If premillennialism and amillennialism could breed with one another, nine months later historical premillennialism would be born! This view is truly a blending of these two differing perspectives.
Historical premillennialism is similar to amillennialism in that it holds that the Church replaces Israel’s promises. Historical premillennialists hold that the rapture and the Second Coming are the same event, occurring immediately before the millennium. They hold that some prophecy should be viewed literally, while other prophecy should be interpreted as symbolic or semi-literal.
On the other hand, historical premillennialism is similar to premillennialism in that it holds that Christ will reign for a literal millennium. However, this view holds that this millennium will be for the Church—not Israel. We might define this view by comparing it to the others:
Millennial Views |
||||
VIEW |
Premillennial |
Amillennial |
Postmillennial |
Historical Premillennial |
|
The Millennium |
A literal 1,000 year period |
A figurative number |
A figurative number |
A literal 1,000 year period |
|
Christ’s reign |
Reigns literally in a kingdom on Earth after his Second Coming |
Reigns spiritually on a heavenly throne or reigns spiritually in the hearts of believers |
Reigns spiritually in the hearts of believers, as the gospel transforms the nations of the Earth |
Reigns literally in a kingdom on Earth after his Second Coming |
|
Israel |
Christ reigns in Israel over a regathered Israel |
The Church replaces the promises given to national Israel |
The Church replaces the promises given to national Israel |
The Church replaces the promises given to national Israel |
|
View of Human History |
Believes human history will get progressively worse, as the gospel reaches all nations |
Believes human history will get progressively worse, as the gospel reaches all nations |
Believes that human history will get progressively better. The nations will eventually be transformed by Christ’s reign in society |
Believes human history will get progressively worse, as the gospel reaches all nations |
Criticism of Historical Premillennialism
We must say that historical premillennialism is a step in the right direction for the study of eschatology, but we feel that it still doesn’t handle the text accurately on our view. The same criticisms for amillennialism apply for this perspective (see our earlier article “Amillennialism”).
Further Reading from a Historical Premillennial Perspective
Johnson, A. F. Revelation. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 12: Hebrews through Revelation (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. 1981.
Ladd, George Eldon. The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1977.
Osborne, Grant. Revelation. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2002.
While we disagreed with Grant Osborne on a number of key aspects in his interpretation, we found his commentary to be the best commentary on the book of Revelation written. He represents his opponent’s position fairly, and his scholarship is careful and considerate.
D.A. Carson’s seminary class on Revelation found here.