Hi to my Forum Friends,
In the discussion I began last week titled "Does Saving Faith Include Belief In A Specific Eschatology?" -- my Friend, Lexum, asks me, "Bill, what church are you a member of? Apparently not the C0C. Perhaps John’s or one of the other apostles?"
As I am sure you already know, I am a Baptist flavored Christian. Baptist flavored because once I had determined my own personal Statement of Faith, i.e., those Biblical doctrines which I believe and which I teach if asked -- I find that it aligns well with that of the Baptist church. Since I have worshiped in a Baptist church (Baptist General Conference most of the time, Southern Baptist a few times) -- I do consider myself a Baptist. However, if asked, my first response will always be that I am a Christian. If pushed, I will then add that I am a Baptist flavored Christian.
Christian because I am a believer -- and I follow those teachings set forth by the first Christian fellowship begun on the Day of Pentecost in 33 A.D.
And, I do believe the Baptist church is the church today most closely identified, by our teachings, with that first group of believers from 33 A.D.
Then, you ask, "How could you hang anything over the door of a non-denominational religious assemblage other than Church of Christ. It says to any rational person that those who assemble here are members if HIS CHURCH."
What is the CHURCH? It is the worldwide body of believers. It is His church, His bride, His body.
Is it Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, etc.? No, these are merely groups in which folks have found common methods of worship which best fit what they believe the Bible teaches. But, when it is all boiled down -- there is only one CHURCH -- the worldwide body of believers who believe and teach the Essential Christian Biblical Doctrines.
There is a fantastic Southern Gospel song which says this better than I can ever could:
IT'S NOT WHAT'S OVER THE DOOR
Some people think today, If heaven you would see,
You must belong to their church, Or be lost eternally.
But according to God's word, What He's still looking for,
Is what He finds within your heart, And not what's over the door.
It's not what's over the door Of the church that you attend,
That makes you a child of God, And a heavenly citizen.
As the eyes of the Lord look this world o'er,
There's just one thing He's lookin' for
Can't you see that's what's in your heart
And not what's over the door.
Does Jesus live in your heart, And have you been born again,
Has the blood of Calvary's Lamb, Washed away all your sins?
Are you fully trusting in, The crucified risen Lord,
Can't you see that it's what's in your heart, And not what's over the door.
That, my Friend, IS the Christian church.
Next, you declare, "Bill, I think you need to consider a warning in Revelations (should be Revelation) about inventing things which are nothing more than additions to GOD’s WORD. Blaringly obvious of one reads is what would seem deterrent enough for adding a wild story about the second coming."
Lex, I realize that your COC believes and teaches an Amillennial Second Coming of Christ. So, let's tell folks what this means.
Amillennialism teaches that the Millennium began on the Day of Pentecost, when the Church Age began and will end with the Second Coming of Christ. His Second Coming and the resurrection of all the dead, believers and non-believers, happen at the same time. The Great White Throne Judgment will include all resurrected dead, both believers and non-believers. And, then Christ will take the believers into eternity.
Amillennialism teaches that the Millennium and Tribulation are occurring right now; both began on the Day of Pentecost and both will end upon His Second Coming. In other words, we are living in the Tribulation right now.
There are a few problems with this. First, "millennium" means one thousand years. It has been over two thousand years since the Day of Pentecost. Does this mean that we are living in the SECOND MILLENNIUM now?
And, a major problem with the Amillennial view of His Second Coming -- when does the Wedding Feast of the Lamb occur, the time He takes the glorified body of believers, His church, as His bride? Revelation 19:6-9 tell us that this happens during the Tribulation -- while the church, His body of believers, His bride -- is in heaven. How can this be -- in an Amillennial view of His Second Coming -- when there is no Rapture of His church, His bride, into heaven?
Throughout the Bible, we read of the horrible things that will happen during the Tribulation. Does anyone believe that the things, i.e., earthquakes, storms, floods, etc. -- which are happening on earth today -- are anywhere near as horrible as what is described in Revelation?
When has the sun darkened, the moon become as blood, and stars fallen from heaven? When has one third of all the water on earth become bitter and deadly to drink -- and one third of all fish in the oceans die from the bad water? When has all the fresh waters of the earth turned to blood? Has anyone seen any 100 pound hail stones pounding the entire earth? These things will occur during the Tribulation -- according to Scripture.
Lex, these are events which are clearly defined and prophesied to occur during the Tribulation. If none of these things have happened, or are happening -- how can we be in the Tribulation?
The only eschatological view which makes sense and is supported in the Bible -- is the PreTribulation Rapture and the PreMillennial Return of Christ to establish His 1000 year Millennial Reign on earth.
My Friend, if you truly believe in an Amillennial Return of Christ -- please show us proof from Scripture. But, keep in mind that if you give us a Scripture verse which is contradicted in other portions of Scripture -- then your understanding and interpretation of that passage is not correct.
But, one qualifier. It must be your work and not a long copy/paste from what someone else has written. Copying part of what another has written -- to support what you have written -- is okay. But, to respond with a long copy/paste from another when the only thing from you in the whole post is your name and maybe, "Bill. . ." -- doesn't cut it.
If you truly believe in the Amillennial Return of Christ -- YOU should be able to prove it from Scripture. Otherwise, you are just a puppet repeating what others have told you.
I will be happy to compare Scripture references with you regarding each of our eschatological beliefs. Tell us where in Scripture an Amillennial Return of Christ is supported -- and we will go from there.
Finally, Lex, you tell me, "I suggest you need to be a member of His Church."
I am.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill