Postmillennialism: An Eschatology of Hope

Until I undertook a study of Eschatology this past year, I was a Pre-Millennialist with a leaning towards a pre-trib rapture. However, this book presents a compelling case for Post-Millennialism. Mathison does a survey of the subject from Genesis through Revelation as well as a history of the church's view on the subject. Mathison provides solid Biblical exegesis for his assertion of a post-millennial return of Christ. He deals with difficult passages and objections. If someone is wanting to understand post-Millennialism, this book is an outstanding resource. Personally, I do not know if post-millennialism is right or not. But, I would rather live my life with the positive view of the expansion of the Kingdom of God in this world as opposed to the negative view of this world as held by Pre-Millennialists.

Although one could easily point to a number of books that handle invididual aspects of eschatological discussion more fully, I have not found any other book that succinctly covers the broad range of material that Mathison's does. In 250 pages he covers the exegetical basis for postmillenialism from both the Old and New Testaments, its place within Church history, its interaction with other doctrines of Christianity, and the objections to postmillenialism and the rebuttals to them. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to become more acquainted with the postmillenial viewpoint.

Mathison has put in short form the wonderful truths of the Bible that Chilton in "Days of Vengeance" put into 700 pages. Mathison has, in short order, blown the dispensationalist out of any position of respectable Bible interpretation (as Chilton did in long order). No one who believes Jesus' promise that He will build His Church without the Enemy prevailing could reject this book. Only one that believes that God would break His promise to Abraham (to eventually give him descendants from every nation, tribe, tongue, people, and family by faith unto salvation, and that this would take place on earth in history by the Gospel of faith) would reject this book. The Bible is clear: God wins, the Church wins, the Gospel wins, the promise wins. But all other interpretations of Bible eschatology teach that God loses, Satan gets the most by billions upon billions, the Church loses and gets beat up, the promise fails, and the Gospel is a failure. Granted, dispensationalism is more sensational than post-millennialism; but then again, winning the majority of the world to Christ is incomparably more exciting than dispensationalism. Thank you, Mr. Mathison, for putting out such an easy-to-read volume that is so convincing without being argumentative. After you read this book, you'll be ready to move on to Chilton. And after reading either author, your excitement in doing the work of the Gospel will reach new heights, that is, if you believe the Gospel and the Church win.

If you have never heard of Postmillennialism, you probablydon't want to read this book. Why? Because it's the most clear andconcise explanation available on the topic.Mathison presents an exegetical and historical overview of the expectation of the Gospel in this age. Do the Scriptures indicate the demise of the Church or do they speak of the success of evangelism and the overpowering victory of the risen Christ?You may disagree with some of the finer points depending on your current position...that's to be understood. But please investigate this matter from an author (Mathison) who advocates the Postmil point of view. If you've had enough of the "they say" method of scholarship, do get this book. As a short appendix, Mathison also deals with the eschatological heresy which believes we are in the eternal state right now (hyper-preterism).So, beware. This title does a great job at clearly explaining the Biblical portrait of the purpose of the Gospel. This book is a great place to start an investigation into Postmillennial thinking...