Point of View

For the next two weeks, we will explore the Doctrine of the Second Coming. As I began writing this doctrine study, I feel somewhat like Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration: “I wist not what to say.” Yet it becomes imperative that we try to formulate a biblical concept of the last days.

I offer no apology for taking a pre-millennial stance on this doctrine. This is not to categorize any who disagree as non-Christian or liberal. Some of the finest preachers and Christians have disagreed on this issue. This all-important doctrine must never become a theological hunting ground nor “an axe grinding point” of departure from the faith.

At the same time, how we interpret this doctrine will affect our concept of the other doctrines.

This is not an incidental doctrine. It is fundamental.

Interpretation of last things falls basically into four major groups as they relate primarily to the Book of Revelation. While variations may exist, when stripped of all “dressing,” they fall within the four categories:
(1) Preterists — all aspects of Revelation had been fulfilled years ago;
(2) Historical Continuous — Revelation is a continuous picture of the apostolic Church until the end of time;
(3) Idealists or Spiritualizers —Revelation is an allegory or metaphoric symbol of good and evil in the world; and
(4) Futurists — Revelation is a description of the coming of our Lord as ruler of the world.

The Second Coming of Christ is critical to any discussion of biblical theology. We must never lose sight of this when discussing how He will come. This material will help us formulate some concepts. However, it will not be a full discourse of the doctrine.

The Bible provides specifics of this doctrine. Matthew 24:28 states that the time is unrevealed. Matthew 24:26 and Mark 13:32 note that even Christ did not know the time. Acts 1:7 cautions against calculation. But Matthew 24:44 suggests maintaining a constant expectancy. Acts 1:11 explains that the Second Coming will be outward, visible and personal.

Many terms used when discussing the Second Coming require definition:
Rapture—when the Lord takes the Church out of the world to heaven with Him.
Tribulation—a time when great persecution will be upon the earth.
Pre-Millennial—interpreting Revelation 20:1-7 as teaching that there will be 1,000 years in which Christ will reign upon the earth. Pre-Millenialists hold that the world is getting progressively worse and will continue to do so until the reign of Christ is ushered in.
Post-Millennial—a belief that the preaching of the Gospel will bind Satan for 1,000 years; at the end of which Christ will come.
A-Millennialist—interpreting the 1,000 years as a symbol of indefinite time and that Christ will not reign on earth.
Eschatology—study of last things or things to come.
Pre-Tribulation—Rapture of the Church precedes the great Tribulation period.
Post-Tribulation—Rapture follows the Tribulation period.
Mid-Tribulation—Rapture occurs during the Tribulation period.
Grammatical/Historical—method of interpretation that is synonymous with literal interpretation.
Allegorical—method of interpretation that uses the literal text only as a vehicle for a more spiritual or profound truth, not to be confused with symbolic language.
Literal—method of interpretation gives each word the basic, ordinary and customary meaning with historical consideration.
Type—pre-ordained representative relation in which certain persons, events and institutions in the Old Testament correspond to like persons, events and institutions in the New Testament.
Dispensation—represents a period of time.
Covenant—a contract of “I wills” between God and man.

Sullivan’s column next week will provide a basic outline of millennial views and support of the pre-millennial interpretation of the Second Coming.