It gives me great pleasure to send this book forth on a timely mission. Before creation God had an ideal plan to be brought into existence, including man, who was the crowning work of all His creation. Man was made in the likeness of God, Holy, Spiritual, and Immortal. Being made in the image of God made him capable of fulfilling the purpose of God, which included living on the high plain of holiness, enjoying the ideals of the Garden of Eden, walking and talking with God, communing and fellowshiping with Deity. This heavenly companionship was in the mind and plan of God before the world and its occupants were ever brought into existence. Following creation of the world, and all living creatures, including man, the Bible says, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good.”

Immediately the devil, the arch enemy of God, and all good, moved to disrupt and destroy the plan and purpose of God for mankind. He succeeded in accomplishing disobedience, causing Adam and Eve to sin, which resulted in them being driven from the Garden of Eden, with all of its blessing and glory, and plunging the entire human race into, and under the power and dominion of sin. God, through his mercy and wisdom inaugurated a plan to recover man out of this awful state. As soon as this was in effect, the devil again put his machinery to work, and instituted a way to keep man from accepting and being a part of God’s restoration move.

He knew that man was incurably religious, and that to deceive and mislead him he would have to form something that had the appearance of God in it. So he began a movement in heathen nations, namely Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome that had an idea of a future golden age of the world when evil would be suppressed. The later Jewish conception of such a period was colored by these views of a similar period held by the nations about them.

Because of a literal interpretation of the Messianic prophecies the Jews generally expected the Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom. Jesus disappointed those carnal hopes, which resulted in the Jews rejecting Christ, consenting to, and crucifying Him.

Consequently, the advocates of the theory of a literal kingdom, and reign on earth, concentrated in a more energetic way to gather and form Jewish fabulous, unwritten tradition, carnal misapprehensions, pretended visions, superstitions, and vain imaginations, and to arrest the thinking, deceive, and mislead, not only those of the first century, but for all time to come.

In essence, it is a concerted effort to get all peoples of the world to reject Christ, and His plan of Redemption in this life, and look to the future for something that will never come. During the last few years millions of volumes have been printed and circulated over the world, teaching the people to look to, and hope for a better future, when Christ shall establish His kingdom and offer superior means of grace and blessings to mankind.

Great stress is being laid by visionists on suppositional prophecies, and literalizing pictures of supposed future events that will never come to pass. To those who do not know the Scripture, this is serving to bring a dreadful fear and disturbance of soul and mind, which is robbing many Christians of their rightful inheritance of present victory, comfort and peace.

Millions today are adhering to such teaching, and being deceived with a vain hope. Our love for Christ, His truth, for the many precious souls thus deceived, and for the many more who may come under the influence of such wicked doctrines, prompts us to lift our voice, and pen the following lines in the name of Jesus.

No matter how fascinating a thing is, how beautiful and pleasing to the taste, there can be no real benefit derived from holding the same if it be a creation of fancy, or the wrong interpretation of the Scripture, nor is God in any way pleased or glorified in anyone holding an erroneous hope.

Scattered throughout the book will be found some choice selections from the pens of a few great theologians and historians, whom we esteem very highly, “for their works sake.” We pray this volume may be blest of God in turning many minds from vain speculation to Jesus Christ, the crucified Son of God, to His present and eternal plan of salvation.

Yours in Him,

Lawrence J. Chesnut, B.Th. D.D.

Chapter I
History of the Millennium

A millennium is a thousand years. When the term is used in theology it refers to an expected reign of one thousand years of righteousness on the earth. Christians originally borrowed the idea of the millennium from the Jews, but in its broadest sense the idea was not original with the Jews. Various heathen nations—Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome—had an idea of a future golden age of the world when evil would be suppressed.

Zoroastrianism, meaning the national religion of the Iranian people, expected a thousand year period to follow the downfall of hostile powers, which period was connected with the resurrection of the dead. The later Jewish conception of such a period was colored by these views of a similar period held by the nations about them.

The Jewish conception, however, was based principally upon the Messianic predictions of the Old Testament. There the Messiah was represented as executing judgment upon the enemies of Israel, and reestablishing the throne of David at Jerusalem in great splendor, as exalting Israel, and as ruling over the Gentiles. Then the wilderness would blossom as the rose, the soil would be very fertile and nature especially productive, while wild beasts would become gentle, and wars would cease among men.

Because of a literal interpretation of these prophecies, the Jews generally expected the Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom. Such was the common expectation of the Jews of the time of Christ. The rabbinical writers held some very exaggerated notions of the material benefits of the reign of the Messiah. The earth was to yield many thousandfold, and grain, fruit, and flesh were to be provided in immeasurable abundance.

But Jesus disappointed those carnal hopes. He neither established nor promised to establish such an earthly kingdom. The teaching of Christ is non-millenarian. As much can be truly said of the teachings of the epistles of the New Testament. Jesus and the Apostles taught a present spiritual kingdom of Christ.

Chapter II
Basis of the Millennial Theory

A better understanding of the millennial theory is obtained through taking some notice of its history.

1. The Jews hoped for a millennium. After their loss of political power the Jews transformed their Messianic hope into one of restored political power with their Messiah as ruler. Jewish tradition pictured this period as one thousand years. The Jews had such a hope when Christ was born.

2. Early heretics taught the millennium. The Ebionites, who were a Judaizing sect, held strongly to certain Jewish tenets and rejected parts of the gospel. They were strong advocates of the millennium. To be more specific will be of value here.

The name “Ebionites” was given to the ultra-Jewish party in the early Jewish Church. They admit the world to have been made by the true God, but held that Christ was miraculously endowed man, and rejected Paul as an Apostate from the Mosaic Law to the customs and ordinances of which including circumcision, they adhered to and practiced.

The Ebionites were divided into two classes, according to their acceptance or rejection of the virgin birth of Jesus, but all alike reject the Pauline epistles. This is confirmed by Eusebius, who adds that even those who admitted the virgin birth did not accept the pre-existence of Jesus.

They kept both the Jewish Sabbath, and the Christian Lord’s day, and held extreme millennarian ideas in which Jerusalem figured as the center of the coming Messianic Kingdom.

Doctrinally they stood not so much for a theology, as for a refusal of theology, and rejecting the God-given and Holy Spirit inspired teachings of Paul, became the natural heirs of those early Judaizers who caused the Apostle so much annoyance and trouble.

Cerinthus, a noted heretic who mixed Gnosticism with Judaism, also advocated the millennial theory and was the first to attempt to introduce this doctrine under Christianity. Let history speak. In Eusebius’s Ecclesiastical History, Book III, chapter 28, is preserved a fragment from the writings of Caius, who lived about the close of the second century, which gives the following account of Cerinthus’s heresy: “But Cerinthus, too, through revelations written as he would have us believe, by a great apostle, brings before us marvelous things, which he pretends were shown him by angels; alleging that after the resurrection the kingdom of Christ is to be on earth, and that the flesh dwelling in Jerusalem is again to be subject to desires and pleasures. And being an enemy to the scriptures of God, wishing to deceive men, he says that there is to be a space of a thousand years for marriage festivities.” “One of the doctrines he taught was, that Christ would have an earthly kingdom.” “Cerinthus required his followers to worship God.… He promised them a resurrection of their bodies, which would be succeeded by exquisite delights in the millenary reign of Christ.… For Cerinthus supposed that Christ would hereafter return … and would reign with his followers a thousand years in Palestine.”

“Cerinthus required his followers to retain part of the Mosiacal Law, but to regulate their lives by the example of Christ: and taught that after the resurrection Christ would reign upon the earth, with his faithful disciples, a thousand years, which would be spent in the highest sensual indulgences. This mixture of Judaism and Oriental Philosophy was calculated to make many converts, and this sect soon became very numerous. They admitted a part of Matthew’s gospel but rejected the rest, and held the epistles of St. Paul in great abhorrence—Gregory and Ruter’s History, page 30 Cerinthus lived in the days of the Apostle John. Note the attitude of the beloved apostle toward this millennial teacher. Irenaeus, who was born about A.D. 120 and was acquainted with Polycarp, the disciple of John (Eusebius’s Eccl. Hist, Volume 5, Chapter 24) states that while John was at Ephesus he entered a bathhouse to wash and found that Cerinthus was within and refused to bathe in the same bathhouse, but left the building, and exhorted those with him to do the same saying, “Let us flee, lest the bath fall in, as long as Cerinthus, that enemy of truth is within.” Eusebius’s Eccl. History, Volume 3, Chapter 28. Let this be a rebuke to modern millennial advocates. They claim their doctrine is well founded in the apocalypse of John. But John called the great promoter of their theory, “that enemy of the truth.”

3. Some early Fathers taught it, such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Papias. Papias gives a fantastic picture of fruitful vines, whose views were shared by Irenaeus, assumed there would be wonderful material benefits in the millennial age. Irenaeus wrote, “The days will come in which the vines shall grow, each having ten thousand branches, and each branch ten thousand twigs, and each true twig ten thousand shoots, and each one of the shoots ten thousand clusters, and on each one of the clusters ten thousand grapes, and every grape when pressed will give five and twenty metretes of wine.” (About two hundred and twenty-five gallons from each grape.) Though some eminent fathers held millenarianism, it was never generally accepted. Montanism, which gave much prominence to millenarianism, was condemned by different groups of Asia Minor as heresy about A.D. 160. Dr. C. A. Briggs says of Chiliasm (the doctrine that Christ will return to earth to reign 1000 years) “The mass of writers as well as churches, speaking through their local assemblies, bishops and patriarchs either show a different conception of eschatology (last and final things) or else, as in the great churches of Rome, Alexandria, and Asia Minor they condemned the heresy; so that before the first Ecumenical Council of Nice, Chiliasm (doctrine of millennium) had been suppressed in all parts of the Christian Church. That it was not generally accepted from an early date is evident from the fact that the four greatest early Church symbols—The Apostles creed, The Nicene, the Constantinopolitan, and the Athanasian—all exclude it by affirming a single resurrection of the dead, including both the righteous and the wicked. Origen rejected millenarianism and Augustine in identifying the kingdom of God with the Church excluded it. From his time it ceased to be held almost entirely for many centuries.

Chapter III
Revival of Premillenarianism

Premillenarianism came into temporary prominence in the year of A.D. 1000 due to the theory held by some that this date ended the 1000 years of Revelation 20. Several other outbreaks of premillennial could be sited during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but it has not been the common belief among Christians during this period.

Another revival of millenarianism has come in recent years. In the ranks of its advocates are many prominent religious leaders. The theory is being zealously propagated in “Prophetic Conferences” by elaborate charts purporting to show the plan of the ages, by books, by periodicals, by pulpit, radio, and television. Though the details of the theory are held differently by its supporters yet the modern theories agree on one basic thing, that Christ is coming back to set up His kingdom on this earth, and reign for 1000 years. This theory seems to thrive best in times of trouble, and great crisis. Millennial teachers often assume that since some prophecies have been fulfilled literally, all must be. They apply this premise to such prophecies as they can use to their advantage, but they find it quite convenient to “spiritualize” when found in conflict with the plain teaching of the Bible.

Chapter IV
Two Millennial Theories Distinguished

The term “Millennium” is used in theology to designate a supposed future period of universal righteousness during which Christ will reign on the earth. In duration this period is supposed to be one thousand years, on the ground of Rev. 20:1–6, and therefore the theory is called millenarianism.

Two opposing theories are prevalent concerning the millennium—Postmillennial and Premillennial. They are so designated in relation to the second coming of Christ. The first holds that his advent will be postmillennial or after the millennium. The other suppose his coming will be pre-millennial, or Christ’s coming will precede the millennium. According to the first view, the converting of the world is the cause of, or at least prepares the way for, the advent of Christ; and according to the other view the coming of Christ is the cause of the conversion of the world.

1. Postmillenarianism—Postmillenarianism holds that the kingdom of Christ was established at his first advent, that through existing agencies—especially the preaching of the gospel, and the operation of the Holy Spirit—world-wide righteousness will be effected. This condition will continue for a long period, but its duration is not necessarily an exact one thousand years, nor do its advocates all pretend to hold the theory on the ground of the twentieth chapter of Revelation. During this period Satan is supposed to be restrained, but at its close he will be loosed for a short period, after which Christ will come to raise the dead, judge the world, and destroy the earth. Postmillennials think the kingdom will fully materialize 1000 years before Christ returns. This theory advocates that there shall be a thousand years of peace, after which Christ will return. It is believed this condition will be brought about by the preaching of the gospel, and other social means. One great objection to this view is confusing the kingdom of God with social progress, or attempting to lower the supernatural, spiritual kingdom of Christ to the earthly nature of humankind.

2. Premillenarianism. Premillenarians hold that the kingdom of Christ does not yet exist, but that it will be established at his second advent. They affirm that present agencies will fail to convert the world, and that wickedness will increase until Christ comes, when it will be supernaturally suppressed. The theory most commonly held by evangelical Christians is generally as follows.

The present preaching of the gospel will not accomplish the conversion of the world, but is intended only as a witness to make the nations subject to the judgment and to gather out the elect. Wickedness will continue to increase until the coming of Christ, which is declared to be very near at hand. Christ will come secretly and raise the righteous dead, and these with the righteous who are alive will be caught up somewhere in the air, where they will be with Christ for a period, the length of which is affirmed by some to be seven years. During the time the righteous are in the air the living on earth will endure a period of great tribulation under the rule of a personal antichrist.

After this coming of Christ already described, which is said to be for his saints and is called “the rapture” it is held that he will come with his saints, which is called “the revelation.” Then He will bind Satan and by supernatural manifestations of power and glory convert Israel and the majority of the wicked. The Jews will be gathered to Palestine, where Christ will establish his throne and rule over the world with special advantage to the Jews. At the end of the millennium Satan will be loosed for a short time, after which will occur a second resurrection, that of the wicked dead, who will be judged. Then the earth will be burned up.

The common view of the millennium is that Christ will return to earth after a brief period of rapture with the church and will set up a political kingdom at Jerusalem with the Jewish nation as the nucleus of His government. Great military power will be used at least at the close of the millennium. It will be a time of great temporal blessings, when there will be security and plenty for all.

The Jewish temple will be rebuilt, and Jewish worship will be restored. The Jews will return to their own land. The Law of Moses will be enforced, covering such things as the Sabbath, circumcision, marriage and divorce. Since provision is made for marriage of widows, there will be death also. Sacrifices will be offered, including sacrifices for sins and even the “Prince” will offer sacrifice for his sins. Chief doctrinal basis of the millennium is found in Revelation 20 by reading into the chapter things that it does not say, and misapplying what is said. Many Old Testament prophecies are used also, none of which say anything about a period on earth after Christ’s return. Following the assumption that all prophecy must have a literal fulfillment, and knowing that some prophecy was not fulfilled, millennialists argue that the fulfillment will take place in the millennium.

Chapter V
Basic Doctrine of Premillennialism

1. A political kingdom—The premillennial theory holds that the kingdom of God is yet future and that it will be a political kingdom to be set up by Christ at His return.

(1) Christ is to be a political king. Christ is to sit upon the throne of David and rule with a rod of iron over all nations of earth. He is to be King of kings and Lord of lords. All nations are to serve and obey him. All kings, ministers, presidents, governors, mayors, and all other officers will receive their appointments from Him. Whether national kings or tribal chieftains, all will be his appointees.

(2) The Jewish kingdom is to be restored. The restored Jewish kingdom, with Christ as king, will be the center of earthly rule. The tribes of Israel will return to Palestine and accept Christ as their Messiah. They are to be a favored nation. Christ will rule with Jerusalem as His Capitol, and His twelve apostles will rule over the Twelve Tribes.

2. The Restoration of Judaism—The Jewish religion is to be restored in the millennium. Christ, and evidently all Christians, will participate in this restored Judaism.

(1) The Temple is to be rebuilt. The Temple is to be built in Jerusalem and will be more glorious than the Temple of Solomon, or the Temple of Herod. Temple worship will be restored. People all over the world will come to Jerusalem annually to worship.

(2) Jewish laws and ritual will be in force. Circumcision and the Sabbath will be observed. Mosaic laws of marriage and divorce will apply. A priest may not marry a divorced person, but must marry a virgin or the widow of a priest. Hence there will be marriage and death in the millennium.

(3) Jewish ritual will be restored. The sons of Zadok are to be priests. Zadok was one of the two chief priests in the time of David, being of the house of Eleazar the son of Aaron. They are to offer animal sacrifices including sin offerings. This would mean the blood of Christ will no longer be efficacious for sin.

3. The order of events—Events ushering in the millennium, are to occur in the following manner.

(1) Christ will come secretly, as a thief in the night to steal away his bride. First the righteous dead will be resurrected, then accompanied by the living righteous, they will be caught away for the rapture in the skies for a period usually said to be seven years. Those left behind will not know when this happens till they discover that their friends are missing.

(2) The great tribulation then occurs. Seven years of the worst tribulation the world has ever known will trouble the earth during the absence of the saints. Antichrist will exercise his power during this period.

(3) The appearance of Christ then follows. Christ returns from the rapture with great demonstration and sets up His kingdom. The devil is bound, and there follows a thousand years of peaceful reign on the earth. There will be ease and plenty for all.

(4) The final judgment follows. At the close of the millennial reign the wicked will be resurrected. Satan will be loosed for a little season and will lead a great rebellion, which Christ will put down with much bloodshed. Then follows the final judgment, when Satan and Antichrist will be destroyed.

The foregoing is believed to be a fair representation in general of the theory as held by its leading modern advocates. Space will not permit dealing with the many details incorporated in this basic framework. The purpose is to give a brief statement of some basics of the premillennial doctrine for understanding to those who may not know.

The Postmillennial view as held by many, includes nothing more than an exaggerated idea of what we may properly expect the present preaching of the gospel to accomplish.

As previously stated, Postmillenarians hold the kingdom of Christ was established at His first advent, that through existing agencies, especially the preaching of the gospel, and the operation of the Holy Spirit, worldwide righteousness will be effected. During this period Satan will be restrained, and there will be 1000 years of a golden age when nothing to mar happiness here on earth will exist. It is supposed to be a time when there will be an abundance of the material for everyone, with no hindrance from the physical, political, economical, nor even Satan himself. It is to be a paradise here on earth, with a peaceful reign for 1000 years. But at the close of this period Satan is to be loosed for a short period, after which Christ will come to raise the dead, judge the world and destroy the earth. In brief this theory is nothing short of glorified paganism.

Chapter VI
Objections to the Millennial Theory

It is in direct conflict with scriptural teaching. Biblically, no political kingdom is allowable. Since the kingdom of God is spiritual in its nature, it cannot be a political kingdom. It was set up and established at Christ’s first coming, no place left for its establishment at His second coming.

The millennial theory holds to the unscriptural theory that the Jews are still God’s special people, whereas, the New Testament teaches clearly that the Jewish dispensation has come to an end, and that the Jews no longer have any special standing before God. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).

Speaking further of the New Testament plan Paul states, “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision, nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all in all” (Col. 3:11).

There is no longer any difference between Jew and Gentile in the sight of God. There is no difference in sin, for all are sinful. There is no difference among the saved, and conditions of salvation are the same for both, all special rights for the Jews came to an end in Christ, who died for all that all might enjoy the fullness of God’s blessings.

Greater blessings than the Jews ever had before are now offered them but on the same conditions as they are offered to the Gentiles. The true Israel consists of those having the faith of Abraham, not those having his blood. There are no promises of the restoration of the Jewish nation at any future time. If promises made to Israel were not fulfilled, it is either because they are forfeited, or they are fulfilled in a greater way in the gospel age. Christ inherited the throne of David, and absorbed it in his greater spiritual kingdom. He is now king of the Jews in the only sense that he ever will be. Proponents of the millennial theory give to prophecy a meaning which clearly was not intended by the writers. Predictions which were to be a spiritual fulfillment under the gospel, are applied to the supposed millennium in a manner contrary to sound principles of scriptural interpretation. Much is read into Revelation (twentieth chapter) which does not exist, and was never intended by the writer.

First, consider some important facts that will help to understand the reign spoken of here in Rev. 20:1–6.

a. It does not mention Christ’s second coming.
b. It does not mention a bodily resurrection. John saw the “souls.” v. 4.
c. It does not mention a reign on earth, it is with Christ. v. 4.
d. It does not mention Christ as being on earth.
e. It does not mention us.
f. The reign of the Martyrs in verse 4 took place with Christ, in paradise, during the thousand years of the reign of Catholicism.

Keep in mind the souls were reigning, not bodies and souls. These were disembodied spirits that were reigning with Christ. While contending for a literal fulfillment, these teachers constantly violate the true meaning of scripture.

A serious objection to the millennial theory is that its promises are not spiritual, but sensual. The millennium does not promise a better experience of salvation than is now obtainable. It does not promise to make men holier than they are now, nor can it offer better terms of grace. It holds no promises of spiritual blessings in advance of what saved men now possess. On the contrary, its promises are sensual, emphasizing there will be a time of ease and plenty to eat and little to do except to enjoy oneself under his own vine and fig tree. The millennium will be a step backwards in that the Law, with its sacrificial system, which has been repealed, by the coming of Christ, will be restored. The blood of animals will again flow at Israel’s altars as though Christ had not died. This is repudiation of His atonement.

In the millennium there will be a state of confusion, with the immortal saints mingled with mortals, who marry and die. There are many questions to those who think, and reason according to the teachings of the Scriptures. For example will all share alike in the blessings of the millennium or are there special benefits for the mortals such as wives and children, which the immortals cannot possess? Will the immortals be immune from sickness and death while their mortal neighbors die? According to the millennial theory, all Christians of past ages, and those living when Christ comes, together with the Old Testament saints, are to become immortal, at Christ’s coming: for the dead are raised immortal, and the living saved are changed. All of these will share in the millennium. With them will be the many who through the millennium become loyal followers of Christ. These, not having passed through death and the resurrection, are still mortal. This gives us a great host of mortal beings in physical bodies with another host perhaps larger, of immortal beings in spiritual bodies. Are these immortal spiritual beings going to marry, divorce, die, farm, eat figs and grapes, and sacrifice at Israel’s altars? Or, are the benefits of the millennium only for the mortals while the immortals look on? One can quickly see the millennial theory breaks down under the weight of its retrogression and inconsistencies. It would have us returning to former things that have been rejected by Christ. Many more objections could be sited, but this should be enough to provoke serious thinking and reasoning.

To sum up the uniform voice of history and theory of a literal kingdom and reign on the earth was gathered from Jewish fabulous “Apocalypse,” unwritten tradition, carnal misapprehensions, pretend visions, suppositions, superstitions, and vain imaginations. The vain worldly expectation that the Messiah would establish a literal kingdom caused the Jews to reject him, and his spiritual kingdom. They only wanted an earthly kingdom; hence rejected and crucified the Son of God.

As soon as the Church began to apostatize and lost the glory of his spiritual kingdom vain ambitions awakened the old Jewish desire for a literal kingdom, and so it has come to pass that we have at this time of dead formality a multitude of men teaching the same abominable lie and false hope which crucified Christ more than nineteen hundred years ago, namely, a literal kingdom of Christ.

Neither the teachings of Jesus nor any of the epistles contain one word about the millennium. It is appalling there is so much talk for, writing about, and money spent promoting something that is not even mentioned in the Bible, nor will ever be.

Chapter VII
Post-Millennial School of Thought on the Millennium

Post-millennial. For proper understanding a repetition of a former statement will be made. This theory holds that the kingdom of Christ was established at his first advent, and through existing agencies and especially the preaching of the gospel, and the operation of the Holy Spirit the kingdom would fully materialize, before Christ returns, and bring about a state of worldwide righteousness for 1000 years. This further teaches the world is getting better and will eventually enjoy a golden age of 1000 years, after which (post) Christ will come. During this period Satan is supposed to be restrained but at its close he will be loosed for a short period, after which Christ will come to raise the dead, judge the world and destroy the earth. Advocates strongly emphasize that conditions of the world will get better and better, and eventually bring into existence worldwide righteousness, which would be the beginning of the millennium. This place and state is supposed to be reached, and accomplished 1000 years before the second advent of Christ. Keep in mind this theory teaches that Christ is coming after the millennium. All the glories of the millennium are supposed to be enjoyed before Christ comes and this only for a period of about 1000 years. According to scriptural teaching the kingdom of Christ is spiritual in nature, and eternal in duration, “forever, and ever.”

Chapter VIII
Why the Post-Millennial Theory cannot be True

1. The world will be wicked in the closing days of the age. The Apostle Paul states, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:1–2).

He further deals at length and more detailed. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:1–5).

In verse 13 of this same chapter the words are given, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

2. Concerning the last days Peter the Apostle gives information that scoffers will point to wicked times to prove that things are like they have always been—no better. “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of Creation” (2 Peter 3:3–4).

3. The good and the bad will be growing together when Jesus comes. Note the words of Jesus, “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.

“The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

“As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be at the end of this world.

“The Son of Man shall send forth his angels and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; “And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 13:38–42).

In verse 39 of this chapter we see the harvest is the end of the world. In verse 30 of this same chapter Jesus says “Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”

From these scriptures is conclusive proof the world is not going to get better and enjoy 1000 years of a golden age before Jesus comes. Therefore, the post millennial theory is proved to be totally in error.

Chapter IX
Why the Premillennial Theory is Wrong

There is no need for a millennium. —As previously stated, Premillenarians hold that the kingdom of Christ does not yet exist, but that it will be established at his second advent. Notice carefully the basic theory of this doctrine as formerly given. Since it is rather lengthy, it would require too much space to repeat it, and really is needless. If you wish, refer back to refresh your thinking for greater understanding, and harmony in your conclusion.

There is no Need for a Millennium

1. Christ has already set up His kingdom. Note carefully scriptural teaching. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea. And saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:1–2).

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17).

“The Law and the prophets were until John; since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it” (Luke 16:16). One could not get into something nonexisting.

When Jesus was asked the question by Pilate, “Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world; (earthly, literal) if my kingdom were of this world, (literal) then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world.… Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:33, 36–37). The Living Bible puts it this way, “Then Jesus answered, I am not an earthly king. If I were, my followers would have fought when I was arrested by the Jewish leaders. But my kingdom is not of this world. Pilate replied, But you are a king then? Yes, Jesus said, I was born for that purpose. And I came to bring truth to the world. All who love the truth are my followers.”

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation (outward, earthly show); Neither shall they say, Lo here, or lo there (in a millennium) for behold the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20–21). It is a spiritual kingdom dwelling in the hearts of the saved. Paul the Apostle emphasizes this further and tells exactly what it is, and where it is located. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). This makes it clear that it is spiritual, a kingdom of righteousness, and peace located in the heart of every blood washed, redeemed, born again child of God.

2. God’s people are reigning now.

Listen carefully to the voice of the Word of God. “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:17).

The question may be asked, How can we become a recipient of this wonderful grace and gift of righteousness that gives this reigning power. Let the scripture answer. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

“And hath made us kings and priests unto God, and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever” (Rev. 1:5–6).

Being saved from sin by the blood of Christ makes us kings and priests unto God. Then and there we become a recipient of his spiritual kingdom, and begin our spiritual reign, with our spiritual king, the Lord Jesus Christ.

To further show this reign is to be on this earth immediately following conversion, let us look at another portion of the Word of God. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on the earth” (Rev. 5:9–10).

The Apostles, and children of God of the Church of the first Century enjoyed a spiritual reign over all the powers of the devil, and his agents. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19).

3. A millennium would necessitate, at least two more future comings of Christ, and the Bible teaches only one more coming. Hear the voice of the Bible for truth. Jesus, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). Jesus again, “Ye have heard how I said unto you I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice because I said, I go unto the Father, for my Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). He makes plain He is coming only one more time.

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Heb. 9:28).

When Jesus comes every one, Christian and sinner will see him. “Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced (crucified) him, and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Rev. 1:7). Not a 1000 year interval between righteous and wicked, but all, both saint and sinner will see him, when he comes.

4. Christ’s work on earth is finished. No scriptural teaching brings Christ any closer to the earth than in the clouds. His work on earth in bodily form is forever finished. Jesus in his own word says, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). Paul, speaking on the nature of the work of Christ on earth states, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace: Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence: Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. That in the dispensation of the fullness of times (New Testament period) he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him” (Eph. 1:7–10).

5. Christ is reigning now. Give special attention to the following scriptures. “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up (not set up) the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and authority and power.

“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:24–26). Jesus says, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). It is clear he now has all power. According to the Apostle Paul he then had all rule, and authority and power. He was to reign until he delivered up (not set up) the kingdom to God the Father, and death would be destroyed, by time ending, and the resurrection occurring. Then his rule, authority and power over his kingdom would end. You can quickly see that it would be impossible for him to deliver up something that did not exist. It is clear also Christ will offer the kingdom up when he returns. 1 Cor. 15:24.

Chapter X
Christ on David’s Throne

In order to sustain their position, those who hold to the millennium theory claim that Christ is not now sitting on the throne of David in this dispensation; and that therefore, there must be another age, a period of a thousand years, in which Christ will sit upon the throne of David. Some of them go so far as to say that the throne of David will be reestablished in Jerusalem, and that Christ will reign there, reign over literal Israel, who, as a nation, will again be restored to its former glory. To the natural mind this may sound beautiful, and it may appeal to some as very reasonable, but careful investigation of the truth of the Bible will clearly reveal that such theories are but mere speculations of human minds, and are not found in the Bible.

In the first place, the literal throne of David never can be reestablished, for it was destroyed centuries ago. By “throne” is meant sovereign power and dignity. Therefore, as David was exalted to this place of power and government in Israel so the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the seed of David, was to be raised up and exalted to a state and place of sovereign power; A king to rule in righteousness. This is the true biblical meaning of Christ’s sitting upon the throne of David.

Let the reader observe that at the very time this kingdom and throne of David were to be established forever, it was said of David himself, “Thou shalt sleep with thy fathers.” So instead of Christ’s sitting on David’s throne after the resurrection, as the millennial teachers declare, this text proves that it was to take place while David was still sleeping with his fathers. How beautifully this harmonizes with the New Testament declaration of Peter recorded in Acts 2:29–30 “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the Patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God hath sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne.” Here we have the application of God’s promise to David. It referred to Christ and reached its fulfillment at the time of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

David himself refers to this promise in Psalm 132:11, “The Lord has sworn in truth unto David: he will not turn from it; of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.” It is clear that the prophet was here speaking directly of Christ when he said, “of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.” Paul writes, “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power—according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:3–4).

Instead of pointing to a future age of fulfillment of these prophecies, the Apostles clearly understood them already fulfilled in this dispensation. The fulfillment of this scripture, as mentioned in the second chapter of Acts, clearly shows the fact that in this dispensation Christ was to sit on David’s throne.

Scriptural teaching clearly locates Christ’s kingdom and reign as beginning at His first advent. It was when He was born into the world as a Son He became a king and established His kingdom. And this is identical with His sitting on the throne of David. Christ was “born King of the Jews” (Matt. 2:2). Note Nathaniel’s greeting to Christ. “Thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel” (John 1:49).

At the time of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the whole multitude of disciples cried out, “Blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest” (Mark 11:9–10).

Paul says that the children of Christ are the seed of Abraham “heir according to the promise,” “for if ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed.” This is the “true Israel of God.” In the Christian dispensation, the real and only seed of Abraham is the spiritual seed, the children of promise those who are saved out of all nations through the blood of Jesus. This is the New Testament Church and since Christ is “head over all things to the Church,” its governor, lawmaker, and the king of saints, we see clearly how the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled during the Christian era, in that Christ now sits on the throne of David and reigns “Prince of Peace.”

Chapter XI
There is no Time for a Millennium

1. The righteous will be raised at the Last day, not a thousand years before the last day. Note carefully the words of Jesus, “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” “Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54). This makes it clear the righteous will be raised at the last day, and not one thousand years before the last day as millennial advocates would have us believe.

2. The wicked will be judged the last day. Jesus states, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

3. Both classes will be raised at the same time, not one thousand years interval as futurist would have us believe. The Word of Christ says, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28–29).

Daniel saw and understood it as Jesus stated. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Dan. 12:2).

The writer of the book of Acts understood it the same as Daniel and Jesus stated it. “And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a (singular) resurrection of the dead, both of the just, and the unjust” (Acts 24:15).

4. Both classes will see him when he comes. Words of John, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him; and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so Amen” (Rev. 1:7).

5. There are no two (only one) literal resurrections taught in the Bible. The Apostle Paul gives clear information on this point with these words. “But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:13–17).

The purpose here is to teach that the righteous dead and the righteous living will all go to heaven together. The wicked dead are not mentioned nor considered in this place. It is clear when the Lord returns all the righteous will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, not for seven years of rapture then back on this earth for 1000 years, before going to be with him in glory. But when he comes the saints will be caught up to forever be with him in glory. Paul said “Comfort one another with these words.”

6. Both classes, (righteous and wicked) will be at the judgment and get their eternal rewards at the same time. Read carefully these words of Jesus. “When the Son of Man shall come in all his glory and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he shall set the sheep (Christians) on his right hand, but the goats (sinners) on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand (Christians), come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom (the eternal kingdom in glory) prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:31–34).

To the sinners, he will say at the same time, “Then shall he say also (at the same time) unto them (sinners) on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devils and his angels.” “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal” (Matt. 25:41, 46). This teaches only one coming of Christ, and only one judgment. Both righteous and wicked will receive the eternal rewards at the same time.

Chapter XII
There is no Place for a Millennium After Christ Comes

1. The earth will be burned up. Not renovated as some teach. See this truth as Peter states it. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works therein shall be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10). Not purified, and left for occupancy, but destroyed. This is so clear even the most unlearned should not be confused.

2. The earth will pass away. Listen to John the Revelator, concerning happenings of the earth when Jesus comes. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them” (Rev. 20:11). John continues to picture the judgment scene and the rewarding of both the righteous and wicked at the same time, immediately following the coming of Christ and the passing away of the earth in Rev. 20:12–15.

The writer of the Hebrews gave the same understanding, “And thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands. They shall perish, but thou remainest: …” (Heb. 1:10–11).

Chapter XIII
Concluding Remarks

In view of the volume of scriptural evidence, one can quickly see how ridiculous and erroneous it would be to advocate a millennium when there is no need for one. Christ has already set up his kingdom and His people are reigning now.

There is no time for a millennium. Both the righteous and the wicked will be raised, judged, and rewarded at the last day. Not before, or after the last day, but at the last day. The great and last day will be when Jesus comes. There is no place for a millennium after Christ comes. The earth will be burned up, will pass away, and perish. To have such an event as the millennium certainly requires a need, a time, and a place. The word of God shows there is no need, no time, nor place, because it is not God’s plan. It originated, and was gathered from Jewish fabulous, unwritten tradition, carnal misapprehensions, pretended visions, suppositions, and superstitious imaginations.

It is not the plan of God. It is wholly without scriptural foundation and support, and should be branded as totally erroneous, and a plan the devil, through his agents, had inaugurated to deceive and bar people from experiencing and enjoying God’s great plan of redemption in this life, and heaven in eternity.

The devil knows there never will be a millennium. If he can deceive people into believing there will be one, get them to put off their salvation for a supposed future second chance, knowing without doubt every one who does will be lost eternally in a devil’s hell, tormented forever, and ever, he will do so. This plan of gross deception is feverishly geared to eternally destroy all who will accept, come under its dominion, and follow its dictates.

Oh, soul, flee the wrath to come. Accept the salvation of Christ and reign with him now, over all sin and the power of the devil. This is Christ’s blood-bought plan and will for everyone. Do not be misled into believing in a political, earthly, supposed something intended only for 1000 years, when Christ has set up his spiritual kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, which will never be destroyed and will continue forever and ever. Climaxing this great message of truth let us note the words of the great song of D. S. Warner.

REIGNING IN THIS LIFE

Do you triumph, O my brother,
Over all this world of sin?
In each storm of tribulation,
Does your Jesus reign within?

One we hail as King immortal,
He did earth and hell subdue;
And bequeathing us to glory,
We are kings anointed, too.

Shall we, then by sin be humbled?
Must we yield to any foe?
No, by heaven’s gift we’re reigning,
Over all this world below.

O what grace and high promotion,
That in Jesus I should be,
Raised from sin to royal honor,
Even reigning Lord with thee!

All this life is blissful sunshine,
Earth is subject at our feet;
Heaven pours it’s richest blessings
Round our throne of love complete.

I am reigning, sweetly reigning,
Far above this world of strife,
In my blessed loving Saviour,
I am reigning in this life.

May the God of heaven, and the Lord Jesus Christ, through, and by His Holy Spirit bless this glorious truth to the present and eternal salvation of all is our humble prayer.

Lawrence J. Chesnut, B.Th., D.D.

[ The End ]