A Case for Historic Premillennialism
An Alternative to “Left Behind” Eschatology
About
"It's about time we had a scholarly presentation and defense of historic premillennialism. These authors are eminently qualified to give us that, and here they have done it."--Roger E. Olson, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
Twentieth- and twenty-first-century American evangelicalism, particularly at the popular level, has been virtually saturated with the eschatology of dispensational premillennialism. The distinctive teachings of that system, in particular its affirmation of the pretribulation rapture of the church, have become so pervasive that many evangelicals would be hard pressed to identify an alternative approach. Popular novels that disseminate dispensationalism to a wider readership have only furthered that trend.
The contributors to this volume provide a thoughtful alternative. They present compelling arguments for historic or classic premillennialism--a position widely held throughout church history (and popularly advanced in the writings of George Eldon Ladd). An introductory chapter examines the differences within premillennial eschatology and considers reasons for the widespread popularity of dispensationalism in the twentieth century. This is followed by biblical, theological, historical, and missiological studies that reexamine classic premillennialism, particularly with regard to its understanding of the return of Christ.
The authors, all respected scholars in their fields, present arguments for a return to an eschatological theology that was widely held for many centuries. Their engaging studies should be of great interest to evangelical readers--both in the academy and in the church.
Oscar A. Campos
Sung Wook Chung
Helene Dallaire
Donald Fairbairn
Richard S. Hess
Don J. Payne
Timothy P. Weber
Endorsements
"It's about time we had a scholarly presentation and defense of historic premillennialism, which is probably the majority view of the 'end times' among theologically trained evangelicals. These authors are eminently qualified to give us that, and here they have done it. All evangelicals and others interested in alternatives to the popular folk religious beliefs about the 'end times' must read this book. If read carefully by many, it will turn the growing tide of 'pretrib rapturism' and restore the eschatology of the Bible and the church fathers."--Roger E. Olson, professor of theology, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
"This book provides a welcome alternative to popular notions of the end-times, which sometimes seem to be recycled news headlines. Particularly helpful is the book's critique of 'left-behind' theology, which I believe can be defended only by taking a lot of Scripture out of context."--Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary; author of the NIV Application Commentary on Revelation
"These fine essays offer various ways in which to understand the claim that Christ's millennial reign on earth will be made public and manifest at the end of the age. They are especially appealing due to the depth of biblical and historical thought covered and the open and irenic ways in which the authors engage the subject matter and other options for interpretation. To read these essays is to have a discerning experience, as their authors write to inform and to persuade."--J. Andrew Dearman, professor of Old Testament, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Authors
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Craig L. Blomberg
Craig L. Blomberg (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is distinguished professor emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado, where he has taught for more than thirty years. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Can...
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Sung Wook Chung
Sung Wook Chung (DPhil, Oxford University) is associate professor of Christian theology at Denver Seminary. He is the author of Admiration and Challenge: Karl Barth's Theological Relationship with John Calvin and editor of Christ the One and Only: A...
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Reviews
"A welcome conversation piece in eschatological studies. . . . It is recommended for students, pastors, and scholars."--John K. Goodrich, Theological Book Review
"[This] volume represents a more formal and sustained presentation of historic premillennialism than has been offered since the work of the late George Eldon Ladd. . . . A Case for Historic Premillennialism is a valuable contribution to millennial discussions."--Bruce A. Sabados, Trinity Journal
"Blomberg and Chung offer a generally readable and interesting collection of essays arguing for the relative merits of the historic version [of premillennialism], as well as for the merits of premillennialism in general. . . . This edited volume covers most of the topics in good introductory fashion."--Jonathan Sands Wise, Christian Reflection
"[The authors] cover a wide perspective of arguments for the idea of a post-tribulation/premillennial position. . . . The conclusion is that a solid case can be made for a premillennial position that does not involve the Rapture. There is no doubt some Christians will find this position controversial, but its premise is sound. And this book is worth keeping in both church and school libraries."--Church Libraries
"The authors of these essays are excellent scholars and their arguments in support of their views are presented well. They defend a legitimate Christian eschatological position and they do so competently. . . . This book is a helpful explanation and defense of posttribulational premillennialism. It is a good introduction to the biblical and historical support for that position and serves as a good place to start for those who desire to understand it better."--Glenn R. Kreider, Bibliotheca Sacra