Historic Pre-Mil

[InevitablyReformed]

I'm trying to understand the historic pre-mil position a little better. I'm aware that HPM (as I understand it so far) does not see the millennium as Jewish in nature. Is the position based on an understanding of pre-Christ eschatological views? Or is it based primarily on Rev. 20? Please redirect my questions if I am way off here.

Are there any short essays that I should read? Thanks.

 

[InevitablyReformed]

I was hoping to get some of the PBers who hold to this to respond. Maybe an HPM could mention one or two texts that are the lynchpins of their view.

...or not (judging by the response so far).

 

[mshingler]

I no longer hold to HPM, but I think I can speak to your question a little bit. For some historic premils., the millennium is directly related to national Israel's restoration to the land and fulfillment of specific promises related to this. I believe J. Barton Payne would be a perfect example of such a position. I know Fred Zaspel also argues for a literal restoration of the nation of Israel in connection with the millennium, and I believe Spurgeon also subscribed to a similar viewpoint. On the other hand, G.E. Ladd represents the school of premils. that see less significance for national Israel. Ladd believed there would be a significant end-time conversion of Jews (as do some amils.). However, if I understand correctly, he didn't recognize a distinction between Israel and Gentile believers or the re-establishment of the nation of Israel as any part of the millennium. He believed OT promises concerning the temple and restoration to the land, etc. were fulfilled in the church of the New Testament. Wayne Grudem also represents this view. I'm sure Mr. McFadden would have a more thorough grasp than I on Dr. Ladd's position.
Anyway, here's a whole page of articles from the HPM perspective.

Monergism :: Historic Premillennialism

Hope it helps some.

 

[mshingler]

One more thing. I heard Douglass Moo make the statement that, if it were not for Rev. 20, he would be amil. I think, from what I've read, that would be pretty representative of the position of Ladd as well.

 

[Pilgrim]

Those who see a future for national Israel and a restoration to the land cite Exe. 40-48, Zech. 12-14, Rom. 9-11, etc.

 

[VictorBravo]

Ladd believed there would be a significant end-time conversion of Jews (as do some amils.).

I'd add that many historic postmils believed the same thing. See Iain
Murray's The Puritan Hope, for example.

 

[YXU]

Conversion of the Jews are the belief held by many.

Brakel's Christian Reasonable Service has some detail about it. The prayer in the Directory of Publik Worship has this specific prayer item in it.

I believe Calvin didn't take this view in his commentary of Romans. He takes the Israel be saved as the church of God, not an ethnical Israel.

I used to agree with Calvin, now I am still learning.