Premillennialism (Part 1)

This is the first of six installments presented on this topic by the "Christian Courier", published by the East Main Street Church of Christ in Stockton, California. This is from the February 1973 edition. No credit is given for the authorship but I'm quite certain it was written by Wayne Jackson, the editor.

The premillennial concept is the result of a gross literalizing of a few symbolic verses in the Book of Revelation, coupled with a complete disregard for scores of Bible verses of clearest import. The word "premillennial" itself is derived of two components; (a) PRE - meaning before and, (b) MILLENNIUM - denoting a period of 1,000 years. It thus suggests that Christ will return to the earth just prior to a 1,000 year reign. The premillennial theory contains several facets and for that reason, the following quotations are introduced to bring the main points into focus.

"It is held that the Old Testament predicted the re-establishment of David's kingdom and that Christ himself intended to bring this about. It is alleged, however, that because the Jews refused his person and work he postponed the establishment of his kingdom until the time of his return. Meanwhile, it is argued, the Lord gathered together 'the church' as a kind of interim measure." (Ernest F. Kevan, Baker's Dictionary of Theology, p. 352.)

"Generally, premillennialists believe that shortly before the second coming the world will be marked by extraordinary tribulation and evil and the appearance of the Anti-Christ. At his coming, Christ will destroy this anti-Christ and believers will be raised from the dead. There will then follow a millennium of peace and order over which Christ will reign with his saints. At the close of this time, Satan will be loosed and the forces of evil will once again be rampant. The wicked will then be raised, and a final judgment will take place in which Satan and all evil ones will be consigned to eternal punishment." (Van A. Harvey, A Handbook of Theological Terms, p. 151.)

"For centuries the Jews have been scattered among many nations. In preparation for the return of Christ and the beginning of the millennium, they are being gathered back to their own land, according to prophecy, in a national restoration. David's throne will be re-established at Jerusalem, and through these restored people as a nucleus Christ will reign with his immortal saints over the whole world." (James A. Nichols, Jr., Christian Doctrine - A Presentation of Biblical Theology, p. 279.)

To summarize, the premillennial view asserts that Christ came to this earth for the purpose of setting up his kingdom. He was, however, surprisingly rejected by the Jews. Hence, he postponed the kingdom plans, and set up the church instead, as sort of an emergency measure. When he returns, he will allegedly raise only the righteous dead, restore national Israel, sit upon David's literal throne in Jerusalem and then reign for a span of 1,000 years, after which comes the resurrection of the wicked and the judgment. It is truly difficult to imagine how a view could contain more errors than is inherent in this doctrine.

The basic fallacy of the premillennial concept is a materialistic view of the reign of Christ. This same false notion was entertained by the ancient Jews, and actually, was responsible for their rejection and crucifixion of the Messiah. The fact is, this mistaken Jewish expectation of a literal, physical kingdom spawned the millennial doctrine that was taught in the early post-apostolic age. As one historian observed:

"The idea of a millennial reign proceeded from Judaism, for among the Jews the representation was current, that the Messiah would reign a thousand years on earth, and then bring to a close the present terrestrial system. This calculation was arrived at, by a literal interpretation of Psalm 11:4, 'A thousand years are in thy sight as one day.' It was further argued that as the world was created in six days, so it would last six thousand years, the seventh thousand would be a period of repose, a sabbath on Earth, to be followed by the destruction of the world." (Neander's History of Christian Dogmas, Vol. 1, p. 248.)

The necessary implications of the premillennial doctrine are grave indeed. In articles to follow, we will show this heresy strikes treacherously at numerous facts of Biblical truth. In reality, it is a subtle form of infidelity which must be vigorously opposed. Our readers are urged to file these articles for future reference.