The following is what I believe to be the proper understanding of biblical eschatology:
An Overview of Amillenialism
Statement of View:
The Bible predicts a continuous parallel growth of good and evil in the world between the first coming of Christ and the second coming of Christ. The kingdom of God is now present in the world through His Word, His Spirit, His Church. This position is also (and quite appropriately) know as "realized millenialism".
Arguments for this view:
1. The conditional nature of the Abrahamic covenant (as well as the other covenants) indicates that fulfillment of it, or the lack of it, is transferred to the church through Jesus Christ (Gen. 12:1-3; Rom. 10; Gal. 3:16).
2. The land promises of the Abrahamic covenant were expanded from Jews to all believers and from the land of Canaan to the new earth.
3. Prophecy demands a symbolic approach to interpreting the Bible. Therefore, prophetic passages can be understood in the overall framework of God's outworking of His covenant (e.g. Rev. 20).
4. The Old and New Testaments are bound together in unity under the covenant of grace. Israel and the church are not two distinct programs but one unified outworking of God's purposes and plans.
5. The kingdom of God is central in biblical history. It was central in the Old Testament, in Jesus' ministry, and in the church and will consumate with Christ's return. There is no need to call for a kingdom at a latter time, for the kingdom has always been.
6. History is moving toward the goal of the total redemption of the universe (Eph. 1:10; Col. 1:18).
7. Revelation 20:4-6 refers to the reign of souls with Christ in heaven as He reigns by His Word and His Spirit.
8. The New Testament often equates Israel and the church as a unity (Acts 13:32-39; Gal. 6:15; 1 Pet. 2:9).
Some specific areas of interest:
1. Second Coming of Christ = Single event; no distinction between the Rapture and Second Coming; introduces eternal state.
2. Resurrection = General resurrection of believers and unbelievers at the Second Coming of Christ.
3. Judgments = General judgment of all people.
4. Tribulation = Tribulation is experienced in this present age.
5. Millenium = No literal millenium on earth after Second Coming. Kingdom present in church age.
6. Israel and the Church = Church is the new Israel. No distinction between Israel and the Church.
Barry