The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Mt 13:44) and the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Mt 13:45–46). Both of these parables speak of the kingdom’s priceless value and the “enthusiastic and wholehearted commitment” required to enter it.1 But they do so by highlighting the kingdom’s hidden nature and its quiet discovery (cp. 6:33), [...]
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The Parable of the Sower (Mt 13:3–23).1 The first parable fits well with a postmillennial scheme and differs greatly from premillennial expectations. In fact, we know that in the wider Gospel record Christ rejects all political and revolutionary implications for his kingdom. He simply shows no interest in a political kingship. When he perceives that [...]
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The Apostle Matthew appears, at least in part, to place the Kingdom Parables in the narrative context in order to explain the “problems” surrounding the kingdom. What do I mean by this? In Matthew 12:28 we read: “if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon [...]
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When Christ appears in history he begins fulfilling the old covenant expectations: he announces the kingdom’s nearness. The kingdom’s coming does not await some distant future, as per dispensationalism. John Baptist, Christ’s divinely commissioned forerunner, preaches: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:2). In Mark 1:14–15 Jesus takes up the same theme: “And [...]
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Amillennialists are fond of claiming the postmillennial argument is falsified by the New Testament evidence. For instance, after citing my definition of postmillennialism, Strimple states: “The New Testament, however, presents a different picture” (Strimple in Darrell L. Bock, ed., Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond [Zondervan, 1998], p. 60). A couple of paragraphs later [...]
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Israel plays an important role in Scripture. She represents God’s people throughout most of the Old Testament: she is God’s elect nation (Deut 7:7–8 ; 10:15; Zech 2:8; Rom 3:1–3; 11:1), the focal point of his redemptive mercies in history (Deut 4:7–8; Psa 147:19–20; Amos 3:2; Rom 9:4). Because of her commanding presence in old [...]
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Luke 18:8 is a favorite text for dispensationalists and their objection to the optimism of postmillennialism. On the surface this verse seems to contradict the hope-filled historical expectations of postmillennialism. But does it? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on [...]
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Opponents of postmillennialism often point to Jesus’ Parable of the Tares as biblical evidence against postmillennialism. But this serves as evidence that opponents of postmillennialism are often wrong. Let me explain. Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of [...]
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Dispensationalism is a vexing error, made all the more vexing by its prominence among evangelicals today, who, for the most part, wish do nothing more than to learn and be faithful to Scripture. Fortunately, it is not a damning error, as many dispensationalists hold to and proclaim the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, this [...]
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Dispensationalists like to argue that the Church was not revealed until the New Testament. They claim all prophecy of the Old Testament is silent about any idea of the Church, so that the Old Testament is wholly wind-swept empty regarding the Church. But we should not deem the new covenant era, international Church as a [...]
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KINGDOM LEAVENThe Parable of the Leaven reads: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid i...
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