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Question for Premillennialist of Whatever Flavor: Amil Comments Welcome

Arial

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Even though this OP has "premillennialist" in its title, it is deliberately placed in the Bible questions forum. It is not intended as an eschatological discussion on end times particulars. Rather, it concerns only the question asked. Some of that type of discussion may inevitably occur in answering the question and any rebuttals made against it, but it must not go down the road of being a debate over symbolism or the amil/premil positions. Read the framing of the question carefully.

What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?
 
(josh pulls up a chair while theme of jeopardy plays in background))
The question might be too hard for a premil to answer.
 
Even though this OP has "premillennialist" in its title, it is deliberately placed in the Bible questions forum. It is not intended as an eschatological discussion on end times particulars. Rather, it concerns only the question asked. Some of that type of discussion may inevitably occur in answering the question and any rebuttals made against it, but it must not go down the road of being a debate over symbolism or the amil/premil positions. Read the framing of the question carefully.

What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?
Disregard the aspect of national Israel for now, as the Millennial reign of Jesus is the messianic Age Kingdom being extended over this entire earth, as Jesus reigns in earth in a real fashion, and then the Eternal state id commenced, not that we head right into at at Second Coming event
 
The question might be too hard for a premil to answer.
Here is a list of Reformed theologians who believed the prophecies concerning the regathering of the Jews to their homeland was literal as opposed to being symbolical or metaphorical.

Outside of dispensationalism or any particular theological position or system, some of the greatest theologians of the past have studied OT and/or NT prophecies (notably Romans 9-11) and concluded God is not through with the Jews and has a plan for them in the future as distinct from the church.
Noted Theologians in History Who Believed in a Future Conversion of National/Ethnic Israel | Monergism
Iain Murray,
"From the first quarter of the seventeenth century, belief in a future conversion of the Jews became commonplace among the English Puritans."

William Perkins, "The Lord saith, All the nations shall be blessed in Abraham: Hence I gather that the nation of the Jews shall be called, and converted to the participation of this blessing: when, and how, God knows: but that it shall be done before the end of the world we know." (cited by Iain H. Murray, The Puritan Hope, 42.)

Dutch Reformed theologians of the seventeenth century believed in a future salvation of the Jews or restoration of the Jewish nation:

". . . for virtually all Dutch theologians of the seventeenth century,
'the whole of Israel' indicated the fullness of the people of Israel 'according to the flesh': in other words, the fullness of the Jewish people. This meant that there was a basis for an expectation of a future conversion of the Jews-an expectation which was shared by a large majority of Dutch theologians." -- J. Van Den Berg, "Eschatological Expectations Concerning the Conversion of the Jews in the Netherlands During the Seventeenth Century," Puritan Eschatology: 1600 To 1660, ed. Peter Toon (Cambridge: James Clarke, 1970), 140.

J. C. Ryle
  1. I believe that the Jews shall ultimately be gathered again as a separate nation, restored to their own land, and converted to the faith of Christ,
  2. after going through great tribulation (Jer. 30:10-11; 31:10; Rom. 11:25-26; Dan. 12:1; Zech. 13:8-9).
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “To me 1967, the year that the Jews occupied all of Jerusalem, was very crucial.Luke 21:43 is one of the most significant prophetic verses: ‘Jerusalem,’ it reads, ‘shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.’ It seems to me that that took place in 1967—something crucially important that had not occurred in 2,000 years. Luke 21:43 is one fixed point. But I am equally impressed by Romans 11 which speaks of a great spiritual return among the Jews before the end time. While this seems to be developing, even something even more spectacular may be indicated.We sometimes tend to foreshorten events, yet I have a feeling that we are in the period of the end. . . . I think we are witnessing the breakdown of politics. I think even the world is seeing that. Civilization is collapsing.”

Jonathan Edwards
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
John Calvin
Charles Hodge
John Murray
R. C. Sproul
John MacArthur
Al Moeller
 
Disregard the aspect of national Israel for now, as the Millennial reign of Jesus is the messianic Age Kingdom being extended over this entire earth, as Jesus reigns in earth in a real fashion, and then the Eternal state id commenced, not that we head right into at at Second Coming event
For what purpose?
Here is a list of Reformed theologians who believed the prophecies concerning the regathering of the Jews to their homeland was literal as opposed to being symbolical or metaphorical.
A list was of Reformed theologians was not requested. There's only one question asked; only one question to be answered.
What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?
As a Historic Premillennialists (do I have that correct?) you must have an answer, yes? If so, would you please post it?

What purpose does the premillennialists' thousand-year reign of Jesus in Israel serve? What purpose do restored boundaries of a geo-political nation-state Israel in the grand plan of redemption?

And, if I may add to the inquiry (@Arial?), What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption that cannot be accomplished while enthroned in heaven? :unsure:
 
Even though this OP has "premillennialist" in its title, it is deliberately placed in the Bible questions forum. It is not intended as an eschatological discussion on end times particulars. Rather, it concerns only the question asked. Some of that type of discussion may inevitably occur in answering the question and any rebuttals made against it, but it must not go down the road of being a debate over symbolism or the amil/premil positions. Read the framing of the question carefully.

What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?

I've answered this question already. But I will answer it again in a different way. But why does it take 1000 years to do restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel? God is omnipotent and he could simply 'will' it to happen in 1 minute instead of 1000 years. He could simply skip the millennium entirely and jump right into the eternal state. From what I read in the Bible, God operates in difference ways and from what I've notice his covenant promises are fulfilled through history, not by skipping history for instance:

1). God could have given Abraham a son instantly.
2). He could have delivered Israel from Egypt instantly.
3). He could have built the temple instantly.
4). He could have brought the Christ instantly.
5). He could have restored all things instantly.

In Historical Premillennialism we believe that Christ's Davidic kingdom comes upon-after the restoration (Hebrews 10:12-13, Acts 3:19-21, Matthew 19:28, Hebrews 9:28, Romans 11:25-29). And Scripture presents multiple redemptive applications of the future thousand‑year reign and restored geopolitical Israel, but they are corporate‑historical rather than individual‑soteriological. They are not like regeneration or justification (which flow from Christ’s resurrection), but they are redemptive in the sense of bringing the story of redemption to its historical and covenantal climax.

Scripture presents the millennium as the moment when Israel’s national cleansing, regathering, and renewal (Ezek 36:24–28; 37:21–28), the renewal of creation (Isa 65:17–25), the subjugation and discipling of the nations under the Christ (Ps 2:6–12; Isa 2:2–4; Zech 14:9–16), the resurrection of the righteous (Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2), and the visible, earthly kingdom of God (Dan 7:13–14, 27; Mic 4:1–4) are publicly realized. These are not optional but covenantal necessities, God’s redemptive plan includes not only saving individuals but vindicating his promises in history, displaying Christ’s rule over the nations from Zion, reversing the curse in creation, restoring Israel as a nation, and manifesting the kingdom on earth before the final consummation. The millennium is the redemptive-historical application of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants in the sphere of history, just as regeneration is the redemptive-personal application of Christ’s resurrection in the sphere of the individual.
 
I've answered this question already. But I will answer it again in a different way. But why does it take 1000 years to do restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel? God is omnipotent and he could simply 'will' it to happen in 1 minute instead of 1000 years. He could simply skip the millennium entirely and jump right into the eternal state. From what I read in the Bible, God operates in difference ways and from what I've notice his covenant promises are fulfilled through history, not by skipping history for instance:

1). God could have given Abraham a son instantly.
2). He could have delivered Israel from Egypt instantly.
3). He could have built the temple instantly.
4). He could have brought the Christ instantly.
5). He could have restored all things instantly.

In Historical Premillennialism we believe that Christ's Davidic kingdom comes upon-after the restoration (Hebrews 10:12-13, Acts 3:19-21, Matthew 19:28, Hebrews 9:28, Romans 11:25-29). And Scripture presents multiple redemptive applications of the future thousand‑year reign and restored geopolitical Israel, but they are corporate‑historical rather than individual‑soteriological. They are not like regeneration or justification (which flow from Christ’s resurrection), but they are redemptive in the sense of bringing the story of redemption to its historical and covenantal climax.
Ginormous red herring.

No one is asking, "Why doesn't Gd snap His almighty fingers and magically make Israel saved?" What is being asked is, "What is the divine rational purpose for the thousand-year reign? What is the rationale?" If the purpose of the thousand years is to redeem the nation of Israel, then how is that reconciled with the great commission? Jesus commanded the eleven to baptize the nations and teach them his commands. Presumably that "nations" would include the nation of Israel. If not then why not, how not? If so then did God change his mind and come up with another plan, one different than and contrary to the great commission? The great commission was the mandate for when Jesus left. Did/does it fail so Jesus MUST come down to earth and redeem the nation of Israel (but not other nations?) If the nation of Israel is redeemed, then from where do the rebellious armies come? More importantly, where is nation-state Israel ever mentioned by name in Revelation 20? Even if we overlooked the fact the text does not actually state Jesus is physically on the earth, where is Israel mentioned? :unsure:
 
Scripture presents the millennium as the moment when Israel’s national cleansing, regathering, and renewal (Ezek 36:24–28; 37:21–28),
Ooooo.... let's take a look at those two texts.

Ezekiel 36:24-28
For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.

There's no mention of a thousand years, or Jesus physically on the earth. Furthermore, Acts 2 tells us the placing of God's Spirit within the cleansed Jew happened at Pentecost, not during a thousand-year reign when Jesus physically returns to earth. In point of fact, that passage doesn't make any mention of the Son of God/Man or the anointed one.

Ezekiel 37:21-28
Say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols, or with their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions; but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. And they will be My people, and I will be their God. My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd; and they will walk in My ordinances and keep My statutes and observe them. They will live on the land that I gave to Jacob My servant, in which your fathers lived; and they will live on it, they, and their sons and their sons’ sons, forever; and David My servant will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever. My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. And the nations will know that I am the LORD who sanctifies Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forever.”’"

Same problems with the Ezekiel 37 passage. This passage is better reconciled with the fact the "Davidic kingdom" is the resurrection and the sanctuary in their midst is Rev. 21, not Rev. 20.


If the other passages cited are handled in similar fashion than Historic Premillennialism has problems, not the least of which its adherents have difficulty answering a very basic inquiry at the foundation of the eschatology.


What is the purpose of the thousand-year reign? What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?


I am also a little curious because, in general and, historically speaking, Historicists have not held Israel is particularly important to Christian eschatology. Have there been recent changes in Historicist teachings? Maybe an undue influence from Dispensationalism?
 
I've answered this question already. But I will answer it again in a different way.
No, you did not answer the question. You gave scriptures that were demonstrative/vindicatory / revelatory but not clearly redemptive in effect.

In Historical Premillennialism we believe that Christ's Davidic kingdom comes upon-after the restoration (Hebrews 10:12-13, Acts 3:19-21, Matthew 19:28, Hebrews 9:28, Romans 11:25-29). And Scripture presents multiple redemptive applications of the future thousand‑year reign and restored geopolitical Israel, but they are corporate‑historical rather than individual‑soteriological. They are not like regeneration or justification (which flow from Christ’s resurrection), but they are redemptive in the sense of bringing the story of redemption to its historical and covenantal climax.
Bottom line: You have redefined "redemptive" so your answer can fit. My question was about the plan of redemption. Normally this refers to saving sinners; defeating sin and death; restoring creation.

You have shifted the meaning to corporate-historical display and covenantal storyline completion. And that is a different category. You are calling something redemptive that does not actual redeem. To say it is corporal-historical and not individual-soteriological (though redemption is not only individual but also corporate and cosmic) removes the core meaning of "redemption". And it is redemption that I am asking about. You are describing something that does not justify; does not regenerate; does not defeat death; does not consummate salvation.

Your millennium according to you is "redemptive in the sense of bringing redemption to its historical and covenantal climax." In the NT the climax of redemption is consistently tied to the resurrection, final judgement, and new creation---not to an intermediate geopolitical kingdom. So my question remains.



Scripture presents the millennium as the moment when Israel’s national cleansing, regathering, and renewal (Ezek 36:24–28; 37:21–28), the renewal of creation (Isa 65:17–25), the subjugation and discipling of the nations under the Christ (Ps 2:6–12; Isa 2:2–4; Zech 14:9–16), the resurrection of the righteous (Isa 26:19; Dan 12:2), and the visible, earthly kingdom of God (Dan 7:13–14, 27; Mic 4:1–4) are publicly realized. These are not optional but covenantal necessities, God’s redemptive plan includes not only saving individuals but vindicating his promises in history, displaying Christ’s rule over the nations from Zion, reversing the curse in creation, restoring Israel as a nation, and manifesting the kingdom on earth before the final consummation. The millennium is the redemptive-historical application of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants in the sphere of history, just as regeneration is the redemptive-personal application of Christ’s resurrection in the sphere of the individual.
The problem with that is the timing and placement. You took things the NT consistently ties to the final state ad placed the in the millennium.

Here is how.

You cite resurrection texts and place them in the millennium. Is that what the NY does?

Resurrection is tied to the last day, not a preliminary phase (John 6:39; 1 Cor 15:23-24)

Regarding the renewal of creation you cite Is 65. But in the NT creations renewal is tied to the resurrection of the sons of God (Rom8:21-23); the new heavens and the new earth (2 Peter 3; Rev 21). Those are final state realities not intermediate ones.

Regarding the subjugation of the nations you cite Ps 2, Dan 7. But the NY says Christ is already reigning, he subdues enemies until the end, then comes the end (1 Cor 15:25-26). No millennial staging there.

So, a new question immerges. In addition to the one @Josheb added in Post #6.

Where does the NT clearly insert a separate phase where these covenant fulfillments happen before the final state?
The millennium is the redemptive-historical application of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants in the sphere of history, just as regeneration is the redemptive-personal application of Christ’s resurrection in the sphere of the individual.
Here is your "parallel" just to keep things clear.
Millennium = corporate-historical application
Regeneration = personal application.

That completely breaks down because regeneration applies redemption. Your millennium is doing things like resurrection, creation renewal, final kingdom manifestation. Those aren't applications. They are consummation events. You are effectively moving consummation into a temporary phase.

Your answer to the OP question depends on relocating consummation events into the millennium. In that sense, unless you can demonstrate that those consummation events belong in the millennium, the question still remains inadequately answered.
 
No, you did not answer the question. You gave scriptures that were demonstrative/vindicatory / revelatory but not clearly redemptive in effect.

From my opinion and standpoint. I see your question as a non sequitur and a load question. This question is not actually asking for information. It is asking for a reason or a justification to not believe in the millennium. Which carries a hidden loaded assumption that if something does not directly contribute to individual salvation (like regeneration, justification, sanctification), then it has no meaningful place in redemptive history. It also tries to create a false dilemma "Either the millennium has a soteriological purpose, or it is pointless." That is a flat-out category mistake. I suppose you could simply rephrase your question to say, “Why should I believe in a literal, geopolitical, Israel‑centered millennium if it doesn’t save anyone?” And personally, I could care less if you believe in a millennium or deny it. But it's obviously important to you since you created a thread opposing an already answered question.

Assumption 1

Your question assumes redemption is an individual salvation only concept. But the word "redemption" itself carries a wide range of semantic meaning within the Biblical domain. Just to name a few biblically, redemption includes:

⦁ individuals (Ephesians 1:7 Redemption applies to people),

⦁ nations (Revelation 5:9 Redemption for nations, not just people),

⦁ land (Amos 9:14–15 Redemption includes the physical land promised to Abraham),

⦁ creation (Romans 8:19–23 Redemption includes the entire creation),

⦁ history (Acts 3:21 Redemption unfolds through historical stages God has ordained like “The restoration of all things” occurs in history),

⦁ covenant (Jeremiah 31:33 Redemption is covenantal and God keeps his promises in history),

⦁ and resurrection (Romans 8:23 Redemption includes the bodily resurrection of the righteous).

⦁ etc.

The question tries to shrink redemption to regeneration only, so that anything not directly tied to regeneration can be dismissed.

Assumption 2

Your question assumes the millennium must be justified by soteriology. But the millennium is not about saving individuals, regenerating hearts, and applying atonement. It is about covenant fulfillment, historical vindication, kingdom manifestation, national restoration, and creational renewal. The question is trying to force the millennium into the wrong category between corporate‑historical and individual‑soteriological.

Bottom line: You have redefined "redemptive" so your answer can fit. My question was about the plan of redemption. Normally this refers to saving sinners; defeating sin and death; restoring creation.

You have shifted the meaning to corporate-historical display and covenantal storyline completion. And that is a different category. You are calling something redemptive that does not actual redeem. To say it is corporal-historical and not individual-soteriological (though redemption is not only individual but also corporate and cosmic) removes the core meaning of "redemption". And it is redemption that I am asking about. You are describing something that does not justify; does not regenerate; does not defeat death; does not consummate salvation.

Your millennium according to you is "redemptive in the sense of bringing redemption to its historical and covenantal climax." In the NT the climax of redemption is consistently tied to the resurrection, final judgement, and new creation---not to an intermediate geopolitical kingdom. So my question remains.

I never given any definition to redemption. But there is a wide range of semantic Biblical domain for redemption. This is what I said:

And Scripture presents multiple redemptive applications of the future thousand‑year reign and restored geopolitical Israel, but they are corporate‑historical rather than individual‑soteriological.​

But falsely accusing me of redefining “redemption" doesn't help your question. Regardless if you are aware of this or not. You are shrinking the biblical category of redemption to something far smaller than Scripture allows. You are committing a Reduction Fallacy by reducing “redemption” to only three things when the Biblical domain is far more vast.

Let me ask you these questions:

1). Where in Scripture is “redemption” defined as only regeneration, justification, and the defeat of death?

2). Do you deny that Scripture also speaks of the redemption of land, nations, creation, covenants, kingship, and the kingdom?

3). If redemption includes these categories, why are you requiring the millennium to perform a soteriological function rather than the historical, national, and kingdom functions that Scripture assigns to it?

4). If God made historical promises to Abraham and David, on what biblical basis do you claim He fulfills them outside of history?

Your objection breaks down because it assumes a definition of redemption that the Bible does not teach and then faults the millennium for not fitting inside that reduction.

The problem with that is the timing and placement. You took things the NT consistently ties to the final state ad placed the in the millennium.

Here is how.

You cite resurrection texts and place them in the millennium. Is that what the NY does?

Resurrection is tied to the last day, not a preliminary phase (John 6:39; 1 Cor 15:23-24)

Regarding the renewal of creation you cite Is 65. But in the NT creations renewal is tied to the resurrection of the sons of God (Rom8:21-23); the new heavens and the new earth (2 Peter 3; Rev 21). Those are final state realities not intermediate ones.

Regarding the subjugation of the nations you cite Ps 2, Dan 7. But the NY says Christ is already reigning, he subdues enemies until the end, then comes the end (1 Cor 15:25-26). No millennial staging there.

So, a new question immerges. In addition to the one @Josheb added in Post #6.

Where does the NT clearly insert a separate phase where these covenant fulfillments happen before the final state?

And here you are committing a Timing Fallacy. What you are doing is taking passages that describe final-state realities and assume they must happen only in the final state, then use that assumption to deny the millennium. That's circular reasoning at best. You're assuming the very thing you needs to prove. It's encouraged that not to ignore that very fact that prophetic fulfillment often unfolds in stages, not all at once:

⦁ The kingdom is “already” and “not yet”
⦁ Resurrection has “firstfruits” and “harvest”
⦁ Creation renewal has “inauguration” and “consummation”
⦁ Christ’s reign has “session” and “subjugation”
⦁ Salvation has “already saved” and “will be saved”

And it would be best not to combine all of these into one moment. That is not exegesis, it is compression. Now reread the loaded question: “Where does the NT clearly insert a separate phase where these covenant fulfillments happen before the final state?” Well, there is only one place that I can think of which is Revelations 20:1-10. And is the only place in Scripture that:

⦁ places Christ’s return in Revelation 19
⦁ before a 1,000‑year reign in Revelation 20
⦁ before the final judgment in Revelation 20:11–15
⦁ before the new creation in Revelation 21–22

This is the exact sequence which you claim does not exist.

1). Your claim that “resurrection is tied to the last day, not a preliminary phase” ignores the New Testament’s own sequencing. Revelation 20:4–6 explicitly describes a resurrection before the final judgment and before the new creation, which means the New Testament itself distinguishes a resurrection event prior to the final state. Even Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:23–24 lays out a three‑stage order: first Christ, then those who belong to him at his coming, and then the end. “Then the end” is not simultaneous with his coming. Paul separates them. Your position breaks down by what Paul and John keep distinct, assuming a single undifferentiated “last day” where the New Testament actually presents a sequence of events leading up to the final state.

2. It’s true that the full renewal of creation belongs to the final state, but Isaiah 65 clearly describes a partial renewal where long life, childbirth, sin, death, agriculture, and nations still exist. These realities that cannot belong to the new heavens and new earth of 2 Peter 3 or Revelation 21. This means Scripture itself distinguishes between a historical, preliminary curse‑reversal and the final, eternal curse‑removal. Romans 8 and 2 Peter 3 describe the consummation; Isaiah 65 describes an intermediate era of restored creation under Christ’s rule. The New Testament does not erase Isaiah 65, it places it before the final state, which is exactly what the millennium accounts for. Your objection places these two stages into one and then faults the millennium for preserving the distinction Scripture already makes.

3. Your argument that Christ’s subduing of the nations happens only in the present age and ends immediately at his return ignores the New Testament’s own sequence. Paul says Christ “must reign until he has put all enemies under his feet,” and that the last enemy destroyed is death (1 Cor 15:25–26). But Revelation 20 places the destruction of death after a 1,000‑year reign and after the final rebellion, not at the moment of his return. This means Christ’s reign of subjugation continues after his coming and before the final state, which is exactly what the millennium is. Your objection combines the “until” into the “end,” by erasing the very interval Paul and John both preserve.

Here is your "parallel" just to keep things clear.
Millennium = corporate-historical application
Regeneration = personal application.

That completely breaks down because regeneration applies redemption. Your millennium is doing things like resurrection, creation renewal, final kingdom manifestation. Those aren't applications. They are consummation events. You are effectively moving consummation into a temporary phase.

Your answer to the OP question depends on relocating consummation events into the millennium. In that sense, unless you can demonstrate that those consummation events belong in the millennium,

You are treating these realities as if they only occur in the final state and therefore cannot appear in any earlier stage of God’s plan. The New Testament itself shows that some aspects of resurrection (Rev 20:4–6), some aspects of creation renewal (Isa 65), and some aspects of Christ’s kingdom rule (1 Cor 15:25–26) begin before the final state and reach their full consummation after the millennium. So, when you insist these things belong only to the final state, then you are assuming the very point you need to prove.

the question still remains inadequately answered.

Not really. And I have the right to state my opinion, "you've been answered." This post makes it the second time I've answered your question. But its might turn into one of those games that atheist play. They demand that you "prove it." Then you prove it. Then claim that you didn't prove it. They are not sincerely looking for an answer or have a discussion that leads to reasoning.
 
From my opinion and standpoint. I see your question as a non sequitur and a load question. This question is not actually asking for information. It is asking for a reason or a justification to not believe in the millennium. Which carries a hidden loaded assumption that if something does not directly contribute to individual salvation (like regeneration, justification, sanctification), then it has no meaningful place in redemptive history. It also tries to create a false dilemma "Either the millennium has a soteriological purpose, or it is pointless." That is a flat-out category mistake. I suppose you could simply rephrase your question to say, “Why should I believe in a literal, geopolitical, Israel‑centered millennium if it doesn’t save anyone?” And personally, I could care less if you believe in a millennium or deny it. But it's obviously important to you since you created a thread opposing an already answered question.
In case you are not familiar with the rule concerning accusations of a logical fallacy, here it is.





4.4. Identify and address only one logical fallacy at a time. To ensure fair and orderly debate, members may identify only one alleged logical fallacy at a time in an opponent's argument. Additional accusations may not be introduced until the initial claim has been acknowledged and refuted or otherwise resolved. This prevents discussions from being overwhelmed by a cascade of accusations which, if addressed, would derail meaningful engagement. Fallacy accusations should be made in good faith, with evidence, careful attention to context, and a willingness to be corrected if mistaken.

Members who have been called out for a logical fallacy are expected to address that specific charge in good faith, either conceding the point or demonstrating that no fallacy occurred by clarifying their reasoning. Unless the charge is addressed, the member may not continue participating in that thread. Ignoring or dismissing the allegation without engagement undermines meaningful dialogue. That being said, his post may continue engaging other points, as long as it includes an acknowledgement and resolution of the fallacy accusation.


You have accused me of five logical fallacies in the first paragraph of your post and have forced me into dealing with them before I can go any a farther. Due to the fact that I am certain you were unaware of the rule (but now you are so any further misuse that rule will be duly noted) I will deal with them in separate posts and simply post the rule above each one since you will likely not be reading them in order of their posting; the last posting being the first in the alerts.
From my opinion and standpoint. I see your question as a non sequitur and a load question. This question is not actually asking for information. It is asking for a reason or a justification to not believe in the millennium. Which carries a hidden loaded assumption that if something does not directly contribute to individual salvation (like regeneration, justification, sanctification), then it has no meaningful place in redemptive history.
That is an accusation of three fallacies in three sentences and I have no other way to address it than all three together.

My question
What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?
is not a non sequitur because a "non sequitur is when a conclusion does not logically follow from the premises. But my question is a request for explanation, not an argument with a conclusion.

It is not a loaded question because a loaded question contains a hidden assumption that must be accepted to answer it. You are assuming I mean "If it doesn't contribute to individual salvation, it has no place in redemptive history." But that is not at all what I am assuming, and I never broached "individual salvation" but am asking about the divine plan of salvation. Your assumption is not embedded in my wording, so it is not a loaded question fallacy.

I simply ask what role the premillennial view plays in redemptive history.

At this stage we are just dealing with the logical fallacy accusations lodged against me according to rule 4.4 that I am required to acknowledge or prove no fallacies were commmitted, and not with the content of what you have said. When we get done with this, I will go back and do that.
 
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For what purpose?

A list was of Reformed theologians was not requested. There's only one question asked; only one question to be answered.

As a Historic Premillennialists (do I have that correct?) you must have an answer, yes? If so, would you please post it?

What purpose does the premillennialists' thousand-year reign of Jesus in Israel serve? What purpose do restored boundaries of a geo-political nation-state Israel in the grand plan of redemption?

And, if I may add to the inquiry (@Arial?), What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption that cannot be accomplished while enthroned in heaven? :unsure:
Jesus has not yet entered into his messianic reign promised to Israel as their King, and to the entire earth as paradise restored now
 
Which carries a hidden loaded assumption that if something does not directly contribute to individual salvation (like regeneration, justification, sanctification), then it has no meaningful place in redemptive history. It also tries to create a false dilemma "Either the millennium has a soteriological purpose, or it is pointless." That is a flat-out category mistake.
Dealing here with logical fallacy accusations of false dilemma and category mistake as per rule 4.4 and not yet addressing post content.




4.4. Identify and address only one logical fallacy at a time. To ensure fair and orderly debate, members may identify only one alleged logical fallacy at a time in an opponent's argument. Additional accusations may not be introduced until the initial claim has been acknowledged and refuted or otherwise resolved. This prevents discussions from being overwhelmed by a cascade of accusations which, if addressed, would derail meaningful engagement. Fallacy accusations should be made in good faith, with evidence, careful attention to context, and a willingness to be corrected if mistaken.

Members who have been called out for a logical fallacy are expected to address that specific charge in good faith, either conceding the point or demonstrating that no fallacy occurred by clarifying their reasoning. Unless the charge is addressed, the member may not continue participating in that thread. Ignoring or dismissing the allegation without engagement undermines meaningful dialogue. That being said, his post may continue engaging other points, as long as it includes an acknowledgement and resolution of the fallacy accusation.


False dilemma

A false dilemma forces only two options when more exist. You reframe my question as "Either it has a soteriological purpose, or it is pointless." That is your reconstruction, not my question. My question allows multiple categories of purpose (i.e. doxological, covenantal, judicial, cosmic, historical) therefore it is not a false dilemma.

Category Mistake
A category mistake confuses fundamentally different kinds of things. You claim I am reducing everything to soteriology. But my wording uses "grand plan of redemption". In biblical theology that includes more than individual salvation. It iis a broad category not a narrow one. It also includes kingdom, covenant, creation, judgment, restoration.

The category mistake only works if you impose your interpretation onto my question---which you did.

Later you accuse me of a timing fallacy which I will deal with when I get to it.

In the meantime, I will begin dealing with the post's contents which are mainly defending your imposed fallacies into everything I said instead of what I actually said. It's a pain and a strain but I will do it.
 
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Jesus has not yet entered into his messianic reign promised to Israel as their King, and to the entire earth as paradise restored now
That is an interpretive assumption, not an answer to the question. Do you know what is meant by "plan of redemption"? If so, outline it for us so there is actually substance of address.

If this helps, I will give you the first time the gospel was preached and when this plan of redemption was first announced and the plan began to unfold in history.

Gen 3:14-15
The Lord God said to the serpent,


“Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all livestock
and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
and dust you shall eat
all the days of your life.
15I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall crush your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.”
 
Jesus has not yet entered into his messianic reign promised to Israel as their King, and to the entire earth as paradise restored now
Scripture states otherwise and it makes that statement many times in many ways beginning with Matthew 28:20's "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Jesus is now enthroned, he has been given the name above all other names, his rule exceeds all others' rule, AND, most importantly, all other powers, principles, rule, and dominions were made by for, and through him.
Logically speaking, if Jesus is God, then there has never been a single granule of earth over which he has not ALWAYS been reigning. He cannot be God if he is not always and everywhere reigning.
The promise of a "messianic reign," a descendant's of David's sitting on David's throne was not a prophecy about an earthly king. It was NEVER about Jesus physically coming to earth and sitting on a gold-clad wooden chair here on earth. Acts 2:30 makes this abundantly clear. When God promised David an everlasting throne God was speaking about the resurrection and the fact His Son would not rot in the grave.

Premillennialism, both Historic and Dispensational, get it wrong.


All you have currently been asked is to explain the purpose of the thousand years. That's it.
What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?
Post 4 does not answer that question. Neither does Post 5. Neither does Post 13. We know what premillennialists think is the thousand-year reign in Israel according to both Historicists and Dispensationalists. What we do not know is whether or not Historicists or Dispensationalists can explain its purpose given the fact the thousand-year reign fails!!! At its end there is a huge rebellion. Jesus' reign ends, and it ends unsuccessfully. Jesus is not King eternal. He's king for a very brief time, relatively speaking (1,000 years is very brief compared to eternity). How can Jesus be almighty God and fail to permanently accomplish all this "paradise restored" you've asserted?


What purpose does the thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel achieve, and what does it achieve within God's plane of redemption?

Can you answer that question? If so, then please do so with your next post. TIA
 
Assumption 1

Your question assumes redemption is an individual salvation only concept. But the word "redemption" itself carries a wide range of semantic meaning within the Biblical domain. Just to name a few biblically, redemption includes:
I have dealt with the alleged fallacies in Posts #12 &14 according to rule 4.4.

My question is not even about the meaning of "redemption" and its various applications. It is about a specific element of a specific redemption. "The plan of redemption." That would be God's plan (how he brings about) of redeeming a people for himself that is played out step by planned step, for a specific redemption---His people from their sins. That redemption involves redeeming a people from the curse of the law. And it naturally by definition of the word requires a redeemer. This redemption has many parts historically, but they all relate to the elements of salvation and the results. Including the nation and people of Israel. That plays a huge role, and of utmost significance. Without that historic element there would not even be any Redeemer.

But my question is concerning your premil view that says Jesus must return and reign as an earthly King, in Jerusalem, for a thousand years before God's plan of redemption can be consummated. I am asking in what way does that fold seamlessly into furthering the consummation of God's plan of redemption? In what way is it progressive redemption? What redemptive qualities does it add to the plan? And I ask, legitimately, because since Gen 3:14-15, the plan of redemption as delivered in the Scripture, has always been seamlessly progressive. towards its goal.
But the word "redemption" itself carries a wide range of semantic meaning within the Biblical domain. Just to name a few biblically, redemption includes:

⦁ individuals (Ephesians 1:7 Redemption applies to people),

⦁ nations (Revelation 5:9 Redemption for nations, not just people),

⦁ land (Amos 9:14–15 Redemption includes the physical land promised to Abraham),

⦁ creation (Romans 8:19–23 Redemption includes the entire creation),

⦁ history (Acts 3:21 Redemption unfolds through historical stages God has ordained like “The restoration of all things” occurs in history),

⦁ covenant (Jeremiah 31:33 Redemption is covenantal and God keeps his promises in history),

⦁ and resurrection (Romans 8:23 Redemption includes the bodily resurrection of the righteous).

⦁ etc.

The question tries to shrink redemption to regeneration only, so that anything not directly tied to regeneration can be dismissed.
All are irrelevant to the question. You insert an assumption into my question that is not there. My question does not shrink redemption to regeneration only. It is not dealing with the elements of any type of redemption. It is dealing with a specific thing. God's plan (how he brings redemption of a people for himself to come to pass) of redemption. Maybe an analogy of sorts will help.

At the beginning of the year a schoolteacher develops a lesson plan. The plan has a goal. All the individual details, reading, and activities in the day-by-day plan, are geared towards attaining that goal.

So the question that I posed is asking in this plan of redemption that existed in full within the Godhead before creation (2 Tim 1:9; John 6:37-38; Eph 1:4; Rev 13:8), how does a restored geopolitical Israel with Jesus physically present reigning in Jerusalem on David's throne, move the plan forward in a redemptive way? (Those scriptures speak of the Covenant of Redemption within the Godhead, and it contains all the details of how this redemption will come about. Those details are the plan).
 
If I may.....
Assumption 1

Your question assumes redemption is an individual salvation only concept. But the word "redemption" itself carries a wide range of semantic meaning within the Biblical domain. Just to name a few biblically, redemption includes:
That is incorrect.

God's "grand plan of redemption" encompasses all of creation, not just an individual's salvation from sin and wrath. Not just any one nation's redemption, either. It's an assumption to assume @Arial is limiting the given of "redemption" to only an individual's salvation from sin. Simply put, you are arguing a strawman. Besides, the nation of Israel cannot be redeemed without its citizens also being redeemed. Take care not to also argue a false dichotomy unwittingly.
....redemption includes:

⦁ individuals (Ephesians 1:7 Redemption applies to people),

⦁ nations (Revelation 5:9 Redemption for nations, not just people),

⦁ land (Amos 9:14–15 Redemption includes the physical land promised to Abraham),

⦁ creation (Romans 8:19–23 Redemption includes the entire creation),

⦁ history (Acts 3:21 Redemption unfolds through historical stages God has ordained like “The restoration of all things” occurs in history),

⦁ covenant (Jeremiah 31:33 Redemption is covenantal and God keeps his promises in history),

⦁ and resurrection (Romans 8:23 Redemption includes the bodily resurrection of the righteous).

⦁ etc.
What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel, and the restored boundaries of a geopolitical Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption?

That "grand plan of redemption" includes the redemption of all creation and it was a mistake on your part, not @Arial's to assume otherwise. You are not answering the question asked because you incorrectly imagine she is asking a question she's not asking. You think her question is misguided when it is not.

What purpose does a thousand-year reign of Christ in Israel serve in the grand plan of redemption, the grand plan to redeem all of creation?
 
Assumption 2

Your question assumes the millennium must be justified by soteriology. But the millennium is not about saving individuals, regenerating hearts, and applying atonement. It is about covenant fulfillment, historical vindication, kingdom manifestation, national restoration, and creational renewal. The question is trying to force the millennium into the wrong category between corporate‑historical and individual‑soteriological.
I am not assuming the millennim must be justified by soteriology. (And it would be super if you would stop assuming what I am assuming and then telling me what I am assuming.)

In fact, you have created a category (corporate-historical) that allows you to call something "redemptive" without it actually doing redemptive work. If your millennium view is about covenant fulfillment historical vindication, kingdom manifestation, national restoration, and creational renewal, how does it bring deliverance from sin, death, or the curse? Therefore, how does it fit into God's redemptive plan which is about those things. His redemptive plan in the sense in which the question is framed always has to do with saving people from the curse of the fall, renewing creation, defeating sin and death. Creating a category of "corporate-historical" only sidesteps the issue and fails to recognize that biblical redemption is also historic and corporate. Soteriology is the study of how individuals are saved.
 
I am not assuming the millennim must be justified by soteriology. (And it would be super if you would stop assuming what I am assuming and then telling me what I am assuming.)

In fact, you have created a category (corporate-historical) that allows you to call something "redemptive" without it actually doing redemptive work. If your millennium view is about covenant fulfillment historical vindication, kingdom manifestation, national restoration, and creational renewal, how does it bring deliverance from sin, death, or the curse? Therefore, how does it fit into God's redemptive plan which is about those things. His redemptive plan in the sense in which the question is framed always has to do with saving people from the curse of the fall, renewing creation, defeating sin and death. Creating a category of "corporate-historical" only sidesteps the issue and fails to recognize that biblical redemption is also historic and corporate. Soteriology is the study of how individuals are saved.
There's a great deal of dodging going on given the fact one single, solitary, fairly simple question was asked, and it was asked openly accommodating premillennialist perspectives.
 
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