O.T. BASIS FOR A PREMILLENIAL VIEW: Part 1

There are many views out there for the end times and they will impact how you view Scripture and even how you act upon it. The premillenial view in my opinion is much more Biblically based then any other view. It also gives us a sense of urgency for reaching the lost, because if we believe that Christ could return anytime, then we should be in the world telling them so they are not left behind. If you do not know the different views, you will not be attaining definitions in this blog, so you will need to look them up from another source. There are plenty of great articles out on the web giving definitions of the views.

Many like to say that the premillenial view gives an excuse not to do anything since Christ is returning, but actually the other views give more reason for this then premillenial. If you think that Christ can return at anytime and you have a friend that does not know Christ, then wouldn’t you be more inclined to tell them about Jesus? What if Jesus came the next day and you did not tell your friend? The other views see us as bringing in the millennial kingdom in some fashion or another, which then gives more of an excuse to not evangelize. If I have a friend and they do not know, it is not too much of a worry about tomorrow, because I can tell them at that time since the second coming is reigned in by the church in one fashion or another.

Let me also say that this is a “non-essential” in how it aligns with salvation, because if you do not believe in premillenial, it does not mean you are not going to Heaven. I just believe it can give you a misguided view on the rest of Scripture when it is explaining Israel, Gentiles and our understanding of how Biblical history plays out in the end.

Why do I think premillenial is the better option of all the choices?

The land promised to Abraham is yet to be fulfilled. Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience,” and one of those gifts and callings was land promised to Abraham. This promise has yet to be fulfilled, and if God is a God who does not lie, then He has to fulfill this promise, which will happen during the 1,000 year reign.

The Davidic Throne-Promise is yet to be fulfilled. 2 Samuel 7:11-16 says, “since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the Lord tells you that He will make you a house. ‘When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.’” This involves the unconditional promise/pledge of an earthly political, messianic reign yet to happen. For it to happen then the premillenial view is what best fits this scenario.

The O.T. leaves us with the expectation of a Messianic Kingdom yet to come. When the O.T. stopped around 400 B.C., the prophets were still believing and hoping for a Messianic reign in the future. They used Isa. 9:6-7, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace. There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Mal. 3:1, ““Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts. We still have not had the Messianic reign, which we are told is yet to come.

The next blog will be to demonstrate how the New Testament follows the Old Testament in supporting a premillenial view of Scripture. When having a view there should be symmetry between the Old and New Testament verifications of what you believe.