Postmillennialism
The following is a placeholder covering the doctrine of Immortality of the Soul. I will come along and re-edit this in more detail progressively.
Postmillennialism is an eschatological belief within certain Christian traditions that holds to the idea that the world will gradually become more Christianised and experience a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity before the second coming of Jesus Christ. Here is a summary of Postmillennialism.
Victory of the Gospel
Postmillennialism is characterised by a positive view of the growth and influence of the gospel in the world. It believes that as the gospel message is proclaimed and embraced by people, it will have a transformative effect on society, leading to the advancement of righteousness and moral improvement.
Golden Age
According to Postmillennial doctrine, the world will experience a “golden age” or a “millennial era” in which the majority of people will embrace Christian values, resulting in a significant reduction of social evils and conflicts. This period of relative peace and righteousness is believed to last for a prolonged period, often symbolically referred to as a thousand years.
Second Coming After the Millennium
Postmillennialists hold that the second coming of Jesus Christ will occur after the “millennial era” of peace and prosperity. Unlike Premillennialism, which anticipates Christ’s return before the millennium, and Amillennialism, which interprets the millennium symbolically, Postmillennialists believe in a literal period of peace on earth before Christ’s second coming.
Fulfillment of God’s Kingdom
Postmillennialism teaches that as the gospel spreads and influences the world, it will lead to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth, bringing about a reign of righteousness and justice. The focus is on the idea that Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, will have a significant role in bringing about positive change and shaping society.
Views on Tribulation
Unlike Premillennialism, which often anticipates a future period of intense tribulation, Postmillennialism generally sees the tribulation passages in the Bible as referring to past or ongoing events in history rather than a future period of cataclysmic upheaval.
Variations in Interpretation
It’s important to note that there are different views within Postmillennialism, with some adherents being more optimistic about the extent of societal transformation, while others may take a more cautious view due to the realities of ongoing sin and human limitations.
Conclusion
Postmillennialism was influential during certain periods of Christian history, particularly in the 19th century. However, it has become less popular in some circles in more recent times. Like other eschatological views, Postmillennialism remains a subject of theological discussion and interpretation within Christianity.
