165 – Introduction To The Series -Kingdom of God

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: THEOLOGY V LESSON # 65

ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES

INTRODUCTION:

1. I have chosen my title for this series carefully and I want to explain it.
2. The proper division of theological study for this is eschatology (study of last things).
3. Yet our study is not this broad, for many of the “last things” are not to be focused upon.
4. Nor is the second coming (as such) the issue before us, though it must be considered.
5. This series is to answer a particular need, perhaps nation-wide today.

I. A CONTROVERSY STATED

1. In recent years there has been increasing interest and publication as to eschatology.
2. This has particularly focused upon the relationship of Christ’s return, to the millennial kingdom.

i. Is it premillennial? (before the millennium)
ii. Is it post-millennial? (after the millennium)
iii. Or, is the kingdom present and spiritual? (amillennial)

2. In the premillennial field, there is the same question concerning the tribulation, i.e., is it pre, indefinite, mid, post or split?
3. The variation in opinion here crosses the lines of every kind of genuine biblical persuasion.

II. I HAVE SINNED

1. The sensationalism, date setting, escapism and speculation, have been repulsive to me.
2. So, I have wrongfully and sinfully neglected and joked about the subject.
3. The result of my error has been at least twofold:

i. Young men have assumed that I could read my Bible for 30 years without having an opinion.
ii. Thus, they have gone to the “programmers” for guidance in Bible study.

III. THE FORMAT FOR THIS STUDY

1. In all Bible research there is the danger of being a vicarious “Bible student,” and not being educated, but merely programmed.
2. Illustrate this by reading two excerpts:

i. Quote from Ralph Woodrow – pages 7 and 8. (Hear on tape.)
ii. Quote from Dwight Pentecost – pages 193 and 194. (Hear on tape.)

3. We can easily preface our Bible study with books, and at best we are persuaded by skill.
4. Many books written for notoriety or profit have deliberately raised controversy. The Bible only states truth.
5. Thus, my format is to refuse any text or reference except God’s Word.

IV. THE PROPER SUBJECT FOR OUR STUDY

1. Not eschatology: Many issues are not part of this study.
2. Not Christ’s return: On this there is little controversy.
3. Our study is the kingdom: As we study that carefully, advent relativities should necessarily fall into place.

V. THE GOAL OF OUR STUDY

1. Negatively, it must not be to discredit others or prove a certain position.
2. It is to learn what the Bible teaches and to content ourselves with that much.
3. To turn ourselves and others from wild speculation to sober anticipation.
4. I think a careful study of the Kingdom of God will help us much.

Berean Baptist Church