Category: Eschatology (Last Things)

March 1, 2025

Is the Rapture of the Church Imminent?

Rapture

The teaching of an imminent rapture is prominent among evangelical dispensationalists, suggesting Christ could return suddenly without prior signs. However, biblical texts indicate a singular, public return of Christ that follows specific events, such as the gospel being preached and the Church enduring persecution, emphasizing readiness rather than escapism.

Written by

Explaining the Book
January 4, 2025

The Temple in the Bible

Christology (Christ), Ecclesiology (Church), Eschatology (Last Things)

The temple is a significant biblical theme symbolizing God’s presence with His people throughout Scripture. From Eden’s sacred space to Jesus as the true temple, and finally to the Church as a spiritual temple, the narrative illustrates humanity’s fall and redemption, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God fully dwells with His creation.

Written by

Explaining the Book
January 3, 2025

Was Augustine Influenced by Origen in his thoughts on the Millennium?

Bible Answers, Eschatology (Last Things), Hermeneutics

Augustine of Hippo’s doctrine of the Millennium, particularly his amillennialism, emerges from a blend of influences. While shaped by Origen’s allegorical interpretation and Greek philosophy, Augustine primarily relied on Scripture. His views emphasize a spiritual interpretation of Christ’s reign, responding to premillennial excesses and reflecting his theological priorities centered on God’s sovereignty.

Written by

Explaining the Book
January 3, 2025

What did Augustine of Hippo believe about the Millennium?

Bible Answers, Eschatology (Last Things)

Augustine of Hippo adopted an amillennial perspective on the Millennium in Revelation 20, viewing the “thousand years” symbolically as the Church Age, beginning with Christ’s first coming. He emphasized Christ’s spiritual reign, the binding of Satan, and the spiritual resurrection of believers. His teachings significantly influenced Western Church eschatology, shaping amillennial thought.

Written by

Explaining the Book
January 2, 2025

What did Tertullian believe about the Millennium?

Bible Answers, Eschatology (Last Things)

Tertullian, an early Christian theologian, advocated for a chiliastic belief in the literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth after His second coming. His views emphasized resurrection and an earthly kingdom centered in Jerusalem. However, as Christian theology evolved, such millennial expectations diminished, giving way to more symbolic interpretations by later theologians like Augustine.

Written by

Explaining the Book
January 2, 2025

The Philosophical Influences Behind Dispensationalism and Amillennialism

Eschatology (Last Things), Hermeneutics

Dispensationalism is influenced by philosophical contexts, notably rationalism and 19th-century American individualism, shaping its literal interpretation of Scripture and eschatological views. Critics often mistakenly assert that amillennialism is solely rooted in Greek philosophy, ignoring its biblical foundations. Both systems reveal inherent philosophical biases affecting their understanding of theology and redemption.

Written by

Explaining the Book
January 2, 2025

The Premillennialism of the Early Church and Dispensationalism

Eschatology (Last Things)

Early Christians embraced premillennialism due to their interpretation of Old Testament prophecies, Jewish eschatology, and the hope for vindication amidst persecution. They anticipated Christ’s literal reign on earth, which differed from the later Dispensationalism that emphasizes discontinuity between Israel and the Church. Their views reflect both strengths and weaknesses in understanding eschatology.

Written by

Explaining the Book