Historical hope is the distinctive feature of postmillennialism which sets it apart from the other eschatological positions. Postmillennialism is easily argued on the basis of many Scripture texts establishing our hope in history. However, there are texts that amillennialists seize upon to paint a bleaker picture of history. Reformed scholars R. Fowler White, Richard B. [...]
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Amillennialists complain that postmillennialism must overlook or downplay biblical calls to suffering. Our postmillennial expectation of victory in history seems to run against the New Testament statements regarding Christian suffering. How do we explain such passages? In this post I am continuing a response to Reformed amillennialists R. Fowler White, Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., and [...]
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Richard Gaffin and Robert Strimple vigorously assert that the suffering motif (which results because of our union with Christ) contradicts the postmillennial outlook. And in this the recent amillennial textbook by Cornelis Venema concurs. In citing their comments, I will simply list their name and page number in their writings. The published materials I will [...]
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The eschatological debate between amillennialists and postmillennialists in the reformed camp has been taking a new turn of late. Whereas amillennialists of the recent past (e.g., Hoekema and Berkouwer) concentrated more on the formal eschatological (i.e., prophetic) statements of Scripture in rebutting postmillennialism, contemporary amillennialists (e.g. Gaffin, Strimple, and White) are pressing the basic soteriological [...]
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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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In Daniel 12:1–2 we find a passage that clearly speaks of the great tribulation in AD 70: “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that [...]
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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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Though postmillennialism is one of the most simple eschatological views to understand, it is the one most regularly mischaracterized. The problem is not the system’s difficulty, but the opponent’s disbelief. But fortunately postmillennialism is vigorous and resiliant. Despite being buried often, it comes back from the dead to trouble the gainsayers. In a 1949 article by [...]
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Postmillennialism takes a long view of history. That is, it does not look for instant results. In fact, it operates on the biblical principle of gradualism. This may not be popular in an age of instant-this and freeze-dried that, but it is biblical. Let me explain. The principle of gradualism has long been the method [...]
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Postmillennialism holds an optimistic view of history. While recognizing the enormity of the fall and the intrusion of sin into God’s created order. How can this be? Postmillennialists argue that God does not give up on man when Adam falls into sin. For immediately after the fall God establishes redemption. And he designs this redemption [...]
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DISPENSATIONAL GAPS FOR FUN AND PROFITOne thing that I appreciate about dispensationalists is that they refreshingly admit when they are h...
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