Amillennialism

Books

The End Times Made Simple: How Could Everybody Be So Wrong About Biblical Prophecy? By Samuel E. Waldron / Calvary Press Rapture? Pre-Trib? Post-Trib? Millenium? Confused? You should be! In today's Evangelical Christian world, eschatology--or the study of the "last things"--has been turned into a sort of pseudo-science with a plethora of authors claiming to know exactly the scenario of events that are to take place just prior to the Lord Jesus Christ's return. Samuel Waldron's thesis is that there is This Age, and The Age to Come..we will be, or are, in either one or the other. Any "End Times" system that forms a hybrid of these two, or contradicts this simple formula, is unbiblical, and should be rejected.

A Case for Amillennialism By Kim Riddlebarger / Baker Amillennialism, dispensational premillennialism, historic premillennialism, postmillennialism, preterism. These are difficult words to pronounce and even harder concepts to understand. A Case for Amillennialism presents an accessible look at the crucial theological question of the millennium in the context of contemporary evangelicalism. This study defends amillennialism as the historic Protestant understanding of the millennial age. Amillennarians believe that the millennium of Christ's heavenly reign is a present reality, not a future hope to come after his return. Recognizing that eschatology, the study of future things, is a complicated and controversial subject, Riddlebarger provides definitions of key terms and a helpful overview of various viewpoints. He examines related biblical topics as a backdrop to understanding the subject and discusses important passages of Scripture that bear upon the millennial age, including Daniel 9, Matthew 24, Romans 11, and Revelation 20. Regardless of their stance, readers will find helpful insight as Riddlebarger evaluates the main problems facing each of the major millennial positions and cautions readers to be aware of the spiraling consequences of each view.

Bible and the Future, By Anthony Hoekema / Eerdmans Publishing Co. This book is an attempt to set forth Biblical eschatology, or what the Bible teaches about the future. The point of view adopted in this study regarding the coming of the kingdom of God: both present and future, recognizes a distinction between the "already" ,the present state of the kingdom as inaugurated by Christ, and the "not yet", the final establishment of the kingdom which will take pla ce at the time of Christ's Second Coming. This is the third in a compendium of doctrinal studies that includes Created in God's Image and Saved by Grace.

The Last Things: Hope For This World and the Next Next By Herman Bavinck / Baker In light of the eschatological confusion attending the close of the twentieth century, the theology of Herman Bavinck has made a timely appearance in English to offer sound exegetical guidance. The Last Things wrestles through Scripture passages on death and the intermediate state, judgment, the identity of Israel, universalism, and the final renewal of all things. And, as the editor notes, though published one hundred years ago, this work "is biblically and confessionally faithful, pastorally sensitive, challenging, and still relevant."

Pauline Eschatology By Geerhardus Vos / P & R Publishing The author begins by discussing the structure of Paul's eschatology, the interaction between his eschatology and his soteriology, and the religious and ethical motivation of his eschatology. Succeeding chapters treat the coming of the Lord and its precursors, the man of sin, the resurrection, chiliasm, the judgment, and the eternal state.

Coming of the Kingdom By Herman N. Ridderbos / P & R Publishing This volume is a monumental study of the preaching of Jesus according to the synoptics. It is a veritable treasure house of informative and stimulating exegesis of large segments of the synoptic texts. Special mention may be made, by way of illustration, of the illuminating and helpful discussion of the parables and of the apocalyptic discourse of Mark 13. When Ridderbos concludes that the kingdom of God involves both a present and a future aspect, nothing especially startling is disclosed. But the author's treatment of this subject wins unqualified admiration when one takes account of the manner in which, in the context of a thorough and minute examination of the arguments of the representatives of "consistent eschatology" and "realized eschatology," he surveys the pertinent data and evaluates the issues with exceptional ability. No one perhaps has approached him in the comprehensiveness of this matter. And the discussion in this connection of such subjects as the kingdom in relation to satan's defeat and present working, the miracles as present power and as signs of the future, the parables, and the integration of Jesus' ministry with the coming of the kingdom is highly rewarding. THIS REVIEW PROVIDED BY NED STONEHOUSE, LATE PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT, WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

Eschatology of the Old Testament By Geerhardus Vos / P & R Publishing In this previously unpublished material, a pioneer in Reformed biblical theology examines the hopes, expectations, and understanding of Old Testament saints regarding the future. Compiled from several manuscripts relating to Geerhardus Vos's course on Old Testament eschatology, this volume weaves together the most complete text of his study on the subject. Vos addresses a wide range of questions surrounding both individual and collective eschatology from key passages throughout the Old Testament. Whether he is discussing the intermediate state or the meaning of Sheol, messianic expectations or the Day of the Lord, Vos's supernaturalism contrasts with the hopelessness of naturalistic views.

Postmillennialism

Books

Postmillennialism: An Eschatology of Hope By Keith Mathison / P & R Publishing Unlike premillennial theologians who predict only modest church growth before Christ's return, postmillennialists expect the Spirit-blessed gospel to have overwhelming success in bringing the world to Christ. Why this difference? Discover the theological basis for Mathison's optimistic end-times forecast in this balanced, insightful, and thought-provoking volume. Recommended by R.C. Sproul! 287 pages, softcover from Presbyterian & Reformed.

The Millennium By Loraine Boettner / P & R Publishing The author examines the three major views on the subject of THE MILLENNIUM. Taking a detailed look at Postmillennial ism, Amillennialism, and Premillennialism. Each view is followed in its developmental thought and is compared in its relationship to the others. Boettner writes from a Post- Millennial perspective from within the Reformed tradition. This is an excellent, though not always completely objective, discussion of the topic.