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The Return of Christ: A Premillennial Perspective
In the study of end times (eschatology), evangelical Christians usually adhere to one of three positions. Premillennialism holds that Christ will return to earth before He reigns over an earthly kingdom for one thousand years. Postmillennialism says the kingdom of God will become realized on this earth through the church's influence, even before Christ's return. Amillennialism suggests the millennium is not a literal thousand-year reign, but that Christ's return will usher in eternity.
The Return of Christ gathers presentations from the Acts 1:11 Conference where church leaders spoke in support of the premillennial position and pre-tribulation rapture. Regardless of whether or not a reader holds this same position, the text emphasizes the deep importance of eschatology in Christ's teaching ministry and as the focus for our hope. Indeed, without the promise of Christ's return, Christianity has little to offer the unbeliever.
The book's dozen contributors include Jerry Vines, Ergun Caner, Danny Akin, Paige Patterson, David Allen, Richard Land, Junior Hill, Stanton R. Norman, Craig Blaising, Lamar Cooper, Steven Cox, and Michael Vlach.
The Return of Christ gathers presentations from the Acts 1:11 Conference where church leaders spoke in support of the premillennial position and pre-tribulation rapture. Regardless of whether or not a reader holds this same position, the text emphasizes the deep importance of eschatology in Christ's teaching ministry and as the focus for our hope. Indeed, without the promise of Christ's return, Christianity has little to offer the unbeliever.
The book's dozen contributors include Jerry Vines, Ergun Caner, Danny Akin, Paige Patterson, David Allen, Richard Land, Junior Hill, Stanton R. Norman, Craig Blaising, Lamar Cooper, Steven Cox, and Michael Vlach.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 14, 2014
Unfortunately, many so-called non-essential doctrines are oftentimes relegated to the non-priority list of study. This should never be true! Every doctrine of God’s revelation to mankind ought to be studied with diligence, including the doctrine of eschatology. The doctrine of eschatology is the study of the end time when Jesus Christ returns. Although there are differing perspectives & interpretations of what the Bible reveals about the end times, this should never hinder the diligent study of this doctrine. Thus I am grateful for the fourteen authors who have contributed to this book.
The main title itself ought to spur one on to study eschatology: The Return of Christ. The introduction provides an excellent analysis regarding the importance of Christ’s return, and Jerry Vines rightly expresses in chapter 1 that “if you believe in the Bible, you have to believe in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ” (pg. 13). It is with Christ’s return in mind that we should joyfully study eschatology.
Yet the belief in Jesus’ return is where agreement regarding the end times ends. The disagreements involves other details, such as the nature of the tribulation and millennial reign (Rev. 20:4). The purpose of this book is to provide an explanation of the pre-millennial perspective. In the face of opposing views, I’m grateful for the reminder that “one’s views about the tribulation and the millennium should not ... be a question of fellowship” (pg. 6).
I’m very pleased that this book isn’t a cold, intellectual treatise, but rather contains very importance pastoral reminders. For example, on page 15 we’re reminded that “we are not so much dealing with a doctrine as we are dealing with a person.... We are not just talking about the return of Christ, we are talking about the Christ of the return. We are talking about a person, a real person who lived, who died; He was raised from the dead, He is alive forevermore, and He is coming back one of these days.”
Moreover, we’re reminded not to study simply to accumulate knowledge: “It is fine to study all the intricacies of the return of Christ. Study it all. Read about the signs of the times. But don’t forget the sighs of the times and the people who are hurting and lonely and need Jesus” (pg. 22).
With just these two quotes we're reminded of the awe-some gospel and our call to love our neighbors.
This book is not a detailed, exegetical defense of pre-millennialism. Statements are made at times without exegetical explanations. Nevertheless, as an overview of pre-millennialism, this is a great resource.
The final chapter, written by Michael Vlach, provides an excellent reminder to end this review: “Any diminishing of the importance of eschatology is an affront to the hope and encouragement that Paul intended for Christians to have” (pg. 239). May we set our hope upon Christ’s certain return, and may we be encouraged to live in joyful expectation of that return!
The main title itself ought to spur one on to study eschatology: The Return of Christ. The introduction provides an excellent analysis regarding the importance of Christ’s return, and Jerry Vines rightly expresses in chapter 1 that “if you believe in the Bible, you have to believe in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ” (pg. 13). It is with Christ’s return in mind that we should joyfully study eschatology.
Yet the belief in Jesus’ return is where agreement regarding the end times ends. The disagreements involves other details, such as the nature of the tribulation and millennial reign (Rev. 20:4). The purpose of this book is to provide an explanation of the pre-millennial perspective. In the face of opposing views, I’m grateful for the reminder that “one’s views about the tribulation and the millennium should not ... be a question of fellowship” (pg. 6).
I’m very pleased that this book isn’t a cold, intellectual treatise, but rather contains very importance pastoral reminders. For example, on page 15 we’re reminded that “we are not so much dealing with a doctrine as we are dealing with a person.... We are not just talking about the return of Christ, we are talking about the Christ of the return. We are talking about a person, a real person who lived, who died; He was raised from the dead, He is alive forevermore, and He is coming back one of these days.”
Moreover, we’re reminded not to study simply to accumulate knowledge: “It is fine to study all the intricacies of the return of Christ. Study it all. Read about the signs of the times. But don’t forget the sighs of the times and the people who are hurting and lonely and need Jesus” (pg. 22).
With just these two quotes we're reminded of the awe-some gospel and our call to love our neighbors.
This book is not a detailed, exegetical defense of pre-millennialism. Statements are made at times without exegetical explanations. Nevertheless, as an overview of pre-millennialism, this is a great resource.
The final chapter, written by Michael Vlach, provides an excellent reminder to end this review: “Any diminishing of the importance of eschatology is an affront to the hope and encouragement that Paul intended for Christians to have” (pg. 239). May we set our hope upon Christ’s certain return, and may we be encouraged to live in joyful expectation of that return!
March 19, 2023
not near as good as i had hoped
July 29, 2016
Reflections from the Acts 1:11 conference where the chapters are largely messages delivered by the various speakers. The earlier chapters of the book were rather general - the later half focusing a lot more in the text which was much more helpful. A helpful book but nor top of the pile!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews