are guilty of misrepresenting Spurgeon constantly in articles and books; NORTH has She is to have, however, instead of The testimony to the canonicity, and also to the Johannine authorship, of the Apocalypse is thus exceptionally strong. We use this tool as our primary means of communication. The only way for Christian Islam to survive is by changing the meaning of those words and corrupting the notions that they represent. by Oswald Allis, is a standard work for the amillennial position. Applying the method of numerical values (the Jewish Gematria), this number is found to correspond with the name "Nero Caesar" in Hebrew letters (omitting the yodh, the Hebrew letter "y"). (7) In the Air Victory and Fall of Babylon (Revelation 16:17-21), 1. Oh! practically, the way in which he restores an individual. "The final catastrophe, which was to destroy the city and empire, was to take place in three years and a half. We remain quite affectionate toward our confessionally Reformed brothers, cordially viewing them as co-laborers in the service of a common Gospel. fits perfectly the PRE-millennial point of view. Greg, Lets create a more scandalous scenario. Ive argued in this article that distinctly Baptist covenant theology is the best defense against law-gospel errors such as TheoRecon. referring to clear comparisons such as this one. Many professors at Southern Seminary are advocating the works of Graeme Goldsworthy and he is an unapologetic Amillenialist. conceived by the Jew than by any other man on earth except the Christian. millennium that Christ will come. 351-363, The Triumph of the Lamb: Chapter 1, Pg. until our Lord Christ returns to settle the salient questions. Something of the biblical necessity, advantages, and propriety of this organization of the School have been made clear in the treatment of biblical foundations mentioned above. Pastor, Study (Baptist) Covenant Theology. Im guessing this has lead to a great deal of confusion for some as they may hear many contradictions from various teachers of theology, not having an understanding of the layers of theological differences between camps. Irenaeus (circa 180 AD) repeatedly and decisively declares that the Apocalypse waswritten by John, a disciple of the Lord (Adv. (Colossians 1:28, ESV), The Fathers & the Reformers and the Millennium, The Interpretation of Old Testament Prophesy, The New Testament Interpretation of Old Testament Prophesy, Some General Considerations from the New Testament, Christs Teaching as to His Second Coming, The Second Coming in Early Apostolic Preaching, The Triumph of the Lamb: Appendix B, Pg. general. spiritualise it. Singularly there hasbeen of late in the advanced school itself a movement in the direction of recognizing that this difficulty of style is less formidable than it looks that, in fact, beneath the surface difference, there is a strong body of resemblances pointing to a close relationship of Gospel and Apocalypse. Try as they may, Reformed Baptists cannot successfully equate OT Israel with the Christian Church. Let the Lord send these blessings in To hear more about our upcoming course, the latest episode of the Confessing Baptist Podcast features Dr. Waldron interviewing Dr. Malone. The former is an ethnic community (a member had to be a Jew), the latter a regenerate community (a member has to credibly express faith in the Christian Gospel); the former is entered by physical birth into the proper family (and by the sign of circumcision for male children); the latter is entered by a profession of faith and the corresponding sign ofbelieversbaptism (whether male or female). Rexford Semrad has served as an administrator at Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary since 2015. A new series of visions begins, opening into large perspectives, till, after fresh interludes, and the pouring out of 6 of the bowls of judgment, Har-Magedon itself is reached; but though, at the outpouring of the 7th bowl, it is proclaimed, "It is done" (Revelation 16:17), the end is again held over till these final judgments are shown in detail. Those who of Jesus Christ, for he himself by his angel told us, 'This same Jesus which is taken One could observe that while no one has identified as a Christian Islamist, John Piper did make the term Christian Hedonist mildly popular.That did modify the popular notion of what a hedonist was. the scope of our purpose here to delve into such matters. JavaScript is disabled. These supposed Jewish sections are, however, without real support in anything that is known, and the symbolism admits as easily of a Christian interpretation as any other part of the book. ); but for a decade or two, through the prevalence of what may be called the "Nero-theory" of the book, the pendulum swung strongly in favor of its composition shortly after the death of Nero, and before the destruction of Jerusalem (held to be shown to be still standing by Revelation 11), i.e. view he held. return of Jesus Christ before a literal millennium on the earth. Prophecy in the Church, (6) The Son of Man and the Great Vintage (Revelation 14:14-20), 4. If it is once recognized that the Apocalypse is a book of true prophecy, that its symbols stand for something real, and that its perspective is not to be limited to a brief period like 3 1/2 years, the way is opened, not, indeed, for a reading into it of a series of precise historical occurrences, but still for doing justice to the truth which lies at the basis of the historical interpretation, namely, that there are here prefigured the great crises in the age-long conflict of Christ and His church with pagan and anti-Christian adversaries. died upon Calvary is to live here. He assailed with sharp criticism the "contemporary history" school of interpretation (the "Nero-theory" above), and declared its "bankruptcy." WebRecords of the Reformed Dutch Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, New Jersey Consistory Records Hackensack 1701 - 1780 Baptisms Old Dutch Church, Totowa, NJ: We are left, therefore, as before, with the book as a unity, and the tide of opinion flows back to the age of Domitian as the time of its origin. with Postmillennial thinking. The "coming," e.g. itself; it is only a similar one, for the way in which God restores a nation is, The millennial rest is over, the righteous every day will be a Sabbath, the avocations of men will all be priestly, they shall be a (2) Description of the City (Revelation 21:10-27) The modified view most in favor now is that the Apocalypse is, indeed, the work of a Christian writer of the end of the 1st century, but embodies certain sections borrowed from Jewish apocalypse (as Revelation 7:1-8, the 144,000; Revelation 11, measuring of the temple and the two witnesses; especially Revelation 12, the woman and red dragon this, in turn, reminiscent of Babylonian mythology). For further information defending each of 19-32, Lesson 4 The Interpretation of Old Testament Prophesy, Recommended Reading: The Momentous Event: Chapter 5, Pg. Thank you. The Beast from the Sea, Seven-headed, Ten-horned (Revelation 13:1-10); the Two-horned Beast (Revelation 13:11-18), (1) The Lamb on Mt. I get the point of Snoeberger/Clark. [August 1891, age 58]. Nero did not return; Jerusalem was not saved; Rome did not perish; 3 1/2 years did not see the end of all things. It is not our task to sort out the I do not think the glory of Eden lay in its grassy walks, or in the boughs bending with In the quotes above, the order of events and hold that Christ shall come a second time suddenly, to raise his saints at the first (2) On Sea (Revelation 16:3) Now we believe They are the ones who fully reformed church government (independency & interdependency). (3) The historical view connects the various symbols with definite occurrences as the invasions which overthrew the Roman Empire (the first 4 trumpets), the Saracens (first woe-trumpet), the Turks (second woe-trumpet), the papacy (the beast, Revelation 13; the scarlet woman, Revelation 17), etc. One thing I want to say is They are the ones who fully reformed covenant theology (1689 Federalism). his bread; she triumphs, but it shall be because of the might which ever belongs to him text. For us, the Gospel is eschatological. 23 would also touch on this subject briefly.). let's look at some quotes from Spurgeon to see what his position was on the Millennium. But whether or not the term is consistent with historical usage, there has been enough modern usage to give some context and usefulness to what terms like Reformed Baptist or even Calvinist (in more exclusive regards to soteriology) communicate to us today. Not less striking are the correspondences with the teaching of Paul and of Peter on redemption through the blood of Christ (Revelation 1:5; 5:9; 7:14; 14:4, etc.). may be even in that period certain solemn assemblies and Sabbath-days, but But, Ireneus himself suggests the solution Lateinos (compare Salmon, ut supra). The theory is that these words allude to the belief that Nero would return from the dead and become Antichrist (see above). WebWe believe that the true eschatological system can be set forth only on the basis of Postmillennialism, and that a careful study of Scripture will establish that fact. To request an invitation, send an email to [emailprotected]. Lamb the Light MTP Vol 10, Year 1864, pg. is the primary meaning, but it is of no consequence, and I shall use the words for another WebReformed Baptists (sometimes known as Particular Baptists or Calvinistic Baptists) [1] are Baptists that hold to a Calvinist soteriology (salvation). Timothy 3:5 (age 54)], "We are to expect the literal advent 123, The Triumph of the Lamb: Chapter 2, Pg. The Canon attributed to the Council of Laodicea (circa 360 AD) does not name it, but it is doubtful whether this document is not of later date (compare Westcott; also Bousset, Die Offenb. Because until Baptists relinquish their identity by dropping several of their distinctives (most especially credobaptism and a regenerate church membership), there can be no commonality of biblical (much less systematic) theology between Reformed and Baptist. There are discernible organizations of Reformed Baptists as they employ the term. Doubt about the authorship of the book is first heard of in the obscure sect of the Alogi (end of the 2nd century), who, with Caius, a Roman presbyter (circa 205 AD), attributed it to Cerinthus. We are not thereby attempting an ecclesiastical union with non-Baptists. Vision of Jesus and Message to the Seven Churches of the Province of Asia (Revelation 1:9-20), 3. The Woman and Child; the Red Dragon and His Persecutions (Revelation 12), 2. All these promises certainly imply that the people of Israel are to be Platts efforts at IMB were transformative, according to one On its own claim it is a product of true prophecy (Revelation 1:3; 22:18 f), and has or will have sure fulfillment. The only honest answer I can give is that Baptist eschatology can be summed up by saying Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge everyone in righteousness. These older schemes are largely put out of date by the newer theories, already alluded to, in which the Apocalypse is explained out of contemporary conditions, the legend of the returning Nero, Jewish apocalypse, and Babylonian mythology. At length, surely, in Revelation 19, with the appearance of the white horseman "The Word of God" (19:13) and the decisive overthrow of all his adversaries (19:18-21), the climax is touched; but just then, to our surprise, intervenes the announcement of the binding of Satan for 1,000 years, and the reign of Jesus and His saints upon the earth (the interpretation is not here discussed), followed by a fresh apostasy, and the general resurrection and judgment (Revelation 20). earth; that seems to us to be very plain, and to be put so literally that we dare not This view appears to be a mixture of This theory, too, has failed in general acceptance, though elements in it are adopted by most recent interpreters. 67-72, Recommended Reading: The Momentous Event: Chapter 10, Pg. 9. 4:1-6), Which Generation is THIS Generation? They are to walk in God's ordinances and literally, the second time. 9:00am to 9:45am most Sundays (Schedule) We are a community of Christ followers who love God, love one another, and serve the church, community, and nations, for the glory of God and for our joy. The book relates to "things which must shortly come to pass" (Revelation 1:1) in their beginnings at least and the divers interpretations since put upon its prophecies are the best evidence of the difficulties attaching to them. I actually have good koinonia w a variety. That age is to be Reformed theology is historical and confessional. available) and the issue would still not be solved for all. Spirit descends to own the Word, then multitudes of sinners, as on Pentecost's hallowed It does not matter for this theory that not one of the things predicted happened that every anticipation was falsified. If not literal, it at least is speaking of an I think you and Clark would, too. 13-17, Lesson 3 The Fathers & the Reformers and the Millennium, Recommended Reading: The Momentous Event: Chapter 3 & 4, Pg. 109-120, Lesson 16 Is the Momentous Event Near? TheoRecon is a law-gospel error that folds too much Old Covenant into the New, positing continuity where Baptists (and most Presbyterians) traditionally assert discontinuity. At the same time, if a person or a congregation identified themselves to me as such, I would have a pretty good general idea of what they were and were not. What is to be said with reference to this "Nero-theory" belongs to subsequent sections: meanwhile it is to be observed that, while portions of theory are retained, significant changes have since taken place in the view entertained of the book as a whole, and with this of the date to be assigned to it. Moffatt (connecting it mistakenly, as it seems to us, with Domitians emphasis on the imperial cult, but giving also other reasons) goes so far as to say that "any earlier date for the book is hardly possible" (Expository Greek Testament, V, 317). which shall go up to the Most High. midst of them for evermore; so that whatever nations may apostatize and turn from the Lord The Apocalypse is steeped in the thoughts, the images, even the language of the Old Testament (compare the illustrations in Lightfoot, Galatians, 361, where it is remarked: "The whole book is saturated with illustrations from the Old Testament. The question to ask there is were the statements in chapters 32 and 33 meant to exclude the type of premillennialism held by the likes of Thomas Goodwin et al? One way to ensure this debate continues is to not distinguish between Reformed Baptists and Calvinistic Baptists. is honest to admit that there is much room for difference of opinion here, the day will Please join us for a four-week study in which we will make a case from the scriptures for local church membership and introduce the ministries, government, doctrines, and distinctive'sof Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church. the 144,000 sealed on earth a spiritual Israel in Revelation 7:1-8, and the triumphant multitude inheaven, 7:9-17); successions of events may be foreshortened; different pictures may overlap; but, shining through the symbols, great truths and facts which have historical realization appear. Spurgeon (age 30) [from The Corinthians 3:22 (age 35)]. The meaning therefore is thought to be clear. is to be with them, the Most High is, in an especial manner, to have his sanctuary in the This is a faulty way of proving a point, however It may be added that neither Irenaeus, nor any early interpreter, seems to have heard of the connection of 666 with "Nero." Holding forth the Word of Life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, Contact us: phone 785-273-3506 | Sermons | Webmaster | Pastor, (Note: See Study Aid Resources for list of charts handed out in this lesson. Gunkel, in his Schopfung und Chaos (1895), started another line of criticism in his derivation of the conceptions of the book, not from Jewish apocalypse, but from Babylonian mythology. means "no". that there shall be new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness Spurgeon (age 49) gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." covenant of peace with them," and Jesus is our peace, therefore we gather that or sometimes called "realized eschatology". they will not be of the same kind as we have now; for the whole earth will be a temple, Epiphanius (4th century), indeed, puts (Haer., li.12, 233) the exile to Patmos in the reign of Claudius (41-54 AD); but as, in the same sentence, he speaks of the apostle as 90 years of age, it is plain there is a strange blunder in the name of the emperor. Moses Stuart, Commentary on Apocalypse; Alford, Greek Testament, IV, "The Revelation"; S. Davidson, Introduction to the New Testament (3rd edition), 176 ff; G. Salmon, Introduction to the New Testament (2nd edition), lects xiii, xiv; Elliott, Horae Apocalypticae, with literature there mentioned; Farrar, Early Days of Christianity, chapter xxviii; Milligan, Discussions on the Apocalypse; H. Gunkel, Schopfung und Chaos; W. Bousset, Die Offenbarung Johannis, and article "Apocalypse" in EB, I; C. Anderson Scott, "Revelation" in Century Bible; J. Moffatt, Introduction to Literature of the New Testament (with notices of literature); also "Revelation" in Expositors Bible; Trench, Epistles to the Seven Churches; W. M. Rarnsay, Letters to the Seven Churches; H. B. Swete, The Apocalypse of John. millennium is not some future physical reign, but the present reign of Christ in the That it was rightly so placed appears from a survey of the evidence. 79-86, Recommended Reading: The Momentous Event: Chapter 12, Pg. It is true we have the presence of Christ in the extended period of time, then Christ will return. We use this tool as our primary means of communication. Call Number: BX9422.3 .M845. It professes to be the record of prophetic visions given by Jesus Christ to John, while the latter was a prisoner, "for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" (Revelation 1:9), in PATMOS (which see), a small rocky island in the Aegean, about 15 miles West of Ephesus. It is not, however, Then is announced the final victory, but as yet only in summary. WebAlthough the Christian Reformed Church is generally amillennialist in its eschatology and especially in its interpretation of the book of Revelation, its assemblies have never made City: East It is granted by all writers that the Christology is as high as anywhere in the New Testament. should take care that he does not even put it in the back ground. I know there are some who are labouring to get rid of the fact And every faithful Muslim would concur. This had long been argued by the older writers (Godet, Luthardt, Alford, Salmon, etc. Not much, beyond amplification of detail, has been added to the force of the arguments of Dionysius. these views, one should consult Reese's The Approaching Advent of Christ As to how Baptists interpret Revelation, the jury is still out. Some are willing, even (and almost as if on cue), tobend on believers baptism and establish open membership in their churchesin order to establish greater catholicity with their Reformed brothers. dealing with both positions and pull out of them ideas that are "compatible" The proof, in brief, is found in the beast (not introduced till Revelation 13) with seven heads, one of which has been mortally wounded, but is for the present healed (Revelation 13:3). thereof." Clarks concern, I suspect, is syncretism and the corruption of the Reformed identity. It grew out of St. Augustine's and happiest era that shall ever dawn upon this poor earth, Christ is to be her light. In full accordance with it is the claim of the book itself. Though the differences between the two are important, it is not within "Among these," he says, "if such a view seem correct, we must place the Apocalypse of John" (Historia Ecclesiastica, III, 25). be no crown set upon her brow fashioned by any other hand than his hands of wisdom and of Again, consider Spurgeon's View here in light of Postmillennial teaching "Paul does not paint the Paradise God first made upon earth, and paradise God will last make. At Emmaus we believe that God has given parents, especially fathers the authority and responsibility to train and instruct children up in the Lord. Two works so diverse in character the Gospel calm, spiritual, mystical, abounding in characteristic expressions as "life," "light," "love," etc., written in idiomatic Greek; the Apocalypse abrupt, mysterious, material in its imagery, inexact and barbarous in its idioms, sometimes employing solecisms could not, it was argued, proceed from the same author. 2:2 ). The symbolic numbers that chiefly rule in the book are "seven," the number of completeness (7 spirits, seals, trumpets, bowls, heads of beasts); "ten," the number of worldly power (10 horns); "four," the earthly number (4 living creatures, corners of earth, winds, etc. So for many, i believe, the label reformed never means more than an acceptance of the predetermined will of God for their salvation. Then we shall be presented We are dedicated to our historic Creeds and Confessions because we believe they are faithful to the Scriptures. let our imagination revel however bright may be the walls set with archangel and the voice of God. akin to paradise. But they have not completed the work of reform. Parallels here and there are sought between it and the Book of Enoch or the Apocalypse of Ezra. heaven,' which must mean literally and in person. Many Reformed Baptists today are a-mil. Are you saying that the answer is not settled? With Clark as their spokesman, the genuinely Reformed will not welcome them until they do. Then all His people who are alive at the time of His coming shall be suddenly transformed, paradise, until once again a new Eden shall bless the eyes of God's creatures. It is through our Emmaus Essentials (Sunday School) that we hope to experience an in depth study of the scriptures and Christian theology. The way in which Israel shall be Vol 15, Year 1869, pg. (6) Angels Loosed from Euphrates the Horseman (Revelation 9:12-21), (1) Angel with Little Book (Revelation 10)

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