The Debate Over the End: Paul Viggiano and Douglas Hamp

"The End of the World has been a fascinating area of biblical study for Millennia. Recorded live at the, "It's the End of the World as We Know It Conference" at Branch of Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Torrance CA, Pastor Paul Viggiano (Historic Post-Millennial) a Presbyterian and Pastor Douglas Hamp (Dispensational Pre-Millennial) of Calvary Chapel discuss in a rich and irenic fashion what the Bible says about how the world ends.

"This is easily the most interesting debate of it's kind in recent years and possibly one of the most approachable for those seeking to understand this intensely interesting and confusing area of Christian concern. Moderated by Brian Godawa before an audience of hundreds, we're sure you'll enjoy this earnest discussion."

Disclaimer on Douglas Hemp: Hemp is a public opponent of the doctrine of predestination

Christ, Salvation, Law & Postmillennialism (by Ken Gentry)

Excerpt:

Christ Perfectly Keeps the Law

The Scripture teaches that he comes to keep the Law: “Then I said, ‘Behold, I come; / In the scroll of the book it is written of me; / I delight to do Thy will, O my God; / Thy Law is within my heart” (Psa 40:7– 8). The writer of Hebrews applies this verse to him (Heb 10:5–7). He perfectly keep God’s Law in his own life: “I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love” (John 15:10b). Because of the nature of sin as transgression of the Law (1 John 3:4) Christ is sinless because he keeps the Law: “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” (John 8:46).

This being the case, he is our perfect example to follow in Law-keeping: “The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:4-6). Following after Christ and keeping his commandments are synonymous according to John.

Read the article in its entirety

The Redemption of the World (The Post-Millennial Hope) (Ken Gentry)

New Book: Preaching and the Victory of the Gospel (by John M. Otis)

Preaching and the Victory of the Gospel is a 590 page systematic presentation of the biblical promises pertaining to God’s plan for human history from Genesis to Revelation – one of great victory for Christ’s church, not defeat.  

The two theological systems of Covenant Theology and Dispensationalism often do battle over eschatological issues. What is the millennium and when does it come?  Is it before or after Christ’s Second Coming?  What is the destiny for the church of Christ?

Preaching and the Victory of the Gospel advocates the major tenets of Covenant Theology with this main emphasis – all of the various covenants of promise promote the victory of the church. A sovereign God cannot lose in history, and He definitely does not ordain the defeat of His church.

Our theology should be rooted in a faithful exegesis of biblical passages, and this faithful exegesis demonstrates that the millennium is before His Second Coming.  Jesus is presently King of kings and Lord of lords and is presently sitting on David’s throne in heaven, subduing the nations as promised in Psalm 110. The Great Commission will be fulfilled prior to Christ’s Second Coming to such an extent that the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.  It is guaranteed because Jesus has all authority and power in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18-20).

The amazing thing is that Jesus preaches through His preachers.  Jesus is exercising dominion over the nations through the instrumentality of His church.  Jesus is going forth conquering to conquer (Rev. 6:2), and His church is the God ordained agent for this glorious truth.  King Jesus has provided divinely powerful weapons to His church for the spiritual conquest of the earth – that of preaching and prayer.  The church of Christ is an invincible spiritual army that uses these weapons to assault the gates of hell, bringing captive all thoughts to the obedience of Christ.

This victory perspective was commonplace among many preachers of the 18^th and 19^th Centuries, inspiring and propelling world missions.  God was pleased to bring to pass some of history’s greatest revivals because of faithful preaching and praying.  One chapter shows how God magnificently used the preaching of George Whitefield, Samuel Davies, Daniel Baker, and Charles Spurgeon to advance Christ’s cause.

Cost $25.00 in US (includes postage and handling); $30.00 in Canada.  

Order from Triumphant Publications

The Victory of Christian Culture (by Daniel F. N. Ritchie)

Answers to Postmillennial Objections (Ken Gentry)

Sermon Series on Postmillennialism (Brian Schwertley)

Introduction and Overview of
Dispensational Premillennialism


An Overview of Amillennialism


An Overview of Postmillennialism


Historicism versus Partial Preterism


Biblical Basis for Postmillennialism


Biblical Basis for Postmillennialism

Biblical Eschatology: Accuracy is Essential

by Paul Michael Raymond
The Institute for Theonomic Reformation

"Eschatology is inseparable from purpose, purpose in history. The goal of the enemy is the Kingdom of Man. The goal of Christ's people must be the Kingdom of God, ruled by God's law-word. Eschatology is not only about ends, but also means to the given goal. This is why Theonomy, God's law and its rule, is inseparable from God's Kingdom." ~ R.J. Rushdoony ‘Journal of Christian Reconstruction’, Vol. XV, 1998 p. 11 

Eschatology coupled with the application of God's Law is the lynch-pin for Christian victory. Without a postmillennial view of history, which ensures a comprehensive victory by the Sovereign Christ, the church will languish in fear, doubt and despondency. 

The Apostle makes a critical end-time prediction of how it is going to pan out. In speaking of the end of time, he states,

1Co 15:24-25 "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet."

Note: The end will come ONLY after Christ has put down ALL RULE and ALL AUTHORITY and ALL POWER. 

He can do this since at His resurrection, all Power was given to Him in heaven AND IN THE EARTH!

The Kingdom of His Dominion had arrived as a result of His resurrection, and at Pentecost the result of that victory came with visible power as the Holy Spirit was poured out. 

Jesus had told the apostles that He would not eat or drink with them until He did so a-new in the Kingdom. After His resurrection He does just that; He eats and drinks with them, signifying the fact that His Conquering Kingdom had come and He was seated as King in Heaven reigning over the earth.

Before His resurrection He had told His people that the Kingdom was at hand. At His resurrection it had come. Fifty days later it was evident to all flesh.

This event was foretold by both David and Daniel: 

Psalm 72:8 "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth."

Daniel 7:14 "And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."

The New Testament writer to the Hebrews reiterates Christ's position of absolute Sovereignty and the totality of His victory. 

Hebrews 2:8 "Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him..."

Then he explains why we do not see the kingdom's manifestation during the dark days of history. 

"...But now we see not yet all things put under him."

The work of Christ's victory will not always be evident on earth. Nor are we promised that in every age there will be a positive progression of Christ's Kingdom, especially in light of the Church's apostasy. What we can expect during ecclesiastic rebellion is God's chastisement and great darkness. Christ is hidden in those times. (cf Prov 28:12) Nevertheless the Kingdom is advancing. The evidence of that advancement will only be manifested when the church returns to the Law's application for every area of life.

Here is what we are promised in every time, be it light or dark.

Heb 2:9 "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

We are promised that by faith we see the Heavenly reality of eminent victory beyond the senses. By faith we know that victory on earth is at hand. It may not be in our lifetime. But it will come during human life-time. Christ does not need to come again to establish His Kingdom and reign, He already has.

The problem with the modern, postmodern and secularized-Christian church is that they are unwilling to look beyond themselves to the heritage of many future generations beyond their own. 

Postmillennial Eschatology is a labor of faith knowing that what Christ has accomplished is real, and what He has promised will come to pass until He subdues all kingdoms. It is at that time that the knowledge of His Universal and Comprehensive Lordship will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea as Isaiah predicted thousands of years ago. 

Christo Kurios

Originally published in the New Geneva Ambassador School Blog

John Otis' 28-Part Video Series on Eschatology Available for Free

Schematic overview of Four Millennial Views from Christine Otis on Vimeo.


Rev. John Otis' 28-part lecture series on eschatology is now available for free viewing.  A 180 page study guide (his lecture notes) can also be purchased by contacting Otis at cjotis2@yahoo.com.

watch videos

   

The Relationship of Hermeneutics to Eschatology (John M. Otis)

The Relationship of Hermeneutics to Eschatology from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

"Who is the True Israel?" (by John M. Otis)

Who Is the True Israel from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

Who Is the True Israel pt2 from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

Who Is the True Israel pt3 from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

"What is the Kingdom of God?" (by John M. Otis)

What Is the Kingdom of God Pt 1 from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

What Is the Kingdom of God Pt 2 from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

What Is the Kingdom of God Pt 3 from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

What Is the Kingdom of God Pt 4 from Christine Otis on Vimeo.

Eschatology (articles)

1. "The Coming of Christ's Kingdom: The End-Times and the Triumph of the Gospel: An Eschatology Bible Study" (Mike Warren)

Postmillennial Objections (articles)

1. "Some Objections to Postmillennialism Answered" (Mike Warren)

The Beast of Revelation: IDENTIFIED (3 of 25)

Kenneth Gentry on his upcoming commentary on Revelation

KennethGentry.Com

"Kenneth Gentry offers "serious studies for serious Christians" in a broad range of theological and exegetical issues from a Reformed theological perspective. Some of the key issues for which we have educational materials include: Calvinism, reformed theology, Presbyterianism, eschatology in general, postmillennialism, preterism, the Book of Revelation, theonomy, six-day creation, presuppositionalism, predestination, lordship salvation, infant baptism, the Christian worldview, Christian education, the Christian and alcohol, and more."

visit site

Postmillennial Objections (audio)

Postmillenialism and Revelation 20 (audio)

Overview of Postmillennialism (audio)