I alway's took that to mean the rapture? I have been wrong once before though heh
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Interesting. I'll say that you are definitely different from other dispensationalists. Are you OK with the idea that Jesus' Olivet Discourse was indeed fulfilled within that generation? If so, What kind of "signs" point to the Second Coming?Jac3510 wrote:Good, good . . . now, I assume that by "this could happen at any moment " you recognize the notion that the doctrine of imminence is, first and foremost, grounded in the notion that nothing else has to happen. Thus, by extension, we see that there can be no signs for Rapture.
There are signs for the second coming, so if we see those, we know the rapture has to be getting close, but that distinction is, and will be, of vital importance. That's the first big thing I want to make sure that you, and our readers, understand.
Secondly, I'm glad you brought up "this generation." It's the issue that separates me from many dispensationalists, so far as their "end time clock" goes. I'll detail my own view later, but for now, let me say that for my part I recognize that "this generation" has absolutely zero bearing on "a sign of the endtimes." Again, we'll flesh the idea out later, but I can't even see how it could!
Work, work, work . . . that's all I do these days ;)
The key idea here is redemption. We are NOT yet redeemed, even as we are justified. We are sealed unto redemption. When will that occur? Depending on which model you follow, it either occurs at the Bema seat or Second Coming. It will occur at the same time as the adoption as sons, when we receive our glorified body.IRQ wrote:Good observation jac, but what of "look up, your redemption draws nigh" ?
I alway's took that to mean the rapture?
Yes, but there are a growing number of us who hold the opinions I do. The dispensational system, of course, still needs refining. I'm actually partial to a four-dispensation system myself, rather than the standard seven . . . I'm definitely not ultra or even progressive.Puritan Lad wrote:Interesting. I'll say that you are definitely different from other dispensationalists.
You really want to get me on that debate, don't you?Puritan Lad wrote:Are you OK with the idea that Jesus' Olivet Discourse was indeed fulfilled within that generation? If so, What kind of "signs" point to the Second Coming?
And that, brothers and sisters, is the kind of foolishness you get people who insist on denying biblical theism. A good illustration of any as the length people will go to avoid acknowledging basic truths.Proinsias wrote:I don't think you are hearing me. Preference for ice cream is a moral issue
This is why I wanted to clarify the argument of imminence. We have no doubt that the Apostolic Fathers held to imminence, though not in the form I'm necessarily advocating. But, we know they believed that the coming of the Lord was immediately at hand. For instance, Crutchfield notes of Irenaeus:Jac3510 wrote:1. The Apostolic Fathers held to both the imminent return of Christ as well as a post-tribulational rapture theory. While these positions are self-contradictory, the fact that imminence was taught is very important, as it forms the irrefutable basis of pre-trib. rapture.Puritan Lad wrote:Really? How so?
First off, I doubt the general credibility of MacPherson. I googled him and found more than a bit of controversy surrounding the man. A review of his article I read, while not directly discounting his claims, casts doubts on the man himself. So, again, rather than taking his word for it, I'd like to see you lay out the arguments for yourself. A second and thirdreview go further in showing the deficiences in Dave's credibility.Jac3150 wrote:2. A sermon preched by a man referred to as Pseudo-Ephraem in the fourth to sixth century AD, entitled Sermon on The Last Times, The Antchrist, and The End of the World, contains the following:
Why therefore do we not reject every care of earthly actions and prepare ourselves for the meeting of the Lord Christ, so that he may draw us from the confusion, which overwhelms all of the world? . . . For all the saints of God are gathered, prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins.Puritan Lad wrote:See http://www.thewordsofeternallife.com/deceived.html concerning Pseudo-Ephraem and Morgan Edwards (#9).
This really gets at a major issue of this discussion. It is, of course, obvious that the Amillennialist and Postmillennialist cannot hold to a pretribulational rapture. In fact, there can be no "rapture" in that sense at all . . . the event is always to be equated with the Second Coming. Now, it is well known that the Church, for most of its history, has been amillennial. This proves nothing so far as the accuracy of that particular doctrine goes, because the Church has equally stood in almost universal support of the papacy! In fact, if we are going to use church history as the measure of truth, then we should absolutely reject the five Solas.Jac3150 wrote:3. It is believed that sects like the Albigenses, Lmbards, and the Waldenses were attracted to premillennialism . . . difficult to say much as the RCC (which was/is amill) destroyed their works whenever they found them.Puritan Lad wrote: I didn't say that Darby invented premillennialism. I said he invented the Pre-trib rapture. Premillennialism has been around for a long time in different forms. It is Dispensationalism that is the new kid on the eschatological block.
Yes, he does, but that doesn't negate the central claim, which is that the idea of a pretribulational rapture did NOT begin with Darby in the 19th century. In fact, we can further quote Gumerlock:Jac3510 wrote:4. Brother Dolcino (1304) held to a pretribulational rapture, according to Francis Gumerlock. "[Dolcino taught that he and his followers would] be preserved unharmed from the persecution of the Antichrist."Puritan Lad wrote:Here is Gary DeMar's reply.
“Ice confronted me after our debate at BIOLA (February 2002) about Francis X. Gumerlock's statement in his The Day and the Hour (2000), a book published by American Vision and edited by me, that "The Dolcinites held to a pre-tribulation rapture theory similar to that of modern dispensationalism" (Day and the Hour, 80). If Ice wants to claim the Dolcinites as proto-dispensationalists, he can have them. Gumerlock quotes the Historia Fratris Dolcini Haeresiarchae in an end note (the English translation is Gumerlock's): "Again, [he believed, preached, and taught] that within the said three years Dolcino himself and his followers will preach the coming of the Antichrist; and that the Antichrist himself would come into this world at the end of the said three and a half years; and after he had come, Dolcino himself, and his followers would be transferred into Paradise, where Enoch and Elijah are, and they will be preserved unharmed from the persecution of Antichrist; and then Enoch and Elijah themselves would descend to earth to confront the Antichrist, then they would be killed by him; or by his servants, and thus Antichrist would reign again for many days. 'Once Antichrist is truly dead, Dolcino himself, who would then be the holy Pope, and his preserved followers will descend to earth, and they will preach the correct faith of Christ to all, and they will convert those, who will be alive then, to the true faith of Jesus Christ" (91—92).”
Ice is right. He sounds exactly like Hal Lindsey.
The particular reference, as noted by Ice, is found in Morgan Edwards: An Eighteenth Century Pretribulationist (Morganville, N.J.: Present Truth Publishers, 1995), pp. 10-12. In particuar, he states, "Because he raised the question of the saints being raised at Christ's "first appearing in the clouds of heaven," instead of later on "at the entrance of the thousand years," it is apparent that Collier certainly considered the idea of a pretribulation rapture."Jac3510 wrote:7. Frank Marotta, not a pre-triber, believes that Thomas Collier in 1674 makes reference to a pretib rapture.Puritan Lad wrote: Good for Frank. Did he provide any proof?
The title of the book is An argument proving, that according to the covenant of Eternal Life revealed in the Scriptures, Man may be translated from hence into that Eternal Life, without passing through Death, although the Human Nature of Christ himself could not be thus translated till he had passed through Death.Jac3510 wrote:8. John Asgill wrote a book in 1700 discussing the possibility of translation without seeing death.Puritan Lad wrote: Not familiar with this guy at all. Can you give a direct quote?
And handled above.Jac3510 wrote:9. Baptist Morgan Edwards, founder of Brown University, apparently believed in a system comparable to modern day mid-trib rapture. He published his beliefs in 1744 saying,
The distance between the first and second resurrection will be somewhat more than a thousand years. I say, somewhat more--, because the dead saints will be raised, and the living changed at Christ's "appearing in the air" . . . ; and this will be about three years and a half before the millennium . . . they will ascend to paradise, or to some one of those many "mansions in the father's house" . . ., and disappear during the foresaid period f time. The design of ths retreat and disappearing will be to judge the risen and changed saints.Puritan Lad wrote: See Article posted above. And you wonder why I don't like referring to Dispensationalist Study Material. Very sloppy Jac (and Mr. Ice.)
Kind of looking forward to it myself . . .Jac3510 wrote:In addition to all these, Dr. Ice mentions an individual who is currently compiling a list of pre-19th century references to the pre-trib. rapture from previously unpublished material. These should be released in the next few years.Puritan Lad wrote: Can't wait to see it, though I must say, it sure has been tough finding this doctrine in church history, hasn't it? Maybe it's because it's just not there (as well as not in the Bible).
And that, brothers and sisters, is the kind of foolishness you get people who insist on denying biblical theism. A good illustration of any as the length people will go to avoid acknowledging basic truths.Proinsias wrote:I don't think you are hearing me. Preference for ice cream is a moral issue
Of course, the fact that the majority of the above writings, if not all (Except for the Shepherd) took place prior to 70 AD. If anything their writings support preterism. The above quote from the Shepherd above clearly promotes that idea that the great tribulation and the beast were past events, although he seems to hold to a “dual fulfillment” idea in which a future tribulation and beast would persecute his audience. How about that? The imminence of these writings supports preterism Jac. Nothing is said here about the 21st Century.Expressions of imminency abound in the Apostolic Fathers. Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, The Didache, The Epistle of Barnabas, and The Shepherd of Hermas all speak of imminency.
Furthermore, The Shepherd of Hermas speaks of the pretribulational concept of escaping the tribulation.
“You have escaped from great tribulation on account of your faith, and because you did not doubt in the presence of such a beast. Go, therefore, and tell the elect of the Lord His mighty deeds, and say to them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation that is coming. If then ye prepare yourselves, and repent with all your heart, and turn to the Lord, it will be possible for you to escape it, if your heart be pure and spotless, and ye spend the rest of the days of your life in serving the Lord blamelessly.”
And that, brothers and sisters, is the kind of foolishness you get people who insist on denying biblical theism. A good illustration of any as the length people will go to avoid acknowledging basic truths.Proinsias wrote:I don't think you are hearing me. Preference for ice cream is a moral issue
The fulfillment of the Great Commission, where the church will succeed in making disciples of all nations.(Psalm 22:27-28; Psalm 72:11;Hab. 2:14). Note: I realize that it is a disappointment to find out that the Bible doesn't say much about 21st Century Events, but it doesn't.B. W. wrote:What is to occur after 70 AD to current date?
Not sure that it will, for the meek shall inherit the earth. Perhaps 2 Peter 3:10 is to be taken literal, but this same language was used elsewhere in scripture as symbolic (See Isaiah's Prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 13, and against Edom in Isaiah 34. Ezekiel against Egypt in Ezekiel 30 and 32). We'll just have to wait and see what happens.B.W. wrote:And how will the world end and why?
I've seen numbers that say that about 2 Billion - 1/3 of the world's population, profess some sort of "Christian" faith. However, I think that number includes Cults such as Mormons, JW's, etc.Next, can someone gather current Historical facts for this debate?
--The Current Population Number of Christians in the world as of 2006.
Your guess is as good as mine. It is for the Lord of the Harvest to separate the wheat from the chaff. That, I am incapable of doing. (Although I'm pretty sure it isn't 2 Billion).--Of this number of professed number of Christians — how many truly are?
Not sure. I would guess that Christianity, worldwide, is still the fastest growing, despite the postmodernism in many European Countries.--The Current Number of Muslims, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age, Occult etc. in the world as of 2006
Which of these is the fastest growing religion in the world?
There is definitely some hostility, particularly in Muslim Countries. However, I wouldn't say it is increasing. If anything, it is stable.How much hostility exists in the current world against Christian belief and practice?
Can someone give documented evidence of such hostility?
Is this hostility increasing world wide?
I believe that the kingdom is growing like leaven, until it will fill the whole world. It may take thousands, perhaps millions of years to fulfill. The rapturist, on the other hand cannot possibly see himself living at any time other then the climax of history. Every war, natural disaster, plague, etc., to the rapturist, is something special. It cannot be just like past disasters. To the rapturist, these things must be a sign of the end.Is the theology of Preterist or end time Rapturist being fulfilled by the empirical Historical/Statistical records?
I will do so. In any case, those fathers who wrote about the "imminence" of Christ coming after 70 AD were wrong. That is the merit of their arguments.Jac3510 wrote:I'm back at work, so I don't have time to deal with this in detail now, but quickly: The general reference is to the Apostolic Fathers, of which the particular references were only examples of and contemporary with. You think those were written before AD 70?
* Clement of Rome wrote around 100. (Link)
* Ignatius of Antioch wrote during the reign of Trajan, after 100 (Link).
* The Didache was apparently written between 60-80. (Link)
* The Epistle of Barnabas was written between 70 - 131(Link)
The Church Fathers did not write prior to 70 AD, as you insist. Since your claims are outside of the mainstream, you need to justify yourself here.
Clement writes, “"Not in every place, brethren, are the continual daily sacrifices offered, or the freewill offerings, or the sin offerings or the trespass offerings, but in Jerusalem alone. And even there the offering is not made in every place, but before the sanctuary in the court of the altar; and this too through the high-priest and the aforesaid ministers." (41:2) That clearly puts at least part of the letter, if not all, prior to 70 AD. (See http://www.bible.ca/history/fathers/ANF ... P470_79777 - Chapter XLI.-Continuation of the Same Subject.)* Clement of Rome wrote around 100. (Link)
* Ignatius of Antioch wrote during the reign of Trajan, after 100 (Link).
* The Didache was apparently written between 60-80. (Link)
OK with this date. We must conclude that at least 2 (maybe 3) of the 5 writings that you gave as examples were written prior to 70 AD. One of the others (The Shepherd) refers to the tribulation and the beast as past events. I will also note that, contrary to dispensational theology, the post 70 AD church writers (such as Ignatius) unanimously rejected the idea that earthly Israel was an heir to the Covenant Promises of God. (For them, 70 AD was proof of this. They were the first “Replacement Theologians”).* The Epistle of Barnabas was written between 70 - 131(Link)
Thanks PL!puritan lad wrote:The fulfillment of the Great Commission, where the church will succeed in making disciples of all nations.(Psalm 22:27-28; Psalm 72:11;Hab. 2:14). Note: I realize that it is a disappointment to find out that the Bible doesn't say much about 21st Century Events, but it doesn't.B. W. wrote:What is to occur after 70 AD to current date?
Not sure that it will, for the meek shall inherit the earth. Perhaps 2 Peter 3:10 is to be taken literal, but this same language was used elsewhere in scripture as symbolic (See Isaiah's Prophecy concerning the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 13, and against Edom in Isaiah 34. Ezekiel against Egypt in Ezekiel 30 and 32). We'll just have to wait and see what happens.B.W. wrote:And how will the world end and why?
I've seen numbers that say that about 2 Billion - 1/3 of the world's population, profess some sort of "Christian" faith. However, I think that number includes Cults such as Mormons, JW's, etc.Next, can someone gather current Historical facts for this debate?
--The Current Population Number of Christians in the world as of 2006.
Your guess is as good as mine. It is for the Lord of the Harvest to separate the wheat from the chaff. That, I am incapable of doing. (Although I'm pretty sure it isn't 2 Billion).--Of this number of professed number of Christians — how many truly are?
Not sure. I would guess that Christianity, worldwide, is still the fastest growing, despite the postmodernism in many European Countries.--The Current Number of Muslims, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age, Occult etc. in the world as of 2006
Which of these is the fastest growing religion in the world?
There is definitely some hostility, particularly in Muslim Countries. However, I wouldn't say it is increasing. If anything, it is stable.How much hostility exists in the current world against Christian belief and practice?
Can someone give documented evidence of such hostility?
Is this hostility increasing world wide?
I believe that the kingdom is growing like leaven, until it will fill the whole world. It may take thousands, perhaps millions of years to fulfill. The rapturist, on the other hand cannot possibly see himself living at any time other then the climax of history. Every war, natural disaster, plague, etc., to the rapturist, is something special. It cannot be just like past disasters. To the rapturist, these things must be a sign of the end.Is the theology of Preterist or end time Rapturist being fulfilled by the empirical Historical/Statistical records?
In short, the only Bible Prophecy left to be fulfilled is...
The Conversion of Judaists to the Christian faith (Romans 11:25-27)
The Fulfillment of the Great Commission (Psalm 22:27-28)
The Second Advent (Acts 1:11; 2 Peter 3:10)
The Resurrection (Only one - John 5:28-29)
The Final Judgment.
Hope this clears up the Postmillennial view a little.
Here are some sites on demographics:B. W. wrote:Too Rapture or not too Rapture - can turn into such a Shakespearean debate![]()
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Anyways:
I have two questions for Preterist and these are:
What is to occur after 70 AD to current date?
And how will the world end and why?
(Note: Please leave out the 70 weeks of Daniel in any answer as IMHO — that has already been fulfilled by 70 AD as testified by historical record)
Next, can someone gather current Historical facts for this debate?
--The Current Population Number of Christians in the world as of 2006
--Of this number of professed number of Christians — how many truly are?
--The Current Number of Muslims, Hindu, Buddhist, New Age, Occult etc. in the world as of 2006
Which of these is the fastest growing religion in the world?
How much hostility exists in the current world against Christian belief and practice?
Can someone give documented evidence of such hostility?
Is this hostility increasing world wide?
Is the theology of Preterist or end time Rapturist being fulfilled by the empirical Historical/Statistical records?
I know full well that these questions have nothing to do with the pre-mid-post rapture but it would be nice for preterist to kindly explain what they believe about the events from 70 AD to current date and to the end of the world and why the world should end. I have not heard this explained very well by a preterist. Maybe someone could help us understand what they believe beyond 70 AD.
I am not asking these things to pick a fight nor posing a trick question — just would like a simple easy to understand answer to what preterist believe is to occur after 70 AD to current date? And how will the world end and why?
I would agree, although there are different opinions on exactly what the end-result goal would be. There are some in the Tylerite camp who would have the entire planet placed under all of the Mosaic Civil Laws (for example, the government would stone your rebellious teenager to death).B. W. wrote:Thanks PL!
Below is a quote from 'Pretist Vision' Web Site Concerning the future events - do you agree with this quote or any part of it?
Quote Below FromThis Preterist Web Site
Question: If Preterism is true, then what next?
Answer: All biblical expectations of the ever-expanding dominion of God's kingdom and righteousness on earth are carried out by, in, and through Christ and His Church (Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 7:27; Lk 1:33; Eph 3:9-11,21; Heb 12:27-28; Matt 21:43; Titus 2:14; Rev 5:9-10; Rev 2:26; Matt 25:21). The Church is the very Body of Christ, the "fullness of Him that fills all in all" (Eph 1:22-23). As St Paul wrote, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever" (Eph 3:21). God's people must exercise dominion and teach covenantal law. The Church, ruling and reigning with Christ, must continue to bring all created things into accordance with God's law, be it individuals, families, states, governments, or any other aspect of creation. All power in heaven and earth belongs to Christ and his people (Matt 28:18-19; Matt 16:18-19).
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PL, Thank you for the intel on the books and great post. I'll look into Iain Murray's book.puritan lad wrote:I would agree, although there are different opinions on exactly what the end-result goal would be. There are some in the Tylerite camp who would have the entire planet placed under all of the Mosaic Civil Laws (for example, the government would stone your rebellious teenager to death).B. W. wrote:Thanks PL!
Below is a quote from 'Pretist Vision' Web Site Concerning the future events - do you agree with this quote or any part of it?
Quote Below FromThis Preterist Web Site
Question: If Preterism is true, then what next?
Answer: All biblical expectations of the ever-expanding dominion of God's kingdom and righteousness on earth are carried out by, in, and through Christ and His Church (Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 7:27; Lk 1:33; Eph 3:9-11,21; Heb 12:27-28; Matt 21:43; Titus 2:14; Rev 5:9-10; Rev 2:26; Matt 25:21). The Church is the very Body of Christ, the "fullness of Him that fills all in all" (Eph 1:22-23). As St Paul wrote, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever" (Eph 3:21). God's people must exercise dominion and teach covenantal law. The Church, ruling and reigning with Christ, must continue to bring all created things into accordance with God's law, be it individuals, families, states, governments, or any other aspect of creation. All power in heaven and earth belongs to Christ and his people (Matt 28:18-19; Matt 16:18-19).
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I hold that, when the Great Commission has been completed, such Civil Laws would not be necessary, because "the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea." (Hab. 2:14). It is important to recognize the power of the gospel itself to transform. Otherwise, we can make the mistake (as some have) of trying to bring about the Kingdom of God to fruition by way of military might.
Jesus told His Disciples that, as they carried out the Great Commission, He would be with them always, even to the end of the age. The question you have to ask is, "Will it succeed, or will it fail?" No matter how you slice it, the Dispensational Endtimes view teaches the failure of the Great Commission in this age.
With regard to the number of Christians on the planet and the rate of growth, these are sad statistics, but not relevant to the discussion. Jesus did not say that it would be easy, only that we would overcome. God transforms the world by pouring out His Spirit at different times and in different places. The last real Revival that this planet has seen was The Great Awakening. I hope to live to see the next one. It may or may not happen in my lifetime, but it will happen.
A great book that I would recommend that addresses these issues is The Puritan hope: Revival and the Interpretation of Prophecy by Iain Murray.
I must add that, with the modern dispensational endtimes view, the increase in ungodliness becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Dispensationalism (Rapturism) preaches a gospel that cannot succeed, nor does it expect to. In their worldview, the world is a "sinking ship" (to quote one Dispensational scholar), and the only hope for the church is to get raptured out of the mess. (The call this the "Blessed Hope". Go figure). Many expect to get out of life alive, and this has had tragic consequences. David Chilton explains:
"Does it make a difference? Does your view of prophecy really affect your life? I think we have already seen much of the answer to that question. The basic issue has to do with your attitude toward the future. I recall a “Jesus People” newspaper of the early 1970s which carried an interview with the most popular “prophecy expert” of those days. On the basis of the “fact” that Jesus was going to rapture His Church “at any moment,” this man actually counseled his young followers not to marry and raise families. After all, there was no time for that sort of thing. The Rapture was coming, so any work for dominion would be useless. (If you were the devil, could you devise a better, more “spiritual-sounding” excuse for Christians to abandon God's plan for victory?) The “Rapture Ethic” of those years led many to leave school, jobs, families, and responsibility in general; flocks of Jesus People wandered aimlessly around the country, with no clear goal beyond the next Christian rock concert. It was years before many of them woke up, and it sometimes took years more to put their lives together again." - (David Chilton - Paradise Restored, pp. 10-11)
Paradise Restored is another book I would recommend if you can get it. The Eschatology of Dominion is the Historic view of the Christian Church, and you need to look no further than the hymns and Christmas Carols to prove it. (Look at the whole Christmas Carol "Joy To The World".) We need to hold on to these promises, regardless of what the statistics tell us. Remember, we walk by faith, not by sight.