A Few of the Scriptures that Make me Post-Millennial

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Dirtman

Well-known member
Jul 19, 2022
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#62
Clearly hyperbole is a literary device used at times by the author/s of Scripture.
Just as is/are prose, poetry, parallelisms, metaphors, similes, euphemisms,
idioms, personification, and parables (there may be others :)). Chiasms,
acrostics, alliteration, allusion, imagery, paradox... to name a few more :D
Imagine that they would write and speak in a similar fashion as we do.
So rather than assume some normalcy in language use, people will create absurd doctrine. Sounds about right.
 
Jun 20, 2022
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#63
but what is clear, we have Church fathers claiming John told them 2 things.

1. the Second Coming happens at the 6,000 year mark

2. the Dead is Resurrected then Jesus sets up His Earthly Kingdom for 1,000 years in New Jerusalem

according to most historians including some Jewish, we are at the year 5, 887, which coincides with 1948 resurrection of Israel as a Nation and the Blessed 80 year Generation at 2028 for possible beginning of Tribulation and ending 2035. but no one really knows other than we know its CLOSE!
 
Jun 20, 2022
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#64
In H.E. 3.39, Eusebius of Caesarea provides both information about Papias and quotations from Papias (hyperlinked in blue)
2. But Papias himself in the preface to his discourses by no means declares that he was himself a hearer and eye-witness of the holy apostles, but he shows by the words which he uses that he received the doctrines of the faith from those who were their friends.942


(a) Irenaeus and the majority of other fragments about Papias affirm that Papias knew John the apostle (Shanks, 288-291). Irenaeus’ testimony is particularly weighty given that he is even earlier than Eusebius and plainly states that Papias was a “hearer of John” (Haer. 5.33.4).

(c) Papias states plainly that he “learned from the elders” (Hist eccl. 3.39.3). A few sentences later, Papias describes the “words of the elders” as “What Andrew or Peter said, or Philip, or Thomas or James, or John or Matthew or any of the Lord’s disciples, and whatever Aristion and the elder John, the disciples of the Lord, were saying” (Hist. eccl. 3.39.4). In other words, it seems that Papias uses the word “elders” to refer to the apostles.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
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#65
Imagine that they would write and speak in a similar fashion as we do.
So rather than assume some normalcy in language use, people will create absurd doctrine. Sounds about right.
I must say I find it somewhat amusing when people will claim they take the whole Bible literally.
Of course they often do that with a holier-than-thou attitude (some people excel at that) while
claiming someone else does not believe the Bible simply because they have a different understanding
on some matter. Such a preposterous statement from them hardly hides an obvious intent to insult.
 

Hazelelponi

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#66
2. But Papias himself in the preface to his discourses by no means declares that he was himself a hearer and eye-witness of the holy apostles, but he shows by the words which he uses that he received the doctrines of the faith from those who were their friends.942


(a) Irenaeus and the majority of other fragments about Papias affirm that Papias knew John the apostle (Shanks, 288-291). Irenaeus’ testimony is particularly weighty given that he is even earlier than Eusebius and plainly states that Papias was a “hearer of John” (Haer. 5.33.4).

(c) Papias states plainly that he “learned from the elders” (Hist eccl. 3.39.3). A few sentences later, Papias describes the “words of the elders” as “What Andrew or Peter said, or Philip, or Thomas or James, or John or Matthew or any of the Lord’s disciples, and whatever Aristion and the elder John, the disciples of the Lord, were saying” (Hist. eccl. 3.39.4). In other words, it seems that Papias uses the word “elders” to refer to the apostles.
There were two people named John. One was John the Revelator and the other John the presbyter...

It is believed that it was the second that he knew, not the Apostle, not the Revelator. Elder can be anyone.
 
Jun 20, 2022
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#67
There were two people named John. One was John the Revelator and the other John the presbyter...

It is believed that it was the second that he knew, not the Apostle, not the Revelator. Elder can be anyone.
i am aware of both John's. and you make a valid point.

but i tend to agree with Ireneaus, who was around during Papias' lifetime, and assumedly knew since they both were alive at the same time.
 
Mar 4, 2020
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#68
Imagine that they would write and speak in a similar fashion as we do.
So rather than assume some normalcy in language use, people will create absurd doctrine. Sounds about right.
I’m trying to interpret what you said as a parable. ;)
 

Clayman

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May 30, 2021
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#69
Adam Clarke, (1762-1832) Methodist Commentary. This being the 3rd representative of Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists from the past. All three men of God were post-millennial.

"Both these parables are prophetic, and were intended to show, principally, how, from very small beginnings, the Gospel of Christ should pervade all the nations of the world, and fill them with righteousness and true holiness." Comment on Matt. 13:33

"Of the increase of his government-this Prince has a government, for he has all power both in heaven and in earth: and his government increases, and is daily more and more extended, and will continue till all things are put under his feet. His kingdom is ordered-every act of government regulated according to wisdom and goodness; is established so securely as not to be overthrown; and administered in judgment and justice, so as to manifest his wisdom, righteousness, goodness, and truth. Reader, such is that Jesus who came into the world to save sinners! Trust in HIM!" Comment on Isaiah 9:7

For a run down of the post-mil position through history, it can be found online:

https://postmillennialworldview.com/2019/05/03/preterism-in-history/
When I read verses like in Isaiah 9, it confirms my belief in a future kingdom period, for two reasons the first being it fits perfectly into my eschatology viewpoint, and second the opposite appears to be happening today.

I mean lets go and ask randoms on the street what they think of the King who is governing over the earth today, is He increasing daily with wisdom and goodness being established and justice and truth is freely flowing to all in this time of peace. Its not happening.

Also Jesus said broad is the path to destruction and narrow is the way to life and few be that find it, He knows theres a parenthesis age and sometimes talks about it, you are saying more and more are answering the call to salvation, yet I dont even see this happening now or in the future 1000yr period sure there will be peace and prosperity but a lot of the nations appear to end up rebelling yet again.
 

Clayman

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#70
John Gill (1697-1771), Baptist Historic Premil does not take Ezekiel 40-48 literally, nor does he insert a 2500+ year gap between the 69th and 70th week in Daniel. Inserting a non-existent gap is a corruption of God's word and is only done to fit a man-made scheme of prophecy.

In the introduction to Ezekiel 40-48 Dr. Gill writes:
"The Jews dream of a third temple to be built, by their vainly expected Messiah; but nothing is more clear than that the true Messiah was to come into the second temple, and by that give it a greater glory than the former ever had; as is evident from Hag 2:6 and, according to Malachi, he was to come suddenly into his temple, which could be no other than the then present one, Mal 3:1, and into which Jesus came, and where he often appeared and taught, as well as entered into it with power and authority, as the Lord and proprietor of it; by which he appeared to be the true Messiah, as by many other characters; see Lu 2:22."
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/geb/ezekiel-40.html

Dr. Gill commenting on Daniel 9:24:
Or, "concerning thy people, and concerning thy holy city" {s}; that is, such a space of time is fixed upon; "cut out" {t}, as the word signifies; or appointed of God for the accomplishment of certain events, relative to the temporal good of the city and people of the Jews; as the rebuilding of their city and temple; the continuance of them as a people, and of their city; the coming of the Messiah to them, to obtain spiritual blessings for them, and for all the people of God; who also were Daniel's people and city in a spiritual sense, to which he belonged; and likewise what was relative to the utter ruin and destruction of the Jews as a people, and of their city: and this space of "seventy" weeks is not to be understood of weeks of days; which is too short a time for the fulfilment of so many events as are mentioned; nor were they fulfilled within such a space of time; but of weeks of years, and make up four hundred and ninety years; within which time, beginning from a date after mentioned, all the things prophesied of were accomplished; and this way of reckoning of years by days is not unusual in the sacred writings; see Ge 29:27.
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/geb/daniel-9.html

John Gill, being a historical pre-mil as can be seen by the two references above, is nothing like a dispensationalist, but he does teach pre-mil in his text on theology -

Of the Millennium, or Personal Reign of Christ with the Saints on the New Earth a Thousand Years
http://www.gracesermons.com/hisbygrace2/bk7-ch8.html

Gill describes what he calls the "Spiritual Reign of Christ", which is how I understand the millennium, figurative language of 1000 years representing the time between the 1st and 2nd advent -
http://www.gracesermons.com/hisbygrace2/bk5-ch14.html

"3d. There will be abundance of peace in this reign, even of outward peace; no more wars, nor rumours of wars; swords and spears will be beaten into plowshares and pruning hooks; and war shall be learnt no more: no more persecution, nor persecutors: there will be none to hurt and destroy in all God's holy mountain: and such as were like wolves, and leopards, and bears, shall be as tame as lambs, kids, and calves; and shall feed and lie down together: there shall be an abundance of peace of every kind, and of it no end; and particularly internal and spiritual peace; for as grace will be high in exercise, joy and peace will increase and abound; see #Ps 72:7,8 Isa 9:7 11:6-9.

3e. There will be a great degree of holiness in all saints, of every class and rank; all the Lord's people will be righteous; "Every pot in Jerusalem, and in Judea"; that is, every member of the church, "shall be holiness unto the Lord"; in his sight, and to his glory; yea, "holiness to the Lord shall be upon the bells of the horses"; signifying how common it should be, and appear in every civil action of life, as well as in religious ones; and that holiness shall then be as common as unholiness is now; and that it shall be visible in the lives and conversations of saints; and be seen of all; see #Isa 9:21 Zec 14:20,21."
I admit I do not read much commentary or any old writings, but from a pre mill view Gill seems to be consistent in his writings and you may have misunderstood him, he has a spiritual view of this church age and a physical view of the millennium, like all dispeys?

Also in his introduction to Ezekiel 48 he refers to both his first coming and his second coming and in his first coming he came to the temple as prophesied and will also come into the third temple, which funnily enough until recently wasnt a possibility. I presume all dispeys agree with this.

The Jews blindness as I see it is they were expecting a King to come and to rule the world with a rod of iron, as the head of the nation of Israel, alas Jesus comes along with no intention of setting up the physical kingdom that was prophesied (YET) so everything was not as they expected for they focused only on certain portions of scripture concerning the Messiah.

I see post mil doing a similar thing, instead they are focusing on the other half of scripture concerning the Lord and His spiritual kingdom and forcing everything into it, where as us dispeys take both halves and see them as both having to take place so we have two comings, two kingdoms, two ages, two wars against Israel, etc etc

A 2,500 yr gap? from the end of the 69th week we are now at about the 1989 year mark as I believe the gap is about 2000 yrs the nect few years are going to be interesting.
 

Clayman

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May 30, 2021
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#71
"Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (John 12:27, 31, KJV)

"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house." (Matt 12:28-29, KJV)

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"(Heb 2:14, KJV)
Have to agree with you here, scripture seems to say Satan is bound now, But the spirit of Antichrist is in the world today.

1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Keeping with the them things will wax worse and worse until the Lords appearing in the future the Antichrist will set himself up as king of the world, and will demand world wide worship,

2Th 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
 

Hazelelponi

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#72
i am aware of both John's. and you make a valid point.

but i tend to agree with Ireneaus, who was around during Papias' lifetime, and assumedly knew since they both were alive at the same time.
Yeah but there's always been an air of doubt, it's why the views didn't actually gain any kind of widespread adoption.

Dinner was nice (Cornish game hens.. lol) I believe I am tired though so not sure I'll make an actual post in the other thread before bed. If not I'll do so with my morning coffee...

God bless you and yours..
 
Jun 20, 2022
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#73
Yeah but there's always been an air of doubt, it's why the views didn't actually gain any kind of widespread adoption.

Dinner was nice (Cornish game hens.. lol) I believe I am tired though so not sure I'll make an actual post in the other thread before bed. If not I'll do so with my morning coffee...

God bless you and yours..
Dinner sounded yummy :)

i understand why you are taking the position you do. but if ireneaus is right or wrong concerning that Papias knew the Apostle John, your article did say what Papias claimed came from those who [[did know]] the Apostle. it's what was claimed to me that is more important than who knew who.

looking forward to tomorrow's post!

God Bless You <3
 

presidente

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May 29, 2013
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#74
In H.E. 3.39, Eusebius of Caesarea provides both information about Papias and quotations from Papias (hyperlinked in blue)
What in your source supports your assertion that Papias admitted that he did not know the apostles? It says but 'Papias himself in the preface to his discourses by no means declares that he was himself a hearer and eye-witness of the holy apostles, but he shows by the words which he uses that he received the doctrines of the faith from those who were their friends."

So he knew John and Eusebius said that he did not claim in his his prefect that he was an eye witness of the apostle_s_ and Eusebius thinks he learned it from their friends.

That is different from Eusebius admitting he had not heard the apostles.
 

Evmur

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#75
"Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (John 12:27, 31, KJV)

"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house." (Matt 12:28-29, KJV)

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"(Heb 2:14, KJV)
All the apostles teach us to be on our guard against the devil who walks around as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.

The devil is not the strong man, he has no goods to spoil. What the Pharisees were saying was that Jesus healed by the power of the devil, somehow [they supposed] the devil managed to break into God's dwelling and rob His blessings.
 

Evmur

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#76
I actually cannot figure out what you think. I've found your writings rather confusing. As to the early church beliefs, I still must stick to the Scriptures. Pre-trib, mid-trib or post-trib mean nothing to me because I find Matt. 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21 are describing the tribulation leading up to 70 AD. The arguments over the tribulation I find baseless as I also reject the idea of a "rapture". I find the word "rapture" three times in the REB and once in the Weymouth, but having nothing at all to do with the second coming.
Your understanding of scripture is woeful. You read it from within the confines of Preterism which is woeful. All that Jesus foretold in the Olivet discourse simply has not come to pass yet. Only the temple was destroyed and the Jews taken captive and Jerusalem trodden down of the Gentiles .... until the times of the Gentiles are complete.

The church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds.
 

Evmur

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#77
Adam Clarke, (1762-1832) Methodist Commentary. This being the 3rd representative of Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists from the past. All three men of God were post-millennial.

"Both these parables are prophetic, and were intended to show, principally, how, from very small beginnings, the Gospel of Christ should pervade all the nations of the world, and fill them with righteousness and true holiness." Comment on Matt. 13:33

"Of the increase of his government-this Prince has a government, for he has all power both in heaven and in earth: and his government increases, and is daily more and more extended, and will continue till all things are put under his feet. His kingdom is ordered-every act of government regulated according to wisdom and goodness; is established so securely as not to be overthrown; and administered in judgment and justice, so as to manifest his wisdom, righteousness, goodness, and truth. Reader, such is that Jesus who came into the world to save sinners! Trust in HIM!" Comment on Isaiah 9:7

For a run down of the post-mil position through history, it can be found online:

https://postmillennialworldview.com/2019/05/03/preterism-in-history/
Not in this age for the whole world is in rebellion against God and the church just prior to the Lord's return.
 

Evmur

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#78
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matt 24:14, KJV)

That was certainly fulfilled when the Apostle Paul was living:

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world." (Rom 1:8, KJV)

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" (Col 1:23, KJV)

You need to read Josephus and you'll see that those signs did occur leading up to 70 AD and a web site has it placed clearly in chronological order:

http://www.josephus.org/warChronologyIntro.htm

Also,on the following link, scroll down to "Omens of Destruction" -

http://www.josephus.org/causeofDestruct.htm#omens
don't be daft, China was not reached, India, Africa, it's not even clear if Paul reached Spain.
 

presidente

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May 29, 2013
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#79
I actually cannot figure out what you think. I've found your writings rather confusing. As to the early church beliefs, I still must stick to the Scriptures. Pre-trib, mid-trib or post-trib mean nothing to me because I find Matt. 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21 are describing the tribulation leading up to 70 AD. The arguments over the tribulation I find baseless as I also reject the idea of a "rapture". I find the word "rapture" three times in the REB and once in the Weymouth, but having nothing at all to do with the second coming.
Earlier you said you believed the saints would be caught up to meet the Lord in the air at his coming, or did I misunderstand you? Do you now deny it?


The term comes from an Anglicized form of a word found in the Latin Vulgate translation:


1 Thessalonians 4:17

17 deinde nos qui vivimus qui relinquimur simul rapiemur cum illis in nubibus obviam Domino in aera et sic semper cum Domino erimus
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
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#80
I actually cannot figure out what you think. I've found your writings rather confusing. As to the early church beliefs, I still must stick to the Scriptures. Pre-trib, mid-trib or post-trib mean nothing to me because I find Matt. 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21 are describing the tribulation leading up to 70 AD. The arguments over the tribulation I find baseless as I also reject the idea of a "rapture". I find the word "rapture" three times in the REB and once in the Weymouth, but having nothing at all to do with the second coming.
Wasn't Matthew Henry postmil?

He believed in the rapture, from his commentary on I Thessalonians 4.


>>(3.) Those that shall be found alive will then be changed. They shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, v. 17. At, or immediately before, this rapture into the clouds, those who are alive will undergo a mighty change, which will be equivalent to dying. This change is so mysterious that we cannot comprehend it: we know little or nothing of it, 1 Co. 15:51. <<

from: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/mhcw/1_thessalonians/4.htm