End Times (Part 2)

My friend Dr. Nate Busenitz closed his post with this comment...

"My closing thoughts on this discussion:

First, I would very much like to thank our amillennial and postmillennial brothers for joining in this discussion – and for doing so in a gracious and cordial way. I believe the love of Christ is put on display, and Christ Himself is honored, when we discuss our disagreements (over secondary issues) in a way that preserves our Christian testimony. As has been noted numerous times throughout this discussion, we will all spend eternity together worshipping the Risen Lamb.
Second, I would like to emphasize the many points of agreement that we share. Obviously, we are united on the gospel. It is this foundational level that allows us to fellowship together and to stand united for the truth. But even in eschatology, we share much in common. We all cling tenaciously to the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11–14). We all look forward to our future resurrection, based on the historic resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15). We all anticipate the heavenly reward we will receive for our faithfulness on earth (cf. 2 Tim. 4:6-8). We all await our heavenly rest (Heb. 4), and the wonders of heavenly worship (Rev. 4–5), when we will see our Savior face to face (1 Cor. 13:12). The essence and foundation of our hope does not differ, even if our eschatological timelines might.

This is not to say, of course, that eschatology is unimportant. Nor does it gives us the right to give up on the topic – and join the ranks of “pan-millennialism” (where it all “pans out” in the end). We recognize that there are things “hard to understand” (as Peter wrote of Paul’s letters — 2 Pet 3:16), yet we continue to diligently apply ourselves to the task of study and application. We believe, as Christ promised, that if we apply ourselves to understanding even the prophetic portions of Scripture, we will be blessed (Rev. 1:3; 22:7).

But why make such a big deal about eschatology? I like Darrell Bock’s answer: “At stake are God’s promises and the trustworthiness of His Word in commitment to Israel about a land and a kingdom” (Coming Millennial Kingdom, 190). For me this is (and remains) the issue. God proved His faithfulness by literally fulfilling prophecies concerning Christ’s first coming (cf. Matt 2:5-6; John 7:42), and we are confident that He will literally fulfill His promises to the church. So why would OT promises regarding Christ’s second coming be any different? We don’t believe that they are. We believe that God keeps His Word to the letter, having made His promises in a straight-forward manner. Hence, we are premillennialists.

For those interested in studying the premillennial perspective in more depth, please see the links we posted at the beginning of this series (on Monday) and throughout. For those who want a good laugh at the expense of dispensationalists, please see this link.

May the Lord be honored with us all, as we pursue Him in faithfulness and eagerly wait for His return. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. "

By Dr. Nate Busenitz