What is Amillennialism?
In the area of eschatology, however, I have noticed two concerning trends among those who have joined this reformation. The first involves what I call eschatological agnosticism. To be sure, eschatology is one of the most difficult theological issues to understand, especially when it comes to the finer details. But some Christians, although diligent students of Scripture in every other area, avoid the topic altogether and appear content to place themselves in the category of undecided. Some even seem proud of their agnosticism, as if ignorance about the meaning of biblical prophecy is evidence of a commitment to more significant matters. But affirming the centrality of the gospel should not mean dismissing the importance of how God will accomplish the restoration of all things to Himself. Scripture reveals too much about the subject of eschatology for Christians to be content in the dark, especially those who preach the Word and shepherd the flock.
A second trend is the way that some Christians are quick to embrace amillennialism simply because they see it as the reformed position on the end times. This appears to be most common among former Arminians. After an initial exposure to reformed theology, they spend the next several years diligently studying the Bible’s teaching on predestination before finally identifying themselves as Calvinists. But their subsequent conversion to amillennialism takes place overnight—and oftentimes with very little first-hand study of the biblical text—simply because they see it as an indispensable part of the reformed system.
In contrast, the commitment to sola scriptura at the heart of reformed theology should drive us to a careful exegesis of the relevant biblical passages, in search of what God has revealed about the end times. Only then is the student of Scripture ready to take a firm position on this difficult issue.
This book presents an invitation to those who may find themselves caught up in either one of these trends. Whether an eschatological agnostic who has never studied the millennial debate, or an amillennialist who has failed to give this issue the careful attention it deserves, the reader is challenged to consider this premillennial response to the most compelling arguments for amillennialism. The goal of this book is not only to clarify the key differences between these two competing millennial views, but also to provide an exegetical critique of the two-age model of amillennialism. In considering this response, the reader is encouraged to be diligent in his own study of Scripture, weighing carefully the arguments on both sides of the debate. Just as importantly, he is also encouraged to let that study spur him on to greater holiness as he eagerly awaits the blessed hope and appearing of our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here are some of the endorsements for the book:
“Waymeyer has written an outstanding defense of premillennialism. His work is fair, charitable, thorough, and most importantly, based on careful scriptural exegesis. Clearly there are excellent arguments on both sides of this issue, and the debate will almost certainly last until the second coming. In any case, premillennialists will be encouraged by this vigorous and scholarly defense of their reading, and amillennialists will need to interact with this impressive defense of premillennialism.” — Thomas Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Waymeyer stays close to the text, argues biblically, and writes in an ironic way. He has shown great respect for the body of Christ where some have differed from the premillennial view he has taken, yet he has also courageously stated what needs to be said.” — Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
“This book offers the most thorough and penetrating analysis of amillennialism to date. I highly recommend it.” — Michael Vlach, Professor of Theology, The Master’s Seminary
“Imagine a passage-by-passage look at the debate between amillennialism and those who hold to an intermediate kingdom/millennium. Here is a work that lays out the debate in detail and with a tone such a discussion deserves. This is a solid analysis of amillennialism.” — Darrell L. Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
Author: Cripplegate
