186 – The Premillennial View of Eschatology (Cont.)

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: THEOLOGY VI LESSON # 86

ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – THE PREMILLENNIAL VIEW OF ESCHATOLOGY (CONTINUED) (PROBLEMS FACED BY PREMILLENNIALISM)

INTRODUCTION:

1. This text is not to prove the Pre-mil theory, but to point to problems we face.
2. In the last lesson, I spoke of the doctrines peculiar to and absolutely necessary to premillennialism.

i. Constant imminence of Christ’s return.
ii. Restoration of national Israel to the land.
iii. A literal 1,000 year reign upon the earth.
iv. A two-part as opposed to a general resurrection.

3. I pointed out that premillennialism stands sure so long as even one of these concepts stands unrefuted.
4. In this lesson, I want to turn to consider some problems that Premillennialism faces.

I. THE NATURAL HUMAN TENDENCY TO DOUBT WHATEVER TARRIES

1. The natural man soon questions any promise which seems slow in coming, whether it is of blessing or judgment.
2. The classic illustration of this is II Peter 3:3-10

: “Where is the promise?”

3. Whether His return is viewed as judgment or salvation, humanly speaking it has lingered.
4. This causes men to “seek another” interpretation.

II. THE SIMPLISTIC, DRAWN BY THE SIMPLICITY

1. Because of the obvious nature of the pre-mil interpretation, many non-students believe it.

2. This in no way discredits the doctrine, for so it has rightly been with Christianity. The truth of Scripture is not reserved for scholars.
3. Conversely, many seeking to be students have been drawn into a more “complex approach.” If it “sounds complex” we shall seek it.
4. Some outlandish statements have been made by some pre-mils who always talk and seldom think.

III. THE PROLIFIC SCHOLARSHIP OF A-MILS IN OTHER AREAS

1. The average pastor’s bookshelves are filled with good writings of a-mils, such as the Princeton theologians. In areas of theology and soteriology, they promote a mixture of truth and error.
2. Conversely, neglect in this area, by contemporary pre-mils, has naturally tended to discredit them.

3. Would to God we had in our day the pre-mil writers of Gill’s stature to counteract the above men. Instead we have a lot of shallow sensationalism.

IV. INADVERTENT SLANDER BY CARELESS SPECULATION

1. No enemy of a doctrine can injure it so quickly and easily as a careless friend.
2. In my ministerial lifetime, I have heard enough careless speculation to make the whole subject, both suspect and repulsive.

i. “Pre-mil teachers” claiming Hitler, Khomeini, or Kissinger to be the antichrist.
ii. Independent Baptist preachers setting a month for our Lord’s return.

3. Such things do not promote watchfulness and proper anticipation, but religious folly.

Conclusion: Our proper course is to lay aside the expert’s spirit, and read our Bibles as little children.
III: By Dr. Criswell’s testimony.

Berean Baptist Church