HOPE IN THE MIDST OF TRIAL

1 Peter 1:6-9, Continued from last issue)

EXAMINING THE "PILLARS"
OF POSTMIIJLENNIALISM (Part I)

Page - 2

effort to validate such theorizing they string together an arrangement of isolated passages -- insisting that all such language must be taken literally (though to do so makes it contradict a multitude of other passages); and actually READ INTO the passages thoughts that are nowhere to be found in the Scriptures. Here are the basic passages so employed: (Heb. 12:26-27; Hag. 2:6-7; Matt. 24:29-30, 35; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; 2 Pet. 3:4, 10-12; Rev. 6:12-14; 21:1).
    Do these passages really teach that this present earth is to be destroyed? Does such an interpretation of these passages actually harmonize with the general tenor of the Scriptures, as set forth in the promises, covenants, prophetic revelation and the teaching of Jesus and His apostles?
    1. The concept concedes to Satan a victory that he could never win! If the curse is not lifted from this earth; if man's lost home is not restored to him in its Edenic purity and beauty; if the race is not restored to its original condition; if the power of sin is not so filly subdued that men may dwell on a renewed and purified earth and exercise dominion over it; then, Satan will have triumphed in the very wreckage that he has accomplished! As much so as if he could seal our bodies forever in their graves, or hold back our hearts from loving exultation in the love and glory of God!

    But, in the redemption and renewal of the earth; in fulfillment of God's promise TO it, and the establishing of His kingdom through which Christ [with His saints] will bring all things into subjection to God's will; his power and glory, as the Redeemer-King, will be marvelously and universally manifested! (Psa. 78:69; 104:5; Eccl. 1:4; Num. 14:21; Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14)
    2. The concept of such a destruction would render the Divine Plan of redemption eternally incomplete! Instead of an eschatology of triumph, which Postmillennialism boasts, it offers an eschatology of DIVINE FAILURE!
    The promised "redemption of the purchased possession (Eph. 1:14) involves far more than a people; it also involves "the uttermost parts of the earth", which has been given the Son of Man as His own possession, (Psa. 2:8). Closely associated with our Lord's Premillennial return, to establish His kingdom, the Scriptures portray a "regeneration" that is eagerly awaited -- not only by God's people, but also by the creation, (Matt. 19:28; Rom. 8:19-23). This will involve a resurrection for the saints and a renewal of the earth to its Edenic purity and beauty, (Psa. 2:7; Acts l3:32-37; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5; 1 Cor. 15:20; comp. Isa. 66:8-10; Ezek. 37:1-14). As regards mankind, this will involve the "resurrection of the just" (Lk. 14:14 -- those whom God has declared righteous) to a higher quality of life wherein they will be conformed to "the image of God's dear Son", (1 Jn. 3:2; Rom. 8:29; 1 Cor. 15:49-50; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:21). In this "regeneration" the curse will be lifted from the material creation and the earth restored to its Edenic condition, (Isa. 35:1, 6; 51:3). It will be on this very earth [renewed by the last Adam] that the long-awaited Theocratic Purpose will be carried out to perfection through the glorious rule [judgeship] of David's pre-eminent Son, in His personal, visible and literal body-presence! (Isa. 2:2-5; 9:5-7).
    The Scriptures everywhere represent the renewed earth [not heaven] as the abode of God's covenant people, wherein they are permitted to

share the rule of their glorified King, over an unglorified humanity, (Psa. 37:9-11; Isa. 66:22-24; Matt. 24:46-47; 25:21; Lk. 19:17; 2 Tim. 2:12).
    Here is Gods idea of a perfect government -- the ultimate rulership being safely and powerfully united in ONE divine-human Person Who, according to "the everlasting covenant" and "sure mercies of David", becomes the "Chief and Commander of the nations"! (Isa. 55:3-4; Acts Commander of the 13:34; etc.)
    3. It makes God a liar; His promises to Abraham, to the meek, to the saints and faithful of the earth a mere MOCKERY! (Gen. 17:4-8; 22:16-18; Rom, 4:13; Matt, 5:5; Psa. 37:9, 11,22; 115:16; Prov. 11:31; 10:30; 2:21-22; Isa. 60; 57:13; etc.) Anything that impugns the veracity of God's character is foreign to the spirit of truth and righteousness. And men of faith, in every age, have born witness to His utter trustworthiness. On the day of his death, Joshua encouraged the hearts of his brethren saying: "Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed"! (Josh. 23:14; comp. I Kings 8:56).
    4. It denies to the divine King-Priest the very spot that He has specifically chosen to place His Memorial Name FOREVER -- the place of His REST! (Ex. 3:15; Psa. 132:13-18; 48:1-8; 68:16; 87:1-3; Mic. 7:18-20).

    6. It utterly contradicts the [literal-grammatical] Kingdom-concept as set forth in the covenants, promises, prophecies and hope of the faithful throughout the Old Testament and continued, without definition, correction or explanation, by Jesus and His apostles in the New Testament, (Dan. 2:35, 44; Zech. 14:9; Psa. 102:15-16). This, in spite of Jesus' clear enunciation of a SPECIFIC, righteous principle upon which He always acts in such matters: "If it were not so, I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU"!
    7. It even contradicts the spirit of worship around the throne of God! In describing the heavenly worship of the "Lamb" that had been slain, but who had prevailed to open the seven- sealed book; John records how the myriads of heaven and earth united their voices in harmonious anticipation of the day when those exalted to positions of "king-priests", through the blood of Jesus, would "reign on the earth"! (Rev. 5:8-10)
    8. Finally, it contradicts the biblical concept of Messiah's return as a Restorer of all things. There are several areas in which the Scriptures portray a Premillennial restoration, or restitution (Acts 3:21). And it will be well to bear in mind that the Jews, to whom Peter spoke, understood those terms in their relationship to the year of Jubilee, and their usage in the covenants, promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. Consider a few of the things that are to be restored:
    a. The hearts of the fathers to the children, (Mal. 4:6; Lk. 1:17, 76).
    b. The once-rejected seed of Jacob: to holiness, covenant relationship and favor with God, (Isa. 1:25; 4:3-6; 62:11-12; Jer. 24:7; Ezek. 16:60-62; 20:33-38; Rom. 11:25-29).
    c. The firm re-establishment of Israel in their own land, as chief of the millennial nations -- never again to be troubled or despised by their enemies, (Isa. 11:10-13; 65:25; Jer. 24:6-7; Ezek. 34:25-31; Isa. 32:16-20).
    d. The Theocratic Kingdom, in visible power and great glory, with its seat at Jerusalem and David's pre-eminent Son as its Supreme Ruler, (Psa. 89:29, 33-34; Isa. 1:25-26; 9:6-7; 11:1-5; 58:12-14; Jer. 23:5-8; 33:14-17). In Jeremiah

3:17-18 Jerusalem is called "the THRONE of the LORD"!
    e. The material creation, to a state of harmony, blessedness and fruitfulness (Isa. 11:6-9; 65:17-25), following a pre-millennial resurrection, (Rom. 8:19-23; Hos. 1:18-20).
    f. The nations, in willing and joyful subjection to Him Who is the "root of Jesse" (Isa. 11:10; 49:22-23; etc.).
    A kingdom divinely purposed from the foundation of the world; confirmed by covenant, promise and prophecy; the hope of faithful Israelites; preached by John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, Stephen and Paul; promised to the New Testament church (before whom it was set forth as a matter of prayer, Lk. 12:32; Matt. 6:10), etc.; is definitely not a "kingdom of [derived from] this world"! (Comp. John 18:36 with 15:19 and 17:14-18). For the kingdom to be on earth is not the equivalent of its being "of this world" Never did our Lord say anything to indicate that His rule would be anywhere other than on this earth and according to Jewish expectation!
    When the nation of Israel rejected their King, saying: "We will not have this man to reign over us!" Jesus Christ did not abandon His kingdom-purpose. Rather, He made it quite clear that its establishment must now await His return, (Lk. 19:11-27; comp. Dan. 7:13-14, 18, 21-22, 15-17). When they would have made Him king, he rejected their offer because He knew their attraction was only to "the loaves and fishes" which He had provided, (Jn. 6:14-15). Nevertheless, He deliberately identified Himself as the One for whom Israel had longed, waited, prayed and hoped, (Lk. 19:28-47; Jn. 12:19; Zech, 9:9).
    Following His resurrection, and after 40 days of intense instruction concerning the Kingdom (Acts 1:3), the apostles still had the same concept of a Theocratic Kingdom - identified with Israel and the earth, (Acts 1:6). If their understanding was wrong, Jesus was under obligation to correct it; but He did not! Thus, to devise an alternate system of eschatology (because the Jewish expectation was clearly pre-millennial) is to go beyond that which is written, and to substitute the

"doctrine of men" for the Word of God that is "forever settled in heaven"!

    In the symbolism of prophetic language, which was often used as a means of encouragement to the saints, without arousing the wrath of world-rulers, "heavens and earth" are so joined as to designate a political universe, (Isa. 51:16, etc.).
    1. "The heavens" denotes "exalted positions of political power and glory in human governments". This symbolic usage is abundant in the Word, (Isa. 13:10-13; Jer. 4:23-25; Ezek. 21:7; Isa. 34:4-6; Joel 2:10-li; Isa. 14:12-14; etc.).
    2."The earth" [nations] denotes "the multitudes of people - the strength and power by which "the heavens" are supported, or upheld", (Rev. 12:16; Gen. 6:11-13; etc.).
    Even in ancient hieroglyphic writings: states, empires, kings, queens and nobility in general, were described by the sun, moon and stars; so their eclipse and extinction, or overthrow. In like manner, the ancient prophets sometimes designated kings and empires by the names of heavenly luminaries. Their temporary setbacks and ultimate overthrow were represented by eclipse and extinction. Thus, the downfall of "principalities and powers", (Col. 2:15; Eph. 6:12; etc.) whether they be civil or religious, are designated, in prophetic language, by the "shaking of the heaven and earth" -- the darkening of sun and moon, (Matt. 24:29).
    The "shaking" of heaven and earth, alluded to by Haggai, the prophet (2:6-7), is explained by the prophet himself as involving the overthrow of thrones and kingdoms, and the destruction of those who supported, or upheld them, (Hag. 2:21-22; comp. Psa. 2; Rev. 11:13-18; Rev. 19; etc.). The end of this "shaking" will involve the filling of the Lord's house with glory.
    When Paul quoted from Haggai (Heb. 12:26-27), he was encouraging a New Covenant people to "serve the Lord acceptably with reverence and godly fear" This was in view of their "receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved" [or shaken], because it will have no end! Jesus

told that "The powers of the heaven shall be shaken", and linked it with such distress of nations, and "mourning of the tribes of the earth" as results in "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth", and "the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds of heaven", (Matt, 24:29; Mk. 13:25; Lk.. 21:26; etc.). Joel connects this "shaking" with the Lord's dwelling again in Jerusalem, and the manifestation of His millennial glory, (Joel 3:16-21). And Isaiah viewed it in connection with the earthly manifestation of the glory and majesty of Jehovah . . . in a day wherein He alone will be exalted in the earth, (Isa. 2:17-21).
    While it is true that our Lord is pictured as coming "in flaming fire", to destroy His enemies (2 Thes. 1:7-10); He is also represented as coming to bless the earth! (Psa. 96:11-13; 98:4-8; 69:34; etc.).
    Jewish literature from New Testament times reveals their expectation that the time of Messiah's reign would be introduced by a mighty conflagration; but their concept was that it was for restoration, purification and regeneration - not for DESTRUCTION! The language of 2 Peter 3 was designed to sustain and strengthen that hope. According to Peter, the world that "then was" [before the flood] STILL IS -- except for the perishing of the wicked and such material changes as were affected by the flood. And the world that "now is" SHALL STILL BE -- following the conflagration of 2 Peter 3:10-Il -- except for the destruction of the wicked and the new birth [regeneration], renovation and restoration of the earth to its Edenic purity and beauty.
    A careful comparison of the intent of this fire, with the overthrow of the wicked in other contexts, where "fire" is alluded to (Rev. 19:19-21; Matt. 25:31-46; Psa. 11:6; Dan. 7:9-lI; 2 Thes. 2:8; Joel 3:9-16; Zech. 14: 1-15; Ezek. 38:22; etc.), leads to the conclusion that it must be premillennial! The conflagration of 2 Peter can only be explained, consistently, with the uniform and concurrent teaching of the Holy Scriptures. It

cannot; it DOES NOT form an exception!
    In Jesus' Parable of the Tares, "the harvest", at the consummation of the age, will first involve the gathering of tares [children of the wicked one] out of His kingdom that they may be burned! (Matt. 13:41) And, let it be remembered that, what was once "the kingdoms of this world" will have at this time become [by divine conquest] the kingdom "of our Lord and of his Christ", (Rev. 11:15). "Then [at that time] shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father"! (Matt. 13:43).
    Such an abundance of evidence should demonstrate to any open-minded student of the Scriptures that the first "pillar" of Postmillennialism is without adequate Scriptural foundation. May I submit that it is a house built on the sand? 
HOPE .... Continued from Page 1

forever! But, as gold is purified by the fire, so our faith is proved, in the fires of affliction, that it may be approved of the Lord.
    Instead of causing us to question God's love, such trials should be a cause for joy. By this means He is strengthening and purifying our faith. For those who patiently endure, there awaits a glorious reward: as it is written, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him", (I Cor. 2:9).
    The proving of our faith is to the end that we "may be found unto praise, honor and glory", (Rom. 2:7, 10; 2 Cor. 4:17; Heb. 12:11). Our Lord does not abandon us in the hour of trial, but carefully preserves our tears in His "bottle (Psa.

56:8). His mighty angels stand guard over us, (Heb. 1:14). Nor will He ever permit us to be tempted beyond what His grace will enable us to bear, (1 Cor. 10:13). The prospect of future glory far outweighs our present trouble, (2 Cor. 4:17; Rom. 8:18).
    At the "revelation of Jesus Christ", we will be permitted to share in His praise, honor and glory, (vs. 13; 4:7, 13, 17; Lk. 17:30; Acts 1:11; 1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Thes. 1:7; 2 Pet. 3:10-12; comp. Col. 3:4; I Jn. 2:28; Matt. 16:27). Fiery trials are designed to strip us of all self-confidence and self- trust -- driving us into the loving arms of our dear Saviour! From the furnace of affliction, a purified faith will emerge with such radiant splendor as will redound to the praise, honor and glory of God -- which, to any true Christian, is of far greater concern than mere escape from tribulation! (I Pet. 4:11; Rev. 4:10)
    Though Peter addresses brethren whose eyes have never been privileged to look upon the Christ; he addresses them in precious words that have spoken to the hearts of God's people down through the centuries.
    The whole nature of suffering is radically changed for the Christian who comes to understand that his ready submission to suffering, "for Christ's sake", actually brings praise, honor and glory to His name!
    Though they had not seen Him, their love for Christ was real. Peter HAD SEEN the Lord, whom he loved so dearly -- having followed Him for some three and one-half years. Thus, in loving remembrance, He could recall how his brother, Andrew, had come to him and excitedly declared that he had seen "the Christ"! (John 1:42-43) He also remembered how Jesus had called him, and his brother, to be His disciples, (Matt. 4:18). He remembered how Jesus had healed his mother-in-law of a fever at Capernaum, (Matt. 8:14-15). He

had seen Jesus walk on the sea, and recalled how he had also bidden him to "Come"! -- rebuking him for his "little faith" when he began to sink in the boisterous waves, (Matt. 14:31).
    Peter, and the other frightened disciples, had awaken Jesus when a storm arose at sea, threatening to overturn the ship; he remembered how Jesus had rebuked the winds and waves -- commanding them to "Be still"! -- so that the elements were immediately calmed, (Mark 4:37-39). And could he ever forget the breathtaking experience that came to him on the mountain where Jesus was not only "transformed" and "glorified" before their very eyes; but Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Him concerning His coming death, resurrection and return to the Father's right hand? (Mart. 17:1-5)
    Who knew better than Peter the loving gentleness, tender mercy and patient carefulness of Jesus as He dealt with each precious soul? And how he had so dealt with Peter himself? Had he not observed the Master's loving compassion toward the multitudes, and been deeply moved by His healing of the sick, the lame, the blind, the leper? And His miraculous feeding of the multitudes, rather than send them away weak and hungry? Had not the Master prayed for him, that his faith fail not; and commissioned him [once he had learned the folly of self-sufficiency] to "strengthen" his brethren? (Luke 22:31-32). And, had He not freely forgiven Peter's denial? and fully restored him to fellowship and usefulness? Yes, Peter had seen the Lord! and had abundant reason for loving Him with his whole heart!
    But, Peter is writing to a people who love the Lord, though their eyes have never beheld Him! It is not physical association that draws one's heart to Jesus! What wretched wickedness must characterize the heart that is not moved by the very HEARING of the "Unspeakable Gift" that God has provided for undeserving sinners!
    In Jesus Christ one may behold the beauty of perfect holiness -- spotless purity! How wretchedly unclean does one feel in His presence! But, to comprehend the love, of such a person, as would give His life a ransom for ruined sinners, is

more than any sinful man can do!
    It is only through the power of the Gospel, directed by the Holy Spirit, that any human heart is opened so as to really appreciate the love of Christ! But, once His love is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Spirit, we will never again be the same! (Rom. 5:1-5).
    Paul prayed for his brethren at Ephesus, that they might "know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge", and "be filled with all the fulness of God", (Eph. 3:19). Desiring to see in them the reciprocation of such love as had been so lavishly bestowed upon them; he also wanted them to exercise such love toward each other, (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1 John 5:1-3; 2 John 6). He knew that the love of Christ was never-failing; it would endure! (Rom. 8:35-39; John 13:1). But, WILL OURS? Ephesus had already left their first love, (Rev. 2:4); comp. Jer. 1:1-13). Jesus warned that "the love of many shall wax cold", (Matt. 24:12). You see: it is not enough to SING:
    Though we still are not able to look upon Him, we have ample reason to trust Him and to entrust our lives into His care and keeping! (Jn. 20:29). Such faith will soon find its ultimate fruition in the salvation of our souls! (Rom. 6:22). However, by faith, we are already experiencing some of the benefits of that salvation. It is our privilege to live in a future that is ALREADY PRESENT, in the reality of Christ's presence, through the Holy Spirit!
   So trusting, our hearts are flooded with a joy which Peter describes as being "inexpressible" and "glorified"! To live by such a triumphant faith means that one does not live in vain: "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls". This passage is similar to the words of Jesus: "In your patience possess ye your souls", (Luke 21:19).
    This has to do with "laying up rewards in heaven" by such a faith-walk before men as

Redounds to the "praise, honor and glory" of God. It is possible to so live that the effects of our service will pay rich dividends in the age to come. How much better than to live so carelessly that our "works" will be burned; that we "suffer loss", and "be saved yet so as by fire"!

    Over the weekend of February 25 - March 2, I was in Florida in order to be with my Dad for the celebration of his 97th birthday, and to spend time with my brother (Albert) and sister (Lavella).
    During this weekend it was my privilege to visit three churches. On the evening of the 25th I heard a stirring missionary message by Bro. Claude Walker, pastor of the Lonoke MBC, of Plant City. This was at the Wauchula MBC, whose pastor is Jimmy Hams. On Sunday morning I had the privilege of speaking for the First MBC, of Ft. Meyers, where my brother is pastor. That evening I visited the Westwood MBC, of Winter Haven.

BOOKS AVAILABLE
(by Eugene L. Garner)

Commentary on Isaiah (hardback) $10.95

Commentary on Jeremiah-Lamentations
(hardback) $13.95

OUTLINE STUDIES
(paperback with plastic spiral binding)

The Covenants $2.00

Galatians $3.00

Ephesians $3.00

One each of set (postpaid) $30.00

    Please add $1.00 for postage on single volumes. Postage paid on two (or more).
    Make checks payable to the author.

hearts as Lord and God. As today, many refused to acknowledge their sins. The truly unconverted must repent and turn their hearts to God.
    But that was not all that John was preaching. "The King is coming!" They must get ready. It is not enough that the pretenders truly receive God into their hearts. True believers must also rid their hearts of all that is not pleasing to God. They must not go on with "life as usual". God's long promised Messianic Kingdom is HERE. We must get ready!
    In essence, John was saying: "Get your heart right! Get your head [thinking] right! and Get your habits right!" The word "repentance" [Gk. "metanoias] not only indicates a "change of heart", but also a "changed mind" with the change remaining. In other words, John's baptism signified a vow, not only of a changed heart, but of a permanent change, which included a godly life.
    Think of it in terms of someone very important coming to visit your home. Even for a friend or relative you will clean and make special preparations. But suppose it is the mayor, or governor who is coming. How would you prepare? Or suppose the emperor and his wife are coming? Not only would you clean the house, you would try to dress it up as much as possible. You would clean around the outside - even the street and nearby parks. Everything must be clean and befitting such a person! And you would do it gladly. After all, you would not want to be embarrassed!
    So, how does one go about preparing for the coming of King Jesus? It is not by the cleaning of houses and streets; it is the cleansing of the soul, the thoughts and life. This is an inescapable responsibility if we would not be embarrassed at the presence of our soon-coming Lord! (1 Jn. 2:28). -- edited from an article by missionary Canton Elkins [Japan]

    During the past month a number of people have written, or spoken to me personally, to express their appreciation for the message of the CLARION HERALD. To these, and to those who support us with prayers and offerings, we once more express our deep gratitude. E.G.