True Christians always base their faith and creed
exclusively on the revealed Word of God in its clear and unmistakable
passages.
Thus, we do not accept everything which at first glance may seem to be
Biblical
doctrine, but follow the commands of God: "Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians
As we discuss and examine the various tenets of
the
millenarians, we shall frequently be compelled to expose the false as
well as
to give the true interpretation of certain Bible passages. Some of
these
passages will be clear and simple, whereas others will be seemingly
obscure and
difficult because of their figurative adornment. It will be of benefit
to the
reader if at the very beginning we state a few sound and fundamental
principles, or rules, of Biblical interpretation by which we shall be
guided
in this treatise.
Some
Principles of
Bible Interpretation
God is Truth (Isaiah 65:16; cf. John 14:6, 17; 1 John 5:6). He cannot lie or contradict Himself (Titus 1:2). From this it follows that whatever He affirms in clear, unmistakable passages He does not overthrow or contradict in other passages. Hence all those sayings of the Lord which are somewhat difficult must be compared with those which are so plain and simple that they cannot be misunderstood and must be interpreted in accordance with them.
Again, whatever God says in symbolical, or figurative, language must be interpreted in agreement with such passages in which He employs plain diction, using every word in its proper, literal sense. Why? Because in symbols and figurative speech He does not teach the reverse of what He teaches in ordinary, plain, simple language.
According to these fundamental rules, according
to the Word
of God, in the fear of God (Isaiah 66:2), we will now examine the views
of the
millenarians.
Go To Mill 3: The
Condition of the church on Earth
Return To:
Millennialism