Amillennialism Alone
Is the official teaching of this blog.
The Book of Revelation was written for Pastoral Comfort of believers by John, and to show how God triumps over all things. It was not written so people can come with speculative theories about the end of the age.
I reject the idea of Christ setting up a kingdom on Earth? The reason being why would Christ need to set up an earthly kingdom at the same time as heaven. Especially with the world still in a depraved state.
-It should be noted that the book of Revelation is apocalyptic in its nature. Most apocalytpic writing is largely symbolic. For instance the reason the number 7 is always used is to speak of "Completeness" or "Fulfillment" This isn't to deny that there are accurate elements as the Seven Churches stated in Revelation 2-3 are indeed Churches. I intrepret Revelation based on the understanding of what is clearly taught elsewhere in scripture.
For instance I don't deny a Rapture as it is taught in I Thessolonians 4:14-17: A Rapture means that believers( Living and Dead) will meet the Lord at their judgement. Paul mentions this because believers were concerned about if other believers who were dead were going to meet the Lord.
I believe Christ will one day return, so all people may see him. (Acts 1:11, Matthew 24:27-30, Revelation 1:7)
When scripture speaks of signs of the end of the age. Such as natural disasters and apostasy these are signs that have occured all throughout human history. This isn't to say they might not increase towards Christ second return. But both are examples of human depravity which is rather consistent. I reject a specific time-frame for which they events occur.
So how do I intrepret Revelation 20
-20:1-3 at Christ's first coming Satan's was cast out (John 12:31) , where as Christ bound Satan (Matthew 12:24-29). Basically Satan can not keep all nations from hearing the Gospel (Acts 14:16). The time Satan shall still have authority will be limited. So this passage speaks of soemthing bad which has been defeated.
-2o:4-6-This was defeated by conversion as John seems to be refering here to the First Resurrection as taught in Romans 6:2-11; Colossians 2:12-13) Those who share in this resurrection are no longer under the power of eternal death.
-20:7-10-Describes the persecution of Christians which has been taken place ever since there was a Christian church.
20:11-16- Teach the simple Biblical teaching that on the judgement day there will be a judgement of believers to eternal life, and unbelievers to eternal punishment.
So I obviously reject any sort of politicizing of this passage. It is speculative to speak of this as refering to any sort of war or to refer to Gog and Magog as any sort of modern politicial states. This is not to say I am not a strong supporter of Israel's right to defense, and support America's support of Israel but not because of any sort of Theological reasons.
The notion of all of Israel includes two seperate uses by Paul in Romans for instance in Romans 9:27-Paul refers to Israel as being the Jewish People where as in Romans 11:26- He refers to Israel as God's elect over and against a refernce made to Israel as a people in verse 23. Any sort of verses speaking of persectuion of the elect seem to be refering to Israel seems to be refering to persecution of the elect.
More will be given on this topic as requested.
-
The Book of Revelation was written for Pastoral Comfort of believers by John, and to show how God triumps over all things. It was not written so people can come with speculative theories about the end of the age.
I reject the idea of Christ setting up a kingdom on Earth? The reason being why would Christ need to set up an earthly kingdom at the same time as heaven. Especially with the world still in a depraved state.
-It should be noted that the book of Revelation is apocalyptic in its nature. Most apocalytpic writing is largely symbolic. For instance the reason the number 7 is always used is to speak of "Completeness" or "Fulfillment" This isn't to deny that there are accurate elements as the Seven Churches stated in Revelation 2-3 are indeed Churches. I intrepret Revelation based on the understanding of what is clearly taught elsewhere in scripture.
For instance I don't deny a Rapture as it is taught in I Thessolonians 4:14-17: A Rapture means that believers( Living and Dead) will meet the Lord at their judgement. Paul mentions this because believers were concerned about if other believers who were dead were going to meet the Lord.
I believe Christ will one day return, so all people may see him. (Acts 1:11, Matthew 24:27-30, Revelation 1:7)
When scripture speaks of signs of the end of the age. Such as natural disasters and apostasy these are signs that have occured all throughout human history. This isn't to say they might not increase towards Christ second return. But both are examples of human depravity which is rather consistent. I reject a specific time-frame for which they events occur.
So how do I intrepret Revelation 20
-20:1-3 at Christ's first coming Satan's was cast out (John 12:31) , where as Christ bound Satan (Matthew 12:24-29). Basically Satan can not keep all nations from hearing the Gospel (Acts 14:16). The time Satan shall still have authority will be limited. So this passage speaks of soemthing bad which has been defeated.
-2o:4-6-This was defeated by conversion as John seems to be refering here to the First Resurrection as taught in Romans 6:2-11; Colossians 2:12-13) Those who share in this resurrection are no longer under the power of eternal death.
-20:7-10-Describes the persecution of Christians which has been taken place ever since there was a Christian church.
20:11-16- Teach the simple Biblical teaching that on the judgement day there will be a judgement of believers to eternal life, and unbelievers to eternal punishment.
So I obviously reject any sort of politicizing of this passage. It is speculative to speak of this as refering to any sort of war or to refer to Gog and Magog as any sort of modern politicial states. This is not to say I am not a strong supporter of Israel's right to defense, and support America's support of Israel but not because of any sort of Theological reasons.
The notion of all of Israel includes two seperate uses by Paul in Romans for instance in Romans 9:27-Paul refers to Israel as being the Jewish People where as in Romans 11:26- He refers to Israel as God's elect over and against a refernce made to Israel as a people in verse 23. Any sort of verses speaking of persectuion of the elect seem to be refering to Israel seems to be refering to persecution of the elect.
More will be given on this topic as requested.
-
posted by Stew at 2:17 PM
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