He is our King and we are His subjects.
a.
Was the
church an afterthought? NO!
i.
Ephesians
3:10-11
ii.
Acts
15:14-17, where discussion is taking place with the church at Jerusalem.
James speaks and notes that the prophets agreed with the example
Peter had set (going to Cornelius).
He then quotes from Amos 9:11-12.
Here is an O.T. prophecy looking toward the church (because James
speaks of its fulfillment within the church).
iii.
Joel
2:28-32 which is quoted on the day of Pentecost.
NOTE: We have shown that Premillenialists say the church was an
afterthought, but we have cited TWO passages from the O.T. that verify
it was something God had in His plans all along.
b.
What is
the nature of the kingdom?
i.
Scriptures
clearly teach the spiritual nature of the kingdom.
ii.
John 3:3-5
– when Jesus spoke to Nicodemus He spoke of being born again to enter
the kingdom. The birth is
obviously a spiritual birth.
iii.
Luke
17:20-21 – Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you.”
iv.
Romans
14:17 – the kingdom is righteousness, etc.
v.
This
answers the question, “Did Jesus intend to establish a physical
kingdom?” Scriptures clearly show
this was NEVER the intent of Jesus.
Note what He said in John 18:36.
Also recall Acts 1:6-8 where even His disciples were still seeking the
physical kingdom. Jesus
tells them what the kingdom would be.
c.
Jesus is
NOW reigning as King in His kingdom.
i.
Acts
2:32-36 speaks of Christ being seated at the right hand of God and is
now “Lord and Christ.” This
is in a text where Peter is making reference to the throne of David,
which was the source of hope of a kingdom to the Jews (vs. 30).
ii.
1
Corinthians 15:22-26 – Christ is now reigning and will continue to do so
until He returns. A glance
of this passage might indicate that Christ is going to return, at which
time the dead in Christ will be raised, AND then the end will come
later. While the text deals
with order, it CANNOT be speaking of a future kingdom for vs. 25 says,
“For He must reign till He has put all enemies at His feet.”
The word, “reign” means, “to
reign, rule, be king…” (WS Dictionary of the N.T.).
The tense of the verb is “present tense” which means ongoing
action as the text was written.