Futurism:
What is the doctrine of Futurism?
Futurism is an interpretation of Biblical prophecy, (especially chapters 1- 19 of Revelation).
These chapters are interpreted as prophecy being fulfilled in the future, just before a second coming of Christ.
Chapters 20 through 22 of Revelation are then to be fulfilled after the second coming.
Note: Futurism is one doctrine, but has many views as well as revised interpretations. For example: there are a minimum of four opinions concerning the revised tribulation theory of Futurism.
1. Pre-tribulation rapture; 2. Mid-tribulation rapture; 3. Post tribulation rapture; 4. There is no rapture, but the first resurrection.
Note: The original objective of this doctrine was to divert and overthrow the Protestant Reformers, because of their teachings against the Pope and Catholic Church.
What was the origin of Futurism?
The doctrine of Futurism was first introduced in the “Apocalyptic Commentary” written by Francisco Ribera, around 1585. [It has nothing to do with the Holy Bible.]
However…
The accepted revision of Futurism was by the writings of Emmanuel Lacunza and was published in 1812.
Special note: His main emphasis was the return of Christ, and to set up a millennial earthly kingdom in the future.
Note: Ribera and Lacunza did not exclusively concoct the doctrine of futurism.
The ‘concepts’ for futurism were first expressed by the Early Church Fathers. Some were Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus and Hippolytus [and many others].
A major contributor for the results of the doctrine of futurism [not the doctrine itself] was Hippolytus; 170-235 AD.
Many of the Early Church Fathers are labeled as historicists. See: “Historicism”
Lacunzas’ Book was translated into English, by Edward Irving in 1827. Futurism was then again revised by the teachings and writings of John Darby, 1860-1880.
Note: There is not one Bible verse that proposes or supports a doctrine for futurism.
The Scofield Reference Bible introduced in 1909.
The teachings and doctrines concerning Futurism by John Darby were incorporated into the footnotes of the Scofield Bible.
Note: This Bible is one of the most popular to many theologians, preachers, and fundamentalists that are Futurists.
Unfortunately, most of them believed that the footnotes have the same authority as the Holy Bible. (If they do not, then how can one believe in Futurism when it is not Biblical?)
Most will make no effort to investigate this teaching, and compare it to what the Bible says or teaches.
To take scripture verses out of context and try to prove a point of view does not make Futurism Biblical or true.
All interpretations of Futurism contradict each other. To pick and choose which interpretation fits with ones ideas or thoughts is only an opinion, and is not Biblical.
Are the prophecies made by Jesus in error?
Matthew 26:64 Jesus saith to him, ‘Thou hast said; nevertheless I say to you, hereafter ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the power, and coming upon the clouds, of the heaven.
Note: The meaning of hereafter in Greek is ‘just now; presently’. Clouds are ‘clouds’. Heaven is the ‘sky’.
Mark 14:62 and Jesus said, ‘I am; and ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the power, and coming with the clouds, of the heaven.’
Note: This prophecy was made to Caiphas the high priest, and that he would see him coming on the clouds.
Matthew 23:36 Verily I say to you, all these things shall come upon this generation.
Matthew 24:34 Verily I say to you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things shall be fulfilled.
Note: This was spoken to is to that present generation, not a generation thousands of years in the future.
The argument that these verses are referring to his resurrection is refuted, because Jesus said he would return on the clouds, not his return from the grave.
Matthew 16:28 Verily I say to you, There are some standing here, who shall not taste death, till they shall see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Mark 9:1 And he said to them, Verily I say to you, that there are some of them that stand here who shall not taste death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Note: This statement is to those standing there at that time; not to Christians today.
Philippians 4:5 let your forbearance be known to all men; the Lord {is} near;
Hebrews 1:2 in these last days did speak to us in a Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He did make the ages;
Hebrews 10:37 for yet a very little, He who is coming will come, and will not tarry;
James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
1 Peter 1:20 foreknown, indeed, before the foundation of the world, and manifested in the last times because of you,
1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch to prayer.
Note: The Lord is near; in these last days [not our last days]; will not tarry [be slow in coming]; at hand; in the last times. This was back then and not in our future.
If all of these prophecies are not fulfilled, then the entire Bible is a pagan myth.
Why is Futurism accepted as fact?
Most Christians have allowed themselves to become dependent on the teachings of others and to obtain only the information from what a preacher or teacher believes to be true.
Note: The truth is not about what one thinks or believes, but what is stated in the Holy Bible and not from un-Biblical or extra-Biblical sources.
Those who accept the doctrine of Futurism are given a wonderful feeling of safety and security concerning the future. They have the idea that they will escape a terrible fate in their future. They don’t have to do anything, but hope and wait. Their hope is that Christ will come back and fix everything for them.
Note: According to the Bible, the prophecies had immediate meanings for the people to whom they were written.
The Bible does not say hundreds or thousands of years, but soon; quickly; and near. (See: Rev.1:1-3.)
The book of Revelation is symbolic portrayal of what Christ has already done, and its relevance was for their future.
Jesus Christ is at the center of these prophecies, not men, or their interpretations.
It is a fear mongering doctrine to provoke fear in unbelievers and to make Christians “straighten up”, because they will not get another chance to do so after the rapture (or to some, the first resurrection).
This includes all false prophecy (i.e. ‘the sky is falling’).
Summary
The original objective of this doctrine was to divert and overthrow the teachings by the Protestant Reformers, and does not glorify Christ.
Any un-Biblical doctrine cannot glorify Jesus Christ.
Note: Extra-biblical teachings are always ideas and opinions of men, and have nothing to do with the Bible. The revised idea of this myth does not make it true, and certainly is not Biblical.
1. Futurism is not a Biblical doctrine. To take scripture verses out of context to show a point of view does not make Futurism Biblical or true.
2. Futurism is a teaching and doctrine with interpretations that were invented by men. Futurism can be viewed as ‘jerked over’ historicism.
3. Futurism is a multi-million dollar business. (Books; magazines; audio tapes; news letters; movies; radio and television; internet; donations, etc.)
4. What one believes, thinks, or even hopes for is not relevant when it is contrary to God’s word.
5. The rapture of the church is a hoax.
Futurism is a myth.
Did you like this? If so, please bookmark it and
