The Millennium 1 – An Introduction

This talk begins a new five-part series on the Millennium. The first part in this series is an introduction. Geoff begins this presentation by considering the geological consequences of the final battle. The topography of Jerusalem is dramatically altered by the earthquake activity described in Revelation chapter 16 and Zechariah chapter 14. The parting of the Mount of Olives, to create a way of escape, is likened to the crossing of the Red Sea. Geoff also believes that it will be literally true that: “In the last days, the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it” [Isaiah 2:2]. Later in his prophecy, Isaiah adds: “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken” [Isaiah 40:4-5]. Geoff turns our attention to the question, namely, whether the 1000 years is to be taken literally and considers the main church-centered eschatological schemes. These are: (1) A-millennialism; (2) Post-millennialism and, (3) Pre-millennialism. The latter group comprise both classical and dispensational pre-millennialism. Dispensationalists believe that the “Church Age” (or Dispensation) begins on the Day of Pentecost and ends with the “rapture of the Church”, However, they disagree as to the timing of this “rapture”. Ironically, many Christian Zionists and Messianic Jews hold to a pre-tribulational rapture and see the tribulation as focusing mainly on the nation of Israel. Geoff believes this to be a subtle form of replacement theology and totally deceptive. Finally, he suggests there is the need to develop an Israel-centred eschatology.