I'm including these comments only a bit reluctantly, but with the feeling that somehow dealing with this subject would not be quite complete without them. But for the reader, you will not find here any attempt to enter into the debate about end time predictions. That for me is a futile and endless discussion that almost always includes some separation between those who participate. I choose not to be a part of that.End time predictions have been given since the time of Jesus. He certainly did some of it, as well as the early believers. In early church history Irenaeus suggested that the world would last 6000 years, that antichrist would appear, that Christ would return and reign on earth for 1000 years, followed by the final judgment and the new creation.
There were two men who carried these ideas further and developed a much more complex system of end time predictions. These two, John Darby (1800-1882) and C.I. Scofield (1843-1921), developed the system known as dispensational premillennialism. Moody Bible Institute in Chicago used their magazine, Moody Monthly, and many prophecy conferences in various places to promote this complicated system. It no doubt was not these people's intent to bring division to the body of Christ, but that is certainly what has happened as a result of these teachings.
Much of the controversy that has arisen over this subject has its roots in the interpretation of Revelation 20. Revelation has proved to be a difficult book for many to understand and teach, and therefore, dare I say most, bible scholars do not bother to do that. They simply ignore this book of the Bible. The controversy comes mostly from the verses in chapter 20 that refer to a 1000 year period in which Satan will be bound with a chain for 1000 years, v. 2, and Christ will reign with the saints for 1000 years, vs.4,6. Various events are tied to the beginning and end of this period of time. Whatever interpretation we human beings give to this passage, and many, many other passages, will certainly not portray a true picture of the final events that will usher in eternity. How sad that we think we must align ourselves with one or the other at the expense of the unity our Lord prayed for so earnestly before he left this earth.
I have studied this subject and read quite widely on the subject of end time prophecy. I have written a manuscript in which I share some my personal beliefs on the subject, for what they may be worth. I will only affirm here that I stongly believe in the reality of the parousia (appearance) of Jesus to conclude this age. That much seems quite clear in the Scriptures. I choose to leave all the details of that up to our all-knowing Father Who will bring things about in His own time and way, because that's what He will do anyway. My goal is to live in anticipation and readiness for that to happen, or to live in faithfulness until He calls me home. To that end I remain
Pilgrim on the way
2 comments:
I could not agree with you more. I hate that in our denomination, people seem focused on defining others by their "end times" doctrinal beliefs. Unlike some of my brethren, I have never held to a particular end times theology except this and this only: Christ will appear visibly at some date and time which only the Father knows, and He will reign over all, putting an end to what we know now. My job is to simply be ready for that. All the details are already worked out and planned, and thank you God, I do not have to have it figured out in order to believe it. Thanks for your comments here, I appreciate your study and writing about this complicated topic!
I too agree with Marianne and you that it is futile and inappropriate to define others by their end-times beliefs.
I have taught the book of Revelation and find it a fascinating book. The overriding problem I had in the teaching of it was continually steering the classes away from various doctrinal beliefs and defining themselves and others by those beliefs.
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