"It is not for you to know the times or the dates..." (Acts 1:7)

Acts 1:7 NIV

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

Kenneth O. Gangel has noted that the answer Christ is giving here has not been “heeded very well for almost two thousand years:”1 Despite the warning of Christ some have persisted in trying, at a feverish rate, to discern the Second Coming of Christ to set up a millennial kingdom. Besides this, and realizing there is a kingdom of Heaven, then it is hard to imagine a notion of “kingdom” pertaining to a particular location or within a fixed boundary.

In 1st Century times, no doubt, “kingdom” referred to something akin to a Roman imperial system. One where its boundaries fixed, for the time, and protected to establish peace, e.g. Pax Romana. Christ’s very threat to this notion was what ultimately caused Roman intervention and eventual crucifixion of the Messiah.

The Disciple have more reason to be concerned since the Old Testament Scriptures associates the coming of the Spirit with the coming of a kingdom (See Isaiah 32;15-20; Ezekiel 39:28-29; Joel 2:28:31). This belief system is what prompted them, along with their desire to be a part of the kingdom themselves.

Christ’s reply to the disciples was different than the reply to the mother of Zebedee’s sons. In vss. 7-9 we find His reply:

Acts 1:7-9 NIV, “He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (9) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Jesus instructs them that they do not need to know the specifics times or dates because the Father has set them in His sovereignty. The Holy Spirit, or helper, will come upon them and they will be witnesses “to the ends of the earth”. The kingdom of God then is not a geographical location, as much as Eden is a place pinpointed in Iraqi topography. The Kingdom is the authoritative power and empowering by Immanuel—God with us.

Bible Contradictions? Genesis 6:3

³ Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years." (Genesis 6:3 NIV)

The direct meaning of this last clause seems clear to most. Yet upon further examination some have suggested it is "obscure at best. ¹ Notice the last clause of 6:3. It seems God is suggesting that men will live an average of 120 years since he is mortal. Critics, such as the Skeptics Annoated Bible, point to this text as a contradiction. Especially since Psalms 90:10 states:

¹⁰ The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

The NET Bible Translator Notes suggest the time frame mentioned in 6:3 more likely "refers to the time remaining between this announcement of judgement and the coming of the flood."1

The ancient Targum suggests it refers to it as an opportunity for repentance. There are at least two interpretations for the last clause in vs. 3. The interpretation of the NET Bible is one of them, along with a view that the 120 points to a newly established life span limit on mankind.

Everett Fox, from Clark University, holds to the latter view. He suggests, “Some early interpreters take this to specify a “grace period” for humanity before the Flood. The text seems to be setting the limits of the human life span.” ² This is not likely when you note those who frequently lived much longer, Noah himself lived for 950 years and many other patriarchs lived to be much longer as well.

G. J. Wenham confirms a problem with this interpretation when he states: “within the wider setting of Genesis this interpretation is problematic”.³ Furthermore, In Psalms 90:10 David seemingly contradicts this second interpretation when he suggests that our life span is 70 years, yet suggests that with strength it can be 80. K.A. Matthews states that “Jewish tradition understood the 120 years as opportunity for repentance (cf. ^{Tg. Onq.;} Pirke Aboth 5:2; cf. 1 Pet 3:20).” ⁴

²⁰who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, (1 Peter 3:20 NIV)

The reference to 1 Peter 3:20 squares nicely here since it refers to a diving waiting. I think this makes the most sense of the complete evidence and witness of Scripture. God’s threat of God’s judgment was anticipated by an approaching event, which is why the 120 years cans serve as a prologue to the deluge.

NOTES:

1Reyburn, W. D., & Fry, E. M. (1997). A handbook on Genesis. UBS handbook series (145). New York: United Bible Societies.

2Fox, E. (1995). Vol. 1: The five books of Moses : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy ; a new translation with introductions, commentary, and notes. The Schocken Bible (Ge 1:1). New York: Schocken Books.

3Wenham, G. J. (2002). Vol. 1: Word Biblical Commentary : Genesis 1-15. Word Biblical Commentary (142). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

Tg. Onq.;Tg. Onq. Targum Onkelos, ed. B. Grossfield

4Mathews, K. A. (2001, c1995). Vol. 1A: Genesis 1-11:26 (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (335). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Skeptics Annotated Bible: http://skepticsannotatedbible.com/gen/6.html

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV, "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

This verse holds the best components for us to understand the Biblical meaning for "revival". Although the word "revival" is not explicitly stated this verse does demonstrate what is necessary for God to intervene in human affairs and renew and heal them.

This verse has meaning that is transcovental. It extends to the Hebrew people from anyone who can be called "my people" and "are called by my name". Stephen Olford stated that "revival" is "the sovereign act of God, in which He restores His own backsliding people to repentance, faith and obedience."

Revival is not a series of services, nor is it a yell or a howl. Revival is not foot-stomping and demonstrative worship. Revival is when an INDIVIDUAL refocuses on God as the center of his or her life!

Musings on Preterism 5

FP is, in some sense, a deconstruction of the Revelation of Jesus Christ and texts about the Coming of Christ in the Gospels. In this post I wanted to comment on three things: genetic fallacy, dispensations, and the Second Coming. I also want to posit a series of questions that hopefully a reader, persuaded by Full Preterism, will prayerfully and thoughtfully consider.

I have noted that FP fails on fallacious logic as well. Theologian and Philsopher Dr. Norman Geisler has pointed that out in his review the the so called "Bible Answer Man", i.e Hank Hannegraff and his book The Apocalypse Code. Note Geisler's comments:

“This fallacy [genetic fallacy] occurs in The Code when it dismisses the dispensational pretrib view because of its alleged source in John Nelson Darby (40–41) whom Hank calls a “disillusioned priest” from the 19th cent. By the same logic one could reject modern scientific inventions because some were derived from questionable sources like Tesla’s AC motor from a vision while reading a pantheistic poet and Kekule’s model of the benzine molecule from a vision of a snake bitting its tail!” (Geisler)

Often times the idea of a dispensation is ridiculed and scorned. Some fear this and tend to shy from professing to believe in the concepts of dispensations. To some it is a "spooky" word. Quite literally though it can refer to a segment or period of operation that the Scriptures record about God. For example, do we still do blood sacrifices or was Christ's sacrifice sufficient? (Ironically, some welcome Jews to their pulpits every year to fund the rebuilding of the Temple. God forbid.) Yes, the atonement of Christ was sufficient to save mankind and future blood sacrifices have no effect as God has revealed to us.

The term dispensation is theologically useful to express Biblical concepts. Dispensationalism then should preclude, at the least, the idea that God uses different means of administering His will and grace to His people. In various instances, and at several times, God has revealed His mind and will to man, or the way things should continue as He has expressed His Divine Will. At the Incarnation God expressed Himself profoundly in human nature and brought reconciliation and redemption to fallen man. He offered them salvation and hope through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The Second Coming of the Son of God, then, is a very key topic for the Full Preterist to consider. For example, the Full Preterist should consider these questions:

1. Is there a difference in a Christ that has already come and one that has not?
2. Is there a difference between a Christ who came spiritually and one who came physically?
3. Is there even a difference between a God who pours His wrath only on Jerusalem and one who pours it out upon the world?
4. Is the Christ who came in 70 AD the same that Futurists look for in the future?

To most Futurists the apocalyptic events of Armageddon, preceding the glorious Day of The Lord, the Millennium, during which the returned Christ will rule, are still future. In FP however we find fulfillment of all these things in the judgment of Jerusalem in 70 AD. These CHRISTO-CENTRIC events have DIFFERENT meanings and outcomes.

Another reason that I believe FP teaches a different Christ is our partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ. Believer partake of communion (the bread and the wine) today or at least until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). In FP view this is totally unnecessary since Christ has already come. Jesus told the believers "as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

NOTES:

1. Review of Hank Hanegraff's The Apocalypse Code, by Norman L. Geisler. http://www.normangeisler.net/ReviewApocalypseCode.html

Musings on Preterism 4

When Titus stormed Jerusalem in AD 70 miraculous, spiritual and divine events took place. To a Full Preterist Jesus, Himself, returned spiritually and in the clouds of the Roman army. Futurism and Preterism (Full Preterism or FP heron) have been peering at a great divide for years. This divide however usually centers upon different hermeneutical differences of the text of Scripture or over the Apocalyptic and Eschatological texts of Scripture (e.g. Daniel, Revelation). Upon closer examination however I contend that the Christ of Preterism is not the Apostolic Christ, nor is it then truly the Christ of Scripture. In the next few blog posts I will be discussing this issue in particular.

Allow me to preface with a comment about hermeneutics. It was not until the 2nd and 3rd Century that allegorical type hermeneutics came about through the pen of Origen. Later, in Medieval (A.D. 500-1500) times, St. Augustine viewed the Church as equal with the Kingdom of God and prophecy took on a new look. The grammatical-historical method, however, should be sought by modern believers.

FP views the following Christocentric events as past:

1. The Second Coming
2. The resurrection of the dead
3. Great White Throne judgment

Regarding the Second Coming. FP sees this event occurred in the 1st Century. As believers we have no reason to expect a future literal fulfillment of passages relevant to this issue. John MacArthur states that we are “renouncing not only the plain meaning of Scripture but also every creed and doctrinal standard ever affirmed by any significant church council, denomination, or theologian in the entire history of the church.” (The Second Coming, by John F. MacArthur)

In essence, this denies that Christ will ever return to earth in bodily form. To fulfill this request Jesus must have come spiritually and not personally, as the texts depict.

The Second Coming is no longer a hope, but a judgment. Words like “coming” (see Matthew 16:28) are misinterpreted. Such words are in the present tense of "coming" which points to the whole process of the arrival of His kingdom more so than to any particular event in the coming.

Events of the ongoing intervention of "the Coming One" in our history are now past. According to Spiros Zodhiates, “None of these events precludes a rapture or a Second Coming in final judgment. But the kingdom of God and of Christ is an eternal coming in mercy and judgment (Rev 1:4; 15:4; 17:14; 19:16).” (Exegetical Commentary on Matthew, by Spiros Zodhiates)

In FP all the judgments of Christ have been literally executed (See Revelation 9 and 16). The Revelation of Jesus Christ is not future but a real history book. Yet, one wonders when and even where such events occurred without historical record.

FP holds to the historicity and deity of Christ but obfuscate Christocentric doctrines to the point that His coming is not sought nor His revelation of hope enjoyed. Clearly these Christocentric events have completely different meaning. This is a different Christ.

The Apostle Paul addressed a very similar error in 2 Timothy 2:17-18:

But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

These two men had “swerved from the truth” by suggesting that the resurrection of the dead has already happened. This upsets the faith of many, as the Scriptures reveal.

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:8:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

NOTES:

The Second Coming by John MacArthur
Exegetical Commentary on Matthew by Dr. Spiros Zodhiates

Quotes of Note:

Only the dead have seen the end of war

George Santayana (1863-1952) - 20th Century American Philosopher

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Extreme or consistent (as they like to call themselves) preterism
believes that the Second Coming, and thus the resurrection of believers,
is all past. For all practical purposes all Bible prophecy has been
fulfilled, and we are beyond the millennium and even now in the new
heaven and new earth.

A CRITIQUE OF THE PRETERIST VIEW OF THE OLIVET DISCOURSE
by Stanley D. Toussaint

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To do common things perfectly is far better worth our endeavor than to do uncommon things respectably.

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)

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The command of God is our sole standard. Conscience itself is not a trustworthy rule. If a man's conscience be unenlightened, he may be sinning, and reaping the ill consequences of his sin, not less surely because he is not conscious that his misfortunes are due to his folly rather than his fate. His conscience cannot be the standard. The standard is the law of God. Brother, I would not have thee live in daily neglect of a divine command which I am persuaded thou wouldest obey if thou didst know it. Hide not thyself behind a pillar, but come into the light, and take the word and read it, and always ask that God would be pleased to open your eyes to anything there you have not hitherto seen.

A Clear Conscience - Psa. 119:6
A Sermon by C.H. SPURGEON at the METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE, NEWINGTON
SERMON TEXT: Ps 119:6

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from The Gates of Hell by R.A. Perry, pg. 109

"Deric, look at that statue." She pointed to a statue depicting the accomplishments of man. A naked athlete stood on the clouds thrusting a javelin to the heavens by his strength. You could tell it had reached the cosmos by the stars beneath the point of the thrust. "It's supposed to depict the accomplishing of our dreams of the supernatural, by the achievements of the physical. I've bought into that rubbish my whole life. Now I sit here totally empty."

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When we turn to the other New Testament data concerning the life of Jesus, we see that some actions are clearly those of a superhuman power, while others can be only attributed to a truly human power.

(from The Christian Life by Dallas M. Roark)

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If you want want to get "Well Done" you got to stay on the fire - Bro. Jerry Dean

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"Eternity and time differ as the sea and rivers; the sea never changes place, and is always one water; but the rivers glide along, and are swallowed up in the sea; so is time by eternity."

~ Stephen Charnock - The Existence and Attributes of God, pg. 280

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from Thomas Paine in The American Crisis:

"These are the times that try men’s souls. the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; ’tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."