The Future of Jesus 3: The “Millennium”?

I have written a brief introductory case for the world being destined to become Christian in history (followed by a case for a general resurrection and judgment at the end of history). In my first post, I briefly discussed Revelation 20:1ff to bring up a possible implication of the Devil being released “to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth.” But I could have easily constructed my case without mentioning anything from that chapter in Revelation and I have done so in the past.

However, a common label attached to the view of the future for which I am arguing is “postmillennialism.” That name is entirely derived from Revelation 20:4, 6, 7. The millennium refers to the “thousand years” mentioned in those verses.

Justification, Sanctification, and the Illusion of Timing

Ever heard the expression, “There’s no such thing as being a little bit pregnant”? It’s used to expose people when they try to underplay something in an inappropriate way. (“I sort of told a lie.”O The fact is, some things are simply either/or. Either you told a lie or you didn’t. Either you’re pregnant or you’re not.

But, then again, pregnancy is progressive–from conception to delivery.

Is that a contradiction? No. We’re comparing apples and oranges. The development of a fetus is not in conflict with the status of being pregnant. One is either/or and the other is gradual but they both reflect the same reality.

This simple illustration might show you why I was so frustrated to hear of educated theological popularizers who demanded a “nanosecond” between justification and sanctification in order to “protect” one from the other–typically to protect justification from sanctification (no one seems really to worry about the integrity of sanctification that much).

The Future of Jesus 2: The Bodily Resurrection as Essential Context

Before I go any further on what the Bible tells us about the future history of the mortal human race, I must address the end of that history: the final resurrection.

When Paul was arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, he soon realized they weren’t going to give him a fair trial. (They started torturing him and then self-righteously accused him of insubordination when he objected to this behavior.) So he had to make a strategic move:

The Future of Jesus 1: Discipling the Nations before the Second Advent

What kind of future should we expect before the return of Christ and the general Resurrection and Final Judgment?

in Daniel chapters 2 and 7, we have two visions representing future history from the time that Daniel lived. Both visions give us a timeline of four successive empires that are Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Romans. In the time of Rome this history is brought to an end. In chapter 2, it is said to be ended by a rock from heaven that is thrown to earth and then grows into a great mountain.

Discipline Is Overrated: It’s Not an Alternative to Motivation

Some form of “Discipline > Motivation” is a perennial feature of “self-improvement” and especially “fitness journey” social media. It is not as helpful as as it is pumped up to be.

It is not helpful because people think of “discipline” as some version of “will power” or a problematic conception of “self-control.” The narrative is:

I should do a thing.
I don’t want to do the thing.
But because I should do the thing I force myself to do the thing despite my lack of motivation.

No one does this for any real length of time. It is a boastful myth. It gives credit to the person for his success as if he conquered an unwilling person and forced him to be his slave. We could even attach Bible verses to this like: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Corinthians 9:27a). That the ESV. The footnote gives a more literal translation: “I pummel my body and make it a slave.”

So why do I object to the narrative?

Light Rules – Ephesians 4:32-5:14

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 4:32-5:14

Job Marked “Safe” from Calling Wife a Fool

You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.
Matthew 5:21–22 ESV

The Mindset: Glory, Faith, Patience

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
Proverbs 13:11 ESV

I recommended a certain kind of “mindset” in my book, Solomon Says (though I don’t know if I ever used that word). Recently, I’ve been listening to the book The Slight Edge. It isn’t a Christian book, but it has got me thinking about the relationship of faith to hope and future-orientation.

Propositions on Understanding Romans

I wrote and posted these back in 2010 (February 3) and still agree with them. Some expressions I use seem unnecessarily polarizing or patronizing, but I stand by the positive substance. Here they are below with a few comments added in brackets. I also added three more at the end.

Jesus & Paul on Israel’s Heritage & Identity

Jesus and Paul do not sound the same but they both have the same basic perspective: That Israel was basically a pagan nation.

There was reason they would be able to assert this. Aside from the frequent periods of pagan worship recorded in the book of Judges, Solomon had officially made the united nation of Israel a polytheist realm. YHWH got demoted from Israel’s only God to the head of a pantheon. In his letter to the Romans (1:18ff), Paul argues that all nations are piling up wrath by turning to idolatry instead of acknowledging God as he has revealed himself in his works. He includes Israel in that verdict, using phrases that point to their own history. The only sin Paul names for which their is no direct Scriptural evidence that Israel was a participant is lesbianism (Romans 1:26).

How does this compare to Jesus’ message during his ministry before the cross?