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A Case for Amillennialism Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger [Baker,2003]
A Case for Amillennialism Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger. Published by Baker,2003, Paperback
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First published March 1, 2003
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About the author
Kim Riddlebarger
86 books25 followersDr. Riddlebarger is a minister in the United Reformed Churches of North America and currently pastors Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, CA. He is also visiting professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary California and a frequent contributor to Tabletalk and Modern Reformation. He has written two books on the end times: A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times, and The Man of Sin: Uncovering The Truth About the Antichrist. For free resources on this subject visit his blog, The Riddleblog, where he has a plethora of free charts, manuscripts and audio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 20, 2015
An excellent and timely book, as the second edition/printing was just released last year. Riddlebarger makes a clear, compelling, and cogent case for the amillennial position utilizing sound exegesis. Emphasizing the continuity of the covenants, and two-age model (present age and age to come), the kingdom of God which is a present reality (inaugurated) and will be fully made manifest in the age to come (consummated), we learn that Christ is reigning now with the elect saints from heaven. A reality that those in the body have sealed down payment for, as Christ's resurrection is the first fruits and guarantee that we are raised now ( πρώτος αναστάσις, regeneration), and will be raised at the end of the age. Satan is bound even as we are to bind the Strong Man, as Christ made a spectacle of all the powers, crushing them under foot as the Gospel now goes forth. The evil will grow thicker even as the Gospel is preached to the four corners, a necessary theological juxtaposition. All of the issues I have always had with dispensationalism and premillennialism but never found answers to were answered wonderfully in Riddlebarger's treatment. Simply a must read.
November 17, 2020
A Case for Amillennialism is a thorough, well-organized, and easy to read book on the topic of Amillennialism. After coming to saving faith in 2013, I attended a number of churches that held to the Dispensational view of eschatology. I read this book after listening to a 13 part podcast series hosted by Theology Simply Profound (https://www.monergism.com/dispensatio...). Together they have completely obliterated any lingering dispensational leanings I may have been holding on to.
I do, however, continue to waffle between being postmil and amil. I blame this on RC Sproul 😁. I admire him as a teacher and theologian and it was his book What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics that I credit for my radical shift in theology since January 2016. In his book The Last Days According to Jesus, which I also read this year, he laid out the case for postmillennialism (partial preterist) very succinctly.
Thankfully my salvation does not depend on which side of the debate I come down on.
If you are interested in studying Amillennialism, I highly recommend Kim Riddlebarger's book.
I do, however, continue to waffle between being postmil and amil. I blame this on RC Sproul 😁. I admire him as a teacher and theologian and it was his book What Is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics that I credit for my radical shift in theology since January 2016. In his book The Last Days According to Jesus, which I also read this year, he laid out the case for postmillennialism (partial preterist) very succinctly.
Thankfully my salvation does not depend on which side of the debate I come down on.
If you are interested in studying Amillennialism, I highly recommend Kim Riddlebarger's book.
March 7, 2018
After growing up under dispensational teachings but finding them problematic as an adult, I dabbled in preterism for a bit. But I found that it has almost as many problems as dispensationalism does. This work on ammillenialism has brought me around to something of a middle position. I think it makes the most sense of OT prophecy and Revelation.
I was most interested to see how he explains Daniel's 70 weeks. As a child, the weeks were made much of in my grandfather's dispensational teachings. Riddlebarger's assertion that the verses about the covenant are referring to Christ and not the anti-Christ have given me a lot of food for thought. I want to research this more but in the meantime, I am having trouble seeing these verses in the old way anymore.
When stripped to the absolute bare bones of expected events before Jesus' return, I didn't see much difference between amillennialism and post-tribulation dispensationalism. For me, the importance lies in the differing understanding of what has been accomplished that results from each of the views. Amillennialism removes all need for constantly trying to relate events in the Middle East to Revelation and other such modern day “prophetic”antics. The signs of the end times are universal and in every age and “point to and warn of the reality of future judgment but not its time.” More importantly, it shows how complete Jesus' victory on the cross was. There will be no need to return to types and shadows and temples as is required by a dispensational interpretation.
Basically, this is an excellent introduction to amillennialism. His hermeneutical approach is using scripture to interpret scripture. In the case of the 1000 year reign, it means assessing how Jesus and other New Testament authors viewed the prophetic portions of the Old Testament. Although there are some assertions that are not supported in his text, such as amillennialism being the major view of church fathers, it discusses all major points of view respectfully, supports it's own view with sound appraisal of Scripture, and writes succinctly making it a work of good quality.
I was most interested to see how he explains Daniel's 70 weeks. As a child, the weeks were made much of in my grandfather's dispensational teachings. Riddlebarger's assertion that the verses about the covenant are referring to Christ and not the anti-Christ have given me a lot of food for thought. I want to research this more but in the meantime, I am having trouble seeing these verses in the old way anymore.
When stripped to the absolute bare bones of expected events before Jesus' return, I didn't see much difference between amillennialism and post-tribulation dispensationalism. For me, the importance lies in the differing understanding of what has been accomplished that results from each of the views. Amillennialism removes all need for constantly trying to relate events in the Middle East to Revelation and other such modern day “prophetic”antics. The signs of the end times are universal and in every age and “point to and warn of the reality of future judgment but not its time.” More importantly, it shows how complete Jesus' victory on the cross was. There will be no need to return to types and shadows and temples as is required by a dispensational interpretation.
Basically, this is an excellent introduction to amillennialism. His hermeneutical approach is using scripture to interpret scripture. In the case of the 1000 year reign, it means assessing how Jesus and other New Testament authors viewed the prophetic portions of the Old Testament. Although there are some assertions that are not supported in his text, such as amillennialism being the major view of church fathers, it discusses all major points of view respectfully, supports it's own view with sound appraisal of Scripture, and writes succinctly making it a work of good quality.
June 7, 2024
I’m contractually obligated to be a premillennialist until May 2026…
August 23, 2023
This was probably the most compelling treatment of Amillennialism I’ve read. I highly recommend for those wrestling through this issue. I would highly recommend it even if you desired a very thorough critique of dispensational hermeneutics in general— I think he represents the opposing view well and is charitable, but pulls no punches.
May 28, 2025
COMPELLING
I wasn’t prepared for A Case for Amillenialism to so thoroughly discuss other millennial views. I am deeply impressed by this in depth study as it is fair, clear, and considerate of differing opinions whilst arguing for the amillennial position.
Kim Riddlebarger was taught dispensationalism, but he had doubts.
“If Jesus is the true temple, why would the temple be rebuilt during the millennium? Why would animals be sacrificed during the millennial age when Christ's death on the cross did away with them? How can there be people on earth in unresurrected bodies after Christ comes back and raises the dead? Why are those who claim to take prophetic passages literally forced to insert gaps in Daniel's prophecy of the seventy weeks and in Jesus's teaching about judgment occurring at his second coming?”
If you share some of the same doubts or enjoy studying eschatology, then pick this one up. It is not an easy read, so be prepared for some serious study, but it is well worth your time.
I wasn’t prepared for A Case for Amillenialism to so thoroughly discuss other millennial views. I am deeply impressed by this in depth study as it is fair, clear, and considerate of differing opinions whilst arguing for the amillennial position.
Kim Riddlebarger was taught dispensationalism, but he had doubts.
“If Jesus is the true temple, why would the temple be rebuilt during the millennium? Why would animals be sacrificed during the millennial age when Christ's death on the cross did away with them? How can there be people on earth in unresurrected bodies after Christ comes back and raises the dead? Why are those who claim to take prophetic passages literally forced to insert gaps in Daniel's prophecy of the seventy weeks and in Jesus's teaching about judgment occurring at his second coming?”
If you share some of the same doubts or enjoy studying eschatology, then pick this one up. It is not an easy read, so be prepared for some serious study, but it is well worth your time.
January 24, 2022
Does a very good job of showing the untenability of premillennialism, especially premil dispensationalism.
July 29, 2022
Should be required reading for everyone that thinks “left behind” is an eschatology textbook
February 22, 2025
I can say, without a doubt, that I believe in the amill position. The book was laid it out well and it was easy to understand. Highly recommend this book to anyone who is on the fence or have another end times view.
January 30, 2024
I don't know if I am entirely convinced of his interpretation of Daniel 9 and the future personal antichrist, but I am very convinced by the redemptive-historical idealist perspective that leads to amillennialism. This was a great book, very helpful in answering a number of questions that I had.
February 9, 2020
This book was a really challenging read as far as how difficult it was to follow at times. Instead of the author simply presenting the amillenial view, he changes voices a lot when he is discussing the other views such as pre and post-trib, which made it hard to really focus on simply what the right view is. That aside, I do believe this is the biblical view of the end times even though I was raised in a dispensational church. This book is a wonderful read if you are looking for a scriptural interpretation of the end times from an Old Testament and New Testament perspective. Just remember the popular theological views in the American church are not always the correct ones, but I do not consider views on the end times dogma, and like the author states at the end, all Christians look forward to that day when Christ returns and we will be with him forever.
June 10, 2025
Good introduction to the matter. I especially liked Part 2 which was devoted to detailing the overall course of redemptive history so that we can situate our discussion of the end in that context.
April 8, 2025
Overall, insightful and helpful. So many books on Revelation are marked by vain speculation, fear mongering, and a heavy conspiratorial spirit. This book will help anyone lost in those unhelpful resources to come back to earth.
I’ve always described myself as leaning amil but this book may have pushed me fully into the camp.
I will say that most of this book can be described as “A Case Against Dispensational Premillennialism” (which is fine in its own right, but not what I was looking for). I think if you were raised in dispensational traditional, this book would be extraordinarily helpful at answering your questions. I wasn’t raised in that tradition so I felt like it dragged on a bit.
The real value of this book lies in chapters 16 & 17 which are his chapters on Rev. 20 and the signs of the times. I’ll probably recommend this book to a lot of people, but if they’re already decidedly not a dispensationalist, I’ll probably just recommend they read those two.
I’ve always described myself as leaning amil but this book may have pushed me fully into the camp.
I will say that most of this book can be described as “A Case Against Dispensational Premillennialism” (which is fine in its own right, but not what I was looking for). I think if you were raised in dispensational traditional, this book would be extraordinarily helpful at answering your questions. I wasn’t raised in that tradition so I felt like it dragged on a bit.
The real value of this book lies in chapters 16 & 17 which are his chapters on Rev. 20 and the signs of the times. I’ll probably recommend this book to a lot of people, but if they’re already decidedly not a dispensationalist, I’ll probably just recommend they read those two.
July 26, 2021
This was a good look at Amillennialism. Truth be told, I came already in the mindset that Amillennialism made the most sense to me according to Scripture, so I wasn't exactly won over from another side.
If you're already very familiar with reformed theology the first half of the book will be a lot of review. The third section which exposited four key end times texts was the most interesting to me, and I think Riddlebarger did a good job at walking through those.
I read a review that he interacted mainly with more extreme views of premillennialism, so that was something that made me curious as I read - are there any different arguments for premil I'm missing? I don't believe they'd sway me, but I wondered.
Though some of this book was a little slow for me, I couldn't help but find myself so encouraged thinking about Christ's return. I tend to agree with the quoted Jurgen Moltmann- that eschatology is not just a *part* of Christian doctrine, but a characteristic of it all. And this should true for the premil, amil, and postmil.
If you're already very familiar with reformed theology the first half of the book will be a lot of review. The third section which exposited four key end times texts was the most interesting to me, and I think Riddlebarger did a good job at walking through those.
I read a review that he interacted mainly with more extreme views of premillennialism, so that was something that made me curious as I read - are there any different arguments for premil I'm missing? I don't believe they'd sway me, but I wondered.
Though some of this book was a little slow for me, I couldn't help but find myself so encouraged thinking about Christ's return. I tend to agree with the quoted Jurgen Moltmann- that eschatology is not just a *part* of Christian doctrine, but a characteristic of it all. And this should true for the premil, amil, and postmil.
October 3, 2012
This is an excellent book for the way it handles dispensationalism and premillennialism. Riddlebarger wants to be an optimistic amillennialist "as regards the kingdom", yet still holds the New Testament anticipates "Christ's direct intervention to a wicked and unbelieving world like in the days of Noah (Matt. 24:37-38)" (p237). As much as I appreciate the effort, it makes no sense to be optimistic about God's kingdom and simultaneously believe the kingdoms of this world will surround and beat it back. Thankfully the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord (anyone heading to Handel's Messiah this Christmas?), and the gates of hell will not (defensively) prevail against.
Riddlebarger interprets many passages in the NT which I believe pertain to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD as about the end of the world. He also caricatures postmillennialism, or handles an aberrant and minority version of it, as a belief that somehow this gospel/millennial age is a sweet and peachy one. Postmil theology declares the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church. How is martyrdom consistent with kingdom growth? The way it is in Acts.
Riddlebarger admits he considered postmillennialism in college but could not reconcile it with all the evil he sees on every side in the modern world. This seems to me profoundly backwards. Of course the world is full of evil. But if there was not an iota of eschatalogical doctrine in the Bible (impossible, I know, but if), then what we conclude about the growth of the gospel since the resurrection of Jesus? Two billion Christians and counting, unparalleled advance in technology, medicine, etc. This is not an exegetical argument, but it should give push back against the common line that optimistic Americans can be prone to postmillennialism. I think the doctrine, like all, should be settled first in Scripture. Don't do your theology in the newspaper. But if anything is consistent with postmillennialism, it is human history over the last 2000 years. The earth isn't near as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea, but anyone who hasn't seen the kingdom grow--recently in the southern hemisphere even as it declines in the north and west--isn't paying attention.
Riddlebarger interprets many passages in the NT which I believe pertain to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD as about the end of the world. He also caricatures postmillennialism, or handles an aberrant and minority version of it, as a belief that somehow this gospel/millennial age is a sweet and peachy one. Postmil theology declares the blood of martyrs is the seed of the church. How is martyrdom consistent with kingdom growth? The way it is in Acts.
Riddlebarger admits he considered postmillennialism in college but could not reconcile it with all the evil he sees on every side in the modern world. This seems to me profoundly backwards. Of course the world is full of evil. But if there was not an iota of eschatalogical doctrine in the Bible (impossible, I know, but if), then what we conclude about the growth of the gospel since the resurrection of Jesus? Two billion Christians and counting, unparalleled advance in technology, medicine, etc. This is not an exegetical argument, but it should give push back against the common line that optimistic Americans can be prone to postmillennialism. I think the doctrine, like all, should be settled first in Scripture. Don't do your theology in the newspaper. But if anything is consistent with postmillennialism, it is human history over the last 2000 years. The earth isn't near as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea, but anyone who hasn't seen the kingdom grow--recently in the southern hemisphere even as it declines in the north and west--isn't paying attention.
February 25, 2020
Great. Exactly the perspective I needed to read while finally getting around to looking at this area of my theology. Riddlebarger is a former dispensational premillennialist who is now a Reformed amillennialist. Riddlebarger makes his position known up front and then clearly, respectfully, yet relentlessly works his way through opposing views of eschatology. Many aspects of dispensational premillennialism had left me confused and had made me avoid studying eschatology and eschatological passages/books of the Bible - after reading this book, I feel I now have a clear perspective of a different way of seeing the End Times, of an eschatological position that actually makes sense and is Biblically consistent within the redemptive-historical framework of covenant theology.
This book convinced me pretty early in; it was more detailed than I expected and, thanks to it being an interlibrary loan with a ticking timer due date, I certainly owe the final part more time and thought than I gave it. Would love to reread the last section with the goal of actually studying the passages. Incredibly helpful book overall.
This book convinced me pretty early in; it was more detailed than I expected and, thanks to it being an interlibrary loan with a ticking timer due date, I certainly owe the final part more time and thought than I gave it. Would love to reread the last section with the goal of actually studying the passages. Incredibly helpful book overall.
January 1, 2013
A succinct and helpful introduction to what Riddlebarger argues is the 'Historic Reformed Protestant' understanding of the millennial reign of Christ in Revelation 20 (Amillennialism). One of my professors found this to be a good read, so I picked it up. I considered myself Amill before reading this book, but now I find myself to be very convinced. I cannot get over the problems that premillennialists must overcome in order to remain consistent with their own framework. If you are premillennial then you may find yourself on the defensive quite a bit as Riddlebarger's style is quite polemical at many points. I wish he could have nuanced the diversity of premillennial views (such as the emerging progressive dispensational view) more often, but the book would have been far too long for the average reader. Overall, quite pleased with this read.
March 20, 2021
This might be one of the most influential and impactful books I’ve read in my ten years of faith. The whole Bible truly is eschatological and what we think about eschatology influences so much about how we read and interpret scripture, how we live, what we think about the Church’s role in culture, and how much of God’s beauty we behold. This book drew me closer to Christ and made me long to know him more and more. It gave me so much hope in His Kingdom. It gave me endurance and faith in this “already but not yet” place in history. I think every Christian should read it. Studying eschatology is something I put off for a while because I truly didn’t think it was that important to my whole understanding of God and his Kingdom. Spoiler alert: it is SO important. Read this ASAP.
June 26, 2011
A thorough exposition of the amillennial position, though a more accurate title would have been "A Case Against Premillenialism: Arguments Against Walvoord, Ladd, and Pentecost as Presented by Hoekema and Kline."
April 21, 2009
Not for the faint of heart or those with little time.
August 5, 2019
Not shabby, however I believe there are perhaps two other Amill books I’d recommend ahead of this one.
The Promise of the Future, by Cornelius Venema is a more modern take (replacement) on: The Bible and the Future, by Anthony Hoekema. An interesting and easy to follow along would be: Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative, by Sam Storms.
I culled this from a good thread on PuritanBoard:
Bibliography for Revelation and Amil:
* G.K. Beale, New International Greek Testament Commentary: Revelation; The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: 1-2 Thessalonians; Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament; Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation; and The Use of Daniel in Jewish Apocalyptic Literature and in the Revelation of St. John
* Dennis E. Johnson, Triumph of the Lamb
* Cornelis P. Venema, The Promise of the Future
* William Hendriksen, More Than Conquerors; and Three Lectures on the Book of Revelation
* Michael Wilcock, The Message of Revelation
* Richard Bauckham, The Climax of Prophecy; and The Theology of the Book of Revelation
* Kim Riddlebarger, The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth About the Antichrist; and, A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times
* David J. Engelsma, Christ’s Spiritual Kingdom: A Defense of Reformed Amillennialism (A shortened online version); and The Messianic Kingdom and Civil Government (article)
* Stephen S. Smalley, The Revelation To John: A Commentary on the Greek Text of the Apocalypse
* Vern Poythress, The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation
* R.C.H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation
* Stuart Olyott, Dare to Stand Alone: Daniel Simply Explained
* Samuel E. Waldron, The End Times Made Simple
* Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future
* Simon J. Kistemaker, New Testament Commentary: Revelation
* Arturo Azurdia, An Exposition of the Book of Revelation (81 MP3 sermons)
William E. Cox, Amillennialism Today
* Leon Morris, The Book of Revelation (Revised Edition)
* G.B. Caird, The Revelation of Saint John
Richard Bewes, The Lamb Wins
Herman Hoeksema, Behold, He Cometh! [with some reservations]
* Sam Storms, Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative (he was premil, and now uses his old knowledge to expose its errors)
Ian Boxall, The Revelation of Saint John
The Promise of the Future, by Cornelius Venema is a more modern take (replacement) on: The Bible and the Future, by Anthony Hoekema. An interesting and easy to follow along would be: Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative, by Sam Storms.
I culled this from a good thread on PuritanBoard:
Bibliography for Revelation and Amil:
* G.K. Beale, New International Greek Testament Commentary: Revelation; The IVP New Testament Commentary Series: 1-2 Thessalonians; Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament; Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation; and The Use of Daniel in Jewish Apocalyptic Literature and in the Revelation of St. John
* Dennis E. Johnson, Triumph of the Lamb
* Cornelis P. Venema, The Promise of the Future
* William Hendriksen, More Than Conquerors; and Three Lectures on the Book of Revelation
* Michael Wilcock, The Message of Revelation
* Richard Bauckham, The Climax of Prophecy; and The Theology of the Book of Revelation
* Kim Riddlebarger, The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth About the Antichrist; and, A Case for Amillennialism: Understanding the End Times
* David J. Engelsma, Christ’s Spiritual Kingdom: A Defense of Reformed Amillennialism (A shortened online version); and The Messianic Kingdom and Civil Government (article)
* Stephen S. Smalley, The Revelation To John: A Commentary on the Greek Text of the Apocalypse
* Vern Poythress, The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation
* R.C.H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. John’s Revelation
* Stuart Olyott, Dare to Stand Alone: Daniel Simply Explained
* Samuel E. Waldron, The End Times Made Simple
* Anthony Hoekema, The Bible and the Future
* Simon J. Kistemaker, New Testament Commentary: Revelation
* Arturo Azurdia, An Exposition of the Book of Revelation (81 MP3 sermons)
William E. Cox, Amillennialism Today
* Leon Morris, The Book of Revelation (Revised Edition)
* G.B. Caird, The Revelation of Saint John
Richard Bewes, The Lamb Wins
Herman Hoeksema, Behold, He Cometh! [with some reservations]
* Sam Storms, Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative (he was premil, and now uses his old knowledge to expose its errors)
Ian Boxall, The Revelation of Saint John
May 20, 2023
This was my first intro to eschatology and it was fascinating. The author introduced the main eschatological views in Christianity and then goes on to present why amilliennialism makes the best sense. It was really a great introduction to the topic and completely put me in the amillennial camp. My favorite part about reading this book was that my dad had taken a class with the author on the topic a few decades ago. He say's he probably still has the papers from it too! It was really fun discussion the book with my dad and going over the different views. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in trying to understand the different eschatological views.
April 2, 2018
This work by Dr. Riddlebarger sold me. I was leaning towards amillennialism prior to reading but now I am confident in it. Kim's work guides the reader through understanding basic features of eschatology, both Old and New Testament passages, and then extensive commentary on the chief passages (i.e. Revelation 20). I would recommend this book to others for it is persuasive and not difficult to read. He also does a good job of summarizing opposing views and what their hypothetical rebuttals would be.
April 23, 2022
A very helpful look at the various Christian eschatological positions and defense of amillennialism. Much of the book deals with refuting dispensationalism. The exegesis of the primary scripture passages dealing with eschatology are very helpful.
February 6, 2020
This book was very persuasive for this "leaky dispensationalist." Up to this point, I've held loosely to the "leaky dispensationalist" position similar to that of John MacArthur. After reading this title, however, I'm not so sure I can maintain it. One of big questions I've had with the dispensationalist outlook is that it gives no acknowledgment to Revelation being apocalyptic literature. Apocalyptic literature, by its very nature, is to be interpreted figuratively. The dispy position, however, insists on applying the literal hermeneutic to it. I truly believe it's more accurately interpreted figuratively. The author also addresses well the prophecy in Romans 11 of a great revival among the people of Israel, and how the creation of a nation-state for the Jews could be a part of God's brining that great revival to pass. The author also walks through the other eschatological positions, describing their deficiencies. He responds to hard questions often asked of amillennialists. This book is an excellent volume, one I recommend highly to anyone wanting to work through his/her Biblical stance on eschatology.
September 8, 2024
A REFORMED PASTOR EXPLAINS THIS VIEWPOINT
Kim Riddlebarger is senior pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, and visiting professor at Westminster Seminary California. He is also cohost of the 'White Horse Inn' radio program, and author of 'The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth about the Antichrist.'
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2003 book, "My purpose is to set forth the historic Protestant understanding of the millennial age. This position is commonly known as amillennialism and is centered in the present reign of Jesus Christ. Amillennialism is grounded in redemptive history, the historical acts of God as they unfold in the Bible to provide for the salvation of his people. Although it is commonly argued that amillennarians do not believe in any millennial age... this is not the case. Amillenarians believe that the millennium is a present reality... not a future hope." (Pg. 11)
He explains, "Amillennialism was not recognized as a distinct position until around the turn of the twentieth century. Until then, amillenarians called themselves postmillennial because they believed Christ would come back after the millennial age, but they were different from traditional postmillenarians in that they did not believe in an earthy millennial age yet to dawn." (Pg. 31)
He observes, "Notice that all these events (the judgment of both believers and unbelievers, the day of the Lord, the last trumpet, and the restoration of all things) occur at the same time---at the return of Christ. Nothing was said or implied to lead us to believe that Christ returns to set up his kingdom or that a one-thousand-year gap lies between his second advent and the final judgment. Based on the clear biblical texts that we have seen above, no such lengthy intervals are found in any passage individually or collectively. The premillennialists read these lengthy intervals into the biblical text." (Pg. 93) He adds, "we can have no doubts that the last day, the last trumpet, the day of the Lord, raising of the dead, and the judgement of people will be concomitant events." (Pg. 137)
He suggests, "To look for a rebuilt temple, to Jesus sitting on David's throne in an earthly Jerusalem, to babies being born and daily life continuing after Christ's return empties the kingdom and the 'age to come' of its eternal character." (Pg. 110) He argues, "One of the most telling criticisms [of premillennialism] is the language used by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18... Three times in the passage, Paul used terminology to convey the idea that Jesus Christ's return to earth will be accompanied by divine announcements which are clearly universal in nature....
"The whole thrust of the three-fold announcement is that God Himself will proclaim the return of Jesus Christ so loudly that the whole world will hear. Not only so, but the world will also witness the subsequent catching away of believers (v. 17). If dispensationalists are correct in saying that this coming is a secret, then only believers will hear the divine declaration." (Pg. 143)
He points out, "Revelation 20:7-10 raises a number of problems for all millenarians... given that the satanically inspired revolt of the nations John described occurs after the general resurrection and when there cannot be people in natural bodies on earth nor can there be people on earth who have not passed through the final judgment. Who are these people who revolt against Christ? Who are these who are consumed by fire? Are these people in unresurrected bodies? If so, where do they come from? How do they pass through the judgment at the beginning of the millennial age? Are these people the redeemed? Such is unthinkable. The presence of evil in the millennial age is a problem from which all forms of premillennialism cannot escape." (Pg. 223)
He adds, "How do people living on earth at the time of Christ's second coming escape the resurrection and the judgment?... premillenarians must explain the identity of these people in unresurrected bodies living during the millennium. How do we account for people who are not judged or raised from the dead at the time of our Lord's second advent? This is especially problematic since Jesus himself taught that in the age to come his people will all be children of the resurrection." (Pg. 232)
This detailed book will interest not only amillenarians, but others studying biblical prophecy.
Kim Riddlebarger is senior pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, and visiting professor at Westminster Seminary California. He is also cohost of the 'White Horse Inn' radio program, and author of 'The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth about the Antichrist.'
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2003 book, "My purpose is to set forth the historic Protestant understanding of the millennial age. This position is commonly known as amillennialism and is centered in the present reign of Jesus Christ. Amillennialism is grounded in redemptive history, the historical acts of God as they unfold in the Bible to provide for the salvation of his people. Although it is commonly argued that amillennarians do not believe in any millennial age... this is not the case. Amillenarians believe that the millennium is a present reality... not a future hope." (Pg. 11)
He explains, "Amillennialism was not recognized as a distinct position until around the turn of the twentieth century. Until then, amillenarians called themselves postmillennial because they believed Christ would come back after the millennial age, but they were different from traditional postmillenarians in that they did not believe in an earthy millennial age yet to dawn." (Pg. 31)
He observes, "Notice that all these events (the judgment of both believers and unbelievers, the day of the Lord, the last trumpet, and the restoration of all things) occur at the same time---at the return of Christ. Nothing was said or implied to lead us to believe that Christ returns to set up his kingdom or that a one-thousand-year gap lies between his second advent and the final judgment. Based on the clear biblical texts that we have seen above, no such lengthy intervals are found in any passage individually or collectively. The premillennialists read these lengthy intervals into the biblical text." (Pg. 93) He adds, "we can have no doubts that the last day, the last trumpet, the day of the Lord, raising of the dead, and the judgement of people will be concomitant events." (Pg. 137)
He suggests, "To look for a rebuilt temple, to Jesus sitting on David's throne in an earthly Jerusalem, to babies being born and daily life continuing after Christ's return empties the kingdom and the 'age to come' of its eternal character." (Pg. 110) He argues, "One of the most telling criticisms [of premillennialism] is the language used by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18... Three times in the passage, Paul used terminology to convey the idea that Jesus Christ's return to earth will be accompanied by divine announcements which are clearly universal in nature....
"The whole thrust of the three-fold announcement is that God Himself will proclaim the return of Jesus Christ so loudly that the whole world will hear. Not only so, but the world will also witness the subsequent catching away of believers (v. 17). If dispensationalists are correct in saying that this coming is a secret, then only believers will hear the divine declaration." (Pg. 143)
He points out, "Revelation 20:7-10 raises a number of problems for all millenarians... given that the satanically inspired revolt of the nations John described occurs after the general resurrection and when there cannot be people in natural bodies on earth nor can there be people on earth who have not passed through the final judgment. Who are these people who revolt against Christ? Who are these who are consumed by fire? Are these people in unresurrected bodies? If so, where do they come from? How do they pass through the judgment at the beginning of the millennial age? Are these people the redeemed? Such is unthinkable. The presence of evil in the millennial age is a problem from which all forms of premillennialism cannot escape." (Pg. 223)
He adds, "How do people living on earth at the time of Christ's second coming escape the resurrection and the judgment?... premillenarians must explain the identity of these people in unresurrected bodies living during the millennium. How do we account for people who are not judged or raised from the dead at the time of our Lord's second advent? This is especially problematic since Jesus himself taught that in the age to come his people will all be children of the resurrection." (Pg. 232)
This detailed book will interest not only amillenarians, but others studying biblical prophecy.
February 10, 2015
Although I mostly listened to the book, and selectively read some portions, I kinda knew what I would be getting. I listened to certain chapters more than once. Good stuff.
This from the fact that when I first got interested in studying eschatology I was influenced by
Voddie Baucham's series on Revelation and then tried to find more series explaining the Amillennial outlook
on things. I came across Kim Riddlebarger's Amillennialism 101 teaching series which helped me a lot.
This is a solid work with serious history and exegesis within.
Agreed with most of the stuff he said except a few (small) things, like the interpretation of Matthew 24:29-31, which I think refers (still continuing with the previous verses) to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
Overall, a good work! 5/5
This from the fact that when I first got interested in studying eschatology I was influenced by
Voddie Baucham's series on Revelation and then tried to find more series explaining the Amillennial outlook
on things. I came across Kim Riddlebarger's Amillennialism 101 teaching series which helped me a lot.
This is a solid work with serious history and exegesis within.
Agreed with most of the stuff he said except a few (small) things, like the interpretation of Matthew 24:29-31, which I think refers (still continuing with the previous verses) to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
Overall, a good work! 5/5
December 14, 2024
Probably the best book I've read on eschatology. Amillennialism used to strike me as bizarre because the most common criticism actually comes from the name itself "a"-millennialism, which means "no"-millenium, which obviously contradicts Holy Scripture. However, as Dr. Riddlebarger has so informatively shown, it's far from that. There are a few sections where I still have questions, which is natural, of course (Romans 11 being one of them), but this book has given me a huge steak to chew on, which I'll be doing for quite some time.
A must-read for anyone interested in eschatology.
Maranatha. Our Lord, come.
A must-read for anyone interested in eschatology.
Maranatha. Our Lord, come.
January 16, 2009
Solid and decent.
August 10, 2012
A good introduction to amilleniallism, especially for someone from a dispensational background.
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