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Paradise Restored: A Biblical Theology of Dominion
THE PREMISE OF THIS BOOK IS SIMPLE ENOUGH: the Gospel is sufficient; the Gospel will prevail among men and nations; the Gospel is good news of glad tidings and great joy; the Gospel is a message of sure and certain hope from the very beginning in the Garden of Eden to the very end in the throne room of Eternal Glory. Plowing through the often-difficult terrain of Soteriology, Eschatology, and Hermeneutics, David Chilton presents a simple and coherent vision for Gospel fruitfulness, Gospel effectiveness, and eventually, Gospel victory. When it was first published three and a half decades ago, Paradise Re-stored helped to precipitate a massive paradigm shift in the Evangelical and Reformed world from abject pessimism to unabashed optimism. The reasons are simple enough: this classic work is forthrightly Biblical. It is masterfully written. It is pungently clear. And it is powerfully persuasive. This new edition is more useful than ever. Newly re-typeset with multiple indexes, it will help a whole new generation grasp how deep, how wide, how strong, and how certain is the finished work of redemption in Jesus Christ.
Hardcover
First published December 1, 1984
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About the author
David H. Chilton
11 books31 followersDavid Harold Chilton (1951–1997) was a Reformed pastor, Christian Reconstructionist, speaker, and author of several books on economics, eschatology and Christian Worldview from Placerville, California. He contributed three books on eschatology: Paradise Restored (1985), The Days of Vengeance (1987), and The Great Tribulation (1987).
His book Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider (1981) was a response to Ronald J. Sider's best-selling book, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: A Biblical Study (1977), which promoted various programs of wealth redistribution by the government. Chilton argued that the Bible either does not authorize such programs or explicitly teaches against them.
His book Power in the Blood: A Christian Response to AIDS (1987) was primarily dealing with the Church's relationship with the world.
David Chilton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1951. At the age of one, he moved with his Christian missionary parents to the Philippines. At the age of 8, the family returned to the United States where his father became a pastor in Southern California. Growing up in California in the 1970s youth movement and hippie culture, he experienced a conversion to Christianity while listening to a missionary speak at his father's church. He began reading the Bible and teaching Bible studies. The young Chilton consequently became deeply involved in the nascent Jesus People movement, and started a singing group with his sister Jayn and some friends called The Children of Light. He frequently spoke, performed music, and taught Bible studies at Christian coffeehouses in Los Angeles, California region. He was ordained in the Jesus People Movement by Pat Boone.
Chilton came to prominence as a writer for the Chalcedon Report edited by R.J. Rushdoony after a Christian friend recommended one of Rushdoony's books. At the same time, Chilton discovered the writings of the Puritans, and was exposed for the first time to Reformed theology as a result of reading these books, and to the doctrines of predestination, election, and perseverance of the saints. After meeting Rushdoony, Chilton was asked to write a monthly column for Chalcedon Report while alternating speaking for Dr. Rushdoony at his church in Hollywood (which was affiliated with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church) while pastoring a church in Anaheim, California. At this time Chilton was also influenced by fellow Christian Reconstructionists Greg Bahnsen and James B. Jordan. He married his wife, Darlene, and had 3 children, Nathan, Jacob, and Abigail.
In 1981, after several years of pastoring in Anaheim, Chilton wrote his first book, Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider over the course of a month with a pencil and paper at a coffeehouse. Not long after the completion of the book, he moved to Placerville, CA to pastor a church for a year, during which he wrote a newsletter for Christian teachers and homeschoolers called The Biblical Educator. Chilton also used his influence to help launch World Magazine with Joel Belz and wrote a monthly column for the publication for years, which was very popular.
Although Chilton loved the people of Placerville and did not want to leave, he accepted a job offer from prominent Reconstructionist (and Rushdoony son-in-law) Gary North as a research assistant at The Institute for Christian Economics in Tyler, Texas. It was during his three year stay in Texas that North commissioned Chilton to write his two books for North's imprint Dominion Press: Paradise Restored and Days of Vengeance.
In 1986 Chilton accepted an offer to return to Placerville to pastor the church there. He continued to work in pastoral ministry, speak at conferences, write a weekly column for The Sacramento Union newspaper, was counsel for The Fieldstead Co. at an economic conference in Switzerland and wro
His book Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider (1981) was a response to Ronald J. Sider's best-selling book, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: A Biblical Study (1977), which promoted various programs of wealth redistribution by the government. Chilton argued that the Bible either does not authorize such programs or explicitly teaches against them.
His book Power in the Blood: A Christian Response to AIDS (1987) was primarily dealing with the Church's relationship with the world.
David Chilton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1951. At the age of one, he moved with his Christian missionary parents to the Philippines. At the age of 8, the family returned to the United States where his father became a pastor in Southern California. Growing up in California in the 1970s youth movement and hippie culture, he experienced a conversion to Christianity while listening to a missionary speak at his father's church. He began reading the Bible and teaching Bible studies. The young Chilton consequently became deeply involved in the nascent Jesus People movement, and started a singing group with his sister Jayn and some friends called The Children of Light. He frequently spoke, performed music, and taught Bible studies at Christian coffeehouses in Los Angeles, California region. He was ordained in the Jesus People Movement by Pat Boone.
Chilton came to prominence as a writer for the Chalcedon Report edited by R.J. Rushdoony after a Christian friend recommended one of Rushdoony's books. At the same time, Chilton discovered the writings of the Puritans, and was exposed for the first time to Reformed theology as a result of reading these books, and to the doctrines of predestination, election, and perseverance of the saints. After meeting Rushdoony, Chilton was asked to write a monthly column for Chalcedon Report while alternating speaking for Dr. Rushdoony at his church in Hollywood (which was affiliated with the Orthodox Presbyterian Church) while pastoring a church in Anaheim, California. At this time Chilton was also influenced by fellow Christian Reconstructionists Greg Bahnsen and James B. Jordan. He married his wife, Darlene, and had 3 children, Nathan, Jacob, and Abigail.
In 1981, after several years of pastoring in Anaheim, Chilton wrote his first book, Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt-Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider over the course of a month with a pencil and paper at a coffeehouse. Not long after the completion of the book, he moved to Placerville, CA to pastor a church for a year, during which he wrote a newsletter for Christian teachers and homeschoolers called The Biblical Educator. Chilton also used his influence to help launch World Magazine with Joel Belz and wrote a monthly column for the publication for years, which was very popular.
Although Chilton loved the people of Placerville and did not want to leave, he accepted a job offer from prominent Reconstructionist (and Rushdoony son-in-law) Gary North as a research assistant at The Institute for Christian Economics in Tyler, Texas. It was during his three year stay in Texas that North commissioned Chilton to write his two books for North's imprint Dominion Press: Paradise Restored and Days of Vengeance.
In 1986 Chilton accepted an offer to return to Placerville to pastor the church there. He continued to work in pastoral ministry, speak at conferences, write a weekly column for The Sacramento Union newspaper, was counsel for The Fieldstead Co. at an economic conference in Switzerland and wro
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 3, 2021
This is one of those books that is totally convincing--not due to the persuasiveness of the author and his arguments, but because part of you is already persuaded and just needed to make the paradigm shift in your thinking and reject the predominant beliefs.
I don't mean to discredit Chilton. He is a good, engaging writer. He does use persuasive arguments, but I think he would affirm that the Bible is very clear in teaching dominion and postmillenial eschatology. Most Christians just need to hear a biblical perspective to reject current evangelical teachings on the matter.
For example, all Christians are familiar with the Great Commission. But how many of us actually believe God will fulfill it? Jesus says, "disciple all the nations..." but how many of us interpret the command to mean a part of all nations, or try to, or whatever else we believe it to me, rather than expect that God will do it? Do we truly believe God when he says of his word that "it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."? If God wills that we make disciples of all nations, won't he ensure that he accomplishes it? Why would we expect less?
Chilton argues that long ago, the church gave up the postmillenial hope during the rise of theological liberalism. These liberals "taught that progress was 'natural' rather than ethical. In reaction to these enemies of biblical Christianity, many evangelical Christians despaired of seeing victory for the gospel. They gave up hope. Like Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee, they looked at 'nature' rather than at the Lord Jesus Christ; like the Israelites on the border of Canaan, they looked at the 'giants in the land' instead of trusting the infallible promises of God: they were filled with fear, and took flight. They began to listen to false prophets of despair who taught that the Church is doomed to failure, and that it is 'unspiritual' for Christians to seek dominion over civilization. They then demonstrated a major principle of life: If you believe that you will lose, you probably will lose." p. 232-233
This interpretive system has been pervasive throughout the last century, and is it any surprise that we Christians find ourselves culturally irrelevant?
This is an outstanding book. It is exhilarating to truly understand postmillenial theology. As Chilton says, we are already ruling with Christ. This is His kingdom and we need not fear principalities and powers. We ought not cower in fear that the world is getting worse, for that is to deny the power of the Gospel. If Christ is truly king, truly ascendant, the world ought, and is to be getting better. Satan is defeated! Let us live in the power of King Jesus!
I don't mean to discredit Chilton. He is a good, engaging writer. He does use persuasive arguments, but I think he would affirm that the Bible is very clear in teaching dominion and postmillenial eschatology. Most Christians just need to hear a biblical perspective to reject current evangelical teachings on the matter.
For example, all Christians are familiar with the Great Commission. But how many of us actually believe God will fulfill it? Jesus says, "disciple all the nations..." but how many of us interpret the command to mean a part of all nations, or try to, or whatever else we believe it to me, rather than expect that God will do it? Do we truly believe God when he says of his word that "it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."? If God wills that we make disciples of all nations, won't he ensure that he accomplishes it? Why would we expect less?
Chilton argues that long ago, the church gave up the postmillenial hope during the rise of theological liberalism. These liberals "taught that progress was 'natural' rather than ethical. In reaction to these enemies of biblical Christianity, many evangelical Christians despaired of seeing victory for the gospel. They gave up hope. Like Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee, they looked at 'nature' rather than at the Lord Jesus Christ; like the Israelites on the border of Canaan, they looked at the 'giants in the land' instead of trusting the infallible promises of God: they were filled with fear, and took flight. They began to listen to false prophets of despair who taught that the Church is doomed to failure, and that it is 'unspiritual' for Christians to seek dominion over civilization. They then demonstrated a major principle of life: If you believe that you will lose, you probably will lose." p. 232-233
This interpretive system has been pervasive throughout the last century, and is it any surprise that we Christians find ourselves culturally irrelevant?
This is an outstanding book. It is exhilarating to truly understand postmillenial theology. As Chilton says, we are already ruling with Christ. This is His kingdom and we need not fear principalities and powers. We ought not cower in fear that the world is getting worse, for that is to deny the power of the Gospel. If Christ is truly king, truly ascendant, the world ought, and is to be getting better. Satan is defeated! Let us live in the power of King Jesus!
May 17, 2009
Excellent.
July 19, 2016
This was the first theological work I ever read. I was 12 years old and had already absorbed a premillenial eschatology from the Christian culture surrounding me. This book exploded that pessimistic vision of the future, and built in its place a deep gladness and hope. What I learned in this book continues to be one of my most precious possessions: as anyone can tell you who has even had a flirtation with postmillenialism, it's a deeply attractive doctrine.
Granted, one is easily convinced at 12, so I was interested to see how Paradise Restored would live up to a re-read many years later. The answer is: extremely well. Using a hermeneutic that relies on Scripture to interpret Scripture, Chilton builds a systematic, Biblically-grounded case for why the church can expect to triumph in history. If you only ever read one book on postmillenialism (and you should, given how many great men from BB Warfield to [I believe] St Augustine have espoused it), this is the book to read.
My only real complaint with Paradise Restored is that it isn't about twice as long; there is in fact far more that could be said in arguing a postmillenial eschatology than Chilton says in this book. But it's a fantastic introduction to the eschatology of hope, and I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading it.
Granted, one is easily convinced at 12, so I was interested to see how Paradise Restored would live up to a re-read many years later. The answer is: extremely well. Using a hermeneutic that relies on Scripture to interpret Scripture, Chilton builds a systematic, Biblically-grounded case for why the church can expect to triumph in history. If you only ever read one book on postmillenialism (and you should, given how many great men from BB Warfield to [I believe] St Augustine have espoused it), this is the book to read.
My only real complaint with Paradise Restored is that it isn't about twice as long; there is in fact far more that could be said in arguing a postmillenial eschatology than Chilton says in this book. But it's a fantastic introduction to the eschatology of hope, and I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading it.
April 9, 2025
An absolute must-read, everybody.
Want to read
June 3, 2022
October 15, 2019
Delightfully one of the best books I’ve read. I want this book in the hands of every Christian, and it is one I would put in the hands of every new convert that they might rightly understand what God has done, what He is doing, what their place is in all of it, and how they understand the Bible and the story it’s telling.
Time and history matters, not just because our decisions have eternal consequences, but because they have earthly consequences too. Time and history also matters because they matter to God and He’s doing something in them.
The practice of doing Biblical Theology is vital to understanding the prophetic literature of the Bible, including Revelation. And the Old Testament is absolutely vital to Biblical Theology. Thus the Old Testament is vital to understanding Revelation. This muddied topic of biblical prophecy is clearly addressed and un-muddied for the listening ear.
Convicting, hopeful, God-glorifying, motivating, triumphant, and Christ-exalting.
Time and history matters, not just because our decisions have eternal consequences, but because they have earthly consequences too. Time and history also matters because they matter to God and He’s doing something in them.
The practice of doing Biblical Theology is vital to understanding the prophetic literature of the Bible, including Revelation. And the Old Testament is absolutely vital to Biblical Theology. Thus the Old Testament is vital to understanding Revelation. This muddied topic of biblical prophecy is clearly addressed and un-muddied for the listening ear.
Convicting, hopeful, God-glorifying, motivating, triumphant, and Christ-exalting.
June 1, 2022
This was a 'revolutionary' read. Indeed, it would have been even more or a 'Copernican' change in my thinking if I had not already embraced many of the ideas between its covers (and just finished Wilson's book When the Man Comes Around).
Not only do the teachings in this book make much more sense of the New Testament than rival eschatological interpretations, but the overall story it presents (of paradise restored and happy victory) is insanely beautiful and faith-nourishing.
Loved it.
Not only do the teachings in this book make much more sense of the New Testament than rival eschatological interpretations, but the overall story it presents (of paradise restored and happy victory) is insanely beautiful and faith-nourishing.
Loved it.
December 29, 2020
The author presents a useful concept about seeing the future fit with the overall pattern of the Bible where a basic theme is that salvation restores man to his original purpose of dominion over the whole earth (in relationship with God, under Christ’s Lordship). Another concept presented was that Scripture presents salvation in terms of a definitive-progressive-final structure. Furthermore, it was helpful to understand that the New Jerusalem is the church having a heavenly origin (coming down) and described in terms of jewels as symbolic language speaking of the restoration and fulfillment of Paradise in salvation. The call to action was to worship God: prayers, praise and sacramental celebration; drawing our faith and hope from the Word of the sovereign God.
October 2, 2021
God's word, through this book, has spoken to me in a new way. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, and thanks to Him for His servant David Chilton! What an amazing read. Time to get to work!
September 29, 2023
This book is an easy read that will help you have a comprehensive biblical theology, understanding of postmillennialism, and spur hope that you will have a kingdom impact in this life!
April 8, 2021
If I could use a lower rating for this book I would, but unfortunately, it isn't possible! So here goes nothing.
I was recommended this book by an acquaintance after e brief disagreement on Facebook over an article he shared. I decided to not be one of those people who never look at the other side of the argument, so I agreed to read it. Now I only wish he had told me from the beginning that he was a postmillennialist (I couldn't get that from the online debate we had). Naturally, as I progressed through the book and was beginning to see it unfold, I became more and more frustrated by it as a result of diving straight in, without reading its reviews and more information first (the joke's on me).
David Chilton uses very one-sided arguments and only verses and quotes from the Bible and other books (a lot of books!) that support his thesis and the eschatology of dominion. That being said, he even twists historical facts such as that countries where Christianity and Capitalism have been established are prosperous, goes on to mention Columbus and how nations who worship their idols will be wiped out from the face of the earth. Converting people by force, exploiting their labour, or forcing them away from their lands and killing them goes against any good Christian practice in my Book, but hey... Not to mention there are other non-Christian, non-Capitalist countries that are very well developed, organized and have their say in the politics of this world. Let's proceed to see how he goes on name-calling other Christians and Christian thinkers who believe otherwise. From "desperate", "sad", "hopeless" and "pessimistic" straight on to "foolish", "stupid" and "shallow". He is getting this dominion thing very seriously and while reading the book you begin to feel more and more dominated. And the snark, I just couldn't....
To me the postmillennial doctrine sounds very convenient and wishful. All the worse things are behind us and now all we have to do is dominate and prosper for the next 34 000 years (I'm not making these numbers up - Chilton goes on to estimate the end of the world). For someone who advises not to take some of the Biblical symbols literally, he goes on doing exactly that in many of the points he makes as long as it supports his eschatology.
I am not going to dissect every symbol he got wrong (at least in my view), but I am only going to add that there is nothing pessimistic into holding a premillennialist view. In fact, there is so much to look forward to and what Bride does not expect her Wedding day with excitement and eagerness and does not promptly prepare for it? What Church does not want to be reunited with Jesus? The fact that Chilton calls the people who do "pessimists" made me sad. It made me sad, that this might be the millennium indeed and it doesn't feel like it is going "from victory to victory in the global aspect. Of course, those who have placed themselves entirely at the hands of God will win every battle, but I believe they will only want to get closer and closer to Him and not rule over the others (Judges 9 looks into this).
I will end with the note that to me, a premillennialist view is much more plausible, because it reflects the whole rhetoric of the Bible - it is focused not on the masses and whether they will fall under that dominion, but it is focused on the individual person. You take the Word and the Gospel and turn it like a magnifying mirror to your own spiritual reflection and measure yourself up to the standard of holiness. Winning this battle is much more valuable than dominating superficial worldly things. The Bible says "what do you benefit if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul". I believe that unfortunately, so many people will be fixating on this theology of dominion that they will lose themselves trying to save the world and will then be the ones who say to God: "Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?"
I was recommended this book by an acquaintance after e brief disagreement on Facebook over an article he shared. I decided to not be one of those people who never look at the other side of the argument, so I agreed to read it. Now I only wish he had told me from the beginning that he was a postmillennialist (I couldn't get that from the online debate we had). Naturally, as I progressed through the book and was beginning to see it unfold, I became more and more frustrated by it as a result of diving straight in, without reading its reviews and more information first (the joke's on me).
David Chilton uses very one-sided arguments and only verses and quotes from the Bible and other books (a lot of books!) that support his thesis and the eschatology of dominion. That being said, he even twists historical facts such as that countries where Christianity and Capitalism have been established are prosperous, goes on to mention Columbus and how nations who worship their idols will be wiped out from the face of the earth. Converting people by force, exploiting their labour, or forcing them away from their lands and killing them goes against any good Christian practice in my Book, but hey... Not to mention there are other non-Christian, non-Capitalist countries that are very well developed, organized and have their say in the politics of this world. Let's proceed to see how he goes on name-calling other Christians and Christian thinkers who believe otherwise. From "desperate", "sad", "hopeless" and "pessimistic" straight on to "foolish", "stupid" and "shallow". He is getting this dominion thing very seriously and while reading the book you begin to feel more and more dominated. And the snark, I just couldn't....
To me the postmillennial doctrine sounds very convenient and wishful. All the worse things are behind us and now all we have to do is dominate and prosper for the next 34 000 years (I'm not making these numbers up - Chilton goes on to estimate the end of the world). For someone who advises not to take some of the Biblical symbols literally, he goes on doing exactly that in many of the points he makes as long as it supports his eschatology.
I am not going to dissect every symbol he got wrong (at least in my view), but I am only going to add that there is nothing pessimistic into holding a premillennialist view. In fact, there is so much to look forward to and what Bride does not expect her Wedding day with excitement and eagerness and does not promptly prepare for it? What Church does not want to be reunited with Jesus? The fact that Chilton calls the people who do "pessimists" made me sad. It made me sad, that this might be the millennium indeed and it doesn't feel like it is going "from victory to victory in the global aspect. Of course, those who have placed themselves entirely at the hands of God will win every battle, but I believe they will only want to get closer and closer to Him and not rule over the others (Judges 9 looks into this).
I will end with the note that to me, a premillennialist view is much more plausible, because it reflects the whole rhetoric of the Bible - it is focused not on the masses and whether they will fall under that dominion, but it is focused on the individual person. You take the Word and the Gospel and turn it like a magnifying mirror to your own spiritual reflection and measure yourself up to the standard of holiness. Winning this battle is much more valuable than dominating superficial worldly things. The Bible says "what do you benefit if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul". I believe that unfortunately, so many people will be fixating on this theology of dominion that they will lose themselves trying to save the world and will then be the ones who say to God: "Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?"
May 16, 2016
I have a new pet peeve: the use of "obviously" in argument. If your premises lead obviously to your conclusion, you have no need to point out your own obviousness. To do so insults your reader. Chilton uses "obviously" with tedious frequency.
I had expected an academic or theological work with a side of snark. Chilton reverses the formula and majors on snark and belittling rather than research, or Bible for that matter. How do I make persuasive case for postmillennialism to my conscientious pre-mil friends? Chilton isn't much help. Or if he does get around to being helpful, I didn't have stomach to wade through the muck to get there.
Chilton is known as one of the most brilliant minds of reformed theology. I'm disappointed in him.
Note: I grew up post-mil, but amongst some pessimistic and depressed post-mils. (I know, right?) I've been looking for a solid explanation of post-mil theology to help along a solidly optimistic theology.
I had expected an academic or theological work with a side of snark. Chilton reverses the formula and majors on snark and belittling rather than research, or Bible for that matter. How do I make persuasive case for postmillennialism to my conscientious pre-mil friends? Chilton isn't much help. Or if he does get around to being helpful, I didn't have stomach to wade through the muck to get there.
Chilton is known as one of the most brilliant minds of reformed theology. I'm disappointed in him.
Note: I grew up post-mil, but amongst some pessimistic and depressed post-mils. (I know, right?) I've been looking for a solid explanation of post-mil theology to help along a solidly optimistic theology.
August 14, 2024
Um excelente livro sob a perspectiva pós milenista.
Não significa que eu concorde com tudo, mas te faz refletir e considerar muitas coisas.
“A questão não é se as condições atuais parecem favoráveis ao triunfo mundial do Evangelho. A questão é apenas esta: o que diz a Bíblia? Como cristãos nós sabemos que Deus é o Senhor da história. “Nosso Deus está no céus e pode fazer tudo o que lhe agrada” (Sl 115.3). […] Não devemos derivar nossa teologia dos jornais ou do noticiário noturno, nossa fé e esperança devem ser extraídas da palavra infalível do Deus soberano que faz todas as coisas cooperarem para sua vontade inalterável”
Não significa que eu concorde com tudo, mas te faz refletir e considerar muitas coisas.
“A questão não é se as condições atuais parecem favoráveis ao triunfo mundial do Evangelho. A questão é apenas esta: o que diz a Bíblia? Como cristãos nós sabemos que Deus é o Senhor da história. “Nosso Deus está no céus e pode fazer tudo o que lhe agrada” (Sl 115.3). […] Não devemos derivar nossa teologia dos jornais ou do noticiário noturno, nossa fé e esperança devem ser extraídas da palavra infalível do Deus soberano que faz todas as coisas cooperarem para sua vontade inalterável”
June 23, 2024
One of the most important books on eschatology ever written. An absolutely breathtaking biblical theology of post-millennialism. This book has all of my personal recommendation behind it.
Offered free online in pdf form by the publisher (just google it).
Offered free online in pdf form by the publisher (just google it).
October 28, 2023
Required reading for my family from now on.
June 4, 2021
“Christian leaders have turned James 4:7 inside out, and are really giving aid and comfort to the enemy- because they are, in effect, saying to the devil: “Resist the Church, and we will flee from you!” And Satan is taking them at their word.”
This book is helpful because it shows that a well-developed eschatology is about more than the few passages that seem to be talking about the end of history. It also brings to light some scriptural themes that I’ve always missed. I give it 4 stars! I enjoyed it, you might too!
This book is helpful because it shows that a well-developed eschatology is about more than the few passages that seem to be talking about the end of history. It also brings to light some scriptural themes that I’ve always missed. I give it 4 stars! I enjoyed it, you might too!
April 22, 2022
This book articulates a clear vision for what the Bible teaches regarding the outcome of history. Historic optimism is not some far-fetched idea, dreamt up by blind thinkers; it bleeds through the pages of Scripture. The Bible itself is historically optimistic with its multiple promises that one day, in time and space, the nations will worship God truly and fervently, receiving his blessings in Christ. This book joins many others I will heartily recommend in an attempt to push back against our cultural, pessimistic Christianity.
January 22, 2024
Glad to finally get this one finished after a fairly long break midway through because of trying and failing to have multiple books on the go at once!
I was pleasantly surprised by how readable this book was. Chilton uses a fairly chatty writing style which helped to keep me engaged amidst some fairly heavy and sometimes complex stuff.
One of my favourite features of the book is the scripture index in the back. If you’re studying a biblical text and want to find where Chilton addressed it, you can go there and jump straight to the part of the book you need. Will be super helpful for reference in future!
He is clearly very convinced of the postmillennial position which, in itself is not a bad thing. However I felt that it led him to sometimes take an overly harsh and dismissive attitude towards the pre- and amillennial positions which, even as someone who would side with postmillennialism, I found a little annoying at times.
I was pleasantly surprised by how readable this book was. Chilton uses a fairly chatty writing style which helped to keep me engaged amidst some fairly heavy and sometimes complex stuff.
One of my favourite features of the book is the scripture index in the back. If you’re studying a biblical text and want to find where Chilton addressed it, you can go there and jump straight to the part of the book you need. Will be super helpful for reference in future!
He is clearly very convinced of the postmillennial position which, in itself is not a bad thing. However I felt that it led him to sometimes take an overly harsh and dismissive attitude towards the pre- and amillennial positions which, even as someone who would side with postmillennialism, I found a little annoying at times.
June 6, 2021
I really liked this book. I love how Chilton really explains and teaches biblical theology first, where you learn how to trace a theme through the whole Bible. So he takes themes like the cloud of glory, the river, and so on and illustrates how it is used. Then he goes into explaining how to understand eschatology and lays out a very clear argument for Matthew 24-27 and much of Revelation as passages which were fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem.
The book is very clearly written and easy to read. I think it should be recommended reading for all Christians.
The book is very clearly written and easy to read. I think it should be recommended reading for all Christians.
June 29, 2024
Wow.
What a thorough, well-researched, well-organized & necessary work for one of the most currently misunderstood & understudied positions in theology. I do not think it to be an overstatement to claim that this is the premier resource for understanding & Biblically defending an eschatology of dominion, a partial preterist view of the book of Revelation & Postmillenialism.
Although there is exegetical gold all throughout this work, Section 1 on how to understand & interpret Biblical prophecy & chapter 24 on the Great Commission were hands down my favorite parts. Agree or disagree with Chilton’s theology, these two sections are extremely helpful in knowing how to read the Bible and understand the Christian’s mission & work in this world.
Highly recommend!!!!
What a thorough, well-researched, well-organized & necessary work for one of the most currently misunderstood & understudied positions in theology. I do not think it to be an overstatement to claim that this is the premier resource for understanding & Biblically defending an eschatology of dominion, a partial preterist view of the book of Revelation & Postmillenialism.
Although there is exegetical gold all throughout this work, Section 1 on how to understand & interpret Biblical prophecy & chapter 24 on the Great Commission were hands down my favorite parts. Agree or disagree with Chilton’s theology, these two sections are extremely helpful in knowing how to read the Bible and understand the Christian’s mission & work in this world.
Highly recommend!!!!
November 22, 2015
This might be one of the worst books I admit to reading. The error, or should I say outright purposeful misquoting, of Eusebius is unforgivable because it is so easily verified by looking it up in his Ecclesiastical History. When a historical quote destroys the basis of your post millennial eschatology, maybe its time to question your belief, instead of trashing history. "at the close of Domitian's reign" is anything but unclear. 90-95 AD is not prior to 70 AD. Anything else said in this book is mere conjecture and wishful thinking, bending history and theology into a belief you want to be true. Chilton, like Gary North, is the worst of the name callers, trashing brothers and sisters in Christ in the name of promoting his twisted theology. But don't take my word for it, check page 102 of Eusebius (at least on my personal copy, Baker House Books, 1991). If you really want post millennialism, you're going to need a much better theory.
October 29, 2013
David Chilton is a very good writer. This is his third book I've read and he never disappoints.
He is a humorous author but has his theology aright! In this work he tries to bring out the entire teaching of the Bible on the topic of "Dominion".
He starts the book in the garden, highlights many things unseen to most interpreters and proceeds forward the writing about the kingdom and what that means.
Outside of Chilton's "interpretive maximalism" which is, in short, deriving the maximum meaning any specific verse has to offer. The danger with this can be to read into the text anything you wish. Chilton (as far as I remember) had the tendency to do that, but it was still appealing to me, because it made so much sense.
All in all the book is good, get it!
He is a humorous author but has his theology aright! In this work he tries to bring out the entire teaching of the Bible on the topic of "Dominion".
He starts the book in the garden, highlights many things unseen to most interpreters and proceeds forward the writing about the kingdom and what that means.
Outside of Chilton's "interpretive maximalism" which is, in short, deriving the maximum meaning any specific verse has to offer. The danger with this can be to read into the text anything you wish. Chilton (as far as I remember) had the tendency to do that, but it was still appealing to me, because it made so much sense.
All in all the book is good, get it!
August 17, 2010
I thought this was a great book. Chilton starts with a description of Eden and goes on to show how it's theme runs throughout the whole of the Bible. This book really opened up my eyes to allot of things in the Bible I use to just read over and thought had no significance. He ends this book with a defense for the millennial view known as Postmillennialism. He shows the reader from Scripture that Christ's kingdom is not a politcal future kingdom but is here now and that his kingdom will continue to expand until the whole earth is full of the knowledge and glory of the LORD as the water covers the sea. (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14)
October 23, 2012
Buy it, read it, read it again and again and then buy it for every Christian you know!!! Seriously a great book and an easy read too! The Preface stated that it was not too often you would read a Theological Treatise and consider it a "page turner" but stated this book was and RIGHT they were!!!
If you have ever wondered about what mankind lost in its rebellion to God in the Garden of Eden and wondered how God is working through that and all through history, then this is your book! It delves into all sorts of great things with a solid citing of Scripture to illustrate the message overall.
After reading this book I can say all the more God is truly good!!!
If you have ever wondered about what mankind lost in its rebellion to God in the Garden of Eden and wondered how God is working through that and all through history, then this is your book! It delves into all sorts of great things with a solid citing of Scripture to illustrate the message overall.
After reading this book I can say all the more God is truly good!!!
March 14, 2017
This is the best introduction to eschatology and Revelation I have ever read. David Chilton begins by examining the symbols built in the world at creation and then surveys how these symbols are used throughout the old testament. He then moves to Revelation assuming that those symbols will be understood by first century Christians in light of the scriptures and symbols they were familiar with.
December 9, 2017
David Chilton is the best guy on all things eschatological
December 31, 2010
Best book out there on understanding the dominion eschatology.
December 30, 2020
Outstanding. Clear, well-written, and thoroughly biblical. This book will wreck the average evangelical Christian’s categories on thinking the world is going to end soon and we are just anticipating the rapture. Nothing could be further from the truth on what the Bible says about the Kingdom of God and how Christians are to live. A must-read.
May 16, 2022
This is all very interesting. I think I need to read it again.
January 2, 2024
This is the best and most comprehensive introduction to postmillenial eschatology I have read.
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