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Aug. 13, 2007 The first thing one might think of when hearing that word is bless you. The word however is Greek and refers to mainly philosophical and theological arguments concerning the end of the world. There are several schools of thought ranging from theories from scientist, theologians and from the secular community. Steve Dayton covered one possible scenario with an article on the omega point by physicist Frank J. Tipler. I thought I’d deal with the a few of the common Christian perspectives of the issue. First of all when speaking of the millennialism view it comes down to the interpretation of several passages located in revelations chapter 20 verses 1-10 and the interpretations of these passages. Each of these theories have their own advocates among theologians and depends if the scripture in question is taken literally, symbolically, historically or some combination. The three main differences are does Christ rule for 1000 years from heaven or from earth, when does the tribulation take place and when does the rapture take place. Dispensational Premillennialism is the belief that just prior to the great tribulation Christ will return to take (rapture) the saints (both living and dead) to heaven. Immediately following this period of tribulation Christ will return to rule from earth for 1000 years. Those that escape the tribulation will also rule with Christ for 1000 years. Following this 1000 years of peace Satan is once again turned loose to deceive as many as he can, gather an army to bring to battle. This battle called Armageddon will conclude in the great white throne judgment and the end as we know it. Historical Premillennialism is essentially the same thing as Dispensational with the exception that the second coming of Christ occurs at the end of the time of tribulation. Christians do not escape the time of tribulation and the rapture takes place at the end. Once again Christ sets up his 1000 year reign, Satan is loosed after 1000 years, Armageddon happens and the great white throne judgment occurs. Postmillennialism holds the view that the millennium is not a literal 1000 years reign however refers to the reign as a result of a gradual conversion rather then a cataclysmic event. At the end of this period of time, Christ returns to judge. This view holds that a majority of the prophecies spoken of in revelations have already been fulfilled with the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem in 70ad. The time of tribulation then would refer to what happened to the early Christians during the reign of Nero. The problem I see with Dispensational Premillennialism is it has the all of the subtlety of a brick through a plate glass window.. Assume for a moment that you are setting at your home when suddenly there is a news story. Millions of those pesky Christians have disappeared…without a trace. Just simply vanished from homes, businesses, cars and along with the mystery are huge numbers of eyewitnesses from all walks of life. All of the reports have the same common theme of this person I was talking to suddenly just vanished. I imagine that the possibility exists that in the world wide panic and the vacuum created by the disappearance of the Christian church the anti-Christ could step in to restore a sense of calm. I still believe that a plausible explanation would be extremely difficult to get the remaining public to believe. The problem I have with Historical Premillennialism is that the Bible states no one knows when Christ will return again. With this view however it’s pretty much easy to figure out a time line. The tribulation might sneak up on some however there would be certain signs to look for. A world government along with the institution of one acceptable religion and this would be followed by a cashless society. Followed by Perhaps a computer chip implanted which would then become necessary for all transactions. At the end of this 7 year period, Christ returns. If I had to make a decision as to which theory I personally would advocate to it would be Postmillennialism. The early Christians suffered terribly under Nero and as an interesting side point, all earlier emperors of the Roman Empire were deified after their death. Nero considered him self a god during his rule. With that being said I’m sure others have good reasons for what they believe. Only time will tell. ------------ About the author: Tracey Stevens is a longtime contributor of Useless-Knowledge. Email: phoque62@hotmail.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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