A Case for Historic Premillennialism An Alternative to "Left Behind" Eschatology by Baker,2009]

by Craig L. Blomberg

A Case for Historic Premillennialism An Alternative to "Left Behind" Eschatology by Baker,2009, Paperback

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Church History, Biblical Studies

Unknown Binding

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

Dr. Craig Blomberg joined the faculty of Denver Seminary in 1986. He is currently a distinguished professor of New Testament.

Dr. Blomberg completed his Ph.D. in New Testament, specializing in the parables and the writings of Luke-Acts, at Aberdeen University in Scotland. He received an MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a BA from Augustana College. Before joining the faculty of Denver Seminary, he taught at Palm Beach Atlantic College and was a research fellow in Cambridge, England with Tyndale House.

In addition to writing numerous articles in professional journals, multi-author works and dictionaries or encyclopedias, he has authored or edited 20 books, including The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Interpreting the Parables, commentaries on Matthew, 1 Corinthians and James, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, From Pentecost to Patmos: An Introduction to Acts through Revelation, Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions, Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Preaching the Parables, Contagious Holiness: Jesus' Meals with Sinners, and Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.

Reviews

[Brance Gillihan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The chapters here are mostly composed of critiques of dispensationalism and misunderstandings of amillennialism. The one chapter that promised more, did not deliver. Dr. Sung Wook Chung formulates an entirely novel covenantal system, suggesting that the reformed tradition ditch the idea of a covenant of works and instead adopt his new formulation of a covenant of blessing (what is typically known as the creation mandate to be fruitful and have dominion) and a covenant of law (commonly known as the covenant of works). I'm always skeptical when someone comes up with something new in theology. I'm not convinced of his position and don't recommend the book. I'm sure you've got better things to do with your time.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays that lay out the case for Historic Premillenialism (HP). There are eight essays, many of which deal with HP as contrasted with dispensationalism (i.e. Rapture eschatology). There are also essays that deal with amillenialism and Jewish thought regarding the end times.
The essays themselves are fine, and each one stands up well enough on its own merit. The book would have benefited greatly by a concluding chapter that tied up all the main points of the preceding essays (the actual conclusion is a paltry two pages).

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of scholarly essays that focuses on the historic roots of premillennialism and on how this eschatology differs from dispensational premillennialism. There is also an essay that discusses why reformed and covenant theology should consider historic premillennialism instead of amillenialism. I found most of the essays to be helpful. The conclusion states that they are not intended for a theological novice. If you are new to studying eschatology this book is probably not a good place to start.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrow this book; don't buy it. I write this as someone sympathetic with historic premillennialism, but the essays are woefully uneven. The first few dealing with its Hebraic background are quite good. The essay on Ezekiel notes how prophetic language is to be interpreted (e.g., we can only spiritualize it when the author gives us the key to spiritualize it, like in Ezekiel 37). Suggests, even with all of its problems, that Ez 40-48 was meant to be read literally since it chiastically parallels the physical, literal temple in chapters 8-9. This does suggest problems in the New Testament teachings on the Temple. The author admits that, but doesn't worry about it. The same God wrote both testaments.

There is an interesting essay on modern-day Jewish life-after-death thought.

The central essay is Blomberg's one on post-tribulationism. While he does offer several point-by-point critiques of pretribulationism, his argument mainly focuses on the central New Testament theme that God's children must suffer tribulation. Further, he quickly dispenses with dispensationalism's semi-pathetic claim that we must be raptured before the tribulation because God's children will never have to face his “wrath.” Blomberg ends his essay with a few interesting comments on the nature of postrib premillennialism. Responding to critics that post-trib precludes an “any-moment” return of Christ, Blomberg responds that 1) the events per Antichrist and tribulatin can happen rather quickly or simultaneously and thus make possible an any-moment return.

Fairbairn's essay on the early church's eschatology is quite good. He demonstrates that most (but not all) ante-Nicene fathers held to a form of postribulationism and the millennial reign. This position would fall out of favor with the gnostic tendencies of Origen and the hyper-Platonism of Augustine. While the early church was largely premillennial, it really doesn't fit into any modern categories of premillennialism, so any comparison must stop here.

The two weakest essays are on Reformed Covenantalism (Chung) and Premillennial Method (Payne). The former rightly suggests that Reformed amillennialism “spiritualizes” away most of the promises of an earthly restoration. Chung argues that this is so because of the Reformed insistence on the Covenant of Works. I remain unconvinced and Chung offers little more than assertions. Payne's essay had more promise, but does little more than explain why premillennialists interpret Scripture “literally.” He mentioned Thomas Reid's Scottish Common Sense realism, but failed to demonstrate how this affects hermeneutics. He should have argued that our cognitive faculties are reliable and when information is presented in a straight-forward way, we are to understand it in a straight-forward way. Second premise: the eschatological promises in the Old Testament are presented in a straight-forward way. Ergo, premillennialism. Payne doesn't do this (I have done in three sentences what his entire essay failed to do).

Conclusion:

Because this book is focused against dispensationalism, it is of limited use to those who are not dispensationalists. There are a number of valuable exegetical insights that are helpful to those of all persuasions, and the historical overviews are quite good. The book as a whole is uneven and its lasting importance will demonstrate it to be quite limited.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my pastor friends loaned me the book in hopes of giving me information on Historic Premillenialism. This book did not change my mind on particular aspects of eschatology; however, it did increase my knowledge of this view as well as the "percentage points of likelihood in my mind" that premillenialism (not historical or dispensational) view of Christ's reign on the earth prior to the eternal state is correct. I definitely appreciated Sung Wook Chung's contribution in the article "Toward the Reformed and Covenant Theology of Premillenialism" which by far was my favorite section. I did also appreciate (can't remember where) the section which outlined historical Jewish thought on a Messiah's millennial reign.

One thing I must admit though on a personal level: I have preterist leanings in many passages of the Bible which clash directly with certain passages used within the historical premillennial view. Hopefully I don't become a cult leader making some form or preterism within a premillennial paradigm. X-D

[Emanuel Elizondo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

It’s a good book, but disappointing. I was glad that it engages a little with progressive dispensationalism. I was surprised to find nothing on how historic premil interprets a variety of issues, like Revelation or Daniel.

In other words, it doesn’t really make a case for historic premil. I felt that the whole book was trying simply to argue “We are premil, but don’t like dispensationalism.”

[Trevor Binkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good collection of essays on the topic. There were some devastating critiques of Dispensationalism, and some intriguing arguments for Historic Premillenialism. It didn't settle the issue for me as I am still not completely resolved on my eschatological position. Looks like more reading on this topic is needed. Darn ;)

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent non-sensational look at historic premillennialism

I appreciate the level headed approach to premillennialism and the focus on partnering with this of other persuasions. The essays in this book contain a strong argument for the premillennial faith of the early church fathers.

[Nate Weis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not necessarily a full treatment of historic pre mil, but mostly a collection of essays exploring various aspects of the view with a focus on critiquing dispensationalism. Many of the essays were quite helpful.

[Neil Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

2021 reads: #24
Rating: 4 Stars

As is often the case with books that consist of a collection of essays, all the contributions to this volume are not equal in quality. The essays range from: (1) uncertainty as to how this contributes to the purpose of the book; (2) provocative suggestions and formulations; to (3) persuasive analysis (especially Donald Fairbairn on Patristic eschatology). Another improvement would be if the cleverness with the phrase "left behind" was resisted more often - this just serves to frustrate and even alienate some of the target audience.

Whilst I do not agree with every detail of the perspective argued for in this book, I find many aspects persuasive, and I have been challenged to think carefully about some alternative interpretations.

Historic Premillennialism is an attractive option for those with the following convictions:
1. The rapture is post-tribulation
2. Revelation 20:1-6 speaks of an earthly kingdom
3. Continuity exists between Israel and the Church (but not to the extent that the distinctions evaporate)
4. There is a "now" and "not-yet" aspect to the kingdom
5. That the general testimony of scripture is that God's people will endure through suffering rather than escape it
6. God will vindicate his purposes for His creation before the eternal state

[Logan Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a disappointment. Blomberg and Chung had the only two chapters worth reading.

I may have had too high of hopes for this book. I think I wanted to be convinced. Blomberg and Chung made a few points that have me thinking,but I remain Amil.

If only Jim Hamilton would write a book on Historic Premillennialism! If you know of better volumes please share them with me.

[Alex Nolette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a collection of papers delivered at a 2007 Denver seminary conference on the topic of Historic (Posttribulational) Premillennialism. I gave it two stars because as a book published under the title “A Case for Historic Premillennialism” it doesn’t make a very strong case. I admit that the subtitle is “An alternative to ‘Left Behind” eschatology” and on that front it does make a good case that dispensational premillennialism has a lot of problems lining up with scripture. On the other hand, a few of the papers seem rather tangential, and for the most part I wasn’t given a whole lot of evidence to consider changing my view (even though I’m still open to it). Here are my takeaways:

1. Posttribulational Premillennialism was probably the view held by most of the Patristic fathers.

2. It’s not much different than my amillennial view. The book asks 2 basic questions to cast doubt on my opinion: 1) What do you do with Revelation 20:1-6? 2) Wouldn’t God’s faithfulness to his covenants with Adam and Abraham require him to fulfill them on this earth and not the new earth?

Their responses to these questions didn’t convince me.

[John Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Persuasive arguments that should lead to further study

I found the whole book exciting because it emphasizes a literal approach to the Scripture from Genesis through Revelation unifying the whole. The arguments for a post-tribulation rapture are persuasive argued from several perspectives. The proposed new approach to the millenial view for Reformed theology resolved several niggling problems, expanding the unified view of Scripture and the covenantal theme. A great introduction that should lead to more in-depth study. Thanks to Blomberg and all who contributed!

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great discussion of the historic conception of Rev. 20, and the early churches anticipation of the end days. A great relief for those looking for a deeper understanding of the end times that doesn't rely on dispensational or pretribulational rapture eschatology. While I still lean more towards an amillennial view, this is a much more careful explanation if the concept.

This book delves into God's historic pattern, and how he uses periods of tribulation to refine and strengthen his people, while at the same time using the tribulations to bring others into his truth.

[larry haufle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I have been looking into posttrib rapture, so I wanted to look into historic premillennialism. I have to say that if your looking for strong Biblical arguments, this book is not recommended. Heavy emphasis is gives to extra Biblical arguments; I’m not saying there isn’t a place for this, but it felt like the Bible took back seat.

[Robin Bittick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a compilations of chapters written by theologians arguing for the Historical Premillennial view of Christian prophecy. It should be on the bookshelf of serious students of eschatology.

[Christopher Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Case for Historic Premillenialism: An Alternative to “Left Behind” Eschatology” is a collection of papers, presented at a symposium, sponsored by Denver Theological Seminary, a.k.a. DTS (does anyone else see the irony here? If you know, you know.). The book is edited by two Denver professors, Craig, L, Blomberg, and Sung Wook Chung.

Despite the aggressive title, this volume is less a diatribe against Dispensationalism, than it is a case for the eschatological position of historic premillenialism. This position could also be called post-tribulational premillenialism.

The essays, written by a variety of scholars, do a nice job at viewing this particular doctrine over against the history of Dispensationalism. But the essays also focus on the case for the Millenium based on the Old Testament, the theological method of premillenialism, a historical review of various eschatological positions of the early church, along with other interesting topics.

If you are attempting to work out your eschatology, it is always good to read views with which you suspect you may disagree. I was already a premillenialist, but this book helped refine and challenge my progressive dispensational views. I highly recommend it. Happy reading!

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the opening essay Timothy Webber says that historic premillennialism has lagged far behind her dispensational younger sister because little sis has always been the popular one, while she is the nerdy type. This book is admittedly the nerdy sister still being all nerdy. Not brilliant mind you, but nerdy.

To date, I'm still not aware of a good popular level treatment of historic premillennialism. Neither am I aware of a solid academic one. To be fair, I'm an amillennialist and thus a harsh critic, but I left this book wanting something better. Part of the problem is the inherent weakness of a collection of essays rather than a robust and systematic work by a single author. I really do hope that there are better future treatments, both popular and academic, of historic premillennialism because I find her much more interesting and nearer the mark than her popular and younger sister.

[Micah Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful at times, somewhat scattered at others; this though is the nature of a collection of articles.
Most helpful to me by far was Chung’s. I now feel firmly resolved in Historic Premil because of his Biblical-Theological justification for the Millennium: that Christ, as the second Adam, would reign in this creation as the first Adam ought to have. This more than anything else dissuades me from the Amillenial view which I’ve felt as the best alternative view.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

helpful series of lectures from DenSem on historic premilennialism especially compared to dispensational premillennialism. overview of all major views of reading revelation, views of millineum, and views of the church throughout history. Also looks at the OT, NT passages, and global church perspectives. only down side is some visuals could have contributed to the arguments.

[Mr David K Goulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich rewards but some digging required

Great overview of the position and good comparisons to alternative views.
Not so theological to be non-understandable but also not so basic to be superficial.

[Doug Hawkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Syncretistic at best

Tries to walk away from dispensationalism but keeps in the mix the “two people of God” aspect at a minimum. Domestic reasoning is tight, but the predilection to “two people”renders the conclusions untenable.

[Brett Stortroen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several chapters give very useful historical and theological background information to the various Premillennial views. The authors also cite biblical and early church writer's documents as good source material to backup the Historic Premillennial eschatological view. A worthy resource.

[Daniel Mount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essays 1, 4, and 6 were all quite interesting and relevant to the stated purpose of the book. Several of the others were also interesting but more tangential to the book's mission.

[Rachel Shallenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter was written by someone else. But it was a good overview and it was helpful. Definitely recommend reading with Scripture right there with you for greater impact. :)

[Melissa Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter is a standalone chapter. Some ate stronger than others. The chapters on the history of dispsensationalism and the church fathers are extremely well done. Other chapters not as much.

[Melissa]

Goodreads

[Tim Hazelbaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of good chapters. I wasn't as compelled as I had hoped to be.

[Hans Wulffraat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the second time now, and again appreciated it. I found most of it helpful and well worth the read.

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful collection of essay on different aspects of Historic Premillennialism. Some better than others.